I've been using Apidra pens for the last year and am very happy with the results to date. However, the pen is not available at the moment. Hopefully it will be available again this spring. In the meantime my Dr has supplied me with Humolog pens. My question is; is there enough difference between the two insulin products that I may need to make any adjustments for? Anyone out there making the same switch either now or in the past? I was told that the only difference is Humolog lasts about an hour longer than Apidra. I'd just like to hear from someone who actually uses the product.
Why is it not available?
There is some sort of issue with the production of the pen itself. No issue with Apidra. Something is apparently amiss in the "pen maker". The company that makes them is in Finland from what I have read. No details on the exact issue. It looks like that line has been shut down for several months already. Last I saw they were projecting a March/April availability.
That's right Germany.Don't know where I got Finland. I was kind of surprised that there is only one production facility and no other pen products are affected. Just seemed odd to me.
Guess you could use Apidra vials & syringes, if you don't get the results you need on Humolog. I only used Humolog for several weeks. Apidra worked faster for me regarding bolus timing & was gone sooner.
Yeah, the pen is real easy. Was thinking they would have me go to the vile and syringe. Worried I would have some difficulty due to my hands and vision. I think pens are here to stay. I know other medications are also available in pens.
I asked about the timing as I had heard Apidra was the fastest acting, but was told only the duration was different. Thus, my post.
Timing was different for me. Apidra kicks in in about 15 min. Humolog was more like 20+ minutes.
Thanks Gerri, Sounds like it really isn't a huge deal. I will probably be more concerned with it lasting longer. Especially when I'm more active. I usually eat low enough carb that I don't worry too much about the up take.
Speaking of low carb, your LC stuffing was great for Thanksgiving. Caused me to pnder seasoning variations and cassorol possibilities.
Not a huge deal, nah. Am trying to remember how much longer Humolog stuck around. Think it was about an hour longer, as you heard. Maybe lowering your daytime basal a bit would help.
Glad you liked the stuffing. I've made it as a casserole with leftover chicken & turkey & added vegetables. If you like casseroles, I'll send you recipes for LC chicken pot pie, spinach, & green bean casserole.
I used Humalog for over 15 years before switching to Apidra. I've been using Apidra for almost a year now.
Like you, I was told I couldn't get the pens anymore (they said they should be back in mid-February, here's hoping!), so I went with the vials. However, I need a pen for backup in case of pump problems because I can't use syringes, so I did get some Humalog pen cartridges. I've actually used two of the cartridges in my pump and I don't notice any difference, personally. My after-meal readings might be a bit better with Apidra, but otherwise they seem almost identical to me. The pharmacist was concerned about the difference in timing/duration, but if there is a difference for me it's so small that I haven't noticed.
I wonder if each person’s body chemistry reacts differently ?? My bgs were MUCH higher when I tried a bottle of apidra. Also Jen, just a heads up since you are a pumper, I had to switch from humalog to because the humalog was crystallizing in my pump even though it didn’t alarm. Just an FYI for you 
Sorry- I meant I had to switch from humalog to novolog
Randy, I came from humalog to aprida about a year ago and I found that apidra started to act more quickly than humalog so going in your direction from apidra to humalog I would say that the info you have been given is spot on!
Please send all of them to me too; Gerri, you diabetic gourmand/generous woman. Yum YUM!!
Thanks
God bless,
Brunetta
Went to the Pharmacy last night to get my Vials of Apidra and found out I had been switched from Apidra to Humalog.. I had been taking Apidra for almost 2 years now and have had great results.. I will be starting this Humalog today, and I can tell you from what I've been reading, I think I may have some problems adjusting... Seems like the Humalog may be a step backwards for me.. My blood sugars have always elavated very fast after meals no matter what I eat, and from what I've read, it appears the Humalog will take quite a while longer to get them back down to norm.. I was put on Apidra to get it down faster, now the Insurance company has forced my doctor to change my prescription.. I kinda scared to see what is going to happen.. I'm also on Lantus as a before bed shot...
I've taken both (currently using Apidra). When I switched from Humalog to Apidra I don't think I had to make any dose adjustments, but for me Apidra does work faster than Humalog. Also, when I was taking humalog, I'd experience this weird second peak at about 3.5 hrs after taking it. It was hard, because I'd set my carb ratio to have my blood sugar be at good levels two hours after eating, but then once that second peak hit, I'd always go low between 3-4 hours after eating. I don't have that problem with Apidra now. So, that might be something to look out for, but everyone's body is different, so you might not experience that. I don't think it should be too hard of an adjustment, though. Good luck!
That would be great Gerri. I miss comfort foods the most. Casserols are a great way to use leftovers and still change things up. I use a lot of different spices and herbs too. Keeps the same old chicken from being completely boring.
Randy, if you want to PM your email address I'll forward recipes, so you can print them. Have some good chicken ones, too.