Lows, and Highs, and Humalog, Oh My

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1

One of the most important things I learned last week: Me and Humalog don’t mix. We’re like oil and water, Wile E. Coyote and the Road Runner, Buffy and Glory (she’s my fav BTVS villain). You get the gist, it’s just ALL badness.

Of course it took me two site changes, two cartridge changes, and two Humalog vials (I thought the first vial of insulin might have gone bad in my fridge…is that possible?) to figure it out! My previous insurance had switched from prescribing NovoLog to prescribing Humalog. I’m not sure why. I’m guessing it was a contractual thing. Anyway, I used my last vial of NovoLog (or so I thought) and opened my first vial of Humalog and went along with my normal Prime/Rewind/Buzz Buzz your fine business.

First day. I spent the majority of the day high. I just kept blousing and it wasn’t like my pump wasn’t telling me too every time I checked my BG…it was! It turns out that it takes Humalog a good 4-5hrs to hit me, which culminated in the worst low I’ve ever encountered. I spent over an hour low and legit Hoovered the fridge. Hoovered.

Second day. Woke up high, didn’t have breakfast, still high. Did a little research on the Interwebs, did Humalog do this to other PWDs? Or was I just lucky? It seemed that for most the change from NovoLog to Humalog (or vice versa) wasn’t a big deal. Still, I was hungry (having not had breakfast and all), so I grabbed a NovoLog Flexpen and switched it up for some help….oh, hello normal BG, nice to see you again.

Cut to me rummaging through my room for my old travel bag, which luckily had an already open vial of NovoLog in it. Yes, this vial had been open for a super long time. No, I didn’t care. I was sort of desperate. Did the whole Prime\Rewind\Buzz Buzz thing again. Then all was well with the world, well not the world per se, but my BG was at least controllable again. Sweet.

I’m not even going to mention the awkward conversation between me and my new endos nurse that went something like “yes, I know I said Humalog, but I really meant NovoLog, haha, can I get a new prescription?” Okay, I mentioned it, but the real convo was way longer.

So yep, from last week forward, NovoLog is my new bestie, and Humalog is my nemesis. And as we all know, it’s always good to know your enemies! ;)

2

I so understand you. My son has been going through the same thing and his doctor kept saying I was doing poorly to keep his sugar down. It would continue to soar even as he slept. Well, I did the same thing. Used a Novolog bottle I had and gave it to him and his sugar went to normal. Our insurance changed and the Novolog is twenty dollars more, so I've tried finishing the Apedra he has. RIght now, I'm just going to get the NOVOLOG because it's not worth waiting to see the highs go to lows. Take care.

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Mom of a Winner - Glad you were able to figure out what was going on too! It's very upsetting that the doctor would choose to blame rather than listen, but at least you can still get your hands on the Novolog you need. Your son is lucky to have you as his advocate!:)