insulin aspart vs insulin glulisine
Side-by-side comparison of insulin aspart and insulin glulisine Data from FDA drug databases (Orange Book, NDC Directory, recalls, shortages) covering 20,000+ approved drugs, plus CMS pricing; see our methodology.
NovoLog, Fiasp
Apidra
NovoLog (insulin aspart) is a rapid-acting insulin that helps control blood sugar in people with diabetes. It works quickly to lower blood sugar levels after meals.
Apidra is a rapid-acting insulin that helps control blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. It works quickly to lower blood sugar after meals.
NovoLog is used to improve blood sugar control in adults and children with diabetes. Diabetes is a condition where your body doesn't make enough insulin or can't use insulin properly, leading to high blood sugar. This medicine helps to lower your blood sugar levels.
Apidra is used to improve blood sugar control in adults and children with diabetes. Diabetes is a condition where your body does not make enough insulin or cannot use insulin properly, leading to high blood sugar levels. This medicine helps to lower your blood sugar levels.
NovoLog is a man-made form of insulin that works like the insulin your body naturally makes. It helps sugar (glucose) move from your blood into your cells, where it can be used for energy. This lowers the amount of sugar in your blood.
Apidra is a type of insulin that works fast. It helps your body use sugar from the food you eat. This lowers the amount of sugar in your blood.
- • Headache
- • Accidental injury
- • Nausea
- • Diarrhea
- • Low blood sugar
- • Upper respiratory infection
- • Nasopharyngitis (common cold)
- • Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
- • Edema peripheral (swelling in hands or feet)
- • Arthralgia (joint pain)
- High blood sugar 10,423
- Feeling sick to your stomach 3,724
- Low blood sugar 3,343
- The medicine is not working 3,287
- Feeling tired 2,663
- High blood sugar 1,527
- Low blood sugar 756
- High blood sugar 634
- Medicine not working 567
- Low blood sugar 445
Never share your NovoLog FlexPen, FlexTouch, PenFill cartridge, or PenFill cartridge device with anyone else, even if the needle is changed. Sharing insulin pens or cartridges can spread blood-borne diseases. Changes in your insulin regimen should be made carefully under medical supervision. Low blood sugar can be life-threatening. Monitor your blood sugar regularly. Fluid retention and heart failure can occur if you take NovoLog with thiazolidinediones (TZDs).
Never share your Apidra SoloStar pen with anyone else, even if you change the needle. Sharing pens can spread blood-borne diseases. Changes in your insulin regimen should be made carefully under medical supervision because it can cause hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia. Low potassium levels in your blood can occur and may be life-threatening. Watch for signs of heart failure if you are also taking thiazolidinediones (TZDs).
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Good control of diabetes is important during pregnancy for both you and your baby. Discuss the best way to manage your blood sugar with your doctor.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Poorly controlled diabetes during pregnancy can harm both the mother and the baby. Discuss the risks and benefits of using Apidra with your doctor if you are breastfeeding.
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How to Read This insulin aspart vs insulin glulisine Comparison
insulin aspart is classified in the Rapid-Acting Insulin drug class, while insulin glulisine sits within the Rapid-Acting Insulin class. Because both drugs share the same classification, they are often considered interchangeable in theory — but clinical outcomes rarely track that cleanly. Both drugs are prescription-only, so a licensed provider must authorize use.
Adverse event totals above are pulled from the FDA's Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). For these top-ranked reactions alone, insulin aspart has 23,440 submissions while insulin glulisine has 3,929. Those figures reflect cumulative reporting volume — not per-patient risk — so older, widely dispensed drugs typically look worse on count alone. No direct interaction between these two drugs is listed in our FDA-derived dataset, though co-prescription still warrants pharmacist review. Serious warnings, pregnancy guidance, and contraindications can differ even when indications overlap.
A table cannot substitute for clinical judgment. Effectiveness, tolerability, drug-drug interactions with your other medications, kidney and liver function, pregnancy status, insurance formulary, and price all feed into a decision that only a licensed prescriber can make responsibly. Data here is sourced from FDA Structured Product Labels (SPL) and FAERS, both of which update as manufacturers and clinicians submit new information. This page is for educational purposes only, is not medical advice, and should not be used to self-switch between insulin aspart and insulin glulisine — always consult your physician or pharmacist first.
Important: This comparison is for informational purposes only. Drug effects vary between individuals. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized medical advice.