Admelog: Cost, alternatives, side effects, and additional information explained
Admelog is a rapid-acting insulin drug that's used to manage blood sugar levels in adults and children (ages 3 years and older) with type 1 diabetes, and in adults with type 2 diabetes. Admelog can be administered through either subcutaneous injection or intravenous (IV) injection. It belongs to a class of medications called insulin, and it's very similar to a drug called Humalog, which is also a biologic insulin.
Overview of Admelog
Admelog improves the glycemic control in people with diabetes by aiding in the rapid absorption of glucose into the cells. This drug is administered before meals to help maintain blood sugar levels post-meal. It's crucial to note that Admelog is not interchangeable with all other insulin brands.
FDA Approval and Effectiveness
Admelog was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in December 2017, becoming the first follow-on, rapid-acting insulin drug to be approved by the FDA. Clinical studies have proven that Admelog is quite similar to Humalog, and both medications are considered bioequivalent, meaning they work the same manner within the body. The FDA granted the use of Admelog to treat diabetic patients based on the similarity of effectiveness seen with Humalog.
How Admelog compares to other medications
Admelog, like Humalog, contains insulin lispro and is a rapid-acting insulin. It's used to treat both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The primary differences lie in the brand name, pricing, and potential availability of a generic form of Humalog. While Admelog is only available as a brand-name medication, a generic form of Humalog is available.
In terms of usage and effectiveness, both Admelog and Humalog are given before meals to manage blood sugar levels post-meal. Like all insulin therapies, they can lead to hypoglycemia if not managed carefully.
Side Effects and Risks
Admelog, like other insulin drugs, can produce mild or serious side effects. Some of the more common side effects include:
- hypoglycemia (low blood sugar level)
- injection site reaction (redness, pain, or swelling at your injection site)
- itchy skin
- skin rash
- weight gain
- swelling of your hands and feet
Serious side effects, although rare, can include severe low blood sugar, allergic reactions, and low potassium levels. In some cases, these can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.
It's essential to consult a healthcare professional for more information on potential side effects, their severity, and how to manage them.
Effectiveness in Type 1 and 2 Diabetes
Studies have shown that Admelog, like Humalog, is highly effective in managing blood sugar levels in people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. While Admelog has been directly compared with Humalog, studies using Humalog have also been utilized to demonstrate the effectiveness of Admelog in treating diabetes.
Effectiveness in Type 1 Diabetes
A 26-week clinical study compared blood sugar control in adults with type 1 diabetes. Some individuals were given Admelog, while others were given Humalog. Both drugs showed similar effectiveness in managing blood sugar levels in people with type 1 diabetes.
Effectiveness in Type 2 Diabetes
Another 26-week clinical study looked at blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes. Participants were divided into two groups, with some receiving Admelog and insulin glargine while others were given Humalog and insulin glargine. Admelog and Humalog showed comparable effectiveness in managing type 2 diabetes as well.
Costs
Admelog generally costs less than Humalog. However, the actual price you'll pay for either drug depends on several factors, including your insurance plan, location, and the pharmacy you use. Also, keep in mind that there's currently no generic form of Admelog available.
Alternatives to Admelog
Other rapid-acting insulins can be used as alternatives to Admelog. Examples include insulin lispro (Humalog), insulin aspart (Fiasp, Novolog), and insulin glulisine (Apidra). The effectiveness, side effects, and pricing may differ among these alternatives. It's best to consult your healthcare provider to determine the best treatment for your specific situation.
- Naive deciders might consider Admelog as a treatment option for managing diabetes, given its approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in December 2017.
- Admelog, a rapid-acting insulin drug, is used to manage blood sugar levels in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, making it a suitable option for a wide range of personas.
- In general-news and sports sections, one might come across articles discussing Admelog, as its effectiveness in managing diabetes has been proven in numerous clinical studies.
- When deciding on a treatment, one should be aware that while Admelog is cost-effective compared to Humalog, other rapid-acting insulins like insulin lispro (Humalog), insulin aspart (Fiasp, Novolog), and insulin glulisine (Apidra) can also be considered as alternative treatments.
