Novolin vs. NovoLog: Differences, similarities & side effects

In this article:

• Main differences
• Conditions treated
• Efficacy
• Insurance coverage and cost
• Side effects
• Warnings and interactions

In this article

• Main differences
• Conditions treated
• Efficacy
• Insurance coverage and cost
• Side effects
• Warnings and interactions

Insulin is often found in the homes of millions of people with diabetes in the United States. You might have heard about different types of insulin, like Novolin and NovoLog, and might wonder which one is best. Both Novolin and NovoLog are used to manage blood sugar, helping the body process glucose when it cannot make enough insulin on its own. 

Both insulins are given through injections and are used for the same general purpose, but they are not exactly the same. Novolin and NovoLog differ in how fast they work, how long they last in the body, and potential costs. While choosing between these options, it helps to know how these insulins compare before making a decision with a doctor or healthcare provider.

What are the main differences between Novolin vs. NovoLog?

Novolin is a type of human insulin and comes in two main forms: Novolin R and Novolin N. Novolin R is regular, short-acting insulin, while Novolin N is an intermediate-acting insulin (also called NPH insulin). NovoLog, by contrast, is a rapid-acting insulin analog known as insulin aspart, which starts working much faster after injection than Novolin R or N.

Novolin R typically starts to work in about 30 minutes to an hour and is often taken before eating. Novolin N has a slower onset of about one to four hours and lasts longer, making it helpful for controlling blood sugar between meals or overnight. NovoLog usually starts working within 15 to 30 minutes and is meant to be taken right before meals. 

Novolin R and NovoLog are bolus insulins taken around meals to control blood sugar spikes. Novolin N is a basal insulin that maintains steady blood sugar levels between meals and overnight. Bolus insulins act quickly, while basal insulins work more slowly and last longer.

Compare Novolin vs. NovoLog key differences
	Novolin R, Novolin N	NovoLog
Drug class	Insulin	Insulin
Brand/generic status	Brand and generic versions available	Brand and generic versions available
What is the generic name?	Human insulin	Insulin aspart
What form(s) does the drug come in?	Solution for subcutaneous injection	Solution for subcutaneous injection
What is the standard dosage?	Insulin doses are highly variable and should be determined based on a person’s condition, diet, and lifestyle.
Who typically uses the medication?	Adults and children	Adults and children
Onset of action	Novolin R: 30 to 60 minutes Novolin N: 2 to 4 hours	15 to 30 minutes
Peak action	Novolin R: 2 to 3 hours Novolin N: 6 to 10 hours	30 to 90 minutes
Duration of action	Novolin R: 6 to 8 hours Novolin N: 14 to 16 hours	3 to 5 hours

Novolin 70/30 vs. NovoLog 70/30

Novolin and NovoLog help manage blood sugar, but their premixed “70/30” versions differ slightly from their regular forms. The “70/30” mixes combine two kinds of insulin in one shot.

Novolin 70/30 and NovoLog Mix 70/30 contain 70% intermediate-acting insulin and 30% of a faster-acting type. More specifically, Novolin 70/30 contains 70% NPH insulin and 30% regular human insulin, a short-acting insulin. On the other hand, NovoLog Mix 70/30 is made up of 70% insulin aspart protamine and 30% insulin aspart, a rapid-acting insulin. Combination insulins help provide a steady effect and a quick onset of action.

What conditions are treated with Novolin vs. NovoLog?

Novolin and NovoLog are both used to help manage Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. People with type 1 diabetes often use these insulins to control their blood sugar because their bodies do not make insulin at all. Those with type 2 diabetes might use these when other medications are not enough to keep blood glucose levels in a healthy range.

Sometimes, healthcare providers combine these insulins or use them with long-acting insulin to improve blood sugar control throughout the day and night. A balanced diet, regular exercise, and managing stress are also key to keeping blood glucose levels in a safe range.

Novolin or NovoLog can sometimes be used to manage diabetes during pregnancy (gestational diabetes) when diet alone isn’t enough. In diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)—a serious condition in which the body breaks down fat too quickly and acids called ketones build up in the blood—short-acting and rapid-acting insulins can help rapidly lower blood sugar.

Compare Novolin vs. NovoLog conditions treated
Condition	Novolin	NovoLog
Type 1 diabetes	Yes	Yes
Type 2 diabetes	Yes	Yes
Gestational diabetes	Off-label	Off-label
Diabetic ketoacidosis	Off-label	Off-label

Is NovoLog better than Novolin?

Novolog and Novolin are effective insulins. However, studies suggest rapid-acting insulin analogs, like NovoLog, control blood sugar spikes after meals better than regular insulin, such as Novolin R.

Because it starts working faster, you can take NovoLog just 15 minutes before eating (instead of 30 minutes or more with regular insulin), which may make it easier and more convenient to use. It also helps people better match their insulin to what they eat, lowering the chance of having low blood sugar later.

Other types of insulin are available and may be recommended by a healthcare provider, including:

Rapid-acting Insulins

• Humalog (insulin lispro)
• Apidra (insulin glulisine)
• Fiasp (insulin aspart)

Other short-acting insulins

• Humulin R (regular insulin)

Other intermediate-acting insulins

• Humulin N (NPH)

Long-acting insulins

• Lantus (insulin glargine)
• Levemir (insulin detemir)
• Toujeo (insulin glargine U-300)
• Tresiba (insulin degludec)

The best insulin depends on your lifestyle, blood sugar levels, and how your body reacts to insulin. A healthcare provider can help you choose between Novolin and NovoLog or other insulins by looking at your health history and other medications.

Novolin vs. NovoLog: Insurance coverage and cost comparison

Both Novolin and NovoLog are brand-name insulins that require a prescription to purchase. They may be available under generic forms and other brand names. For example, Novolin N might be found as neutral protamine Hagedorn insulin (NPH insulin).

Most insurance and Medicare plans cover both Novolin and NovoLog, but the amount you pay can change. It depends on your insurance, the pharmacy, and how many units you typically take per day.

Retail prices can differ, with Novolin R and Novolin N usually being the lowest-cost insulins. NovoLog tends to cost more per unit. However, the pharmacy and the amount you buy can affect the total price.

Discount programs are available to help save money. SingleCare offers coupons that may lower out-of-pocket costs for Novolin R and NovoLog. These coupons are convenient and easy to use at many local pharmacies.

Compare Novolin vs. NovoLog cost & coverage
	Novolin R	NovoLog
Typically covered by insurance?	May be covered, depending on the plan	May be covered, depending on the plan
Typically covered by Medicare Part D?	May be covered, depending on the plan	May be covered, depending on the plan
Typically covered by Medicaid?	Yes, although exact coverage varies by state	Yes, although exact coverage varies by state
Quantity	10 mL vial	1 pen
SingleCare cost	$47	$29

NovoLog vs. Novolin side effects

As insulins, NovoLog and Novolin can cause many of the same side effects. The most common side effect of insulin is hypoglycemia. Signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia include:

• Shakiness or trembling
• Sweating
• Feeling hungry
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Rapid heartbeat
• Headache
• Fatigue or weakness

Other common side effects are possible and relate to how these insulins work. These side effects may include:

• Injection site reactions such as itching, redness, or swelling 
• Low levels of potassium in the blood (hypokalemia)
• Skin rash
• Thickening of the skin where the insulin is injected
• Weight gain
• Swelling of the hands and feet

Allergic reactions are rare but can be serious. If you experience signs or symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as trouble breathing, swelling of your face or throat, or severe rash, seek medical help immediately.

Novolin and NovoLog warnings and drug interactions

Novolin and NovoLog have similar warnings and precautions. You may want to keep the following in mind before using Novolin or NovoLog:

• Do not share pens, syringes, or needles—even if you change the needle—as sharing can spread serious infections.
• Changing insulin type, brand, or injection method can cause low or high blood sugar. You may need to watch your blood sugar levels more often during any changes.
• Both insulins can cause sudden, severe low blood sugar, which may lead to confusion, fainting, seizures, or even death. Know the symptoms and check your sugar regularly.
• Always double-check the insulin label to avoid using the wrong insulin.
• Both insulins can lower potassium, which can cause heart problems. Therefore, your potassium levels may need to be checked periodically.

Novolin and NovoLog can also interact with many of the same medications. They should be used cautiously while taking other medications affecting blood sugar levels. All types of insulin can interact with the following:

• Drugs that may increase the risk of low blood sugar: Novolin and NovoLog can cause hypoglycemia, especially when taken with other diabetes drugs, ACE inhibitors, certain antidepressants like fluoxetine, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), or even aspirin. With these combinations, insulin doses may need to be lowered, and blood sugar checked more often.
• Drugs that may reduce insulin’s effectiveness: Some medications can make insulin work less well and increase blood sugar levels. These drugs include corticosteroids, diuretics, certain hormones (like birth control pills), and some antipsychotics. 
• Drugs that may raise or lower insulin’s effects: Alcohol, clonidine, beta blockers, and lithium can increase or decrease insulin’s effects. A drug called pentamidine can also cause blood sugar to drop and then rise. Blood sugar levels may need to be closely watched while taking these drugs. 
• Drugs that can hide signs of low blood sugar: Beta-blockers and clonidine may mask symptoms of low blood sugar, such as a fast heartbeat or shaking, making it harder to recognize hypoglycemia.

Always consult a trained healthcare professional for medical advice before using insulin. This may not be a complete list of warnings and precautions associated with these medications.