My insurance plan is changing its drug formulary and will no longer cover Humalog but will cover NovoLog. What is the difference between the two?

Great question. The easy answer is that it is okay to switch from Humalog to NovoLog (and vice versa), but the truth is they are unique molecules and therefore different. Is there a clinical difference? Logic says no, but science says unknown. Studies are currently underway that hope to have an answer.

What to do in this situation? It’s likely if you use NovoLog, all will be okay, but you might have to changes your doses somewhat. You could complain, and you might win.

LD

[Editor’s comment: If you do switch, plan to check lots of blood sugars to see if there’s any difference of effect. If you wish, you could ask your physician about whether he/she might be willing to write a “letter of medical necessity” to the insurance company about keeping you on the current brand. And, of course, you could always pay for your preferred product out of your own pocket while awaiting a decision on the letter — if you do, keep the receipts so you can request reimbursement if they allow you to stick with your present brand.

WWQ]