Admelog (insulin lispro) is Sanofi’s mealtime insulin, approved by the FDA in December 2017 as a follow-on biologic to Eli Lilly’s Humalog. It contains the same insulin lispro molecule and produces clinically similar glucose-lowering effect. Admelog is approved for adults and children age 3 and older with type 1 (T1D) and type 2 (T2D) diabetes and is available in U-100 vials, SoloStar prefilled pens, and for use in insulin pumps.
What “Follow-On Biologic” Means
Insulin is a complex biologic molecule, and until 2020 it was approved through the older 505(b)(2) pathway in the United States rather than the formal biosimilar pathway used for monoclonal antibodies. Admelog was approved as a follow-on biologic — clinically equivalent to Humalog but not formally designated “interchangeable” until later regulatory transitions. In practice, prescribers and pharmacists treat Admelog as a biosimilar to Humalog at a one-to-one dosing ratio.
Pharmacology Overview
| Parameter | Admelog (insulin lispro) |
|---|---|
| Class | Rapid-acting insulin analog |
| Active ingredient | Insulin lispro |
| Concentration | U-100 |
| Onset | ~15 minutes |
| Peak | 30 minutes to 2.5 hours |
| Duration | 3-6.5 hours |
| Mealtime window | 15 minutes before to immediately after meal |
| Available forms | 10 mL vials, 3 mL SoloStar pens, pump use |
| Approved age | 3 years and older |
Approved Uses
Admelog is FDA-approved to improve glycemic control in:
- Adults with T1D and T2D.
- Children age 3 and older with T1D.
- Subcutaneous injection by vial-and-syringe or SoloStar pen.
- Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion via insulin pump.
- Intravenous administration in healthcare settings (less commonly used).
Switching From Humalog to Admelog
Most people switching between Humalog and Admelog do so at a one-to-one ratio with no dose change required. Things to confirm before switching:
- Your prescriber and pharmacist agree on the substitution and update labels.
- Your insulin pump or pen is compatible with the new product.
- You monitor blood glucose closely for the first 1-2 weeks to catch unexpected differences.
- You retain a pen or vial of the original product as backup until the switch is settled.
Children, pregnant women, and people with brittle T1D or hypoglycemia unawareness should switch only under direct clinical supervision.
Side Effects
- Hypoglycemia — the most common and dangerous adverse effect of any rapid-acting insulin.
- Injection site reactions — redness, itching, lipohypertrophy with site reuse.
- Weight gain — common to all insulin therapy, typically modest.
- Hypokalemia — relevant in hospitalized or high-dose use.
- Allergic reactions — rare with modern lispro formulations.
- Antibody formation — minor and clinically insignificant in most patients.
Cost and Insurance Access
Admelog launched with a deliberate pricing strategy designed to capture market share from Humalog by offering lower net prices to insurers and pharmacy benefit managers. The Sanofi Insulins Valyou Savings Program has offered Admelog at roughly $99 cash per box of pens or vial set. Many insurance formularies prefer Admelog over Humalog for cost reasons — meaning Admelog may have a lower copay or be the only lispro covered.
The federal $35 monthly Medicare insulin cap and similar manufacturer programs apply to Admelog. Always check current pricing with your pharmacy.
Storage and Handling
Unopened Admelog vials and pens belong in the refrigerator at 36-46 degrees F. Once in use, they last up to 28 days at room temperature (below 86 degrees F). Never freeze Admelog and never expose it to direct sunlight or extreme heat. Inspect before each dose — Admelog should be clear and colorless; discard any that is cloudy, discolored, or contains particles.
Where Admelog Fits in Diabetes Care
Admelog is a mealtime (prandial) insulin used in basal-bolus regimens for T1D and insulin-requiring T2D, often paired with long-acting insulins like Lantus, Tresiba, Toujeo, or Basaglar. It is also a common pump insulin. For people newly diagnosed with prediabetes or early T2D, mealtime insulin is rarely needed — focus on the strategies in our treatment hub and track progress with the A1C test.
The Bottom Line
Admelog is a follow-on biologic of insulin lispro that delivers the same mealtime glucose control as Humalog at a typically lower price. It is approved for vial, pen, and pump use in adults and children age 3 and older. Switching from Humalog is dose-equivalent in most cases, but should be coordinated with your prescriber and pharmacist. Cost savings can be meaningful, particularly if your insurance plan prefers Admelog on its formulary.
