Insulin aspart, human (Injection)

Introduction:

Insulin Aspart, Recombinant (IN-su-lin AS-part, ree-KOM-bi-nant)

Treats diabetes mellitus. This type of insulin is similar to regular insulin, but acts in the body more quickly.

Brand Name(s):

Novolog, Novolog FlexPen

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin.
• Do not change the brand or dose of your insulin unless your doctor tells you to. When you receive a new supply of insulin, check the label to be sure it is the correct insulin.
• If you are using this insulin at meal times, give your injection within 5 to 10 minutes before you eat.
• A doctor, nurse, or pharmacist should teach you how to give your insulin shots. Make sure you understand how to use the medicine and give yourself the shots.
• You will be shown several places on your body where this shot can be given. Use a different body area to give your shot each time you use your medicine. Keeping a record of where you give each injection will help make sure you rotate body areas.
• If you are using a vial (bottle) of NovoLog?, use only syringes that are made for giving insulin injections, and use a new syringe each time you give yourself insulin. If you are using a NovoLog? PenFill cartridge , use a new needle each time.
• If you are mixing insulin aspart and a longer-acting insulin in the same syringe, always draw up insulin aspart into the syringe first. Then draw up the longer-acting insulin.
• The insulin should look clear and colorless. Do not use insulin aspart if it is cloudy or thickened.

If a dose is missed:

• Ask your doctor what to do if you miss a dose of insulin.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• You should receive a container for throwing away your used needles and syringes. Otherwise, throw your used needles away in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.
• Store unused bottles or cartridges in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. The expiration date on the insulin package tells you how long you can keep the medicine in the refrigerator. Throw the medicine away after the expiration date has passed.
• The bottle or cartridge that you are currently using may be kept in the refrigerator or at room temperature in a cool place, away from sunlight and heat, for 28 days.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can make it harder for you to control your diabetes. Make sure your doctor knows about all other medicines you are using.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Insulin aspart starts to work faster than some other types of insulin, and its effects do not last as long. It should act more like the insulin your body would normally produce.
• Because the effects of insulin aspart are short-acting, your doctor may also prescribe a longer-acting insulin for you to use.
• Never share insulin pens or cartridges with others under any circumstances. It is not safe for one pen to be used for more than one person. Sharing needles or pens can result in transmission of hepatitis viruses, HIV, or other blood-borne illnesses.
• Follow the special diet and use the correct dose of insulin that your doctor orders. Diet, exercise, medicine, and checking your blood sugar are important to control your diabetes.
• You may have low blood sugar while you are using insulin, especially if you miss a meal, exercise for a long time, or drink alcohol.
• If your blood sugar gets too low, you may feel shaky, weak, drowsy, cold, confused, or very hungry. You may sweat or have blurred vision, a fast heartbeat, trouble concentrating, or a headache that doesn't go away.
• Ask your doctor what to do if you have low blood sugar. You will need to control it quickly. Teach your friends, co-workers, or family members what they can do to help you in case you have low blood sugar.
• If you are pregnant, are planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before using this medicine.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you have kidney disease or liver disease.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Fast or irregular heartbeat, rash or itching, swelling in face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing
• Fainting
• Seizures (convulsions)

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Redness, itching, or swelling where the shot is given

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor: