Generic name: Insulin aspart
Pregnancy & Lactation: Risk data not available
What is Novolog Flexpen?
Insulin is a hormone that works by lowering levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood. Insulin aspart is a fast-acting insulin that starts to work about 15 minutes after injection, peaks in about 1 hour, and keeps working for 2 to 4 hours.
Insulin aspart is used to improve blood sugar control in adults and children with diabetes mellitus. This medicine is sometimes used together with a long-acting or intermediate-acting insulin.
Insulin aspart may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
You should not use insulin aspart if you are allergic to it, or if you are having an episode of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
Insulin aspart is not approved for use by anyone younger than 2 years old, and should not be used to treat type 2 diabetes in a child of any age. Fiasp is for use only in adults.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- liver or kidney disease; or
- low levels of potassium in your blood (hypokalemia).
Tell your doctor if you also take pioglitazone or rosiglitazone (sometimes contained in combinations with glimepiride or metformin). Taking certain oral diabetes medicines while you are using insulin may increase your risk of serious heart problems.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Follow your doctor's instructions about using insulin if you are pregnant or you become pregnant. Controlling diabetes is very important during pregnancy, and having high blood sugar may cause complications in both the mother and the baby.
How should I use Novolog Flexpen
Use Novolog Flexpen (Injectable) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Insulin aspart is injected under the skin, or as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give your first dose and may teach you how to properly use the medication by yourself.
Your healthcare provider will show you where on your body to inject insulin aspart. Use a different place each time you give an injection. Do not inject into the same place two times in a row.
Do not inject this medicine into skin that is damaged, tender, bruised, pitted, thickened, scaly, or has a scar or hard lump.
After using Novolog, you should eat a meal within 5 to 10 minutes. Fiasp should be given at the start of a meal or within 20 minutes after starting a meal.
Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.
Prepare an injection only when you are ready to give it. This medicine should be clear and colorless. Do not use the medicine if it has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.
If you use an injection pen, use only the pen provided with your medicine. If you use this medicine with an insulin pump, do not mix or dilute insulin aspart with any other insulin. Change the medicine in the reservoir at least every 6 days.
Never share an injection pen, cartridge, or syringe with another person, even if the needle has been changed. Sharing these devices can allow infections or disease to pass from one person to another.
You may have low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and feel very hungry, dizzy, irritable, confused, anxious, or shaky. To quickly treat hypoglycemia, eat or drink a fast-acting source of sugar (fruit juice, hard candy, crackers, raisins, or non-diet soda).
Your doctor may prescribe a glucagon injection kit in case you have severe hypoglycemia. Be sure your family or close friends know how to give you this injection in an emergency.
Also watch for signs of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) such as increased thirst or urination.
Blood sugar levels can be affected by stress, illness, surgery, exercise, alcohol use, or skipping meals. Ask your doctor before changing your dose or medication schedule.
Insulin aspart is only part of a treatment program that may also include diet, exercise, weight control, blood sugar testing, and special medical care. Follow your doctor's instructions very closely.
Keep this medicine in its original container protected from heat and light. Do not draw insulin from a vial into a syringe until you are ready to give an injection. Do not freeze insulin or store it near the cooling element in a refrigerator. Throw away any insulin that has been frozen.
Storing unopened (not in use) insulin aspart:
- Refrigerate and use until expiration date; or
- Store at room temperature and use within 28 days.
Storing opened (in use) insulin aspart:
- Store the vial in a refrigerator or at room temperature and use within 28 days.
- Store the cartridge or injection pen at room temperature (do not refrigerate) and use within 28 days. Do not store the injection pen with a needle attached.
Use a needle and syringe only once and then place them in a puncture-proof "sharps" container. Follow state or local laws about how to dispose of this container. Keep it out of the reach of children and pets.
In case of emergency, wear or carry medical identification to let others know you have diabetes.
Since insulin aspart is used before meals, you may not be on a timed dosing schedule. Whenever you use insulin aspart, be sure to eat a meal within 5 to 10 minutes. Do not use extra insulin aspart to make up a missed dose.
Keep insulin on hand at all times. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.
Novolog Flexpen side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of insulin allergy: redness or swelling where an injection was given, itchy skin rash over the entire body, trouble breathing, fast heartbeats, feeling like you might pass out, or swelling in your tongue or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- heart problems--swelling, rapid weight gain, feeling short of breath; or
- low potassium--leg cramps, constipation, irregular heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, increased thirst or urination, numbness or tingling, muscle weakness or limp feeling.
Common side effects may include:
- low blood sugar;
- weight gain;
- low potassium;
- swelling in your hands and feet;
- skin rash, itching, redness, or swelling; or
- thickening or hollowing of the skin where you injected the medicine.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect Novolog Flexpen?
Insulin can cause low blood sugar. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you.
Avoid medication errors by always checking the medicine label before injecting your insulin.
Avoid drinking alcohol or using medicines that contain alcohol. Alcohol can cause low blood sugar and may interfere with your diabetes treatment.