Insulin aspart, recombinant (Injection)

Introduction

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

Treats diabetes mellitus. Insulin is a hormone that helps get sugar from the blood to the muscles, where it is used for energy. 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.
• This medicine comes with patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
• You will be shown the body areas where this shot can be given. Use a different body area each time you give yourself a shot. Keep track of where you give each shot to make sure you rotate body areas.
• If you are using a vial (bottle) of NovoLog?, only use syringes that are made for giving insulin injections. Use a new syringe each time you give yourself an injection. 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:

• Call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

• 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 leftover medicine, containers, and other supplies. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
• You should receive a container for throwing away your used needles and syringes. Throw away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

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 affect the amount of insulin you need to use and 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

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease or liver disease.
• 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 sometimes have low blood sugar while you are using insulin. This is more likely if you miss a meal, exercise for a long time, or drink alcohol.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

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

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, 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

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088