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NovoLog (insulin aspart [rdna origin] inj) ®
(NO-vo-log)
(insulin aspart [rDNA origin]) Injection

Important

Know your insulin. Do not change the type of insulin you use unless told to do so by your healthcare provider. The amount of insulin you take as well as the best time for you to take your insulin may need to change if you take a different type of insulin.

Make sure you know the type and strength of insulin prescribed for you.

Read the Patient Information that comes with NovoLog (insulin aspart [rdna origin] inj) before you start taking it and each time you get a refill. There may be new information. This leaflet does not take the place of talking with your healthcare provider about your diabetes or your treatment. Make sure you know how to manage your diabetes. Ask your healthcare provider if you have any questions about managing your diabetes.

What is NovoLog (insulin aspart [rdna origin] inj) ?

NovoLog (insulin aspart [rdna origin] inj) is a man-made insulin that is used to control high blood sugar in adults and children with diabetes mellitus.

Who should not use NovoLog (insulin aspart [rdna origin] inj) ?

Do not take NovoLog (insulin aspart [rdna origin] inj) if:

• Your blood sugar is too low (hypoglycemia)
• You are allergic to anything in NovoLog (insulin aspart [rdna origin] inj) . See the end of this leaflet for a complete list of ingredients in NovoLog (insulin aspart [rdna origin] inj) . Check with your healthcare provider if you are not sure.

Tell your healthcare provider:

• about all of your medical conditions. Medical conditions can affect your insulin needs and your dose of NovoLog (insulin aspart [rdna origin] inj) .
• if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. You and your healthcare provider should talk about the best way to manage your diabetes while you are pregnant or breastfeeding. NovoLog (insulin aspart [rdna origin] inj) has not been studied in nursing women.
• about all medicines you take, including prescriptions and nonprescription medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements. Your NovoLog (insulin aspart [rdna origin] inj) dose may change if you take other medicines.

Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of your medicines with you to show your healthcare providers when you get a new medicine.

How should I take NovoLog (insulin aspart [rdna origin] inj) ?

Only use NovoLog (insulin aspart [rdna origin] inj) if it appears clear and colorless. There may be air bubbles. This is normal. If it looks cloudy, thickened, or colored, or if it contains solid particles do not use it and call Novo Nordisk at 1-800-727-6500.

NovoLog (insulin aspart [rdna origin] inj) comes in:

• 10 mL vials (small bottles) for use with syringe
• 3 mL PenFill® cartridges for use with the Novo Nordisk 3 mL PenFill cartridge compatible insulin delivery devices and NovoFine® disposable needles. The cartridge delivery device can be used with a NovoPen® 3 PenMate®
• 3 mL NovoLog (insulin aspart [rdna origin] inj) FlexPen®

Read the instructions for use that come with your NovoLog (insulin aspart [rdna origin] inj) product. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have any questions. Your healthcare provider should show you how to inject NovoLog (insulin aspart [rdna origin] inj) before you start taking it.

• Take NovoLog (insulin aspart [rdna origin] inj) exactly as prescribed. You should eat a meal within 5 to 10 minutes after using NovoLog (insulin aspart [rdna origin] inj) to avoid low blood sugar.
• NovoLog (insulin aspart [rdna origin] inj) is a fast-acting insulin. The effects of NovoLog (insulin aspart [rdna origin] inj) start working 10 to 20 minutes after injection or bolus pump infusion.
• Do not inject NovoLog (insulin aspart [rdna origin] inj) if you do not plan to eat right after your injection or bolus pump infusion.
• The greatest blood sugar lowering effect is between 1 and 3 hours after the injection or infusion. This blood sugar lowering lasts for 3 to 5 hours.
• While using NovoLog (insulin aspart [rdna origin] inj) you may have to change your total dose of insulin, your dose of longer-acting insulin, or the number of injections of longer-acting insulin you use. Pump users given NovoLog (insulin aspart [rdna origin] inj) may need to change the amount of total insulin given as a basal infusion.
• Do not mix NovoLog (insulin aspart [rdna origin] inj) :
  • with any other insulins when used in a pump
  • with any insulins other than NPH when used with injections by syringe

If your doctor recommends diluting NovoLog (insulin aspart [rdna origin] inj) , follow your doctor's instructions exactly so that you know:

• How to make NovoLog (insulin aspart [rdna origin] inj) more dilute (that is, a smaller number of units of NovoLog (insulin aspart [rdna origin] inj) for a given amount of liquid) and
• How to use this more dilute form of NovoLog (insulin aspart [rdna origin] inj) . Do not use dilute insulin in a pump.
• Inject NovoLog (insulin aspart [rdna origin] inj) into the skin of your stomach area, upper arms, buttocks or upper legs. NovoLog (insulin aspart [rdna origin] inj) may affect your blood sugar levels sooner if you inject it into the skin of your stomach area. Never inject NovoLog (insulin aspart [rdna origin] inj) into a vein or into a muscle.
• Change (rotate) your injection site within the chosen area (for example, stomach or upper arm) with each dose. Do not inject into the exact same spot for each injection.
• If you take too much NovoLog (insulin aspart [rdna origin] inj) , your blood sugar may fall low (hypoglycemia). You can treat mild low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) by drinking or eating something sugary right away (fruit juice, sugar candies, or glucose tablets). It is important to treat low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) right away because it could get worse and you could pass out (become unconscious). If you pass out you will need help from another person or emergency medical services right away, and will need treatment with a glucagon injection or treatment at a hospital. See “What are the possible side effects of NovoLog (insulin aspart [rdna origin] inj) ?” for more information on low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
• If you forget to take your dose of NovoLog (insulin aspart [rdna origin] inj) , your blood sugar may go too high (hyperglycemia). If high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) is not treated it can lead to serious problems, like loss of consciousness (passing out), coma or even death. Follow your healthcare provider's instructions for treating high blood sugar. Know your symptoms of high blood sugar which may include:

• Check your blood sugar levels. Ask your healthcare provider what your blood sugars should be and when you should check your blood sugar levels.

Your insulin dosage may need to change because of:

What should I avoid while using NovoLog (insulin aspart [rdna origin] inj) ?

• Alcohol. Alcohol, including beer and wine, may affect your blood sugar when you take NovoLog (insulin aspart [rdna origin] inj) .
• Driving and operating machinery. You may have difficulty concentrating or reacting if you have low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Be careful when you drive a car or operate machinery. Ask your healthcare provider if it is alright to drive if you often have:
  • low blood sugar
  • decreased or no warning signs of low blood sugar

What are the possible side effects of NovoLog (insulin aspart [rdna origin] inj) ?

• low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Symptoms of low blood sugar may include

Severe low blood sugar can cause unconsciousness (passing out), seizures, and death. Know your symptoms of low blood sugar. Follow your healthcare provider's instructions for treating low blood sugar. Talk to your healthcare provider if low blood sugar is a problem for you.

• Serious allergic reaction (whole body reaction). Get medical help right away, if you develop a rash over your whole body, have trouble breathing, a fast heartbeat, or sweating.
• Reactions at the injection site (local allergic reaction). You may get redness, swelling, and itching at the injection site. If you keep having skin reactions or they are serious talk to your healthcare provider. You may need to stop using NovoLog (insulin aspart [rdna origin] inj) and use a different insulin. Do not inject insulin into skin that is red, swollen, or itchy.
• Skin thickens or pits at the injection site (lipodystrophy). Change (rotate) where you inject your insulin to help to prevent these skin changes from happening. Do not inject insulin into this type of skin.
• Swelling of your hands and feet.
• Vision changes
• Low potassium in your blood (hypokalemia)
• Weight gain

These are not all of the possible side effects from NovoLog (insulin aspart [rdna origin] inj) . Ask your health are provider or pharmacist for more information.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-80 0-FDA-1088.

How should I store NovoLog (insulin aspart [rdna origin] inj) ?

All Unopened NovoLog (insulin aspart [rdna origin] inj) :

• Keep all unopened NovoLog (insulin aspart [rdna origin] inj) in the refrigerator between 36° to 46°F (2° to 8°C).
• Do not freeze. Do not use NovoLog (insulin aspart [rdna origin] inj) if it has been frozen.
• Keep unopened NovoLog (insulin aspart [rdna origin] inj) in the carton to protect from light.

NovoLog (insulin aspart [rdna origin] inj) in use:

• Vials.
  • Keep in the refrigerator or at room temperature belo w 86°F (30°C) for up to 28 days.
  • Keep vials away from direct heat or light.
  • Throw away an opened vial after 28 days of use, even if there is insulin left in the vial.
  • Do not draw up NovoLog (insulin aspart [rdna origin] inj) into a syringe and store for later use
  • Unopened vials can be used until the expiration date on the NovoLog (insulin aspart [rdna origin] inj) label, if the medicine has been stored in a refrigerator.
• PenFill Cartridges or NovoLog (insulin aspart [rdna origin] inj) FlexPen Prefilled syringe.
  • Keep at room temperature below 86°F (30°C) for up to 28 days.
  • Do not store a PenFill cartridge or NovoLog (insulin aspart [rdna origin] inj) FlexPen Prefilled syringe that you are using in the refrigerator.
  • Keep PenFill cartridges and NovoLog (insulin aspart [rdna origin] inj) FlexPen Prefilled syringe away from direct heat or light.
  • Throw away a used PenFill cartridge or NovoLog (insulin aspart [rdna origin] inj) FlexPen Prefilled syringes after 28 days, even if there is insulin left in the cartridge or syringe.
• NovoLog (insulin aspart [rdna origin] inj) in the pump reservoir and the complete external pump infusion set
  • The infusion set and the infusion site should be changed at least every 3 days. The insulin in the reservoir should be changed at least every 6 days even if you have not used all of the insulin. Change the infusion set and the infusion site more often than every 3 days if you have high blood sugar (hyperglycemia), the pump alarm sounds, or the insulin flow is blocked (occlusion).

General advice about NovoLog (insulin aspart [rdna origin] inj)

Medicines are sometimes prescribed for conditions that are not mentioned in the patient leaflet. Do not use NovoLog (insulin aspart [rdna origin] inj) for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give NovoLog (insulin aspart [rdna origin] inj) to other people, even if they have the same symptoms you have. It may harm them.

This leaflet summarizes the most important information about NovoLog (insulin aspart [rdna origin] inj) . If you would like more information about NovoLog (insulin aspart [rdna origin] inj) or diabetes, talk with your healthcare provider. You can ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for information about NovoLog (insulin aspart [rdna origin] inj) that is written for healthcare professionals. Call 1-800-727-6500 or visit www.novonordisk-us.com for more information.

Helpful information for people with diabetes is published by the American Diabetes Association, 1701 N Beauregard Street Alexandria, VA 22311 and on www.diabetes.org.

NovoLog (insulin aspart [rdna origin] inj) ingredients include:  

All NovoLog (insulin aspart [rdna origin] inj) vials, PenFill cartridges and NovoLog (insulin aspart [rdna origin] inj) FlexPen Prefilled syringes are latex free.

Patient Instructions for Use

NovoLog (insulin aspart [rdna origin] inj) ® 10 mL vial
(100 Units/mL, U-100)

Before starting, gather all of the supplies that you will need to use for preparing and giving your insulin injection.

Never re-use syringes and needles.

How should I use the NovoLog (insulin aspart [rdna origin] inj) vial?

1. Check to make sure that you have the correct type of insulin. This is especially important if you use different types of insulin.
2. Look at the vial and the insulin. The insulin should be clear and colorless. The tamper-resistant cap should be in place before the first use. If the cap had been removed before your first use of the vial, or if the insulin is cloudy or colored, do not use it and call Novo Nordisk at 1-800-727-6500
3. Wash your hands with soap and water. If you clean your injection site with an alcohol swab, let the injection site dry before you inject. Talk with your healthcare provider about how to rotate injection sites and how to give an injection.
4. If you are using a new vial, pull off the tamper-resistant cap. Wipe the rubber stopper with an alcohol wipe.
5. Do not roll or shake the vial. Shaking right before the dose is drawn into the syringe may cause bubbles or froth. This can cause you to draw up the wrong dose of insulin.
6. Pull back the plunger on the syringe until the black tip reaches the marking for the number of units you will inject.
7. Push the needle through the rubber stopper of the vial, and push the plunger all the way in to force air into the vial.
8. Turn the vial and syringe upside down and slowly pull the plunger back to a few units beyond correct dose.
9. If there are any air bubbles, tap the syringe gently with your finger to raise the air bubbles to the top. Then slowly push the plunger to the marking for your correct dose. This process should move any air bubbles present in the syringe back into the vial.
10. Check to make sure you have the right dose of NovoLog (insulin aspart [rdna origin] inj) in the syringe.
11. Pull the syringe out of the vial's rubber stopper.
12. Your doctor should tell you if you need to pinch the skin before inserting the needle. This can vary from patient to patient so it is important to ask your doctor if you did not receive instructions on pinching the skin. Insert the needle into the pinched skin. Press the plunger of the syringe to inject the insulin. When you are finished injecting the insulin, pull the needle out of your skin. You may see a drop of NovoLog (insulin aspart [rdna origin] inj) at the needle tip. This is normal and has no effect on the dose you just received. If you see blood after you take the needle out of your skin, press the injection site lightly with a piece of gauze or an alcohol wipe. Do not rub the area.
13. After your injection, do not recap the needle. Place used syringes, needles and used insulin vials in a disposable puncture-resistant sharps container, or some type of hard plastic or metal container with a screw on cap such as a detergent bottle or coffee can.
14. Ask your healthcare provider about the right way to throw away used syringes and needles. There may be state or local laws about the right way to throw away used syringes and needles. Do not throw away used needles and syringes in household trash or recycle.

How should I mix insulins?

NovoLog (insulin aspart [rdna origin] inj) should be mixed only when injections with syringes are used. NovoLog (insulin aspart [rdna origin] inj) can be mixed with NPH human insulin right before use. The NovoLog (insulin aspart [rdna origin] inj) should be drawn into the syringe before you draw up the NPH insulin. NovoLog (insulin aspart [rdna origin] inj) should not be mixed with any other insulin except NPH.

1. Add together the doses (total number of units) of NPH and NovoLog (insulin aspart [rdna origin] inj) that you need to inject. The total dose will determine the final amount (volume) in the syringe after drawing up both insulins into the syringe. For example, if you need 5 units of NPH and 2 units of NovoLog (insulin aspart [rdna origin] inj) , the total dose of insulin in the syringe would be 7 units.
2. Roll the NPH vial between your hands until the liquid is equally cloudy throughout.
3. Draw into the syringe the same amount of air as the NPH dose. Inject this air into the NPH vial and then remove the needle from the vial but do not withdraw any of the NPH insulin. (Transferring NPH to the NovoLog (insulin aspart [rdna origin] inj) vial will contaminate the NovoLog (insulin aspart [rdna origin] inj) vial and may change how quickly it works.)
4. Draw into the syringe the same amount of air as the NovoLog (insulin aspart [rdna origin] inj) dose. Inject this air into the NovoLog (insulin aspart [rdna origin] inj) vial. With the needle in place, turn the vial upside down and withdraw the correct dose of NovoLog (insulin aspart [rdna origin] inj) . The tip of the needle must be in the NovoLog (insulin aspart [rdna origin] inj) to get the full dose and not an air dose.
5. After withdrawing the needle from the NovoLog (insulin aspart [rdna origin] inj) vial, insert the needle into the NPH vial. Turn the NPH vial upside down with the syringe and needle still in it. Withdraw the correct dose of NPH.
6. Inject right away to avoid changes in how quickly the insulin works.

How do I use NovoLog (insulin aspart [rdna origin] inj) in a pump?

• Checking your blood sugar is very important for patients using pumps. Pump or infusion set problems can result in you not getting enough insulin. This can quickly cause you to have high blood sugar and diabetic ketoacidosis.
• Use insulin from a new vial of NovoLog (insulin aspart [rdna origin] inj) if unexplained high blood sugar or pump alarms do not respond to all of the following:
  • a repeat dose (injection or bolus) of NovoLog (insulin aspart [rdna origin] inj)
  • a change in the infusion set, including the NovoLog (insulin aspart [rdna origin] inj) in the reservoir
  • a change in the infusion site
• If these measures do not work, you may need to go back to injecting NovoLog (insulin aspart [rdna origin] inj) with syringes, or insulin pens. Continue to monitor your blood sugars and ketones. If problems continue, you must contact your healthcare provider.
• When NovoLog (insulin aspart [rdna origin] inj) is used in pumps, use only pumps that are recommended by your healthcare provider. The infusion set and infusion site should be changed at least every 3 days. The insulin in the reservoir should be changed at least every 6 days even if you have not used all of the insulin. The reservoir, the infusion set, and infusion site should also be changed:
  • with unexpected high blood sugar
  • when the alarm sounds (see your pump manual)
  • if the insulin or pump has been exposed to temperatures over 98.6°F (37°C), such as in a sauna, with long showers, or on an unusually hot day.
  • if the insulin or pump could have absorbed heat, for example from sunlight, that would heat the insulin to over 98.6°F (37°C). Dark colored pump cases or sport covers can increase this type of heat. The location where the pump is worn may also affect the temperature

Patients who develop local skin reactions may need to change infusion sites more often than every 3 days.

Use only insulin pumps that have been specially tested with NovoLog (insulin aspart [rdna origin] inj) . Follow your healthcare provider or pharmacist instructions for which insulin pumps may be used.

Check with your healthcare provider or pharmacist to see if your pump and infusion set can be used with NovoLog (insulin aspart [rdna origin] inj) .

1. Check to make sure that you have the right type of insulin.
2. Look at the vial and insulin. The insulin should be clear and colorless. The tamper-resistant cap should be in place before the first use. If the cap had been removed before your first use, or if the insulin is cloudy or colored, do not use it and call Novo Nordisk at 1-800-727-6500.
3. Wash your hands with soap and water.
4. Fill the reservoir-syringe with 2 days worth of NovoLog (insulin aspart [rdna origin] inj) plus about 25 extra units to prime the pump and the infusion tubing.
5. Remove air bubbles from the reservoir by following the pump manufacturers' instructions.
6. Attach the infusion set to the reservoir. Make sure the connection is tight. Prime the infusion set until you see a drop of insulin coming out of the infusion needle-catheter. Follow the pump manufacturers' instructions for priming and removing air bubbles.
7. Clean your insertion site with an alcohol swab and let the site dry before you insert the needle-catheter. Talk with your healthcare provider about how to rotate insertion sites and how to insert the needle-catheter into the skin.
8. Insert the needle-catheter into the skin, remove the needle and prime the catheter according to the pump manufacturers' instructions. Do not insert the needle-catheter into skin that is reddened, itchy, bumpy, or thickened.
9. Program the pump for mealtime NovoLog (insulin aspart [rdna origin] inj) boluses and NovoLog (insulin aspart [rdna origin] inj) basal insulin infusion according to instructions from your healthcare provider and the manufacturer of your pump equipment.
10. Change the infusion site and infusion set at least every 3 days, and change the insulin in the reservoir at least every 6 days even if you have not used all of the insulin. This will help ensure that NovoLog (insulin aspart [rdna origin] inj) and the pump work well.
11. Change the infusion site, the infusion set, the insulin reservoir and the insulin if you experience a pump alarm, catheter blockage, high blood sugars, or if your pump insulin has been exposed to heat greater than 98.6°F (37°C).
12. If you have high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) when you check your blood sugar, this may be the first sign of a problem with the pump, infusion set, or NovoLog (insulin aspart [rdna origin] inj) . If you have high blood sugar without a pump alarm, you must still check the pump because alarms may not detect all the changes to NovoLog (insulin aspart [rdna origin] inj) that could result in high blood sugar. You may need to start insulin injections with syringes if the cause of the problem cannot be found quickly or fixed. Long lengths of infusion-set tubing increase the risk for kinking and expose the insulin in the tubing to more changes in temperature.

Last reviewed on RxList: 7/28/2009
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.