Insulin Aspart, Recombinant (By injection)

IN-su-lin AS-part, ree-KOM-bi-nant

Treats diabetes.

Drug classes

Antidiabetic (About this – PubMed Health)

Uses

Uses of This Medicine

Insulin aspart is a fast-acting type of insulin. Insulin is one of many hormones that help the body turn the food we eat into energy. This is done by using the glucose (sugar) in the blood as quick energy. Also, insulin helps us store energy that we can use later. When you have diabetes mellitus (sugar diabetes), your body cannot make enough or does not use insulin properly. So, you must take additional insulin to regulate your blood sugar and keep your body healthy. This is very important as too much sugar in your blood can be harmful to your health. Since insulin aspart acts faster than regular human insulin, you normally should use insulin aspart with a longer-acting insulin.

This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.

Other uses (PubMed Health)

How To Use

Injectable

You will be taught how to give yourself insulin shots. Make sure you understand all instructions. Ask your doctor if you have questions.

Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

When you get a new supply of insulin, check the label to be sure it is the correct type. Do not change the brand of your insulin unless your doctor tells you to.

Use this medicine 5 to 10 minutes before a meal.

If you are mixing insulin aspart and a long-acting insulin in the same syringe, always draw up insulin aspart into the syringe first. Then draw up the longer-acting insulin.

Do not use the medicine if it is cloudy or thick.

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.

Vial: Use only syringes that are made for insulin injections. Use a new syringe each time you give yourself an injection.

Cartridge or pen: Use a new needle each time. Never share your cartridges or pens with others.

Insulin pump:

Make sure your pump is meant for a short-acting insulin. Do not mix insulin aspart with other insulins in the pump. Change the insulin solution in the pump reservoir at least every 6 days. Change the infusion set and infusion site at least every 3 days. Keep the pump and pump equipment away from heat and direct light. Heat may increase the temperature of the insulin and prevent it from working as it should. Tell your doctor right away if your insulin pump breaks or leaks. You may need to give yourself injections until your pump is fixed.

Missed dose: Call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.

Keep all medicine away from heat and direct light. Throw away any medicine that is past the expiration date.

Unopened containers (vial, pen, or cartridge):

Store in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. The insulin will keep until the expiration date when it is stored in the refrigerator. You may store the container at room temperature. However, you can only store it for 28 days at room temperature.

Opened containers:

Vials: Keep opened vials in the refrigerator or at room temperature for up to 28 days. Cartridge or pen: Store at room temperature in a cool place for up to 28 days. Do not refrigerate an opened cartridge or pen.

Throw away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.

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 change 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.

Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

Ask your doctor before you use any medicine or supplement that contains potassium.

When Not To Use

This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to insulin aspart, or you have low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).

Warnings

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or heart failure.

This medicine may cause the following problems:

Low blood sugar Heart failure (when used together with thiazolidinediones [TZD] medicines)

Insulin aspart is a short-acting insulin. This means it works fast and the effects do not last as long. Your doctor may also prescribe a long-acting insulin for you to use.

Never share insulin pens or cartridges with anyone. Shared needles or pens can pass hepatitis virus, HIV, and other illnesses from one person to another.

Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible side effects

Summary More details

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

Dry mouth, increased thirst, muscle cramps, nausea or vomiting, uneven heartbeat

Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet

Shaking, trembling, sweating, fast or pounding heartbeat, lightheadedness, hunger, confusion

Trouble breathing, cold sweat, bluish-colored skin

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

Redness, itching, swelling, or any changes in your skin 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.

More side effects of this drug

Brand names include

NovoLOG PenFill, Novolog, Novolog FlexPen

There may be other brand names for this medicine.