What is this medication for?
Insulin is a naturally-occurring hormone made by the pancreas that helps the body use or store the glucose (sugar) it gets from food. For people with diabetes, either the pancreas does not make enough insulin to meet the body's requirements, or the body cannot properly use the insulin that is made. As a result, glucose cannot be used or stored properly and accumulates in the bloodstream. Insulin injected under the skin helps to lower blood glucose levels.
Having good control of blood glucose levels is the key to reducing the risk of complications of diabetes (e.g., kidney disease, eye problems, nerve problems).
There are many different types of insulin, and they are absorbed at different rates and work for varying periods of time. Insulin aspart is a rapid-acting insulin. It takes 10 to 20 minutes to begin working after the injection, has its maximum effect between 60 minutes and 90 minutes, and stops working after 3 to 5 hours.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you are not sure why you are using this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop using this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to use this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Novolog® is available as:
- injectable (subcutaneous)
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
How should I use this medication?
Your required dose of insulin depends on how much natural insulin your pancreas is producing and how well your body is able to use the insulin. Your doctor or diabetes educator will determine the appropriate dose for you according to various lifestyle factors and the blood glucose values obtained while monitoring your blood glucose.
Your dose of insulin should be injected subcutaneously (under the skin) exactly as instructed by your doctor or diabetes educator. It may be injected into the skin of your stomach area, upper arms, buttocks or upper legs. It may affect your blood sugar levels sooner if you inject it into the skin of your stomach area. Never inject this medication into a vein or into a muscle.
Change (rotate) your injection site within the chosen area (e.g., stomach or upper arm) with each dose. Do not inject into the exact same spot for each injection.
The dose of insulin is measured in units (U). Each mL of insulin contains 100 U. Insulin aspart is injected under the skin not more than 5 to 10 minutes before the start of a meal. Longer-acting insulins are often used along with insulin aspart to cover the periods of time between doses of insulin aspart. There are many variations of insulin dosing.
Accidental mix-ups between this medication and other insulin products have been reported. Always carefully check that you are administering the appropriate insulin.
Insulin aspart should be clear and colorless. Do not use the insulin if you notice anything unusual in the appearance of the solution such as cloudiness, discoloration, or clumping.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones given here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is important to use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The timing of insulin with respect to your meals is crucial to keeping blood glucose under control and preventing unwanted side effects.
Keep unopened bottles of insulin in the refrigerator until needed. The pen and pen cartridges should be kept at room temperature - do NOT refrigerate.
The medication may be used until the expiration date on the label. Never allow insulin to freeze. Insulin that is currently in use may be kept at room temperature for no more than 28 days and then discarded. Insulin must not be exposed to extremely hot temperatures or to sunlight. Keep insulin out of reach of children.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Do not take this medication if you:
- are allergic or are suspected to be allergic to insulin or any ingredients of the medication
- have low blood glucose (hypoglycemia)