Insulin Aspart

Pronounced

"IN-sue-lin AS-part"

Common brand names:

Novorapid

Uses

Insulin aspart is used with a proper diet and exercise program to control high blood sugar in people with diabetes. Controlling high blood sugar helps prevent kidney damage, blindness, nerve problems, loss of limbs, and sexual function problems. Proper control of diabetes may also lessen your risk of a heart attack or stroke.

Insulin aspart is a man-made product that is similar to human insulin. It replaces the insulin that your body would normally make. Insulin aspart starts working faster and lasts for a shorter time than regular insulin. It works by helping blood sugar (glucose) get into cells so your body can use it for energy. This medication is usually used with a medium- or long-acting insulin product.

How to Use This Medication

Read the Patient Information Leaflet and Instructions for Use if available from your pharmacist before you start using this medication and each time you get a refill. Ask your health care professional how to prepare and use this medication. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Inject this medication under the skin as directed by your doctor, usually 5 to 10 minutes before meals. Because this insulin is fast-acting, do not use insulin aspart if you are unable to eat right after the injection or if you have low blood sugar. Not eating right after a dose of this insulin may lead to low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). The injection is given in the stomach area, the thigh, the buttocks, or the back of the upper arm. Do not inject into a vein or muscle because very low blood sugar may occur.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Measure each dose very carefully because even small changes in the amount of insulin may have a large effect on your blood sugar.

Before using, check this product for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the insulin. Before injecting each dose, clean the skin you are going to inject into (the injection site) with rubbing alcohol. Change the injection site each time to lessen injury under the skin (for example, pits/lumps or thickened skin). Do not inject into skin that is red, swollen, itchy, or damaged. Do not inject cold insulin because this can be painful. The insulin container you are currently using can be kept at room temperature. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely.

Giving insulin aspart into a vein should only be done by a health care professional. Very low blood sugar may result.

If you are directed to inject this insulin with an infusion pump, read the instruction manual and directions that come with the infusion pump. If you have any questions, ask your health care professional. Avoid exposing the pump or its tubing to direct sunlight or other heat sources. Do not dilute insulin if you are using an insulin pump.

This medication may be mixed with certain other insulin products such as NPH insulin. Always draw the insulin aspart into the syringe first, then follow with the longer-acting insulin. Never inject a mixture of different insulins into a vein. Consult your health care professional about the proper method for mixing insulin and the proper way to inject mixtures of insulin. Do not mix insulins if you are using an insulin pump.

Do not change brands or types of insulin without directions on how to do so from your doctor.

Do not share your pen device with another person, even if the needle is changed. You may give other people a serious infection, or get a serious infection from them.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens (your blood sugar is too high or too low).

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Drug information is selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First DataBank, Inc. This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your healthcare professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective or appropriate for you.

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