NovoLog (NovoRapid) FlexTouch 100Units/mL

NovoLog Flexpens is a human insulin analog used to treat diabetes mellitus in children (2 years and older), adolescents, and adults. Using the NovoLog FlexPen, those with type 1 and type 2 diabetes can prevent complications stemming from diabetes.

Please note, NovoLog is the brand name in the United States while NovoRapid is the brand name used in Canada.

This medication contains insulin aspart, rapid-acting insulin used to treat adults, adolescents, and children with diabetes mellitus.

Typically the NovoLog FlexPens starts working in approximately 10-20 minutes after injection. The maximum effect occurs between 1 to 3 hours and lasts up to 3-5 hours. Due to its short onset of action, this insulin is usually combined with intermediate-acting or long-acting insulin preparations.

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 can also be found in Fiasp products.

Insulin aspart is a manufactured product that is similar to human insulin. It replaces the insulin that your body would usually 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.

Insulin should be taken at least 5-10 minutes before meals or within 20 minutes after starting your meal.

This fast-acting insulin ensures rapid and consistent glucose management after meals. As a result, it stimulates glucose recovery in the muscle and fat cells and suppresses glucose production in the liver.

The NovoLog Flexpens are a prefilled insulin pen that contains 300 units of insulin and delivers doses between 1-80 units, in increments of 1 unit.

Do not give this medicine to children below one year since no clinical studies have been carried out in children below the age of 1 year.

Always use your insulin and adjust your dose exactly as your doctor has told you. Check with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you are not sure.

NovoLog (NovoRapid) also comes in cartridges and vials.

Warnings and Precautions

Do not use this medication if you have an allergy (hypersensitive) to insulin aspart or other ingredients contained in NovoLog. Do not use the Flexpen if you feel hypoglycemia coming on (low blood sugar). Please do not use this medication if it is damaged, dropped, crushed, or frozen. If the insulin is not clear and colorless, do not administrate.

Monitor your symptoms closely, such as weight gain, heart failure, and edema (fluid retention (fluid deposition in tissue).

It is recommended not to consume alcohol as it may decrease or increase blood glucose levels.

Your doctor may adjust your insulin and insulin schedule if you are traveling across different time zones. If you are traveling to another country, you should bring extra insulin or ensure that the destination country carries your prescription medication.

NovoLog Flexpen may decrease potassium levels and lead to hypokalemia and, if left untreated, may also lead to irregular heartbeat rhythm, respiratory paralysis, coma, and become fatal.

Avoid taking NovoLog Flexpen if you are currently experiencing low blood glucose levels, liver or kidney issues, or problems with other prescription medication, recreational drugs, or alcohol.

Avoid alcohol consumption since it may also lead to a fall in your blood sugar levels.

Usage

NovoLog Flexpen 100U/ml Injection 3ml should be used 5-10 minutes before having a mean and injected in the upper thigh or abdomen (waist). Injecting in the stomach provides faster absorption compared to other injection sites.

If you suddenly stop taking NovoLog Flexpen 100U/ml Injection, you may experience withdrawal symptoms. Consult with your doctor before adjusting, rationing, or stopping the consumption of your prescription insulin.

Always follow NovoLog FlexPen instructions and dosage carefully and as advised by your doctor or pharmacist. It can be taken with or without food.

As with taking any insulin, patients should monitor blood glucose levels regularly to achieve optimal glycemic control.

Consume a snack or meal within 10 minutes of injection to prevent hypoglycemia. Even though NovoLog is administered before meals.

NovoLog can be used in children instead of soluble human insulin when a rapid onset effect is preferred. For example, when it is difficult to dose the child with meals.

Before administering insulin, clean the surface area of the injection site to prevent an infection.

The usual dose is between 0.5 and 1.0 units per kilogram body weight per day. When used with meals, 50 to 70% of the insulin requirement may be provided by NovoLog and the remainder by intermediate or long-acting insulin.

A NovoLog Flexpen 100U/ml Injection 3ml should be followed by a meal/snack within 30 minutes containing sugar/glucose (carbohydrates).

NovoLog Flexpen 100U/ml Injection 3ml is typically administered once or twice daily when both rapid and prolonged effects of insulin are achieved.

Speak to a doctor, nurse, diabetes educator, or pharmacist if you are not well trained in administering your medication.

Side Effects

Injection site reactions (such as pain, redness, irritation) or weight gain may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that your benefit is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any severe side effects, including signs of low potassium level in the blood (such as muscle cramps, weakness, irregular heartbeat).

This medication can cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). This may occur if you do not consume enough calories from food or do heavy exercises or take too much insulin. Symptoms of low blood sugar include sudden sweating, shaking, fast heartbeat, hunger, blurred vision, dizziness, or tingling hands/feet. It is a good habit to carry glucose tablets or gel to treat low blood sugar. If you don’t have these reliable forms of glucose, rapidly raise your blood sugar by eating a quick source of sugar such as table sugar, honey, candy, or drinking fruit juice or non-diet soda. Tell your doctor right away about the reaction and the use of this product. To help prevent low blood sugar, eat meals regularly, and do not skip meals. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to find out what you should do if you miss a meal.

Symptoms of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) include thirst, increased urination, confusion, drowsiness, flushing, rapid breathing, and fruity breath odor. If these symptoms occur, tell your doctor right away. Your dosage may need to be increased.

A severe allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, including rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.