Use the NovoLog® Answer Center to get the answers you seek about NovoLog® (insulin
aspart [rDNA origin] injection). You can find out more about the benefits associated
with using NovoLog®, whether it can be mixed with other insulin, and its most common
side effects. For more answers about NovoLog®, consult with your doctor.
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What is NovoLog®?
NovoLog® is a fast-acting insulin analog from Novo Nordisk—a world leader in diabetes care. It
is absorbed quickly by your body, so it starts working within minutes to lower your blood sugar.
This way, you may take your insulin and eat within 5 to 10 minutes, unlike the 30-minute wait
required with regular human insulin. NovoLog® should be taken with a basal, or long-acting,
insulin. Please see
Important Safety Information.
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What is a fast-acting insulin analog?
A fast-acting insulin analog, such as NovoLog®, is an insulin therapy similar to
the insulin that the body makes after meals. It is called an insulin analog because
it is an altered form of natural human insulin developed to be absorbed more quickly
by the body. This helps fast-acting insulin analogs act fast to provide the insulin
needed by the body at mealtime.
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What are the benefits of fast-acting insulin analogs?
- Improved sugar control after meals
- Adjustable dosing schedule
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How does NovoLog® work?
NovoLog® is a fast-acting insulin analog. It is an altered form of natural human
insulin developed to be absorbed more quickly by the body. This helps NovoLog® act
fast to provide the insulin needed by the body at mealtime.
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What are some of the benefits of NovoLog®?
- Works fast—take it and eat within 5 to 10 minutes
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Allows you to adjust your insulin according to any changes in your schedule or eating habits
- Performs similar to the body's own insulin release after eating
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Available in multiple insulin delivery systems, including 10-mL vials, 3-mL PenFill® cartridges, and in NovoLog® FlexPen®
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Can NovoLog® be mixed with other insulin?
NovoLog® can be mixed with NPH insulin. See the Prescribing Information for more
details about mixing NovoLog® with other types of insulin. Any change in therapy
should be made cautiously and only under medical supervision.
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Can I take NovoLog® if I'm taking other medications?
Yes. But, as with all insulin, several substances may affect the way NovoLog® works.
Some of these medications may increase your risk of hypoglycemia,
while others may cause hyperglycemia. As a result,
your doctor may need to adjust your insulin dose. In addition, you may need to monitor
your blood sugar levels particularly closely. It's very important to talk to your
doctor about any medications you are taking.
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Are there any side effects that I can expect when taking NovoLog®?
The safety of NovoLog® in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes has been studied
in several clinical studies. When NovoLog® was compared with regular human insulin,
there was no difference in the frequency of adverse events between the 2 treatments.
Side effects commonly associated with human insulin therapy include allergic reactions,
injection-site irritation and rashes, and hypoglycemia. Get medical help right away
if you experience signs of serious allergic reaction such as body rash, trouble
with your breathing, fast heartbeat, or sweating.
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How is NovoLog® supplied?
NovoLog® is available in 10-mL vials, 3-mL PenFill® cartridges, and in NovoLog®
FlexPen®.
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How and where should NovoLog® be stored?
NovoLog® should be stored in the refrigerator—between 2°C and 8°C (36°F and 46°F)—until
first use. Do not freeze. NovoLog® FlexPen® cartridges and vials that are in use
may be kept at room temperature—below 30°C (86°F)—for up to 28 days. Do not store
NovoLog® in areas of extreme moisture and where there may be extreme temperatures,
such as in a freezer or car.
NovoLog® FlexPen®, 3-mL PenFill® cartridge,* and 10-mL vial: stable in storage
|
Temperature
|
Storage
|
In use†‡
(opened)
|
Room temperature
(up to 86°F)
|
28 days
|
Not in use
(unopened)
|
Room temperature
(up to 86°F)
|
28 days
|
Not in use
(unopened)
|
Refrigerated
|
Until expiration date
|
| |
*
|
3-mL PenFill® cartridge is available for NovoPen®
Junior and NovoPen®.
| |
†
|
FlexPen® and PenFill® cartridges in use (opened)
must NOT be stored in the refrigerator.
| |
‡
|
Vials in use (opened) may be stored in the refrigerator.
|
|
NovoLog®: designed to take the heat
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NovoLog® in the 3-mL PenFill® cartridge and vial is
stable at temperatures up to 86°F once in use (opened) and does not require refrigeration
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NovoLog® remains heat stable in pumps at normal body temperature
(up to 98.6°F)
|
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Is a prescription needed for NovoLog®?
Yes, your doctor must write a prescription for NovoLog®.
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What insulin delivery systems are available for use with NovoLog®?
NovoLog® FlexPen® is a way to take NovoLog® via a prefilled, disposable insulin pen delivery system. NovoLog® FlexPen® may be used up to 28 days without refrigeration once in use. The large, clear dosing window allows for accurate dose setting and adjustment. NovoLog® FlexPen® can be used with NovoFine® short, fine disposable needles.
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What is NovoLog® FlexPen®?
NovoLog® FlexPen® is a way to take NovoLog® via a prefilled, disposable insulin pen delivery
system. NovoLog® FlexPen® may be used up to 28 days without refrigeration once in use. The large, clear dosing window allows for accurate dose setting and adjustment. NovoLog® FlexPen® can be used with NovoFine® disposable needles. These short, fine needles are preferred by patients, designed for simplicity, are reliable and user-friendly, and are designed to help make insulin injections more comfortable.
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How do I learn to use NovoLog® FlexPen®?
Before using, speak with your health care provider and refer to the NovoLog® FlexPen®
Patient Instructions for Use that come with NovoLog® FlexPen®.
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How can I dose accurately with NovoLog® FlexPen®?
NovoLog® FlexPen® comes prefilled with 3 mL (300 units) of fast-acting NovoLog® (insulin aspart [rDNA origin] injection) and is ready to use in just a few steps. You just set the dial, attach a NovoFine® disposable needle, and inject. The dial-dosing scale window is large and clear. Dial the dose selector to get an accurate dose. Be sure to read the NovoLog® FlexPen® Patient Instructions for Use that come with NovoLog® FlexPen® before injecting.
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What if I make a mistake dialing my dose?
Dial up to your dose. If you dial too much, just dial right back down to the correct
dose.
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Does NovoLog® FlexPen® need to be refilled?
No. NovoLog® FlexPen® comes prefilled with 3 mL (300 units) of fast-acting NovoLog®
(insulin aspart [rDNA origin] injection) and is ready to use in just a few steps.
When finished, safely dispose of it as you would an insulin syringe and start with
a new NovoLog® FlexPen®.
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Is NovoLog® FlexPen® right for me?
If you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, ask your health care provider if NovoLog® FlexPen® may be right for you. NovoLog® is covered by most insurance plans and is available in FlexPen®⎯the discreet, prefilled, dial-a-dose insulin pen. NovoLog® is also safe and effective to use in an insulin pump for children with type 1 diabetes over the age of 2, and adults.
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Can I take NovoLog® FlexPen® with me when I go places?
Yes! NovoLog® FlexPen® fits in your pocket or purse, so it is discreet.
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Where can I get NovoLog®?
Ask your doctor if NovoLog® is right for you. If NovoLog® is recommended, you must get a prescription from your doctor and take it to your pharmacy to be filled. For additional information,
contact your doctor.
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How can I find out more about NovoLog®?
If you still have questions or would like additional information about NovoLog®,
contact the Novo Nordisk Customer Care Center at 1-800-727-6500.
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What additional diabetes support does Novo Nordisk provide?
For more than 80 years, the main focus of Novo Nordisk has been on diabetes and
insulin therapy. This commitment has resulted in some of the most important advances
in diabetes therapy: the first NPH insulin, the first human insulin (used as the
standard by the World Health Organization), and the first premixed human insulin.
Novo Nordisk has also recognized that successful diabetes management also requires
good education and training. Therefore, a range of educational materials and support
programs—both for people with diabetes and health care professionals—is an essential
part of our service. For additional information, visit
www.cornerstones4care.com or
contact the Novo Nordisk Customer Care Center at 1-800-727-6500.
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What additional diabetes products does Novo Nordisk provide?
Our portfolio of insulins and delivery systems is the result of over 80 years of
diabetes innovation and leadership. For additional information, visit NovoNordiskCare.com
or contact the Novo Nordisk Customer Care Center at 1-800-727-6500.
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Is NovoLog® approved for pump use?
Yes, NovoLog® is a fast-acting insulin approved for use in pumps for children with
type 1 diabetes and adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
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What are the benefits of using NovoLog® in my pump?
NovoLog® is chemically stable and effective in pumps. To avoid insulin degradation, infusion set
occlusion, and loss of the preservative (metacresol), reservoirs should be discarded after 6 days, infusion sets should be discarded after 3 days, and the injection site should be changed at least every 48 hours. Insulin exposed to temperatures higher than 37° C (98.6° F) should be discarded.
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How does NovoLog® work in pumps?
Program the pump for NovoLog® basal infusion and mealtime NovoLog® bolus doses according
to your doctor's and the pump manufacturer's instructions. See the Prescribing Information
for detailed instructions on how to use NovoLog® in an insulin pump.
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What is hypoglycemia?
Hypoglycemia is a condition you may experience when your blood sugar gets too low.
When this happens you may feel
- Weak or tired
- Hungry
- Dizzy or shaky
- Nervous or upset
- Sweaty
- Like your heart is beating too fast
- Like your vision is blurry
Check your blood sugar right away if you have any of these symptoms. If you think
your blood sugar is low but you cannot check it at that time, eat or drink something
high in sugar right away, such as
- 4 ounces (1/2 cup) of regular fruit juice (like orange, apple, or grape juice)
- 4 ounces (1/2 cup) of regular soda (not diet)
- 3 or 4 glucose tablets
- 5 to 6 hard candies that you can chew quickly (such as mints)
Always check with your doctor on how to treat your low blood sugar.
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What is hyperglycemia?
Hyperglycemia is a condition you may experience when our blood sugar gets too high.
When this happens you may feel
- Very thirsty or hungry
- Need to pass urine more than usual
- Feel like your mouth and skin are dry
- Have blurry vision
- Feel sleepy
- Notice that infections or injuries you have heal more slowly than usual
If you have any of these symptoms, check your blood sugar. If it is too high, you
can help lower your blood sugar if you
- Follow your meal plan
- Do some physical activity (follow your physical activity plan)
- Take your medicine as directed by your doctor
Always check with your doctor on how to treat your high blood sugar. Call your diabetes
care team if your blood sugar level has been above your goal for 3 days and you
don't know why.
