About Novolog/NovoRapid Cartridges
(See the Original Document here)
NovoRapid, contained in NovoRapid Cartridges, is a rapid-acting insulin meant to manage glycemic control in adult and pediatric patients with diabetes. NovoRapid cartridges contain insulin aspart. NovoRapid is suitable for mealtime insulin since it begins to function more quickly than other types of insulin. Insulin aspart is human-made insulin, and it achieved higher peak insulin concentrations in less time and with a shorter duration of action compared to regular human insulin. Insulin aspart is sold under the brand names NovoLog and Fiasp and is used to treat Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Other ingredients in NovoRapid cartridges are glycerol, phenol, metacresol, zinc chloride, sodium chloride, disodium phosphate dihydrate, sodium hydroxide, hydrochloric acid, and water for injection. Within 10–20 minutes, NovoRapid will start to lower your blood sugar and have a maximum effect between 1 and 3 hours, and the effects last for 3-5 hours. Typically, doctors prescribe NovoRapid in conjunction with intermediate-acting or long-acting insulin preparations.
NovoRapid cartridges are available as a clear and colorless solution. NovoRapid Cartridges, like NovoRapid FlexTouch, are durable insulin delivery devices designed for its use. It allows for half-unit dosing. Penfill cartridges have a lower environmental impact compared to prefilled disposable insulin pens.
What are NovoRapid cartridges used for?
This NovoRapid Cartridge contains NovoRapid Insulin and can be used with a pen cartridge device to provide mealtime insulin that diabetic patients who are on insulin therapy can use to reduce blood sugar increases after meals. Aspart is a comprehensive insulin therapy regimen. This insulin is used in conjunction with long-acting insulin. You must take NovoRapid 20 minutes or less before a meal, whichever comes first into the abdomen, upper arm, buttocks, or front of your waist.
NovoRapid is insulin-aspart and contains vitamin B3 (niacinamide) in its formulation. This helps to speed up insulin absorption in your body to help maintain insulin levels. It enters the bloodstream quickly, in approximately 2½ minutes. This way, you can take NovoRapid at the meal’s start or 20 minutes after the start.
NovoRapid is available from Novo Nordisk Canada in the following format:
- NovoRapid vials, 10 mL or 1000 units
- NovoRapid Flexpen, 3 mL or 300 units
- NovoRapid Cartridge, 3 mL (designed for use with Novo Nordisk Insulin Delivery Devices)
What is the dosage of NovoRapid cartridges?
Your doctor will individualize the dosage of NovoRapid Cartridges based on the patient’s metabolic needs, blood glucose monitoring results, and glycemic control goals. You can make the initial conversion from another mealtime insulin to NovoRapid on a unit-to-unit basis.
How do I store NovoRapid cartridges?
NovoRapid Cartridge/Penfill/Vial
- Not used; store in a refrigerator, 36°F–46°F (2°C to 8°C). If the liquid becomes frozen, dispose of the pen.
- Used: Leave it at room temperature of less than 30 °C. Throw away the NovoRapid cartridge after 4
NovoRapid Cartridges: Side Effects
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Some signs and symptoms include anxiety, irritability, mood changes, dizziness or lightheartedness, sweating, confusion, and headaches.
- Low potassium in your blood (hypokalemia).
- Severe allergic reactions (whole-body reactions): trouble breathing; a fast heartbeat; swelling of your face, tongue, or throat; sweating; extreme drowsiness; dizziness or confusion. Get help immediately.
- Heart failure. Taking certain diabetes pills called TZDs (thiazolidinediones) with Fiasp® may cause heart failure in some people.
Common Side Effects of NovoRapid Cartridges:
- skin problems such as eczema
- rash
- itching
- Dermatitis is characterized by redness and swelling of the skin.
- Reactions at the injection site, including itching, rash, skin thickening, or pits at the injection site (lipodystrophy),
- weight gain.
Before using NovoRapid cartridges, talk to your doctor if you:
- Have liver or kidney issues?
- Take other medicines, especially ones called TZDs (thiazolidinediones).
- Drink alcohol.
- Suffer from diarrhea, vomiting, or eating less than usual.
- Exercise more than usual.
- Are ill.
- Traveling over time zones.
- Have heart failure or other heart problems.
- Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
- Are you breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed?
- Drive or use tools or machines.
Never share a syringe or pen while using a single-person syringe or pen when injecting NovoRapid cartridges with other patients, even if you use a new needle. Monitor your condition each time the doctor changes your dose for hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia. Do not inject insulin in the same area to prevent lipodystrophy or localized cutaneous amyloidosis.
The symptoms of hypoglycemia may include:
- Dizziness or lightheartedness
- blurred vision
- anxiety, irritability, or mood changes
- sweating
- slurred speech
- hunger
- confusion or drowsiness.
- shakiness
- weakness
- headache
- fast heartbeat
- feeling jittery
Remember that regular physical exercise is crucial to treating diabetes or managing prediabetes, along with your diet planning, weight management, and medications. Being active increases the responsiveness of your cells to insulin, leading to a more successful lowering of your blood glucose, also known as blood sugar. Take your medications regularly, and follow up with your healthcare specialist.
