INSULIN ASPART (IN su lin AS part) treats diabetes. It works by increasing insulin levels in your body, which decreases your blood sugar (glucose). It belongs to a group of medications called rapid-acting insulins. Changes to diet and exercise are often combined with this medication.
What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
Episodes of low blood sugar
Eye disease, vision problems
Kidney disease
Liver disease
An unusual or allergic reaction to insulin, metacresol, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
Breast-feeding
How should I use this medication?
This medication is for injection under the skin. Use exactly as directed. It is important to follow the directions given to you by your care team. If you are using Novolog, you should start your meal within 5 to 10 minutes after injection. If you are using Fiasp, you should start your meal at the time of injection or within 20 minutes after injection. Have food ready before injection. Do not delay eating. You will be taught how to use this medication and how to adjust doses for activities and illness. Do not use more insulin than prescribed. Do not use more or less often than prescribed.
Always check the appearance of your insulin before using it. This medication should be clear and colorless like water. Do not use if it is cloudy, thickened, colored, or has solid particles in it.
If you use a pen, be sure to take off the outer needle cover before using the dose.
It is important that you put your used needles and syringes in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or care team to get one.
This medication comes with INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE. Ask your pharmacist for directions on how to use this medication. Read the information carefully. Talk to your pharmacist or care team if you have questions.
Talk to your care team regarding the use of this medication in children. While this medication may be prescribed for children as young as 2 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
What if I miss a dose?
It is important not to miss a dose. Your care team should discuss a plan for missed doses with you. If you do miss a dose, follow their plan. Do not take double doses.
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CHAT NOWWhat may interact with this medication?
Alcohol containing beverages
Antiviral medications for HIV or AIDS
Aspirin and aspirin-like medications
Beta-blockers like atenolol, metoprolol, propranolol
Certain medications for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances
Chromium
Clonidine
Diuretics
Estrogens and progestins
Guanethidine
Heart medications
Isoniazid
MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
Male hormones or anabolic steroids
Medications for weight loss
Medications for allergies, asthma, cold, or cough
Niacin
NSAIDs, medications for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen
Octreotide
Other medications for diabetes, like glyburide, glipizide, or glimepiride
Pentamidine
Phenytoin
Probenecid
Quinolone antibiotics like ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, ofloxacin
Reserpine
Some herbal dietary supplements
Steroid medications like prednisone or cortisone
Sulfamethoxazole; trimethoprim
Thyroid medication
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)—tremors or shaking, anxiety, sweating, cold or clammy skin, confusion, dizziness, rapid heartbeat
Low potassium level—muscle pain or cramps, unusual weakness or fatigue, fast or irregular heartbeat, constipation
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
Lipodystrophy—hardening or scarring of tissue at injection site
Pain, redness, or irritation at injection site
Weight gain
What should I watch for while using this medication?
Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress.
A test called the HbA1C (A1C) will be monitored. This is a simple blood test. It measures your blood sugar control over the last 2 to 3 months. You will receive this test every 3 to 6 months.
Learn how to check your blood sugar. Learn the symptoms of low and high blood sugar and how to manage them.
Always carry a quick-source of sugar with you in case you have symptoms of low blood sugar. Examples include hard sugar candy or glucose tablets. Make sure others know that you can choke if you eat or drink when you develop serious symptoms of low blood sugar, such as seizures or unconsciousness. They must get medical help at once.
Tell your care team if you have high blood sugar. You might need to change the dose of your medication. If you are sick or exercising more than usual, you might need to change the dose of your medication.
Do not skip meals. Ask your care team if you should avoid alcohol. Many nonprescription cough and cold products contain sugar or alcohol. These can affect blood sugar.
Make sure that you have the right kind of syringe for the type of insulin you use. Try not to change the brand and type of insulin or syringe unless your care team tells you to. Switching insulin brand or type can cause dangerously high or low blood sugar. Always keep an extra supply of insulin, syringes, and needles on hand. Use a syringe one time only. Throw away syringe and needle in a closed container to prevent accidental needle sticks.
Insulin pens and cartridges should never be shared. Even if the needle is changed, sharing may result in passing of viruses like hepatitis or HIV.
Each time you get a new box of pen needles, check to see if they are the same type as the ones you were trained to use. If not, ask your care team to show you how to use this new type properly.
Wear a medical ID bracelet or chain, and carry a card that describes your disease and details of your medication and dosage times.
Where should I keep my medication?
Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Unopened Vials:
Novolog Vials: Store in a refrigerator between 2 and 8 degrees C (36 and 46 degrees F) or at room temperature below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Do not freeze or use if the insulin has been frozen. Protect from light and excessive heat. If stored at room temperature, the vial must be discarded after 28 days. Throw away any unopened and unused medication that has been stored in the refrigerator after the expiration date.
Fiasp Vials: Store in a refrigerator between 2 and 8 degrees C (36 and 46 degrees F) or at room temperature below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Do not freeze or use if the insulin has been frozen. Protect from light and excessive heat. If stored at room temperature, the vial must be discarded after 28 days. Throw away any unopened and unused medication that has been stored in the refrigerator after the expiration date.
Unopened Pens and Cartridges:
Novolog Flexpens and cartridges: Store in a refrigerator between 2 and 8 degrees C (36 and 46 degrees F) or at room temperature below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Do not freeze or use if the insulin has been frozen. Protect from light and excessive heat. If stored at room temperature, the pen or cartridge must be discarded after 28 days. Throw away any unopened and unused medication that has been stored in the refrigerator after the expiration date.
Fiasp FlexTouch pens: Store in a refrigerator between 2 and 8 degrees C (36 and 46 degrees F) or at room temperature below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Do not freeze or use if the insulin has been frozen. Protect from light and excessive heat. If stored at room temperature, the pen must be discarded after 28 days. Throw away any unopened and unused medication that has been stored in the refrigerator after the expiration date.
Fiasp FlexTouch cartridges: Store at room temperature below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Do not refrigerate or freeze. Keep away from heat and light. Throw the cartridge away after 28 days, even if it still has insulin left in it.
Vials that you are using:
Novolog Vials: Store in the refrigerator or at room temperature below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Do not freeze. Keep away from heat and light. Throw the opened vial away after 28 days.
Fiasp Vials: Store in the refrigerator or at room temperature below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Do not freeze. Keep away from heat and light. Throw the opened vial away after 28 days.
Pens and cartridges that you are using:
Novolog Flexpens and cartridges: Store at room temperature below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Do not refrigerate or freeze. Keep away from heat and light. Throw away the pen or cartridge after 28 days, even if it still has insulin left in it.
Fiasp FlexTouch pens: Store in the refrigerator or at room temperature below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Do not freeze. Keep away from heat and light. Throw the pen away after 28 days, even if it still has insulin left in it.
Fiasp FlexTouch cartridges: Store at room temperature below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Do not refrigerate or freeze. Keep away from heat and light. Throw the cartridge away after 28 days, even if it still has insulin left in it.
K Health articles are all written and reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, or PharmDs and are for informational purposes only. This information does not constitute and should not be relied on for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment.
This information is educational only and should not be construed as specific instructions for individual patients nor as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Talk to your health care provider or pharmacist about the information and instructions. K Health assumes no liability for any use or reliance on this information.