NovoLog Vials (NovoRapid Vials)

NovoLog Vials (NovoRapid in Canada) by Novo Nordisk is an insulin used to treat diabetes in adults, adolescents, and children of 1 year and above. Its active ingredient is insulin aspart which is a rapid-acting insulin.

The insulin solution NovoLog (NovoRapid) is injected under the skin (subcutaneously). Injections are most commonly given into the abdomen, thigh, upper arm, or buttock. Diabetes educators and doctors can give you guidance on how to properly administer insulin.

Vials of NovoLog are typically taken before meals, but can also be taken after meals. A combined long-acting or intermediate insulin and NovoLog is often used to treat Type 2 diabetes. To determine the correct dosage for a patient, glucose levels should be tested regularly. Doctors may prescribe other insulin to your diabetes management schedule, including Lantus and Tresiba.

The dosage amount is commonly based on body weight, usually between 0.5 – 1.0 units per kg body weight per day. When taken with meals, 50-70% of the insulin requirement may be a combination of 50-70% of the NovoRapid insulin and the remainder with long-acting or intermediate insulin.

A pump system can be used with NovoLog Insulin to provide continuous insulin infusion under the skin (subcutaneously) or into a vein (intravenously) by a doctor or nurse.

NovoLog (NovoRapid) products are also available in KwikPens and cartridges.

Warnings and Precautions

To ensure proper usage and avoid side effects, speak with your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medication.

The injection site should be changed after every injection.

NovoLog (NovoRapid) is safe to be used by pregnant women however should be taken with the guidance of a doctor. See the pregnancy tab for more information.

Diabetes patients are recommended to monitor glucose levels regularly.

Any adjustments to insulin dosages should be made cautiously and under the guidance of a doctor.

Insulin should never be injected directly into a vein.

Do not share your prescription insulin with others, even if the needle has been changed. This can lead to spreading infections or blood pathogens. Your medicine may also be harmful to their health.

Usage

Check the label on your insulin medication before use to ensure you have the correct type of insulin.

Should be injected immediately before meals for fast onset of action. Injection of insulin should be 5-10 minutes before starting your meal).

NovoLog (NovoRapid) insulin should be injected in the front of the thigh, abdomen, upper arm, or buttocks. Insulin will work quicker if injected into the stomach.

Blood sugar levels should be measured regularly.

Due to NovoLog’s fast onset of action, it should be taken within 5-10 minutes of starting your meal. When necessary, NovoRapid can also be taken soon after a meal.

To prevent contamination, always use a new needle with every injection.

Side Effects

A side effect is an unwanted response when taking medication in regular doses. Like any medication, side effects can occur.

With the guidance and precautions by doctors and healthcare professionals, patients can experience safe and effective use.

The most common side effect with NovoRapid, as with any insulin, is hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels).

If hypoglycemia is not treated early, it can result in loss of consciousness, coma, and even fatal.

Seek medical attention immediately if you suddenly feel unwell, start vomiting, have difficulty breathing, dizziness, start sweating or rapid heartbeat, or if you are experiencing severe allergic reactions.

Vision problems may occur. Vision disturbance may happen at the start of your treatment but eventually, go away.

If you repeatedly inject the same site, the fatty tissue under the skin may become thick (lipohypertrophy) or shrink (lipoatrophy). By rotating the site of injection, you can avoid these skin issues from happening. If you notice any pitting or thickening of the skin, notify your doctor as these can change insulin absorption if these reactions become more severe.

Patients may experience swollen joints caused by water retention. This often happens around the ankles or other joints.

If you have diabetic retinopathy (changes in eye background) and your blood sugar levels improve quickly, your retinopathy may worsen.

Painful neuropathy is usually transient. If your blood glucose levels improve quickly, you may experience nerve-related pain.

If you experience any severe side effects or side effects not listed, it’s essential to notify your doctor.