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General Medication Fact Sheet for Novolog
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Medication Name | Novolog |
| Generic Name | insulin aspart |
| Purpose | To improve blood sugar control in adults and children with type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus. |
| Mechanism of Action | Novolog is a rapid-acting human insulin analog. It lowers blood glucose by stimulating glucose uptake by skeletal muscle and fat, and by inhibiting glucose production in the liver. It is designed to work quickly to cover the rise in blood sugar from meals. |
| Dosage Forms | Prefilled Pen (FlexPen), Cartridges (PenFill), 10 mL multi-dose Vial. |
| Available Strengths | 100 units/mL (U-100) |
| Dosage Frequency | Administered subcutaneously 5 to 10 minutes before the start of a meal. Dosage is highly individualized. |
| Common Side Effects | Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), injection site reactions (redness, swelling, itching), weight gain, thickening or pitting of the skin at the injection site (lipodystrophy), and rash. |
| Serious Side Effects | Severe hypoglycemia (can lead to seizures, coma, death), severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), and low potassium in the blood (hypokalemia). |
| Drug Interactions | Many drugs can affect blood sugar levels. Risk of hypoglycemia is increased with other diabetes drugs, ACE inhibitors, and certain antidepressants. Effectiveness may be decreased by corticosteroids, diuretics, and thyroid hormones. Beta-blockers can mask symptoms of low blood sugar. |
| Important Notes | This is a mealtime insulin and should typically be used with a long-acting (basal) insulin in patients with type 1 diabetes. Never share insulin pens or cartridges, even if the needle is changed. Blood glucose must be monitored closely. |
| Storage | Unopened vials, pens, and cartridges should be stored in a refrigerator (36°F to 46°F or 2°C to 8°C). Once in use, store at room temperature for up to 28 days. Do not freeze. Protect from light. |
| Missed Dose | If a mealtime dose is missed, monitor blood glucose levels closely and follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for correction doses. Do not take an extra dose to make up for a missed one. |
| Alternatives | Humalog (insulin lispro), Apidra (insulin glulisine), Fiasp (insulin aspart). |
Novolog Alternatives
| Medication | Mechanism of Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Humalog (insulin lispro) | Rapid-Acting Insulin Analog | Works very similarly to Novolog with a rapid onset of action for mealtime coverage. A primary competitor. |
| Apidra (insulin glulisine) | Rapid-Acting Insulin Analog | Another rapid-acting insulin used for mealtime blood sugar control. |
| Fiasp (insulin aspart) | Ultra-Rapid-Acting Insulin Analog | A newer formulation of the same molecule as Novolog, designed to be absorbed even faster. |
| Lyumjev (insulin lispro-aabc) | Ultra-Rapid-Acting Insulin Analog | A newer, ultra-rapid formulation of insulin lispro, designed for faster absorption. |
Novolog Side Effects
| Common Side Effects | Serious Side Effects |
|---|---|
| Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia): shakiness, sweating, dizziness, confusion, irritability, headache, hunger | Severe hypoglycemia: loss of consciousness, seizures |
| Injection site reactions (pain, redness, itching) | Low potassium (hypokalemia): muscle cramps, weakness, irregular heartbeat |
| Weight gain | Severe allergic reaction: rash over the whole body, trouble breathing, fast heartbeat, swelling of the face/tongue/throat |
| Thickening or pitting of skin at injection site (lipodystrophy) | Heart failure when used with certain other diabetes drugs (TZDs) |
Novolog Dosage Guide
| Condition | Starting Dose | Maintenance Dose | Administration Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus | Highly individualized based on metabolic needs, current insulin regimen, blood glucose monitoring, and glycemic control goals. | Adjusted based on blood glucose monitoring, carbohydrate intake, physical activity, and healthcare provider’s recommendations. | Administer as a subcutaneous injection into the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Rotate injection sites to reduce the risk of lipodystrophy. Inject 5 to 10 minutes before a meal. |
Novolog Price With And Without Insurance
| Purchase Context | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| With Insurance | $35 – $100 |
| Without Insurance (U.S.) | $300 – $500 |
| From Canada | $100 – $200 |

