Description
Description
NovoLog Penfill (also known as NovoRapid in Canada), is an insulin pen injection cartridge.
1 Novolo Penfill cartridge contains 3 ml equivalent to 300 units.1 ml solution contains 100 units insulin aspart (equivalent to 3.5 mg).
Ensure you are ordering the correct penfill cartridges, as many insulin brands supply cartridges for their products (such as Levemir).
It is used to treat patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus who require insulin to manage their glucose levels and avoid hypoglycemia.
Doctors typically prescribe this rapid-acting insulin as meal-time insulin to help reduce blood glucose levels after meals.
NovoLog Penfill is designed to be used with Novo Nordisk insulin delivery systems and NovoFine or NovoTwist needles. NovoLogPenfill is only suitable for subcutaneous injections from a reusable pen. If administration by syringe or intravenous injection is necessary, a vial should be used. If administration by infusion pump is necessary, a vial or NovoLog PumpCart should be used.
NovoLog (NovoRapid) Is also available in FlexPens and vials.
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Before Taking NovoLog
Before Taking NovoLog
Notify your doctor if you have any health conditions or issues that you are experiencing. This can include the mentioned below.
– If you are having trouble with the liver or kidneys, adrenal, pituitary, or thyroid glands. Your doctor may adjust your insulin dosage depending on your individual needs.
– If you drink alcohol (including beer or wine) as this may drastically affect blood glucose levels
– If you have a fever, infection, or have had a recent operation that may require more insulin than usual.
– If you are vomiting or suffering from diarrhea.
– If you are exercising more than usual or looking to make dietary changes.
– If you are ill, continue taking your insulin as usual.
– If you are traveling abroad. Traveling to a new time zone may affect your insulin needs and schedule. Consult your doctor if you plan to travel and find out if they carry NovoRapid in the destination country. If possible, bring enough NovoRapid for your trip.
– If you are you pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy? Consult with your doctor for guidance.
– If you drive or use heavy machinery. Please pay attention to signs of hypoglycemia as it can affect your ability to concentrate, cause blurred vision or lose consciousness. Do not drive. You feel a hypoglycemia reaction coming on. Speak to your doctor about whether you should go or operate machinery.
Are you taking Thiazolidinediones, a class of oral antidiabetic drugs, together with your insulin? This may increase heart failure and edema. Let your doctor know if you are experiencing localized swelling (edema), signs of shortness of breath, or heart failure.
Let your doctor know about any prescription medications you are taking, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, minerals, supplements, and alternative treatments.
Warnings and Precautions
Warnings and Precautions
Always check the Penfill cartridge, including the plunger. Don’t use it if any damage is seen or a gap between the plunger and the white barcode label.
When taking insulin, diabetes patients need to monitor glucose levels regularly.
Never share this medication with others, even if they have the same symptoms as it can make them ill.
It is recommended to carry extra insulin as a precaution if the delivery device is lost or damaged.
Changes in dosage can lead to hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia. If adjustments are made to a patient’s dosage, they should be made cautiously and under medical supervision.
Do not be injected directly into a vein.
Always rotate injection sites. By repeating injections into the same site can lead to lipodystrophy or localized cutaneous amyloidosis.
NovoLog (NovoRapid) insulin should appear clear and colorless. Do not use if the substance appears cloudy, thick, or contains particles.
Keep the medication away from direct sunlight and heat. Dispose of medicines if it is past the expiration date.
Keep the medication away from children and pets.
Do not use this medication if you feel you are experiencing hypoglycemia.
Do not use if you are allergic to insulin aspart, metacresol, or any ingredients in this medication.
Do not refill the Penfill cartridge.
NovoRapid penfill cartridges are only to be used with Novo Nordisk Insulin Delivery Devices.
You should use two Novo Nordisk Insulin Delivery Devices if you use two types of insulin (NovoRapid Penfill and another Penfill cartridge).
Due to the rapid onset of this insulin, you may experience hypoglycemia earlier after injection when compared to soluble human insulin.
Usage
Usage
NovoLog (NovoRapid) insulin will begin to lower glucose levels 10-20 minutes after injection. It has a maximum effect between 1-3 hours and can last for up to 3-5 hours.
Since this preparation is short-acting, it is usually used in combination with intermediate-acting or long-acting insulin.
Side Effects
Side Effects
Like any medication, NovoLog (NovoRapid) can cause side effects; however, these are not experienced by everyone and are rare.
The most common side effect patients experience with this insulin is low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
If reactions to hypoglycemia are not treated, they can result in the loss of consciousness, coma, or even death.
If you lose consciousness, you may require a glucagon injection by someone who knows how to use it. Once you regain consciousness, you should consume a sugary snack or glucose tablet.
If you do not respond to the glucagon treatment, you will need to be treated at a hospital.
Inform the hospital and your doctor so they can find the reason for your hypoglycemia and provide treatment to avoid it from happening again.
Patients may also experience hyperglycemia which happens if blood glucose levels are too high.
This can happen if through several factors, including forgetting to take your insulin, repeatedly taking less insulin than required, eating more than usual, or exercising more than usual.
The warning signs are usually gradual. They may include increased thirst, increased urination, loss of appetite, drowsiness, flushed dry skin, feeling ill (nausea or vomiting), fruity (acetone) smelling breath, and dry mouth.
Hypokalemia (low potassium) is a possible risk when taking insulin. You may be at increased risk if you have diarrhea, which lowers potassium, or takes certain potassium drugs.)
This may include hives or rashes may occur. Seek medical advice if allergic reactions are present, you suddenly feel ill, start vomiting or feeling sick, have a rapid heartbeat, feel dizziness, difficulty breathing.
When you begin using the insulin, it may affect your vision. This disturbance is usually temporary.
If you inject yourself repeatedly at the exact location on the body, the fatty tissue under the skin may thicken or shrink. This is why it’s suggested to rotate injections sites to reduce these unwanted skin changes. If you notice skin thickening or pitting at the injection site, notify your doctor. This can be a serious concern and can affect the absorption of insulin.
When you start taking insulin, you may experience swelling caused by water retention in the ankles and joints. This is usually temporary.
If you experience diabetic retinopathy and your blood sugar levels improve quickly, the retinopathy may worsen. Speak to your doctor if you experience this.
If your blood glucose levels recover very quickly, this may result in nerve-related pain. This is also known as acute painful Neuropathy and is usually transient.
If you experience any side effects, inform your doctor, pharmacist, or diabetes educator, whether listed or not listed above.
Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions regarding this medication.
Drug Interactions
Drug Interactions
Below are common medications that can affect your insulin treatment and glucose levels.
Notify your doctor, pharmacist, or diabetes educator if you are taking any of the listed medications.
The following drugs may cause your blood sugar to drop (hypoglycemia): other diabetes medications, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI), beta-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, salicylates, anabolic steroids, and sulfonamides.
The following drugs may cause your blood sugar to rising (hyperglycemia): oral contraceptives (i.e., birth control pills), thiazides, glucocorticoids, thyroid hormones, sympathomimetics, growth hormone, danazol, octreotide and lanreotide, and beta-blockers.
