insulin aspart

Make sure you know how to use NovoLog (insulin aspart) properly and safely to avoid accidentally hurting yourself or wasting the medication. Carefully review the instructions for use, and contact your provider or pharmacist for specific directions and for any questions you have.

If you're prescribed NovoLog (insulin aspart) with other types of insulin, ask your provider or pharmacist about the best way to take your insulins. You might need to take each insulin medication at different times of the day. Don't mix other types of insulins in the same syringe as NovoLog (insulin aspart), unless your provider told you to.

Don't use NovoLog (insulin aspart) if you plan to skip a meal, unless your provider specifically told you to do so. Using NovoLog (insulin aspart) without a meal raises your risk for hypoglycemia (dangerously low blood sugar).

Ask your provider about when you should check your blood sugar during the day as you use NovoLog (insulin aspart). Make sure to keep a log of your blood sugar readings and show it to your provider at your office visits. This helps you and your provider keep track of how well you're responding to NovoLog (insulin aspart) and whether you need dose adjustments.

It's important that you and your loved ones know how to recognize and treat low blood sugar. Common symptoms include shakiness, anxiety, and hunger. Always keep fast-acting sugar, such as glucose tablets, with you at all times so you can take it if your blood sugar level drops too low. Follow the "15-15 rule" to treat low blood sugar levels (below 70 mg/dL).

Store unopened vials and pens in the refrigerator until the expiration date. You can also keep them at room temperature for up to 28 days.

Store opened vials in the refrigerator or at room temperature for up to 28 days. Keep opened pens at room temperature for up to 28 days; don't put them in the refrigerator.

Always use a new needle for each injection to help prevent infections and blocked needles. Don't reuse or share your injection supplies with other people to avoid spreading infections.

Before each time you use NovoLog (insulin aspart), double check that you're using the correct insulin product and that your dose (number of units) that you've prepared is correct. This is important to prevent dosing mistakes that could lead to dangerously low blood sugars if you accidentally inject too much insulin.

For NovoLog pens (FlexPen and FlexTouch): Prime the pen each time before you dial your dose and inject. This makes sure there aren't any air bubbles in your dose. Turn the dose selector to 2 units, hold the pen with the needle pointing up, gently tap it so any air bubbles go to the top, and push the dose button until the dose counter says "0." Repeat if you don't see any insulin at the needle tip.

For under-the-skin injections: Inject NovoLog (insulin aspart) within 5 to 10 minutes before a meal. Inject the medication under the skin in the stomach area, buttocks, upper legs (thighs), or upper arms. Pick a different injection site each time to prevent hard lumps from forming in the skin or pitted or thickened skin.

For continuous infusion pumps: Infuse NovoLog (insulin aspart) into an area of the body recommended by the manufacturer of the pump. Rotate injection sites to prevent skin irritation. Change the medication in the pump at least once per week or according to the user manual, whichever is shorter. Also replace any medication in the pump that's been exposed to temperatures above 98.6°F.

After injecting NovoLog (insulin aspart), throw the needle or syringe away in a sharps container or something made of heavy-duty plastic (e.g., empty milk carton, laundry detergent bottle). This helps lower the risk of needle-stick injuries. Don't throw away needles or syringes in your trash can. Visit the FDA's website for guidance on how to safely throw away your sharps container in your specific state.