NovoMix 30 Penfill (Insulin Aspart)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is NovoMix 30 Penfill Used For?
NovoMix 30 Penfill contains insulin aspart, a mixture of rapid-acting and longer-acting insulin used to treat diabetes mellitus in both adults and children.
Primary Uses
NovoMix 30 is used to treat diabetes mellitus, a condition where your pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin to control your blood sugar levels. It’s used for both Type 1 diabetes (where patients always require insulin) and Type 2 diabetes (where some patients may need insulin after initial treatment with diet, exercise and tablets).
How It Works
NovoMix 30 is a pre-mixed suspension consisting of 30% rapid-acting insulin aspart and 70% longer-acting protamine insulin aspart. It lowers your blood sugar level after injection, taking effect within 10 to 20 minutes. The maximum effect occurs between 1-4 hours after injection and may last for up to 24 hours.
Good to know: NovoMix 30 is not addictive.
How to Take NovoMix 30 Penfill
NovoMix 30 Penfill is designed to be used with Novo Nordisk insulin delivery systems and NovoFine needles. Your doctor or diabetes education nurse will tell you exactly how much to use.
Dosage Instructions
Use NovoMix 30 immediately (up to 10 minutes) before your meal. When necessary, it may be used immediately after the meal. Inject under the skin into the abdomen, thighs, buttocks or upper arms. Change your injection site regularly. Always use a new needle for each injection. Before each injection, resuspend the insulin by rolling the cartridge between your palms 10 times, then moving it up and down 10 times until it appears uniformly white and cloudy.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you forget your insulin dose, test your blood sugar level as soon as possible. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and use your next dose when scheduled. Otherwise, use it as soon as you remember and eat some carbohydrate within 10 minutes of injection, then return to your normal schedule.
Important: Do not use a double dose of your insulin. Any change in dose or type of insulin should be made cautiously and only under medical supervision.
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia)
- Injection site reactions (redness, swelling, rash, itching)
- Skin changes at injection site (lipodystrophy)
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Severe allergic reactions (rash, hives, shortness of breath, wheezing, swelling of face, lips, tongue)
- Severe hypoglycemia (unconsciousness, seizures)
- Severe hyperglycemia leading to diabetic ketoacidosis
- Heart failure symptoms (unusual shortness of breath, rapid weight gain, localized swelling)
Important Warnings
There are important safety considerations before using NovoMix 30 Penfill.
Who Should Not Take NovoMix 30 Penfill
Do not use if you are allergic to insulin aspart or any ingredients listed. Do not use if you are experiencing low blood sugar levels when the dose is due. Do not use if the expiry date has passed or if packaging is damaged.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Talk to your doctor if you have kidney or liver problems, adrenal, pituitary or thyroid gland problems, heart disease, or history of stroke. Some patients with long-standing type 2 diabetes and heart disease who are treated with thiazolidinediones in combination with insulin may develop heart failure.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
NovoMix 30 can be used during pregnancy, but pregnancy may make managing diabetes more difficult. Insulin needs usually decrease during the first three months and increase during the last six months. There are no restrictions on treatment during breast-feeding.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with NovoMix 30 and affect how it works, which may mean your insulin dose needs to change.
- Other diabetes medicines
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) for depression
- Alpha-blocking agents for high blood pressure
- Beta-blocking agents for heart conditions
- ACE inhibitors for heart conditions and high blood pressure
- Salicylates like aspirin
- Anabolic steroids
- Sulfonamides for bacterial infections
- Quinine for malaria prevention
- Quinidine for heart problems
- Glucocorticoids for inflammatory conditions
- Oral contraceptives
- Thiazides for high blood pressure
- Thyroid hormones
- Sympathomimetics for asthma
- Growth hormone
- Danazol for endometriosis
- Octreotide and lanreotide for hormone-related conditions
Alcohol & Driving
Both alcohol consumption and driving require special precautions when using NovoMix 30.
Alcohol
Alcohol may mask the symptoms of low blood sugar levels (hypos). If you drink alcohol, your need for insulin may change.
Driving and Operating Machinery
If your blood sugar is low or high, your concentration and ability to react might be affected, which can impact your ability to drive or operate machinery.
Storage
Store unused NovoMix 30 Penfill cartridges between 2°C and 8°C in a refrigerator (not in or near the freezer section). Do not keep the cartridge you are currently using in the refrigerator. You can use it for up to 4 weeks below 30°C after taking it out of the refrigerator. Discard after 4 weeks even if there is still insulin left. Do not use if frozen or exposed to excessive heat.
Overdose Information
Using too much NovoMix 30 can cause dangerously low blood sugar levels (severe hypoglycemia). Symptoms include cold sweat, fatigue, nervousness, confusion, excessive hunger, vision changes, and headache. Immediately eat sugary food or drink fruit juice. If you lose consciousness, someone should turn you on your side, get medical help immediately, and not give you anything to eat or drink. Contact your doctor, go to the nearest hospital emergency department, or call the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26) if you think you have used too much.
Frequently Asked Questions
NovoMix 30 takes effect within 10 to 20 minutes after injection. The maximum effect occurs between 1-4 hours after injection and the effect may last for up to 24 hours.
Yes, NovoMix 30 should normally be used immediately (up to 10 minutes) before your meal. When necessary, it may be used immediately after the meal. It’s recommended that you eat a meal containing carbohydrate within 10 minutes of the injection.
No, NovoMix 30 is not addictive.
Do not stop using NovoMix 30 unless your doctor tells you to. Keep using your insulin even if you feel well – it helps control your condition but does not cure it.
Alcohol may mask the symptoms of low blood sugar levels (hypos). If you drink alcohol, your need for insulin may change. Discuss alcohol consumption with your doctor.
If you forget your insulin dose, test your blood sugar level as soon as possible. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Otherwise, use it as soon as you remember and eat some carbohydrate within 10 minutes, then return to your normal schedule. Do not use a double dose.
Store unused cartridges between 2°C and 8°C in a refrigerator. Don’t keep the cartridge you’re currently using in the refrigerator. You can use it for up to 4 weeks below 30°C after removing from the refrigerator. Always discard after 4 weeks even if insulin remains.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.