What Is NovoRapid Penfill Used For?

NovoRapid Penfill contains insulin aspart, a rapid-acting insulin designed to help control blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.

Primary Uses

NovoRapid is used to treat diabetes mellitus in adults and children. It’s prescribed 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

NovoRapid lowers your blood sugar level after injection. When injected under your skin, it has a faster onset of action than regular human insulin. It takes effect within 10 to 20 minutes, with maximum effect occurring between 1-3 hours after injection, and effects lasting up to 5 hours. Due to its shorter duration, it has a lower risk of causing nighttime low blood sugar episodes.

How to Take NovoRapid Penfill

NovoRapid Penfill is designed to be used with Novo Nordisk insulin delivery systems and NovoFine needles. Your doctor will determine your specific dose based on your individual needs.

Dosage Instructions

Use NovoRapid immediately (up to 10 minutes) before your meal or carbohydrate snack. 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 to reduce risk of skin problems. Keep the needle under the skin for at least 6 seconds after injection. It’s recommended to eat a meal or snack containing carbohydrate within 10 minutes of the injection.

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 your injection, then return to your normal schedule.

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)
• Cold sweat and pale skin
• Fatigue, drowsiness, unusual tiredness
• Nervousness, anxiety, tremor, rapid heartbeat
• Confusion, difficulty concentrating
• Excessive hunger
• Vision changes
• Headache, nausea

Important Warnings

There are several important safety considerations before using NovoRapid Penfill.

Who Should Not Take NovoRapid Penfill

Do not use NovoRapid if you are allergic to insulin aspart or any ingredients in the medication, if you are experiencing low blood sugar when the dose is due, or if the medication has expired or been damaged. Signs of allergic reaction include redness, swelling, rash and itching at injection site, skin rash or hives, shortness of breath, wheezing, or swelling of face, lips, tongue or other body parts.

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. Inform your doctor if you experience signs of heart failure such as unusual shortness of breath, rapid weight gain, or localized swelling.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

NovoRapid 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 with NovoRapid during breastfeeding. Always discuss with your doctor the risks and benefits involved.

Drug Interactions

Some medicines may interfere with NovoRapid and affect how it works, which may require changes to your insulin dose.

• 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
• Aspirin and other salicylates
• Anabolic steroids
• Sulfonamides for bacterial infections
• Quinine for malaria prevention
• Glucocorticoids for inflammatory conditions
• Oral contraceptives
• Thiazides and other diuretics
• Thyroid hormones
• Growth hormone
• Octreotide and lanreotide

Alcohol & Driving

Both alcohol consumption and driving require special consideration when using NovoRapid.

Alcohol

Alcohol may mask the symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). If you drink alcohol, your need for insulin may change. Discuss alcohol consumption with your healthcare provider.

Driving and Operating Machinery

Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how the insulin affects you. If your blood sugar is low or high, your concentration and ability to react might be affected, which could impact your ability to drive or operate machinery safely.

Storage

Store unused NovoRapid Penfill cartridges between 2°C and 8°C in a refrigerator (not in or near the freezer section). The Penfill you are currently using or carrying as a spare can be kept at room temperature (not above 30°C) for up to 4 weeks. Discard the Penfill after 4 weeks even if insulin remains. Do not use if the medicine has been frozen or exposed to excessive heat.

Overdose Information

Using too much NovoRapid can cause dangerously low blood sugar levels (severe hypoglycemia). If you accidentally use too much, immediately eat sugary food or drink fruit juice and measure your blood sugar. For severe cases with unconsciousness, emergency glucagon injection may be needed, followed by medical attention. If you think you have used too much NovoRapid, contact your doctor immediately, go to the nearest hospital emergency department, or call the Poisons Information Centre at 13 11 26.

Frequently Asked Questions