What Is NovoRapid Vial Used For?

NovoRapid Vial contains insulin aspart, a rapid-acting insulin used to treat diabetes mellitus in both adults and children. It helps control blood sugar levels when your pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin naturally.

Primary Uses

NovoRapid is used to treat 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). It lowers blood sugar levels after injection and is suitable for injection under the skin or continuous infusion in a pump system.

How It Works

When injected under your skin, NovoRapid 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. The effect may last for up to 5 hours. Due to its shorter duration of action, NovoRapid has a lower risk of causing nighttime low blood sugar episodes.

How to Take NovoRapid Vial

NovoRapid should be used exactly as prescribed by your doctor or diabetes education nurse. The timing and injection technique are crucial for proper blood sugar control.

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 into the abdomen, thighs, buttocks or upper arms. Change your injection site regularly to reduce the risk of skin problems. Use U100 insulin syringes and follow proper injection technique as shown by your healthcare provider. Keep the needle under the skin for at least 6 seconds to ensure the full dose is injected.

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. Never use a double dose. Contact your doctor, diabetes education nurse or pharmacist if you’re unsure what to do.

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) – most common side effect
• 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

Before using NovoRapid, it’s essential to discuss your medical history and current medications with your healthcare provider to ensure safe use.

Who Should Not Take NovoRapid Vial

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

Tell 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. 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

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. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

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
• Salicylates like aspirin
• Anabolic steroids
• Sulfonamides for bacterial infections
• Quinine for malaria prevention
• Quinidine for heart problems
• Glucocorticoids for inflammatory conditions
• Oral contraceptives
• Thiazides and other diuretics
• Thyroid hormones
• Sympathomimetics for asthma
• Growth hormone
• Danazol for endometriosis
• Oxymetholone for blood disorders
• Diazoxide for high blood pressure
• Nicotinic acid for high cholesterol
• Asparaginase for leukemia
• Octreotide and lanreotide for hormone-related conditions

Alcohol & Driving

Both alcohol consumption and driving require special consideration when using NovoRapid due to blood sugar effects.

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

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 safely. Monitor your blood sugar levels before driving.

Storage

Store unopened NovoRapid 10mL vials between 2°C and 8°C in a refrigerator (not in or near the freezer section). The vial you are currently using can be kept at room temperature (not above 30°C) or in the refrigerator for up to 4 weeks. Discard the vial after 4 weeks even if insulin remains. Do not use if the medication has been frozen or exposed to excessive heat.

Overdose Information

Using too much NovoRapid can cause dangerously low blood sugar (severe hypoglycemia). If you suspect overdose, immediately contact your doctor, go to the nearest hospital emergency department, or call the Poisons Information Centre at 13 11 26. Always carry sugary food or fruit juice. For severe hypoglycemia with unconsciousness, glucagon injection may be needed, and medical attention is required. Untreated severe hypoglycemia can cause brain damage or death.

Frequently Asked Questions