Insulin Aspart: What to Know Before You Take It
Also known as NovoLog, Fiasp
A patient-focused safety profile with information from public regulatory sources.
In plain language
What Insulin Aspart is used for
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE NOVOLOG is indicated to improve glycemic control in adults and pediatric patients with diabetes mellitus. NOVOLOG is rapid acting human insulin analog indicated to improve glycemic control in adults and pediatric patients with diabetes mellitus ( 1 ).
Read before you decide
Risks and precautions
Risks and warnings
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS • Never share a NOVOLOG FlexPen or a NOVOLOG FlexTouch, PenFill cartridge or PenFill cartridge device between patients, even if the needle is changed ( 5.1 ). • Hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia with changes in insulin regimen: Make changes to a patient’s insulin regimen (e.g., insulin strength, manufacturer, type, injection site or method of administration) under close medical supervision with increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring ( 5.2 ). • Hypoglycemia: May be life-threatening. Increase frequency of glucose monitoring with changes to: insulin dosage, concomitantly administered glucose lowering medications, meal pattern, physical activity; and in patients with renal or hepatic impairments and hypoglycemia unawareness ( 5. 3). • Medication Errors: Accidental mix-ups between insulin products can occur. Instruct patients to check insulin labels before injection ( 5. 4). • Hypersensitivity reactions: Severe, life-threatening, generalized allergy, including anaphylaxis, may occur. Discontinue NOVOLOG, treat, and monitor, if indicated ( 5.5 ). • Hypokalemia: May be life-threatening. Monitor potassium levels in patients at risk of hypokalemia and treat if indicated ( 5. 6). • Fluid retention and heart failure with concomitant use of thiazolidinediones (TZDs): Observe for signs and symptoms of heart failure; consider dosage reduction or discontinuation if heart failure occurs ( 5.7 ). • Hyperglycemia and Ketoacidosis Due to Insulin Pump Device Malfunction: Monitor glucose and administer NOVOLOG by subcutaneous injection if pump malfunction occurs ( 5.8 ). 5.1 Never Share a NOVOLOG FlexPen, NOVOLOG FlexTouch, PenFill Cartridge, or PenFill Cartridge Device between Patients NOVOLOG FlexPen, NOVOLOG FlexTouch, PenFill cartridge, and PenFill cartridge devices should never be shared between patients, even if the needle is changed. Patients using NOVOLOG vials must never share needles or syringes with another person. Sharing poses a risk for transmission of blood-borne pathogens. 5.2 Hyperglycemia or Hypoglycemia with Changes in Insulin Regimen Changes in an insulin regimen (e.g., insulin strength, manufacturer, type, injection site or method of administration) may affect glycemic control and predispose to hypoglycemia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] or hyperglycemia. Repeated insulin injections into areas of lipodystrophy or localized cutaneous amyloidosis have been reported to result in hyperglycemia; and a sudden change in the injection site (to an unaffected area) has been reported to result in hypoglycemia [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 , 6.3 )]. Make any changes to a patient’s insulin regimen under close medical supervision with increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring. Advise patients who have repeatedly injected into areas of lipodystrophy or localized cutaneous amyloidosis to change the injection site to unaffected areas and closely monitor for hypoglycemia. For patients with type 2 diabetes, dosage adjustments of concomitant anti-diabetic products may be needed. 5.3 Hypoglycemia Hypoglycemia is the most common adverse reaction of all insulins, including NOVOLOG. Severe hypoglycemia can cause seizures, may lead to unconsciousness, may be life threatening or cause death. Hypoglycemia can impair concentration ability and reaction time; this may place an individual and others at risk in situations where these abilities are important (e.g., driving or operating other machinery). Hypoglycemia can happen suddenly and symptoms may differ in each individual and change over time in the same individual. Symptomatic awareness of hypoglycemia may be less pronounced in patients with longstanding diabetes in patients with diabetic nerve disease, in patients using medications that block the sympathetic nervous system (e.g., beta-blockers) [see Drug Interactions (7) ] , or in patients who experience recurrent hypoglycemia. Risk Factors for Hypoglycemia The risk of hypoglycemia after an injection is related to the duration of action of the insulin and, in general, is highest when the glucose lowering effect of the insulin is maximal. As with all insulins, the glucose lowering effect time course of NOVOLOG may vary in different individuals or at different times in the same individual and depends on many conditions, including the area of injection as well as the injection site blood supply and temperature [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.2 )] . Other factors which may increase the risk of hypoglycemia include changes in meal pattern (e.g., macronutrient content or timing of meals), changes in level of physical activity, or changes to concomitantly administered medication [ see Drug Interactions (7) ] . Patients with renal or hepatic impairment may be at higher risk of hypoglycemia [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.6 , 8.7 )]. Risk Mitigation Strategies for Hypoglycemia Patients and caregivers must be educated to recognize and manage hypoglycemia. Self-monitoring of blood glucose plays an essential role in the prevention and management of hypoglycemia; increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring is recommended. In patients at higher risk for hypoglycemia and patients who have reduced symptomatic awareness of hypoglycemia; increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring is recommended. 5.4 Hypoglycemia Due to Medication Errors Accidental mix-ups between insulin products have been reported. To avoid medication errors between NOVOLOG and other insulins, instruct patients to always check the insulin label before each injection. 5.5 Hypersensitivity Reactions Severe, life-threatening, generalized allergy, including anaphylaxis, can occur with insulins, including NOVOLOG. If hypersensitivity reactions occur, discontinue NOVOLOG; treat per standard of care and monitor until symptoms and signs resolve [see Adverse Reactions (6) ]. NOVOLOG is contraindicated in patients who have had hypersensitivity reactions to insulin aspart or one of the excipients [see Contraindications (4) ]. 5.6 Hypokalemia All insulins, including NOVOLOG, can cause a shift in potassium from the extracellular to intracellular space, possibly leading to hypokalemia. Untreated hypokalemia may cause respiratory paralysis, ventricular arrhythmia, and death. Monitor potassium levels in patients at risk for hypokalemia if indicated (e.g., patients using potassium-lowering medications, patients taking medications sensitive to serum potassium concentration). 5.7 Fluid Retention and Heart Failure with Concomitant Use of PPAR-gamma Agonists Thiazolidinediones (TZDs), which are peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-gamma agonists, can cause dose-related fluid retention, particularly when used in combination with insulin. Fluid retention may lead to or exacerbate heart failure. Patients treated with insulin, including NOVOLOG, and a PPAR-gamma agonist should be observed for signs and symptoms of heart failure. If heart failure develops, it should be managed according to current standards of care, and discontinuation or dose reduction of the PPAR-gamma agonist must be considered. 5.8 Hyperglycemia and Ketoacidosis Due to Insulin Pump Device Malfunction Malfunction of the insulin pump or insulin infusion set or insulin degradation can rapidly lead to hyperglycemia and ketoacidosis. Prompt identification and correction of the cause of hyperglycemia or ketosis is necessary. Interim subcutaneous injections with NOVOLOG may be required. Patients using continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion pump therapy must be trained to administer insulin by injection and have alternate insulin therapy available in case of pump failure [see How Supplied/Storage and Handling ( 16.2 ) and Patient Counseling Information ( 17 )] .
Who should not take it
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS NOVOLOG is contraindicated: • During episodes of hypoglycemia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] • In patients with hypersensitivity to NOVOLOG or one of its excipients, [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] • During episodes of hypoglycemia ( 4 ). • Hypersensitivity to NOVOLOG or one of its excipients.
Medication review
Insulin Aspart drug interactions
FDA safety data
Most-reported side effects
Based on 64,485 FAERS reports. Reports do not prove the drug caused the effect.
Regulatory record
FDA recalls (5)
Temperature Abuse: product samples were stored at temperatures below 32* F which is not in accordance with storage requirements that could cause a lack of efficacy and damage to the cartridge and pen-injectors.
Recalling firm: Novo Nordisk Inc
Temperature Abuse: product samples were stored at temperatures below 32* F which is not in accordance with storage requirements that could cause a lack of efficacy and damage to the cartridge and pen-injectors.
Recalling firm: Novo Nordisk Inc
Temperature Abuse: product samples were stored at temperatures below 32* F which is not in accordance with storage requirements that could cause a lack of efficacy and damage to the cartridge and pen-injectors.
Recalling firm: Novo Nordisk Inc
Temperature Abuse: product samples were stored at temperatures below 32* F which is not in accordance with storage requirements that could cause a lack of efficacy and damage to the cartridge and pen-injectors.
Recalling firm: Novo Nordisk Inc
Temperature Abuse: product samples were stored at temperatures below 32* F which is not in accordance with storage requirements that could cause a lack of efficacy and damage to the cartridge and pen-injectors.
Recalling firm: Novo Nordisk Inc
Common questions
Patient questions
What is Insulin Aspart prescribed for?
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE NOVOLOG is indicated to improve glycemic control in adults and pediatric patients with diabetes mellitus. NOVOLOG is rapid acting human insulin analog indicated to improve glycemic control in adults and pediatric patients with diabetes mellitus ( 1 ).
What are the key warnings and safety precautions for Insulin Aspart?
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS • Never share a NOVOLOG FlexPen or a NOVOLOG FlexTouch, PenFill cartridge or PenFill cartridge device between patients, even if the needle is changed ( 5.1 ). • Hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia with changes in insulin regimen: Make changes to a patient’s insulin regimen (e.g., insulin strength, manufacturer, type, injection site or method of administration) under close medical supervision with increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring ( 5.2 ). • Hypoglycemia: May be life-threatening. Increase frequency of glucose monitoring with changes to: insulin dosage, concomitantly administered glucose lowering medications, meal pattern, physical activity; and in patients with renal or hepatic impairments and hypoglycemia unawareness ( 5. 3). • Medication Errors: Accidental mix-ups between insulin products can occur. Instruct patients to check insulin labels before injection ( 5. 4). • Hypersensitivity reactions: Severe, life-threatening, generalized allergy, including anaphylaxis, may occur. Discontinue NOVOLOG, treat, and monitor, if indicated ( 5.5 ). • Hypokalemia: May be life-threatening. Monitor potassium levels in patients at risk of hypokalemia and treat if indicated ( 5. 6). • Fluid retention and heart failure with concomitant use of thiazolidinediones (TZDs): Observe for signs and symptoms of heart failure; consider dosage reduction or discontinuation if heart failure occurs ( 5.7 ). • Hyperglycemia and Ketoacidosis Due to Insulin Pump Device Malfunction: Monitor glucose and administer NOVOLOG by subcutaneous injection if pump malfunction occurs ( 5.8 ). 5.1 Never Share a NOVOLOG FlexPen, NOVOLOG FlexTouch, PenFill Cartridge, or PenFill Cartridge Device between Patients NOVOLOG FlexPen, NOVOLOG FlexTouch, PenFill cartridge, and PenFill cartridge devices should never be shared between patients, even if the needle is changed. Patients using NOVOLOG vials must never share needles or syringes with another person. Sharing poses a risk for transmission of blood-borne pathogens. 5.2 Hyperglycemia or Hypoglycemia with Changes in Insulin Regimen Changes in an insulin regimen (e.g., insulin strength, manufacturer, type, injection site or method of administration) may affect glycemic control and predispose to hypoglycemia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] or hyperglycemia. Repeated insulin injections into areas of lipodystrophy or localized cutaneous amyloidosis have been reported to result in hyperglycemia; and a sudden change in the injection site (to an unaffected area) has been reported to result in hypoglycemia [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 , 6.3 )]. Make any changes to a patient’s insulin regimen under close medical supervision with increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring. Advise patients who have repeatedly injected into areas of lipodystrophy or localized cutaneous amyloidosis to change the injection site to unaffected areas and closely monitor for hypoglycemia. For patients with type 2 diabetes, dosage adjustments of concomitant anti-diabetic products may be needed. 5.3 Hypoglycemia Hypoglycemia is the most common adverse reaction of all insulins, including NOVOLOG. Severe hypoglycemia can cause seizures, may lead to unconsciousness, may be life threatening or cause death. Hypoglycemia can impair concentration ability and reaction time; this may place an individual and others at risk in situations where these abilities are important (e.g., driving or operating other machinery). Hypoglycemia can happen suddenly and symptoms may differ in each individual and change over time in the same individual. Symptomatic awareness of hypoglycemia may be less pronounced in patients with longstanding diabetes in patients with diabetic nerve disease, in patients using medications that block the sympathetic nervous system (e.g., beta-blockers) [see Drug Interactions (7) ] , or in patients who experience recurrent hypoglycemia. Risk Factors for Hypoglycemia The risk of hypoglycemia after an injection is related to the duration of action of the insulin and, in general, is highest when the glucose lowering effect of the insulin is maximal. As with all insulins, the glucose lowering effect time course of NOVOLOG may vary in different individuals or at different times in the same individual and depends on many conditions, including the area of injection as well as the injection site blood supply and temperature [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.2 )] . Other factors which may increase the risk of hypoglycemia include changes in meal pattern (e.g., macronutrient content or timing of meals), changes in level of physical activity, or changes to concomitantly administered medication [ see Drug Interactions (7) ] . Patients with renal or hepatic impairment may be at higher risk of hypoglycemia [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.6 , 8.7 )]. Risk Mitigation Strategies for Hypoglycemia Patients and caregivers must be educated to recognize and manage hypoglycemia. Self-monitoring of blood glucose plays an essential role in the prevention and management of hypoglycemia; increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring is recommended. In patients at higher risk for hypoglycemia and patients who have reduced symptomatic awareness of hypoglycemia; increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring is recommended. 5.4 Hypoglycemia Due to Medication Errors Accidental mix-ups between insulin products have been reported. To avoid medication errors between NOVOLOG and other insulins, instruct patients to always check the insulin label before each injection. 5.5 Hypersensitivity Reactions Severe, life-threatening, generalized allergy, including anaphylaxis, can occur with insulins, including NOVOLOG. If hypersensitivity reactions occur, discontinue NOVOLOG; treat per standard of care and monitor until symptoms and signs resolve [see Adverse Reactions (6) ]. NOVOLOG is contraindicated in patients who have had hypersensitivity reactions to insulin aspart or one of the excipients [see Contraindications (4) ]. 5.6 Hypokalemia All insulins, including NOVOLOG, can cause a shift in potassium from the extracellular to intracellular space, possibly leading to hypokalemia. Untreated hypokalemia may cause respiratory paralysis, ventricular arrhythmia, and death. Monitor potassium levels in patients at risk for hypokalemia if indicated (e.g., patients using potassium-lowering medications, patients taking medications sensitive to serum potassium concentration). 5.7 Fluid Retention and Heart Failure with Concomitant Use of PPAR-gamma Agonists Thiazolidinediones (TZDs), which are peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-gamma agonists, can cause dose-related fluid retention, particularly when used in combination with insulin. Fluid retention may lead to or exacerbate heart failure. Patients treated with insulin, including NOVOLOG, and a PPAR-gamma agonist should be observed for signs and symptoms of heart failure. If heart failure develops, it should be managed according to current standards of care, and discontinuation or dose reduction of the PPAR-gamma agonist must be considered. 5.8 Hyperglycemia and Ketoacidosis Due to Insulin Pump Device Malfunction Malfunction of the insulin pump or insulin infusion set or insulin degradation can rapidly lead to hyperglycemia and ketoacidosis. Prompt identification and correction of the cause of hyperglycemia or ketosis is necessary. Interim subcutaneous injections with NOVOLOG may be required. Patients using continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion pump therapy must be trained to administer insulin by injection and have alternate insulin therapy available in case of pump failure [see How Supplied/Storage and Handling ( 16.2 ) and Patient Counseling Information ( 17 )] .
Does Insulin Aspart interact with other medications or foods?
Insulin Aspart has 5 documented drug interaction(s) and 0 food interaction(s) in clinical databases. Always provide your complete medication list to your clinician.
Access and affordability
Ways to save on Insulin Aspart
For eligible patients using Novo Nordisk medicines; a Patient Assistance Program provides free medicine to qualifying patients who are U.S. citizens/legal residents, uninsured or on Medicare, and meet income limits. Savings cards are also available for commercially insured patients.
Visit programThis information is educational — not medical advice.
This page is provided for general educational purposes and summarizes publicly available data from sources such as the U.S. Food & Drug Administration. It is not a substitute for the judgment of a licensed clinician and should not be used to start, stop, or change any medication. It may be incomplete or out of date, and individual circumstances vary. Always talk with your prescriber or pharmacist about your specific medications and health conditions. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911.