Why is this medication prescribed?

Insulin aspart is used to treat type 1 diabetes (condition in which the body does not produce insulin and therefore cannot control the amount of sugar in the blood). It is also used to treat people with type 2 diabetes (condition in which the body does not use insulin normally and therefore cannot control the amount of sugar in the blood) who need insulin to control their diabetes. Insulin aspart is a short-acting, man-made version of human insulin. It works by helping move sugar from the blood into other body tissues where it is used for energy. It also stops the liver from producing more sugar.

How should this medicine be used?

Insulin aspart comes as a solution (liquid) to inject subcutaneously (under the skin). It is usually injected immediately before meals (5 to 10 minutes before eating). Insulin aspart can also be infused under the skin using an external insulin pump. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use insulin aspart injection exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Because insulin aspart is a short-acting insulin, it may be used as an injection in combination with some other longer-acting insulins. If insulin aspart is mixed with NPH human insulin, insulin aspart should be drawn into the syringe first, and the solution should be injected immediately after mixing. When insulin aspart is used in an insulin pump, it should not be diluted or mixed with any other insulin or solution.

Insulin aspart controls diabetes but does not cure it. Continue to use insulin aspart even if you feel well. Do not stop using insulin aspart without talking to your doctor. Do not switch to another brand or type of insulin or change the dose of any type of insulin you are using without talking to your doctor.

Insulin aspart comes in vials, cartridges that contain medication and are to be placed in dosing pens, and dosing pens that contain cartridges of medication. Be sure you know what type of container your insulin aspart comes in and what other supplies, such as needles, syringes, or pens, you will need to inject your medication.

If your insulin aspart comes in vials, you will need to use syringes to inject your dose. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about the type of syringe you should use.

If your insulin aspart comes in cartridges, you will need to buy an insulin pen separately. Check the manufacturer's information for the patient to see what type of pen is right for the cartridge size you are using. Carefully read the instructions that come with your pen, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to show you how to use it. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about the type of pen you should use.

If your insulin aspart comes in pens, be sure to read and understand the manufacturer's instructions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to show you how to use the pen. Follow the directions carefully. Never remove the cartridge from the pen or attempt to add any other type of insulin to the cartridge.

Never reuse needles or syringes and never share needles, syringes, cartridges, or pens. If you are using an insulin pen, always remove the needle right after you inject your dose. Throw away needles and syringes in a puncture-resistant container. Ask your doctor or pharmacist how to dispose of the puncture resistant container.

Always look at your insulin aspart before you inject it. It should be as clear, colorless, and fluid as water. Do not use your insulin aspart if it is colored, cloudy, thickened, or contains solid particles, or if the expiration date on the bottle has passed.

If your insulin aspart comes in vials, follow these steps to prepare your dose:

• Wash your hands.
• If you are using a new bottle, flip off the plastic cap, but do not remove the stopper.
• Wipe the top of the bottle with an alcohol swab.
• Pull back the plunger of the syringe until the top of the plunger is even with the dose your doctor told you to inject.
• Push the needle through the rubber stopper on the bottle.
• Push down on the plunger to inject the air into the bottle.
• Turn the bottle upside down without removing the syringe.
• Be sure the tip of the needle is under the liquid in the bottle. Slowly pull back on the plunger until the top of the plunger is even with the dose your doctor told you to inject.
• While the needle is still in the bottle, check whether there are air bubbles in the syringe. If there are bubbles, hold the syringe upright and tap on it to push the bubbles to the top. Push the plunger up to move the bubbles out of the syringe, and then pull the plunger back down to the correct dose.
• Remove the needle from the bottle and lay the syringe down so that the needle is not touching anything.

To inject a prepared dose of insulin aspart using a syringe or pen, follow these steps:

• Use an alcohol pad to wipe the area where you plan to inject your medication.
• Pinch up a large area of skin, or spread the skin flat with your hands.
• Insert the needle into your skin. Your doctor will tell you exactly how to do this.
• If you are using a syringe, push the plunger all the way down. If you are using a pen, follow the manufacturer's instructions for dispensing a dose.
• Pull the needle out and press down on the spot for several seconds, but do not rub it.

Use a different site for each injection, about 1 inch away from the previous injection but in the same general area (for example, the thigh). Use all available sites in the same general area before switching to a different area (for example, the upper arm). Do not use the same injection site more often than once every month.

If you use insulin aspart in an insulin pump, change the tubing and needle and throw away any solution left in the reservoir at least every 48 hours. You should also change the injection site at least every 48 hours.

Other uses for this medicine

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?

Store unopened insulin aspart vials, cartridges, and pens in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Unopened refrigerated insulin aspart can be stored until the date shown on the company's label.

If no refrigerator is available (for example, when on vacation), store the vials or cartridges at room temperature and away from direct sunlight and extreme heat. Unrefrigerated vials, cartridges, and pens can be used within 28 days or they must be thrown away. Opened vials can be stored for 28 days at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Opened cartridges and pens may be stored at room temperature for up to 28 days; do not refrigerate them. Throw away any insulin aspart that has been exposed to extreme heat or cold.

Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Symptoms of overdose may include the symptoms of hypoglycemia listed above and the following:

• loss of consciousness
• confusion

What other information should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your blood sugar and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) should be checked regularly to determine your response to insulin aspart. Your doctor will also tell you how to check your response to this medication by measuring your blood or urine sugar levels at home. Follow these instructions carefully.

Your dose of insulin aspart may need to be changed when you are ill (especially with fever, vomiting, or diarrhea), have emotional changes or stress, gain or lose weight, or change the amount of food you eat or amount of exercise you do. If any of these things happen, call your doctor.

See your dentist twice yearly; see your eye doctor regularly; get your blood pressure checked regularly.

If you travel across time zones, ask your doctor how to time your injections. When you travel, take extra insulin and supplies with you.

Keep yourself and your clothes clean. Wash cuts, scrapes, and other wounds quickly, and do not let them get infected. Wear medical alert identification (a bracelet or tag) that says you have diabetes.

Do not let anyone else use your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

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