What is NovoRapid (NovoLog) Penfill?
NovoRapid (NovoLog) Penfill, available from Novo Nordisk Canada, is an insulin pen injection cartridge that contains 300 units (3 mL) of insulin aspart.
It is used to treat patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus who require insulin to manage blood glucose levels and prevent hyperglycemia and related complications.
This rapid-acting insulin is typically prescribed by doctors as a mealtime insulin to help reduce blood glucose levels after meals.
How does NovoRapid work?
NovoRapid insulin will begin to lower glucose levels 10-20 minutes after injection. It has a maximum effect between 1-3 hours and can have a lasting effect for up to 3-5 hours.
Since this insulin is rapid-acting, it is usually combined with intermediate-acting or long-acting insulin to provide full-day coverage.
What are the ingredients in NovoRapid?
The active ingredient in NovoRapid is insulin aspart. Non-medical ingredients include: zinc chloride, metacresol, phenol, glycerol, sodium chloride, disodium phosphate dihydrate, sodium hydroxide, hydrochloric acid, and water for injection.
How to use NovoRapid Penfill?
Your doctor will personalize your treatment and dose for your specific needs and lifestyle. Your doctor, nurse, diabetes educator, or pharmacist will teach you how to inject your insulin.
Due to NovoRapid’s fast onset of action, it should be taken 5-10 minutes before meal times. When necessary, it can be taken soon after a meal rather than before.
NovoRapid is to be injected under the skin (subcutaneously). The best places to inject yourself are the abdomen/waist (will work quicker), upper arm, front of thigh, or buttocks.
Keep track of where you have injected yourself, as it’s good practice to rotate the injection site in order to avoid skin complications.
Check the medication label to ensure you are taking the right dose and concentration. Dosage refers to how many units of insulin you require, and concentration is how many units are in each milliliter (mL). For example, the concentration of 100 units/mL (U-100) does not mean 100 units at once.
If you have any questions about how to use the NovoRapid Penfill, be sure to discuss with your doctor, pharmacist, or diabetes educator.
WARNINGS & PRECAUTIONS
Always check the Penfill® cartridge, including the plunger. Don’t use it if any damage is seen or if there is a gap between the plunger and the white barcode label.
When taking insulin, it’s important for diabetes patients to monitor glucose levels regularly.
Never share this medication with others, even if they have the same symptoms as it can make them ill.
It is recommended to carry an extra insulin as a precaution if the delivery device is lost or damaged.
Changes in dosage can lead to hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia. If adjustments are made to a patient’s dosage, they should be made cautiously and under the guidance of medical supervision.
Do not inject directly into a vein.
Always rotate injection sites. Repeated injections into the same site can lead to lipodystrophy or localized cutaneous amyloidosis.
NovoRapid insulin should appear clear and colorless. Do not use if the substance appears cloudy, thick, or contains particles.
Keep medication away from direct sunlight and heat. Dispose of medication if it is past the expiration date.
Keep medication away from children and pets.
Do not use this medication if you feel you are experiencing hypoglycemia.
Do not use if you are allergic to insulin aspart, metacresol or any ingredients in this medication.
Do not refill the Penfill cartridge.
NovoRapid penfill cartridges are only to be used with Novo Nordisk Insulin Delivery Devices.
You should use two Novo Nordisk Insulin Delivery Devices if you are using two types of insulin (such as NovoRapid Penfill and another Penfill cartridge).
Due to the rapid onset of this insulin, you may experience hypoglycemia earlier after injection when compared to soluble human insulin.
Notify your doctor if you have any health conditions or issues, such as:
- Having trouble with the liver or kidneys, adrenal, pituitary, or thyroid glands. Your doctor may adjust your insulin dosage depending on your individual needs.
- Drink alcohol (including beer or wine), as this may drastically affect blood glucose levels
- Have a fever, infection, or have had a recent operation, which may require more insulin than usual.
- Are vomiting or suffering from diarrhea.
- Exercising more than usual or looking to make dietary changes.
- If you are ill. Continue taking your insulin as usual.
- Are travelling abroad. Travelling to a new time zone may affect your insulin needs and schedule. Consult your doctor if you are planning on travelling and to find out if they carry NovoRapid in the destination country. If possible bring enough NovoRapid for your trip.
- Are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy. Consult with your doctor for guidance.
- Drive or use heavy machinery. Pay attention for signs of hypoglycemia as it can affect your ability to concentrate, cause blurred vision or lose consciousness. Do not drive you feel a hypoglycemia reaction coming on. Speak to your doctor about whether you should drive or operate machinery.
- Are taking thiazolidinediones (class of oral antidiabetic drugs), together with your insulin. This may increase heart failure and oedema. Let your doctor know if you are experiencing localized swelling (oedema), signs of shortness of breath, or heart failure.
Let your doctor know about any prescription medications you are taking, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, minerals, supplements, and alternative medicines.
Medications that can affect insulin
Below are common medications that can affect your insulin treatment and/or glucose levels:
Notify your doctor, pharmacist, or diabetes educator if you are taking any of the listed medications.
The following drugs may cause your blood sugar to drop (hypoglycemia):
- Other diabetes medications
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI)
- Beta-blockers
- Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
- Salicylates
- Anabolic steroids
- Sulfonamides
The following drugs may cause your blood sugar to rise (hyperglycemia)
- Oral contraceptives (ie birth control pills)
- Thiazides
- Glucocorticoids
- Thyroid hormones
- Sympathomimetics
- Growth hormone
- Danazol
- Octreotide and lanreotide
- Beta-blockers
SIDE EFFECTS
Like any medication, NovoRapid can cause side effects; however, these are not experienced by everyone and are rare.
Hypoglycemia
The most common side effect patients experience with this insulin is low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
If reactions to hypoglycemia are not treated, they can result in the loss of consciousness, coma or even death.
Using glucagon
If you lose consciousness, you may require a glucagon injection by someone who knows how to use it. Once you regain consciousness, you should consume a sugary snack or glucose tablet.
If you do not respond to the glucagon treatment, you will need to be treated at a hospital.
Inform the hospital and your doctor so they can find the reason for your hypoglycemia and provide treatment to prevent it from happening again.
Hyperglycemia
Patients may also experience hyperglycemia, which happens if blood glucose levels are too high.
This can happen if:
- you forget to take your insulin
- you repeatedly take less insulin than required
- you eat more than usual
- you exercise more than usual
The warning signs are usually gradual. They may include:
- increased thirst
- increased urination
- loss of appetite
- drowsiness
- flushed dry skin
- feeling ill (nausea or vomiting)
- fruity (acetone) smelling breath
- dry mouth
Hypokalemia (low potassium) is a possible risk when taking insulin. You may be at increased risk if you have diarrhea, which lowers potassium, or if you are taking certain drugs that lower potassium.
Less common side effects (1-10 users in 1000)
Allergic Reactions
This may include hives or rashes that may occur. Seek medical advice if:
- if allergic reactions are present
- you suddenly feel ill, start vomiting or feeling ill, have rapid heartbeat, feel dizziness, difficulty breathing
Vision Problems
When you begin using insulin, it may affect your vision. This disturbance is usually temporary.
Changes at the injection site (lipodystrophy)
If you inject yourself repeatedly at the same location on the body, the fatty tissue under the skin may become thickened or shrink. This is why it’s suggested to rotate injection sites in order to reduce these unwanted skin changes. If you notice skin thickening or pitting at the injection site, notify your doctor. This can be a serious concern and can affect the absorption of insulin.
Swollen Joints
When you start taking insulin, you may experience swelling caused by water retention in the ankles and joints. This is usually temporary.
Diabetic Retinopathy (blood vessel changes in the retina)
If you experience diabetic retinopathy and your blood sugar levels improve quickly, the retinopathy may worsen. Speak to your doctor if you experience this.
Rare Side Effects (less than 1 user in 10,000)
Painful Neuropathy (nerve-related pain)
If your blood glucose levels recover very quickly, this may result in nerve-related pain. This is also known as acute painful neuropathy and is usually transient.
If you experience any side effects, whether listed or not listed above, inform your doctor, pharmacist or diabetes educator.
Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions regarding this medication.
Frequently Asked Questions
Disclaimer
Pharma Giant provides medical information to help you better understand medications and medical conditions.This content is for informational use only and does not replace advice from a licensed medical practitioner. Consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting or changing any medication. All our partners follow strict safety standards set by their country’s health authorities to make sure you receive safe and high-quality medications.
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