Novorapid FlexPen
Product Info
| Prescription required | Yes |
| Marketer | Novo Nordisk India Pvt Ltd |
| Active Ingredient | Insulin Aspart (100IU/ml) |
| Storage | Store in a refrigerator (2 - 8°C). Do not freeze. |
| Chemical Class | Insulin analogue |
| Habit Forming | No |
| Therapeutic Class | ANTI DIABETIC |
| Action Class | Insulin analogues- rapid acting |
| User Rating | 4.9 |
| User Reviews | 535 |
FAQ
Is Novorapid FlexPen fast acting?
Novorapid FlexPen is a fast-acting insulin which is given to improve blood sugar levels in patients with diabetes mellitus. Since this medicine starts working very quickly as compared to the regular insulin, it controls the immediate post-meal high blood sugar. Therefore, it can be injected subcutaneously 5-10 minutes before a meal. Moreover, if you miss taking it, you can also take it after your meal.
What is Novorapid FlexPen made from?
Novorapid FlexPen is a fast-acting, man-made version of human insulin. It is produced by the process of biotechnology called recombinant DNA technology. In this technology, the DNA is purposefully altered to get the desired product by using a fungus called Saccharomyces cerevisiae. It is sold as a sterile, aqueous, clear, and colorless solution that contains insulin aspart along with other constituents like glycerin, phenol, metacresol, zinc, sodium chloride etc.
How should Novorapid FlexPen be given?
The dose of Novorapid FlexPen is prescribed depending upon the need of the individual. Take Novorapid FlexPen regularly and take it exactly as per your doctor’s advice. It is usually given in combination with intermediate-acting or long-acting insulin. It is administered subcutaneously (under the skin) 5-10 minutes before a meal, but make sure you eat a meal or snack within 10 minutes of the insulin injection to avoid low blood sugar. It can also be given immediately after the meal.
Can the use of Novorapid FlexPen cause hypoglycemia?
Yes, the use of Novorapid FlexPen can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar level). Symptoms of hypoglycemia include nausea, headache, irritability, hunger, sweating, dizziness, fast heart rate, and feeling anxious or shaky. It happens more often if you miss or delay your food, drink alcohol, over-exercise, or take other antidiabetic medicines along with it. So, regular monitoring of the blood sugar level is important. Always carry some sugary candies, glucose biscuits, or fruit juice with you.
Does Novorapid FlexPen make you gain weight?
Yes, Novorapid FlexPen causes weight gain when used alone or when taken along with other insulin therapies. This weight gain is a common phenomenon. The reason for weight gain is the decrease in excretion of glucose through urine. It may also occur due to the anabolic effects (promoting fat and protein formation) of insulin. Consult your doctor to know the exact reason and remedy for this.
Is Novorapid FlexPen safe to be used in pregnancy?
Yes, Novorapid FlexPen is considered safe to use in pregnancy if prescribed by your doctor. Your dosage may need to be adjusted by your doctor and you may also require more frequent blood glucose monitoring. Consult your doctor if you become pregnant or are planning to become pregnant while using Novorapid FlexPen.
Will I need Novorapid FlexPen for the rest of my life?
f you are a type 1 diabetes patient, then yes, you have to take Novorapid FlexPen for the rest of your life because your body is unable to produce sufficient insulin. Therefore, you would need Novorapid FlexPen as an external source of insulin. However, if you are a type 2 diabetes patient, your doctor may ask you to stop Novorapid FlexPen, in some cases, if you were able to manage your diabetes well and your blood sugar levels are controlled with exercise, diet, and oral medicines.
What class of medicine is Novorapid FlexPen?
Novorapid FlexPen belongs to the class of anti-diabetic medications. It is a type of insulin analog which is prescribed in diabetic adults and children of age 2 years and above. This medicine is used to help improve blood sugar levels and glycemic control.
What if you forget to take Novorapid Solution for Injection?
If you have missed a dose of Novorapid FlexPen, your blood sugar level may become too high (hyperglycemia). Check your blood sugar and then take the next dose accordingly.
Novorapid FlexPen Reviews
Novorapid FlexPen is used for blood sugar control in people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is a fast-acting type of insulin that helps to lower blood sugar levels after meals and reduce the chances of developing serious complications of diabetes.
Novorapid FlexPen is normally prescribed along with a long-acting type of insulin or other diabetes medicines. Your doctor or nurse will teach you the correct way of injecting it under the skin. It should be taken at the start of a meal or within 20 minutes after starting a meal. Check your blood sugar levels regularly, keep track of your results and share them with your doctor. This is very important to work out the correct dose of the medicine for you.
Do not use this medicine when you have low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia). Tell your doctor if you have ever had kidney, liver, or heart problems before starting treatment. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also consult their doctor as the dose may need to be changed. Do not stop taking it unless your doctor tells you to. It is only part of a treatment program that should also include a healthy diet, regular exercise, and weight reduction as advised by your doctor.
The most common side effects of this medicine are low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia), headache, nasopharyngitis, and upper respiratory tract infection. To prevent this, it is important to always inject the correct dose of medicine only, have regular meals, and monitor your blood sugar levels regularly. Drinking excessive alcohol can also lead to a fall in your blood sugar levels. Other side effects include allergies at the injection site like redness, swelling, or hard lumps (lipodystrophy). Some people gain weight while taking insulin.
Novorapid FlexPen is normally prescribed along with a long-acting type of insulin or other diabetes medicines. Your doctor or nurse will teach you the correct way of injecting it under the skin. It should be taken at the start of a meal or within 20 minutes after starting a meal. Check your blood sugar levels regularly, keep track of your results and share them with your doctor. This is very important to work out the correct dose of the medicine for you.
Do not use this medicine when you have low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia). Tell your doctor if you have ever had kidney, liver, or heart problems before starting treatment. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also consult their doctor as the dose may need to be changed. Do not stop taking it unless your doctor tells you to. It is only part of a treatment program that should also include a healthy diet, regular exercise, and weight reduction as advised by your doctor.
The most common side effects of this medicine are low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia), headache, nasopharyngitis, and upper respiratory tract infection. To prevent this, it is important to always inject the correct dose of medicine only, have regular meals, and monitor your blood sugar levels regularly. Drinking excessive alcohol can also lead to a fall in your blood sugar levels. Other side effects include allergies at the injection site like redness, swelling, or hard lumps (lipodystrophy). Some people gain weight while taking insulin.
How Novorapid FlexPen Works
Novorapid FlexPen is fast-acting insulin. It starts working within 10-20 minutes after injection. It works like your body's natural insulin. Insulin facilitates reuptake of glucose in muscles and fat cells and also blocks the release of glucose from the liver.
How to Use Novorapid FlexPen
Your doctor or nurse will guide you how to use this medicine.
Benefits of Novorapid FlexPen
- In Treatment of Diabetes: Novorapid FlexPen is a modern, rapid-acting form of insulin that helps to control high blood glucose (sugar) levels. It replaces the insulin that is normally produced in the body. This helps the glucose get into your cells so your body can use it for energy. It begins to lower your blood glucose level within 10-20 minutes of injecting it and the effect can last for 3-5 hours. You will need to learn exactly how, where, and when to inject this medicine for it to be most effective.Lowering blood glucose levels helps reduce the risk of getting any of the serious complications of diabetes such as kidney damage, eye damage, nerve problems, and loss of limbs. Taking this medicine regularly along with proper diet and exercise will help you live a normal, healthy life.
Uses of Novorapid FlexPen
- Treatment of Diabetes
Novorapid FlexPen Side Effects
Safety Tips
Alcohol
UNSAFE
It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Novorapid FlexPen.
Kidney
CAUTION
Novorapid FlexPen should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Novorapid FlexPen may be needed. Please consult your doctor.Regular monitoring of blood glucose levels is recommended for dose adjustment.
Driving
CAUTION
Your ability to drive may be affected if your blood sugar is too low or too high. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.
Breast feeding
SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Novorapid FlexPen is safe to use during breastfeeding. Human studies suggest that the drug does not pass into the breastmilk in a significant amount and is not harmful to the baby.
Liver
CAUTION
Novorapid FlexPen should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Novorapid FlexPen may be needed. Please consult your doctor.Frequent and regular monitoring of blood glucose levels is advised.
Pregnancy
SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Novorapid FlexPen is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy. Animal studies have shown low or no adverse effects to the developing baby; however, there are limited human studies.
Quick Tips
- Always carry some sugary food or fruit juice with you in case you experience hypoglycemia symptoms such as cold sweats, cool pale skin, tremors, weakness, and anxiety.
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar level) is a common side effect. Monitor your blood sugar level regularly.
- Do not use it if the preparation is no longer clear and colorless or if it contains particles.
- Novorapid FlexPen helps to control blood sugar levels and avoid long-term complications.
- Injection below the skin of the abdomen results in faster absorption than other injection sites.
- Opened vials/cartridges stay good at room temperature for up to 4 weeks, while unopened vials must be placed in the refrigerator (2°C–8°C).
- Take it 15 minutes before a meal or within 20 minutes after starting a meal.
- Injection sites must be rotated to prevent hard lumps from developing at one site.
References
- Chaves RG, Lamounier JA. Breastfeeding and maternal medications. J Pediatr (Rio J). 2004;80(5 Suppl):S189-98.
- Insulin Aspart [Product monograph]. Ontario, Canada: Novo Nordisk Canada Inc.; 2021.
- Powers AC, D’Alessio D. Endocrine Pancreas and Pharmacotherapy of Diabetes Mellitus and Hypoglycemia. In: Brunton LL, Chabner BA, Knollmann BC, editors. Goodman & Gilman’s: The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 12th ed. New York, New York: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2011. p. 1251.
- Nolte MS. Pancreatic hormones and antidiabetic drugs. In: Katzung BG, Masters SB, Trevor AJ, editors. Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. 11th ed. New Delhi, India: Tata McGraw Hill Education Private Limited; 2009. pp. 733.
- Insulin aspart injection [Prescribing Information]. Bagsvaerd, Denmark: Novo Nordisk A/S; 2019.
- Insulin aspart. Bagsvaerd, Denmark: Novo Nordisk A/S; 2000 [revised Mar. 2008].
- Insulin Aspart [Summary of Product Characteristics]. Paris, France: Sanofi-Aventis Groupe; 2020.
- Briggs GG, Freeman RK, editors. A Reference Guide to Fetal and Neonatal Risk: Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health; 2015. pp. 717-18.