Novorapid Flexpen
NOVO NORDISK
GENERIC NAME : ASPART BIOSYNTHETIC

Why NovoRapid is prescribed and how it works ?

In treatment of patients with diabetes mellitus who require insulin for the control of hyperglycemia.
NovoRapid is an insulin analogue used to treat diabetes. NovoRapid will start to lower your blood sugar 10-20 minutes after you take it, it has a maximum effect between 1 and 3 hours and the effects last for 3-5 hours. Due to this short action NovoRapid should normally be taken in combination with intermediate-acting or long-acting insulin preparations.
Variants of NovoRapid.
NovoRapid is available from Novo Nordisk in the following format:
• NovoRapid FlexTouch® 3 mL prefilled pen
• NovoRapid Penfill 3 mL cartridge
(designed for use with Novo Nordisk Insulin Delivery Devices) NovoRapid Penfill in use with Novo Nordisk Insulin Delivery Systems and NovoRapid FlexTouch is designed for use with NovoFine , NovoFine Plus and/or NovoTwist needles. Novo Nordisk cannot be held responsible for malfunctions occurring as a consequence of using NovoRapid with products that do not meet the same specifications or quality standards as NovoFine , NovoFine Plus and/or NovoTwist needles.
How to take NovoRapid ?
NovoRapid is for injection under the skin (subcutaneously). NovoRapid may also be given intravenously by healthcare professionals under close supervision by a doctor.
Always vary the site you inject within the same region, to avoid lumps (see ‘What are possible side effects from using NovoRapid ?’). The best places to give yourself an injection are: the front of your thighs; the front of your waist (abdomen); or the upper arm. Your insulin will work more quickly if you inject around the waist.
You should always measure your blood glucose regularly. Talk about your insulin needs with your doctor and Diabetes Nurse Educator. Do not change your insulin unless your doctor tells you to. Follow their advice carefully. This leaflet is a general guide only.
If your doctor has switched you from one type or brand of insulin to another, your dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor. Due to the faster onset of action, NovoRapid should be given close to a meal (start of the meal should be no more than 5-10 minutes after the injection). When necessary, NovoRapid can be given soon after a meal, instead of before the meal.
What are possible side effects of using NovoRapid ?
Like all medicines, NovoRapid can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. The most common side effect is low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
Less commonly reported side effects (1 to 10 users in 1000)
Signs of allergy
Hives and rash may occur.
Seek medical advice immediately
• If the above signs of allergy appear or
• If you suddenly feel unwell, and you: start sweating; start being sick (vomiting); have difficulty breathing; have a rapid heart beat; feel dizzy.
You may have a very rare serious allergic reaction to NovoRapid or one of its ingredients (called a generalized allergic reaction).
See also the warning in ‘Do not use NovoRapid if’’.
Vision problems
When you first start your insulin treatment it may disturb your vision, but the disturbance is usually temporary.
Changes at the injection site (lipodystrophy)
If you inject yourself too often at the same site, fatty tissue under the skin at this injection site may shrink (lipoatrophy) or thicken (lipohypertrophy). Changing the site with each injection may help to prevent such skin changes. If you notice your skin pitting or thickening at the injection site, tell your doctor or Diabetes Nurse Educator because these reactions can become more severe, or they may change the absorption of your insulin at this site.
Swollen joints
When you start taking insulin, water retention may cause swelling around your ankles and other joints. This soon disappears.
Diabetic retinopathy (eye background changes)
If you have diabetic retinopathy and your blood glucose levels improve very fast, the retinopathy may get worse. Ask your doctor about this.
Rarely reported side effects (less than 1 user in 10,000)
Painful neuropathy (nerve related pain)
If your blood glucose levels improve very fast you may get nerve related pain. This is called acute painful neuropathy and is usually transient.