Insulin aspart (insulin protamine) is a fast-acting insulin form used to treat diabetes miletus caused by Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. It starts working rather quickly upon injection and continues to work for approximately peaking at 1-2 hours. Two of the common brand names of insulin aspart are NovoRapid and Fiasp Insulin aspart comes in pre-filled pens, vials, and cartridges.
It works similarly to your body’s insulin hormone that works by lowering blood sugar in the blood. Insulin works with glucose reabsorption in fat cells and muscles and obstructs the liver from releasing glucose. Insulin aspart helps manage diabetes along with a proper diet and exercise program that balances blood sugar levels.
This article will discuss the benefits and side effects of insulin aspart. Moreover, we will also talk through the usage of insulin aspart and other significant aspects.
What is Insulin Aspart?
Insulin aspart is an anti-diabetic medication. This insulin controls glycaemic and alleviates blood sugar levels.
One of the apparent benefits of insulin aspart is its immediate effect once injected into your system. It is quicker than the insulin your body naturally creates. If people with diabetes decide to have a meal out of their regimen, an insulin aspart product might minimize potential side effects.
It is a manufactured version of insulin that mimics the activity of the natural human insulin found within your body.
Those who have Type-1 diabetes are unable to synthesize enough insulin to manage and circulate blood sugar levels. In such cases, people take external sources of insulin-like Insulin Aspart.
However, if you have Type-2 diabetes, your doctor may ask you to stop taking Insulin Aspart after managing to control sugar levels through medication and exercise.
It comes as a transparent, sterile, and colorless solution containing insulin aspart and other constituents.
What Should I do Before I use Insulin Aspart?
Insulin aspart is a prescribed medication that a registered healthcare provider or doctor must issue. It is essential that you have an open and direct conversation with your doctor about your current lifestyle and condition. Be sure to include exercise frequency, alcohol intake, medical history, family medical history, any signs of liver/kidney disease, low potassium, pregnancy (or trying to become pregnant), breastfeeding, allergies, supplements, herbal replacement, vitamins, and minerals. Do not forget to miss out on anything, as your healthcare provider will be able to assess your situation and cater to you.
10 Tips on Using Insulin Aspart
We recommend using insulin aspart as directed. However, here are some tips on using the medication effectively.
- You should monitor your blood sugar levels regularly. If you have episodes of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar level), do not take insulin aspart.
- We recommend taking it 15 minutes before starting your meal or 20 minutes after you have consumed your meal.
- You should always carry some fruit juice or sugary food item in case you experience hypoglycemia. Also, take notes of low blood sugar symptoms, including cool pale skin, tremors, fatigue, and cold sweats.
- Rotate the injection sites to avoid any hard lumps developing at a particular site.
- Do not inject it at sites that have bruises, tenderness, or scars.
- Ensure unopened vials/cartridges require a refrigerator for storage. Nonetheless, you can keep opened vials at room temperature for up to 4 weeks.
- It would be better to inject insulin below the abdomen than other sites as it will lead to rapid absorption.
- To reduce lipodystrophy, rotate the injection sites as it would minimize discomfort.
- It is advised positively not to share your injection pen, syringe, or vial/cartridge with any other person.
- If you observe any particles in your insulin solution or are not colorless and transparent, do not take it.
Take insulin regularly and exactly as per your doctor’s advice. If you have any queries whatsoever, please get in touch with your doctor.
Side-Effects of Using Insulin Aspart
Insulin aspart, similar to any other medication, has some side effects. If you are experiencing any of them over prolonged periods, immediately consult your doctor.
Common side effects of insulin aspart include weight gain, low potassium levels, hypoglycemia, swelling in feet and hands, skin rashes, redness and itching, injection site reaction (thickening and hallowing of the site where you inject insulin), anxiety, light-headedness, and dizziness, increased appetite, tingling in feet, hands, and tops of fingers.
Rare side-effects of insulin aspart include difficulty breathing and swallowing, rapid weight gain or weight loss, swelling of tongue, throat, and face, bloating, and redistribution of body fat.
Besides, taking inappropriate doses of insulin aspart can be life-threatening, and it would be best for you to be watchful of any unusual symptoms. It can also lead to a severe hypoglycemia episode. If you are having any following signs of hypoglycemia, consult your doctor.
The signs of hypoglycemia include: neurogenic symptoms (trembling, cold sweats, anxiety, nausea, fatigue, palpitations, and hunger), neuroglycopenic symptoms (lethargy, mental confusion, dizziness, vision blurring, headache, drowsiness, and difficulty speaking) and severe symptoms which include passing out or becoming unconscious
If you are experiencing any severe symptoms, seek immediate remedy or head to your nearest medical facility.
Missed Dose and Overdose
Since insulin aspart is fast-acting insulin, there is no need for a timed dosing schedule. For NovoRapid insulin, ensure that you administer the insulin 5 to 10 minutes before the meal. Fiasp insulin is administered at the start of the meal or within 20 minutes of the beginning of the meal. Do not administer any additional insulin to make up for a missed dose. Overdosing on insulin can lead to insulin poisoning and life-threatening symptoms. If you do over exceed your insulin intake, please seek medical attention immediately.
What are the Forms of Insulin Apart?
Pens
The pens are small insulin-filled pens that are easy to carry and administer your dosage reasonably quickly. Two of the pre-filled pens on the market are NovoRapid FlexPens and Fiasp FlexTouch Pens.
Vials
Vials use insulin syringes with the corresponding unit scale. Two vials of insulin aspart on the market are Fiasp Vials and NovoRapid Vials.
The main difference between NovoRapid and Fiasp products is that Fiasp contains B3 (niacinamide) and L-arginine to stabilize the formulation. These increase the speed of absorption and stability.
NovoRapid is considered a Bolos insulin and people have used it with long-acting insulin’s such as insulin detemir, insulin degludec, and insulin glargine.
Storing Fiasp and NovoRapid
Fiasp Vials and FlexTouch Pens: discard the insulin if it contains particulate matter or is cloudy or discolored. Do not freeze the insulin and keep away from light.
NovoRapid Vials: avoid any exposure to heat or light and do not freeze. The opened insulin can be stored up to 28 days at room temperate before 86 degrees F. Unopened insulin can be kept inside the refrigerator between 36 to 46 degrees F.
If you find your insulin frozen, please discard the product, as the potency is damaged and can be very harmful. Do not unthaw the product and administer.
When can you Stop Taking Insulin Aspart?
Unfortunately, If you are a Type-1 diabetic patient, you have to take insulin for the rest of your life. However, if you are a Type-2 diabetic patient, your doctor may stop you from taking it after managing to control the blood sugar through a healthy lifestyle and exercise. If you decide to change your insulin products, they must be prescribed by a medical professional. When making changes in your insulin regiment (whether it be type, insulin strength, or injection site), glycemic control may be affected. If so, dosing adjustments must be made to your insulin management. Once again, this has to come from the recommendations from a healthcare professional. They would assess your status individually and consider all things to provide you with the best suggestions. Do not make changes to your diabetes management without advice from a medical expert.
Final Words
Insulin aspart is fast-acting insulin prescribed if you are suffering from Type-1 or Type-2 diabetes mellitus. After noting your allergies, diabetes type, age, body weight, and sugar levels, your doctor will recommend the proper insulin for your diabetes.
You should keep an eye on all the unusual signs and consult your doctor if you are experiencing any side effects.
Besides the standard treatment, keep checking your glycosylated hemoglobin and blood sugar levels to govern your response to insulin aspart.
Be sure to read the patient information in the leaflet provided with the document. Look over this pamphlet before meeting your doctor, so you are prepared with your questions. If a question does arise after your doctor’s appointment, feel free to reach out to one of our pharmacists.
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