What is Novolog: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated Jan. 13, 2021  •  Published Dec. 30, 2020

Novolog overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Fiasp FlexTouch, Fiasp PenFill, NovoLOG, NovoLOG PenFill, NovoLOG FlexPen

Generic Names:

  • Novolog

Uses:

  • Treats diabetes.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antidiabetic

Forms:

  • Injectable

How it’s taken:

  • By injection

What is Novolog used for?

Novolog is a fast-acting class of insulin that is used to treat type 2 diabetes. It works by lowering blood glucose levels. Novolog may be used in combination with a long acting or an intermediate acting insulin. It is used to treat type 2 diabetes in adults and type 1 diabetes in adults and children.

What form(s) does Novolog come in

  • Injectable

What are common Novolog doses?

  • Vial 10ML of 100UNIT/ML

Common Novolog prescriptions

  • NovoLOG
    10ml of 100unit/ml vial

How to take Novolog

  • Your healthcare provider will work with you to personalize your dose and treatment based on your insulin needs and lifestyle. You will be taught how to give yourself the injections. Make sure you understand all instructions. Ask the doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have questions.

  • Always double-check both the concentration (strength) of your insulin and your dose. Concentration and dose are not the same. The dose is how many units of insulin you will use. The concentration tells how many units of insulin are in each milliliter (mL), such as 100 units/mL (U-100), but this does not mean you will use 100 units at a time.

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • Use Novolog® 5 to 10 minutes before a meal. Inject Fiasp® at the start of a meal or within 20 minutes after starting a meal.

  • If you are mixing insulin aspart and a long-acting insulin in the same syringe, always draw up insulin aspart into the syringe first. Then draw up the longer-acting insulin.

  • This medicine should appear clear and colorless. Do not use it if it is discolored, cloudy or thick, or has particles in it.

  • Injection routeYou will be shown the body areas where this shot can be given. Use a different body area each time you give yourself a shot. Keep track of where you give each shot to make sure you rotate body areas.

  • Vial: Use only syringes that are made for insulin injections. Use a new syringe each time you give yourself an injection.

  • Cartridge or pen: Use a new needle each time you give yourself an injection. Always remove and throw the needle after each injection from the pen, and store without a needle attached. When injecting the Fiasp® FlexTouch® pen, slowly count to 6 before removing it from the skin to get your full dose of the medicine.

  • Always check the label before use, to make sure you have the correct type of insulin. Do not change the brand, type, or concentration unless your doctor tells you to.

  • Keep all medicine away from heat and direct light. Throw away any medicine that is past the expiration date.

  • Insulin pump: Make sure your pump is meant for a short-acting insulin.Do not mix insulin aspart with other insulins in the pump.Change the insulin solution in the pump reservoir at least every 6 days. Change the infusion set and infusion site at least every 3 days.Keep the pump and pump equipment away from heat and direct light. Heat may increase the temperature of the insulin and prevent it from working as it should.Tell your doctor right away if your insulin pump breaks or leaks. You may need to give yourself injections until your pump is fixed.

  • Unopened containers (vial, pen, or cartridge): Store in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Do not use if the medicine has been frozen. You may keep the insulin until the expiration date when it is stored in the refrigerator.You may store the container at room temperature for up to 28 days.

  • Opened containers: Fiasp® FlexTouch® pen: Store at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to 28 days.Novolog® cartridge or pen: Store at room temperature in a cool place for up to 28 days. Do not refrigerate an opened cartridge or pen.Vials: Store in the refrigerator or at room temperature for up to 28 days.

  • Injection routeThrow away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.

  • Always double-check both the concentration (strength) of your insulin and your dose. Concentration and dose are not the same. The dose is how many units of insulin you will use. The concentration tells how many units of insulin are in each milliliter (mL), such as 100 units/mL (U-100), but this does not mean you will use 100 units at a time.

  • If you are mixing insulin aspart and a long-acting insulin in the same syringe, always draw up insulin aspart into the syringe first. Then draw up the longer-acting insulin.

  • Injection routeThrow away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.

  • Vial: Use only syringes that are made for insulin injections. Use a new syringe each time you give yourself an injection.

  • Your healthcare provider will work with you to personalize your dose and treatment based on your insulin needs and lifestyle. You will be taught how to give yourself the injections. Make sure you understand all instructions. Ask the doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have questions.

  • Always check the label before use, to make sure you have the correct type of insulin. Do not change the brand, type, or concentration unless your doctor tells you to.

  • Opened containers: Fiasp® FlexTouch® pen: Store at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to 28 days.Novolog® cartridge or pen: Store at room temperature in a cool place for up to 28 days. Do not refrigerate an opened cartridge or pen.Vials: Store in the refrigerator or at room temperature for up to 28 days.

  • Use Novolog® 5 to 10 minutes before a meal. Inject Fiasp® at the start of a meal or within 20 minutes after starting a meal.

  • Injection routeYou will be shown the body areas where this shot can be given. Use a different body area each time you give yourself a shot. Keep track of where you give each shot to make sure you rotate body areas.

  • Unopened containers (vial, pen, or cartridge): Store in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Do not use if the medicine has been frozen. You may keep the insulin until the expiration date when it is stored in the refrigerator.You may store the container at room temperature for up to 28 days.

  • Insulin pump: Make sure your pump is meant for a short-acting insulin.Do not mix insulin aspart with other insulins in the pump.Change the insulin solution in the pump reservoir at least every 6 days. Change the infusion set and infusion site at least every 3 days.Keep the pump and pump equipment away from heat and direct light. Heat may increase the temperature of the insulin and prevent it from working as it should.Tell your doctor right away if your insulin pump breaks or leaks. You may need to give yourself injections until your pump is fixed.

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • This medicine should appear clear and colorless. Do not use it if it is discolored, cloudy or thick, or has particles in it.

  • Cartridge or pen: Use a new needle each time you give yourself an injection. Always remove and throw the needle after each injection from the pen, and store without a needle attached. When injecting the Fiasp® FlexTouch® pen, slowly count to 6 before removing it from the skin to get your full dose of the medicine.

  • Keep all medicine away from heat and direct light. Throw away any medicine that is past the expiration date.

Novolog contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to insulin aspart.

Novolog warnings

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, or heart failure.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:Low blood sugar or low potassium levels in the bloodFluid retention or heart failure (when used together with thiazolidinediones [TZD] medicines)

  • This medicine may make you confused or less alert than you are normally. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

  • Never share insulin pens, needles, or cartridges with anyone. Sharing these can pass hepatitis virus, HIV, and other illnesses from one person to another.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Novolog interactions

  • Some medicines can change the amount of insulin you need to use and make it harder for you to control your diabetes. Tell your doctor about all other medicines that you are using.

  • Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

  • Never share insulin pens, needles, or cartridges with anyone. Sharing these can pass hepatitis virus, HIV, and other illnesses from one person to another.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Novolog side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet, trouble breathing, tiredness

  • Dry mouth, increased thirst, muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting, uneven heartbeat

  • Shaking, trembling, sweating, fast or pounding heartbeat, lightheadedness, hunger, confusion

  • Change in how much or how often you urinate, lower back or side pain, painful urination

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Headache, stuffy or runny nose, sore throat

  • Redness, itching, swelling, or any skin changes where the shot is given