What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking insulin aspart and insulin aspart protamine?
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to insulin, or if you are having an episode of
hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
Before using insulin aspart and insulin aspart protamine, tell your doctor if you have liver
disease, kidney disease, or a nerve disorder.
This medication is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include diet,
exercise, weight control, foot care, eye care, dental care, and testing your blood sugar. Follow your
diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely. Changing any of these factors can affect your
blood sugar levels.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether this medication is harmful to an
unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether this medication passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing
baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take insulin aspart and insulin aspart protamine?
Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use it in larger amounts or for
longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Insulin aspart and insulin aspart protamine is given as an injection (shot) under your skin. Your
doctor, nurse, or pharmacist will give you specific instructions on how and where to inject this medicine.
Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly
dispose of used needles and syringes.
Insulin aspart and insulin aspart protamine must not be given with an insulin pump, or mixed
with other insulins.
After using insulin aspart and insulin aspart protamine, you should eat a meal right away.
This medication is usually given with 2 meals per day.
Insulin aspart and insulin aspart protamine is a mixture that should appear white and cloudy
before you inject it.
Just before using this medication, roll the injection pen or vial (medicine bottle) 10 times
between the palms of your hands.
If you use the injection pen, turn it upside down so the glass ball inside it moves from one end to
the other. Do this at least 10 times, until the medicine looks white and cloudy, then give the injection
right away. Repeat this procedure each time you use the injection pen.
Choose a different place in your injection skin area each time you use this medication. Do not
inject into the same place two times in a row.
Throw away used needles in a puncture-proof container (ask your pharmacist where you can
get one and how to dispose of it). Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.
Some needles can be used more than once, depending on needle brand and type. But a reused
needle must be properly cleaned, recapped, and inspected for bending or breakage. Reusing needles
also increases your risk of infection. Ask your doctor or pharmacist whether you are able to reuse your
insulin needles.
Never share an injection pen or cartridge with another person. Sharing injection pens or
cartridges can allow disease such as hepatitis or HIV to pass from one person to another.
Check your blood sugar carefully during a time of stress or illness, if you travel, exercise more
than usual, or skip meals. These things can affect your glucose levels and your insulin dose needs may
also change.
Watch for signs of blood sugar that is too high (
hyperglycemia
). These
symptoms include increased thirst, loss of appetite, increased urination, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness,
dry skin, and dry mouth. Check your blood sugar levels and ask your doctor how to adjust your insulin
doses if needed.
Ask your doctor how to adjust your insulin aspart and insulin aspart protamine dose if
needed.
Do not change your dose without first talking to your doctor.
Carry an ID card or wear a medical alert bracelet stating that you have diabetes, in case of
emergency. Any doctor, dentist, or emergency medical care provider who treats you should know that
you are diabetic.
Storing unopened vials or injection pens:
Keep in the carton and store
in a refrigerator, protected from light. Throw away any insulin not used before the expiration date on the
medicine label.
Unopened vials or injection pens
may also be stored at room temperature for
up to 28 days,
away from heat and bright light. Throw away any insulin not used within 28
days.
Storing after your first use:
Keep the "in-use" vials, cartridges,
prefilled syringes, or injection pens at room temperature and use within 14 days.
Do not
refrigerate.
Do not freeze this medication
, and throw away the medication if it has
become frozen.
