Drug Guide

Generic Name

Insulin Aspart Recombinant

Brand Names Novolog, Novolog Penfill, Novolog Flexpen, Novolog Innolet, Novolog Flextouch

Classification

Therapeutic: Antidiabetic Agent

Pharmacological: Rapid-Acting Insulin

FDA Approved Indications

Mechanism of Action

Insulin Aspart is a fast-acting insulin analog that mimics endogenous insulin response to a meal by facilitating cellular glucose uptake and inhibiting hepatic glucose production.

Dosage and Administration

Adult: Individualized dosing; typically injected before meals with adjustments based on blood glucose levels.

Pediatric: Dosing based on weight and blood glucose levels, similar to adults; initial dosing varies.

Geriatric: Adjustments based on renal and hepatic function and comorbidities.

Renal Impairment: Possible need for dose adjustment; monitor blood glucose closely.

Hepatic Impairment: Use with caution; monitor for hypoglycemia due to altered glucose metabolism.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Rapid absorption with peak effect approximately 1-3 hours post-injection.

Distribution: Distributed to body tissues, small volume of distribution.

Metabolism: Metabolized by insulin-degrading enzymes; hepatic and renal pathways involved.

Excretion: Excreted in urine as metabolites.

Half Life: Approximately 1 hour (elimination half-life).

Contraindications

Precautions

Adverse Reactions - Common

Adverse Reactions - Serious

Drug-Drug Interactions

Drug-Food Interactions

Drug-Herb Interactions

N/A

Nursing Implications

Assessment: Monitor blood glucose regularly, especially around insulin administration.

Diagnoses:

  • Risk for unstable blood glucose
  • Risk for hypoglycemia

Implementation: Administer as prescribed, typically 15 minutes before meals.

Evaluation: Assess blood glucose and HbA1c periodically to evaluate control.

Patient/Family Teaching

Special Considerations

Black Box Warnings:

Genetic Factors: None specified.

Lab Test Interference: May affect some assays for insulin measurement.

Overdose Management

Signs/Symptoms: Severe hypoglycemia, including sweating, trembling, confusion, unconsciousness.

Treatment: Administer oral glucose if alert; in severe cases, administer glucagon or IV dextrose under medical supervision.

Storage and Handling

Storage: Store unopened vials and pens at 2°C to 8°C. Once in use, can be kept at room temperature (up to 25°C) for up to 28 days.

Stability: Stable for 28 days at room temperature when in use.

This guide is for educational purposes only and is not intended for clinical use.