Novorapid: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use it

Use

What is novorapid used for?

Novorapid is a drug brand in the form of an injection liquid that is used by injection into patients. This drug contains aspart insulin as its main active ingredient. Aspart insulin is a human-made insulin that is similar to insulin that is produced in the body naturally.

This drug works by replacing insulin that is produced naturally in the body and can be absorbed quickly. In addition, it also helps move sugar in the blood to other body tissues so that it can be used as an energy source. This drug is used to treat type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes.

In type 1 diabetes sufferers, the patient cannot produce insulin naturally, so they cannot control the amount of blood sugar. Meanwhile, in type 2 diabetes patients, the patient's body produces insulin but it does not work properly, so that blood sugar is not controlled.

Novorapid is a prescription drug. Therefore, this drug can only be obtained or purchased at a pharmacy if you include a prescription from your doctor.

How to use novorapid?

To get the maximum benefit from this drug, you must know the procedure for its use. Here's how to use novorapid properly.

• Before using it, you should read the information for the patient. Read this information thoroughly before starting treatment. The use of this drug is usually given by a medical professional.
• Make sure you know how to use this medication if you have to do it independently without the help of a medical professional.
• To inject this drug, it is better if you give it to different parts of the body.
• This injection liquid should be clear and colorless. If you see this liquid is colored and has small particles in it, do not use this medicine.
• If you want to use this medication close to mealtime, the appropriate time is 5-10 minutes right before or after meals.
• Use a different needle each time you use the medicine. Make sure you throw away the needle you just used so you don't forget and use the same needle.
• Apart from using drugs, you must also carefully follow the healthy diet given by your doctor.
• In addition, you also have to regularly exercise and do sugar tests on your blood or urine.
• Never mix aspart insulin with other types of insulin without first consulting a doctor. Generally, the use of aspart insulin with other insulin is given separately.
• Do not change the dose, brand, or type of drug prescribed by your doctor. If you are receiving insulin, make sure you are given the correct insulin.

How to store novorapid?

In addition to the procedures for using drugs, you also have to learn the procedures for storing them. Here's how to properly store novorapids:

• You can store medicines and equipment for use in the refrigerator, but do not put them in the freezer.
• However, this drug should be stored in a place with room temperature, not too hot or too cold.
• Keep this medication away from exposure to sunlight or direct light.
• Keep this drug for only 28 days.
• Do not store this medication in the bathroom or other places that are potentially damp.
• Also keep this medication out of reach of children and pets.
• Aspart insulin is a drug that is available in a variety of brands. Other brands of medicine may have different storage rules.

Meanwhile, you should also throw away this medicine if it is no longer suitable for use, its validity period has ended, or if it is no longer used. However, you still have to dispose of this drug by disposing of the right drug for environmental health.

One way to dispose of novorapid waste is not to mix it with household waste. Do not also throw this medication in the toilet or other drains. If you are not clear about how to dispose of this medication, ask your doctor or pharmacist how to properly dispose of the drug.

Dose

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dosage for novorapid for adults?

Adult dosage for type 1 diabetes

• Daily insulin requirements: 0.5-1 unit / kilogram (kg) body weight (BB)
• Generally, 50-70% of the total insulin requirement is usually met with prandial insulin.
• The individual dosage is usually determined by the doctor based on metabolic requirements and the results of blood sugar tests.
• Usually this drug is given by dissolving into intravenous fluids as much as 0.05-1 unit / milliliter (mL)

Adult dosage for type 2 diabetes

• The individual dosage is usually determined by the doctor based on metabolic requirements and the results of blood sugar tests.
• Usually this drug is given by dissolving into intravenous fluids as much as 0.05-1 unit / milliliter (mL)

Adult dosage for diabetic ketoacidosis

• Insulin is given 1-2 hours after doing fluid therapy
• Dosage: 0.14 unit / kg / hour
• If the blood sugar still hasn't dropped to 10% after using the dose for one hour, use a 0.14 unit / kg bolus as an add-on.

Adult dose for non-ketotic hyperosmolar symptoms

• Insulin is given 1-2 hours after doing fluid therapy
• Dosage: 0.14 unit / kg / hour
• If the blood sugar still hasn't dropped to 10% after using the dose for one hour, use a 0.14 unit / kg bolus as an add-on.

Adult dosage for hyperkalemia

• Dosage used: 10 units IV bolus

What is the dose of novorapid for children?

Children's dosage for type 1 diabetes

• For children 2 years of age and over: The individual dose is usually determined by the doctor based on metabolic requirements and the results of blood sugar tests.
• When using this medicine, always check your child's blood sugar.
• Dissolve this drug as much as 0.05-1 unit / mL in intravenous fluids.

In what dosage is novorapid available?

Novorapid is available as an injectable liquid with a strength of 100 International Units (IU) / mL.

Side effects

What are the possible side effects of using novorapid?

The use of novorapid also has the risk of increasing the side effects of using the drug. Symptoms of side effects that may occur due to using novorapid are:

• Redness of the skin, there is swelling in the area of ​​the skin that was injected
• Your skin feels different, thicker, or vice versa
• Gaining weight
• Constipation

The symptoms above are the side effects of using novorapid which are classified as mild. If you experience these symptoms, you don't need to worry because the symptoms will disappear over time.

However, if symptoms persist or get worse, contact your doctor. Meanwhile, the risk of serious side effects includes:

• Skin rash or itching all over the body
• Shortness of breath or shortness of breath
• Wheezing or wheezing
• Blurred eyesight
• Heart beat faster
• Sweating
• Muscle cramp
• Limp body
• Abnormal heart rate
• Body weight increases drastically in a short time
• Swelling of the arms, palms, feet, ankles, or calves.

If you experience any of the serious side effects listed above, contact your doctor immediately for medical treatment.

You need to know that before the doctor prescribes this drug for you, the doctor has weighed all the potential risks and benefits for your health condition.

Not all risks of side effects are listed above. You may experience other symptoms. If you are concerned about a possible side effect symptom of taking aspart insulin, check with your doctor.

Warnings & Precautions

What to know before using novorapid?

Before you use novorapid, here are a few things you should understand first.

• Do not use medicines that contain aspart insulin if you are allergic to its use. Also, do not use this drug if you have experienced hypoglycemia or low blood sugar levels.
• This medicine is not recommended for use by children under 2 years of age and should not be given to children with type 2 diabetes at any age.
• You should tell your doctor if you have any health conditions while using novorapid. For example, liver disorders, kidney disease, or hypokalemia or low levels of potassium in the blood.
• You must follow the rules that have been given by your doctor regarding the use of this medicine if you are pregnant or are breastfeeding. The reason is, blood sugar levels are very important during pregnancy, so the dose you will use will vary every trimester.
• You should tell your doctor if you feel unwell, feel unexplained stress, or there are changes to your diet and exercise activities. These changes can affect drug dosing and timing.
• You should regularly have your blood sugar levels checked while using this medicine.
• Avoid doing activities that require concentration while using this medicine. The reason is, while using this medicine, you may experience hypoglycemia or low blood sugar levels and this can affect your concentration.

Is novorapid safe for use by pregnant and lactating women?

It is still not known for sure whether this drug can harm pregnant women, nursing mothers, and babies. However, this drug is included in the risk of pregnancy category B according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the equivalent of the Food and Drug Administration (BPOM) in Indonesia. The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

• A = No risk,
• B = not at risk in several studies,
• C = May be risky,
• D = There is positive evidence of risk,
• X = Contraindicated,
• N = Unknown

In addition, for breastfeeding mothers, it is not certain whether the use of this drug can pass through breast milk and accidentally consumed by a breastfeeding baby. Instead, ask your doctor about the potential benefits and risks of using this drug if you really want to use this drug. Only use drugs with the permission of a doctor.

Interaction

What medicines can interact with novorapid?

Drug interactions can occur if you use two or more drugs at the same time. If there is an interaction, there are two possibilities that can happen. The good news is, the right drug-drug interactions may be the best alternative treatment for your condition.

However, it does not rule out that interactions between drugs also change the way drugs work in the body or increase the risk of side effects of use.

Therefore, you should tell all the types of medicines you use, from herbal medicines, multivitamins, prescription drugs, non-prescription drugs, to dietary supplements. That way, your doctor can help you determine the dosage for drug use and avoid unwanted interactions.

The following is a list of drugs that may interact with novorapid, including:

• acebutolol
• acetazolamide
• aloe vera
• atenolol
• bortezomib
• bumetanide
• ceritinib
• cinoxacin
• ciprofloxacin
• delafloxacin
• enoxacin
• gatifloxacin
• gemifloxacin
• grepafloxacin
• levofloxacin
• paliperidone
• perindopril
• phenelzine
• phentermine
• quinestrol
• quinine
• salsalate
• sulfadoxine

What foods and alcohol can interact with novorapid?

Like drugs, foods taken together with novorapid also have the potential to cause interactions. If this occurs, the risk of interactions between novorapid and certain foods is to increase the risk of side effects and change the way the drug works in the body.

It is recommended that, when using this medicine, you do not consume alcohol because the interactions that occur can affect the blood sugar levels of patients with diabetes.

The interaction between alcohol and this drug can cause you to experience hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia. In addition, you should consult your doctor about any other foods that may interact with this drug.

What health conditions can interact with novorapid?

There are several health conditions that may interact with the use of this drug. The interactions that occur between health conditions and novorapid do not only change how the drugs work or increase the risk of side effects. However, the interactions that occur may worsen these health conditions.

Therefore, you should always tell your doctor what health conditions you have. This is important so that your doctor can help you determine whether using this drug is safe for you.

The following are some of the health conditions that may interact with novorapid.

• Kidney or liver disease
• Hypokalemia or low potassium levels in the blood
• Hypoglycemia or low blood sugar levels

Overdose

What to do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (112) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

An overdose symptom that may arise when using novorapid is acute hypoglycemia which can also be life threatening. Usually this condition is characterized by feeling dazed or confused, blurred vision, numbness in the mouth area, difficulty speaking, muscle weakness, tremors, seizures, and loss of self-awareness.

What to do if you miss a dose?

Given that this medication is used before meals, you may not have a regular schedule for taking the drug. However, you should make sure that you take this medication about 5 to 10 minutes before eating.

Do not double doses and make sure you carry this medicine with you wherever you travel.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.