NovoRapid Penfill Cartridge (100IU/ml)

✔️ Uses of NovoRapid Penfill Cartridge

• Treats Diabetes Mellitus (both type I and type II)

✔️ How does NovoRapid Penfill Cartridge work?

NovoRapid Penfill Cartridge aids in your body's use of the blood glucose that is present. It aids in the movement of glucose from the blood into the tissues of the muscles and fat. Additionally, it halts the liver's generation of glucose. As a result, it regulates blood sugar levels and helps people with diabetes mellitus better manage their blood sugar.

✔️ Side Effects of NovoRapid Penfill Cartridge

• Hypokalaemia (low potassium)
• Hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar level)
• Local injection site reactions
• Lipodystrophy (fat deposition under the skin)
• Rash
• Auto-antibody formation
• Headache
• Nasopharyngitis (inflammation of the throat and nasal passages)
• Upper respiratory tract infection
• Pruritus (itchy skin)

✔️ Quick Suggestions:

• Take it 15 minutes before a meal or within 20 minutes after starting a meal.
• Engaging in physical exercise can reduce the body's insulin requirements both during and sometimes after the activity. Additionally, exercise can accelerate the effects of an insulin dose, particularly if the exercise involves the same area where the insulin injection was administered (for instance, it is advisable not to inject insulin into the leg just before running).
• It is important to have a discussion with your doctor about how to adjust your insulin regimen to accommodate exercise. They can provide guidance on the appropriate timing, dosage, and potential adjustments to your insulin routine to ensure optimal glycemic control during physical activity.
• In terms of diet, it is recommended to avoid consuming sugary foods and instead opt for low-calorie, cooked meals. This can help in managing blood sugar levels and overall calorie intake.
• When traveling across multiple time zones, it is advisable to consult with your doctor regarding adjustments to your insulin schedule. Time zone changes can affect the timing of your medication, and your healthcare provider can provide guidance on how to adapt your insulin regimen to the new schedule.
• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar level) is a common side effect. Monitor your blood sugar level regularly.
• Always carry some sugary food or fruit juice with you in case you experience hypoglycemia symptoms such as cold sweats, cool pale skin, tremors, weakness, and anxiety.
• Injection below the skin of the abdomen results in faster absorption than other injection sites.
• Injection sites must be rotated to prevent hard lumps from developing at one site.
• Opened vials/cartridges stay good at room temperature for up to 4 weeks, while unopened vials must be placed in the refrigerator (2°C–8°C).
• Do not use it if the preparation is no longer clear and colorless or if it contains particles.

✔️ Indication of NovoRapid Penfill Cartridge

NovoRapid Penfill Cartridge is used for blood sugar control in people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is a fast-acting type of insulin that helps to lower blood sugar levels after meals and reduces the chances of developing serious complications of diabetes.

✔️ Pharmacology

Insulin Aspart regulates glucose metabolism as its principal function. By increasing the uptake of glucose by cells and decreasing the liver's production of it, Insulin Aspart lowers blood glucose.

✔️ Dosage & Administration of NovoRapid Penfill Cartridge

Dosage recommendations for insulin administration in different populations are as follows:

Adult Dose:

Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: 

• To improve glycemic control in adults and children with diabetes mellitus, the recommended dose is usually 0.2-0.6 unit/kg/day, divided into multiple doses. However, conservative doses of 0.2-0.4 units/kg/day are often advised to minimize the risk of hypoglycemia. The total daily maintenance insulin requirement may vary between 0.5 and 1 unit/kg/day. Non-obese individuals may require 0.4-0.6 unit/kg/day, while obese individuals may require 0.6-1.2 units/kg/day.

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: 

• For diabetes inadequately controlled by diet, weight reduction, exercise, or oral medication, the initial recommended dose is 0.2-0.4 units/kg/day, administered subcutaneously in divided doses every 8-12 hours. It is often recommended to add intermediate-acting or long-acting insulin at bedtime. In cases of hepatic impairment, dosage reduction may be necessary.

Dosing Considerations: 

• When using a meal-related subcutaneous injection treatment regimen, approximately 50-75% of the total insulin requirements can be provided by intermediate-acting or long-acting insulin, with the remainder divided and administered before or during mealtimes as rapid-acting insulin, such as insulin aspart. Dosage must be tailored to the individual, and regular monitoring of blood and urine glucose levels is essential for all patients receiving insulin therapy.

Child Dose:

• Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: In children with diabetes mellitus aged 2 years and older, the recommended dose may range from 0.8-1.2 units/kg/day subcutaneously during growth spurts. Adolescents may require less than 1.2 units/kg/day. For other situations, a dose of 0.5-1 unit/kg/day may be used.

Renal Dose:

Dose adjustments may be necessary for individuals with renal impairment.

• It is important to note that these are general dosage guidelines, and individualized treatment plans should be determined in consultation with a healthcare professional. Regular monitoring of blood glucose levels is essential for effective management of diabetes.

Administration: 

• When administering this medication, always inject it subcutaneously into your thighs, buttocks, upper arm, or abdomen. Avoid injecting it directly into a vein or muscle. It is recommended to administer the injection at least 10 minutes before meals. To prevent low blood sugar, consume a meal or snack containing carbohydrates within 20 minutes of the injection.
• Before use, gently roll the vial or cartridge between your hands until the liquid appears uniformly white and cloudy. During the injection, ensure that the needle remains under the skin for at least 6 seconds to ensure the complete dose is delivered.
• Before administration, visually inspect the vial or cartridge for any visible particles or discoloration. Dispose of the needle and syringe after use and do not share them with others to prevent the risk of infection transmission.
• To prevent skin damage, avoid injecting the medication repeatedly at the same site. Instead, rotate the injection site as recommended by your doctor. It is important to consult your doctor before changing the injection site as a precautionary measure.

✔️ Interaction

• NovoRapid Penfill Cartridge may interact with several drugs, including disopyramide (antiarrhythmic), pentoxifylline (hemorheological agent), pramlintide (antidiabetic), octreotide (bleeding disorder drug), propoxyphene and phenothiazines (antipsychotics), progestogens and estrogens (female sex hormones), levothyroxine (thyroid hormone), albuterol, epinephrine, and terbutaline (anti-asthmatics), fluoxetine and lithium (antidepressants), reserpine, niacin, clonidine, fenofibrate, and guanethidine (lipid-lowering pills), aspirin (painkiller), isoniazid (antibiotic), glucagon (blood sugar enhancing pills), and danazol (male hormone testosterone analog). Additionally, it may interact with the antibiotic pentamidine.
• NovoRapid Penfill Cartridge may also interact with ayurvedic, homeopathy, Unani, herbal supplements, or over-the-counter (OTC) items. It is important to inform your doctor if you are using any of these products. It is advisable to avoid consuming alcoholic beverages while takingNovoRapid Penfill Cartridge, as it may affect your blood sugar levels.
• There are certain disease conditions where NovoRapid Penfill Cartridge should not be used. These include kidney disease, liver disease, low blood sugar/glucose levels (hypoglycemia), and low potassium levels (hypokalemia). It is important to discuss your medical history and any existing conditions with your doctor before using this medication.

✔️ Contraindications

If you are allergic to this medicine or any of the ingredients of this medicine.

✔️ Pregnancy & Lactation

It's a category B pregnancy. Protamine Crystallized Insulin Aspart can be used during lactation without any restrictions. A breastfeeding mother's insulin therapy should have no effect on the baby's health. In some cases, the dosage may have to be changed.

✔️ Precautions & Warnings

It is important for all patients receiving insulin to have their blood glucose levels regularly monitored. This allows for the proper management of diabetes and helps ensure that insulin doses are appropriate for individual needs.

Any changes in insulin regimens, including adjustments in dosage or timing, should always be done under the supervision of a physician. This is because altering insulin regimens without medical guidance can be risky and may lead to complications or imbalances in blood glucose levels.

Physicians have the expertise to assess a patient's specific condition, consider factors such as overall health, lifestyle, and other medications, and make informed decisions regarding insulin dose adjustments. Therefore, it is crucial to involve a healthcare professional in any modifications to insulin regimens to ensure patient safety and optimal diabetes management.

✔️ Storage Conditions

Store in a refrigerator (2 - 8°C). Do not freeze.