insulin aspart at a glance
Class
Rapid-acting insulin analogue; also available as a biphasic mixture.
Usual uses
Type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes.
Administration
Given under the skin by a compatible pen or pump; the exact device depends on the product.
Main safety risk
Low blood glucose, particularly if insulin, food intake and activity are mismatched.
Safety check
Check the insulin name, formulation and device before every administration.
What is insulin aspart used for?
Selected products are licensed for diabetes mellitus, with product-specific age and delivery restrictions.
Trurapi and NovoRapid PumpCart are licensed for adults, adolescents and children aged 1 year and over.
NovoMix 30 is licensed for adults, adolescents and children aged 10 years and over.
Rapid-acting insulin is used in type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes.
How does insulin aspart work?
Insulin aspart helps muscle and fat cells take up glucose and reduces glucose release from the liver. Its molecular modification allows soluble forms to be absorbed faster than soluble human insulin. NovoMix 30 also contains protamine-bound insulin aspart for prolonged action.
insulin aspart preparations and strengths
Injection
Route: Parenteral
Strengths: 100 units/mL
How to take insulin aspart
Follow the instructions for the exact prescribed product and device.
Check the insulin name and device before use; insulin products are not automatically interchangeable.
Inject into the recommended subcutaneous site and rotate sites to reduce lumps and unpredictable absorption.
Do not inject into areas that are lumpy, thickened or affected by cutaneous amyloidosis.
Trurapi pre-filled pens are for subcutaneous injection only and should not be shared or stored with a needle attached.
NovoRapid PumpCart is only for compatible pump systems, must not be placed in an insulin pen and requires an alternative delivery method if the pump fails.
NovoMix 30 Penfill must be resuspended immediately before use until uniformly white and cloudy; it must not be used in a pump or given intravenously.
insulin aspart side effects
Common or expected effects
- Hypoglycaemia, with sweating, shaking, hunger, palpitations, dizziness, blurred vision or confusion
- Pain, redness, itching, bruising or swelling at an injection site
- Fatty thickening, thinning or amyloid deposits at repeatedly used injection sites
- Temporary visual changes or fluid retention when treatment starts or glucose control improves rapidly
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe hypoglycaemia causing abnormal behaviour, seizures or unconsciousness
- Anaphylaxis, including widespread rash, facial or throat swelling, breathing difficulty or collapse
- Severe hyperglycaemia or diabetic ketoacidosis after inadequate or interrupted insulin delivery
insulin aspart in pregnancy
Insulin can be used during pregnancy, and rapid-acting insulin aspart has reassuring clinical experience. Evidence for NovoMix 30 specifically is more limited. Specialist diabetes antenatal support is important because glucose monitoring and insulin requirements commonly change.
insulin aspart while breastfeeding
Insulin aspart can be used while breastfeeding. Insulin requirements may change after birth and during breastfeeding, so glucose should be monitored and treatment reviewed. Seek specialist advice if the baby is premature or unwell, or advice if the baby is unusually drowsy, pale, sweaty or shaky.
insulin aspart interactions
Medicines that alter glucose metabolism may change insulin requirements. Check with a clinician when starting or stopping medicines or supplements.
Other glucose-lowering medicines
May increase the risk of hypoglycaemia and require closer glucose monitoring.
Beta-blockers
May lower glucose and conceal warning symptoms of hypoglycaemia.
Systemic corticosteroids
May raise blood glucose and prompt review of diabetes treatment.
Common questions about insulin aspart
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is insulin aspart the same as NovoMix 30?
NovoMix 30 contains insulin aspart but is a biphasic suspension combining rapid and intermediate action. It is not equivalent to a clear rapid-acting solution.
Can insulin aspart be used in an insulin pump?
Only pump-compatible formulations should be used. NovoRapid PumpCart is restricted to compatible pump systems; Trurapi pre-filled pens and NovoMix 30 Penfill must not be used in pumps.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.