Indications
Insulin Aspart 30/70 is a premixed insulin used to control blood sugar in adults and children with diabetes mellitus. It contains 30% soluble (rapid-acting) Insulin Aspart and 70% protamine-crystallised Insulin Aspart (intermediate-acting), so one injection covers both a meal and part of the day.
How It Works
Insulin is the hormone that moves sugar from the blood into the body’s cells and stops the liver making too much sugar. The rapid part starts working within 10 to 20 minutes and controls the rise in sugar after a meal. The protamine part is released slowly and works for up to about 24 hours, giving background control.
Dosage and Administration
The dose is individual and is set by your doctor, as prescribed. It is usually injected under the skin of the abdomen or thigh once or twice a day, shortly before (within 10 minutes of) a meal, or soon after starting the meal if advised. Gently roll and tip the pen or vial until the liquid is evenly cloudy before each use. Never inject into a vein or muscle, and never put it in an insulin pump. Change injection sites to avoid lumps. Check your blood sugar as advised and do not change the dose without guidance.
Interactions
Many medicines change insulin needs. Oral diabetes medicines, ACE inhibitors, Salicylates, some antidepressants and alcohol can lower blood sugar further. Steroids such as Prednisolone, thiazide diuretics, thyroid hormone, oral contraceptives and some antipsychotics can raise it. Beta blockers such as Propranolol can hide warning signs of low sugar. Pioglitazone with insulin may cause fluid retention and heart failure.
Contraindications
Do not use during an episode of low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) or if allergic to Insulin Aspart or any ingredient.
Side Effects
The most common side effect is low blood sugar: shaking, sweating, fast heartbeat, hunger, headache, confusion or blurred vision. Others include redness, swelling or itching at the injection site, lumps or dents in the skin from repeated use of one site, weight gain, swelling of ankles, and low potassium.
Get urgent medical help for severe low sugar with confusion, fits or loss of consciousness (a family member can give glucagon or sugar if trained), or for signs of a serious allergy such as widespread rash, swelling of the face or difficulty breathing. Also seek help for very high sugar with vomiting, deep breathing or drowsiness.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Insulin Aspart can be used in pregnancy, and good sugar control is important for mother and baby. Insulin needs change during pregnancy and after delivery, so close monitoring is needed. It can be used while breastfeeding; the dose may need adjusting.
Precautions and Warnings
Always carry a sugary snack. Missing meals, extra exercise, alcohol, illness or kidney or liver problems can change insulin needs. Never share pens, even if the needle is changed. Check the label every time to avoid mixing up insulins. Take care driving if you are at risk of low sugar.
Overdose
Too much insulin causes low blood sugar. For mild cases, take glucose tablets, sugar or a sweet drink, then a snack. If the person is unconscious, do not give anything by mouth; give glucagon if available and call for emergency help.
Therapeutic Class
Antidiabetic agent; premixed rapid-acting insulin analogue with intermediate-acting component.
Storage
Store unopened pens or vials in the fridge at 2 to 8°C; do not freeze. Once in use, keep below 30°C, away from heat and light, for up to 4 weeks, and do not refrigerate. Keep the cap on and out of the reach of children.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.