Acilog

Indications

Insulin Aspart is a fast-acting insulin used to control blood sugar in adults and children with diabetes (type 1 and type 2), mainly to cover the rise in sugar after meals. It is often used together with a long-acting insulin. Premixed forms (biphasic insulin aspart) combine fast and intermediate-acting insulin in one injection.

How It Works

It is a modified human insulin that is absorbed quickly. It helps sugar move from the blood into the body's cells and stops the liver making too much sugar. It starts working within about 10 to 20 minutes, works most strongly after 1 to 3 hours, and lasts about 3 to 5 hours.

Dosage and Administration

The dose is different for each person and is set by the doctor; use it exactly as prescribed. It is usually injected under the skin of the belly, thigh or upper arm just before a meal (within 0 to 10 minutes), or soon after starting the meal if needed. Change the injection spot each time. You will be shown how to use the pen or syringe and how to check your blood sugar. In hospital it may also be given into a vein by a doctor or nurse, or used in an insulin pump.

Interactions

• Other diabetes medicines, alcohol, ACE inhibitors and some antidepressants can increase the risk of low blood sugar.
• Steroids (such as Prednisolone), thiazide diuretics, thyroid hormones, oral contraceptives and some asthma medicines can raise blood sugar, so more insulin may be needed.
• Beta blockers (such as Propranolol) can hide the warning signs of low blood sugar.
• Pioglitazone with insulin can cause fluid retention and heart failure in some people.

Contraindications

Low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) at the time of the dose; allergy to insulin aspart or any ingredient.

Side Effects

The most common side effect is low blood sugar, with sweating, shaking, fast heartbeat, hunger, headache, blurred vision or confusion. If this happens, take fast sugar at once (for example 3 to 4 teaspoons of sugar or glucose in water, or a sweet drink), then eat a snack. Other effects: redness, itching or swelling at the injection site, lumps or dents in the skin if the same spot is used often, weight gain, and ankle swelling. Get urgent medical help if a person is very drowsy, unconscious or having a fit from low sugar (do not give food or drink by mouth if they cannot swallow), or if there is a widespread rash, swelling of the face or throat, or trouble breathing.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Insulin Aspart can be used in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Insulin needs change during pregnancy and after delivery, so the doctor will adjust the dose and blood sugar should be checked more often.

Precautions and Warnings

Never share pens or needles, even if the needle is changed. Do not skip meals after injecting. Check blood sugar regularly, and more often during illness, exercise, travel or a change in diet. Always carry sugar or sweets. Check the label each time to avoid mixing up insulin types. Do not use it if it looks cloudy (unless it is a premixed type meant to be cloudy) or has been frozen. Take care when driving if you are prone to low sugar.

Overdose

Too much insulin causes low blood sugar. Mild cases are treated with sugar by mouth followed by food. Severe cases with drowsiness, fits or unconsciousness need emergency care, where glucose is given into a vein or a glucagon injection is used.

Therapeutic Class

Antidiabetic medicine (rapid-acting insulin analogue).

Storage

Unopened pens, cartridges and vials: store in a fridge at 2 to 8°C; do not freeze and keep away from the freezer compartment. In use: can be kept at room temperature below 30°C for up to 4 weeks. Keep the cap on to protect from light, and keep out of the reach of children.