Insulin Aspart: How Should I Use Insulin Aspart

Content provided by Cerner Multum, Inc.

How should I use insulin aspart?

Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

You should not mix this medication with other insulins.

Insulin aspart is given as an injection (shot) under your skin, using a needle and syringe or an insulin pump. Your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist will give you specific instructions on how and where to inject this medicine. Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of used needles and syringes.

Insulin aspart is a fast-acting medication that begins to work very quickly. After using insulin aspart, you should eat a meal within 5 to 10 minutes.

Insulin aspart should be thin, clear, and colorless. Do not use the medication if it has changed colors or has any particles in it. Call your doctor for a new prescription.

Choose a different place in your injection skin area each time you use this medication. Do not inject into the same place two times in a row.

If you use this medication with an insulin pump, do not mix or dilute insulin aspart with any other insulin. Call your doctor at once if you think your infusion pump is not working properly.

Use each disposable needle only one time. Throw away used needles in a puncture-proof container (ask your pharmacist where you can get one and how to dispose of it). Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.

Some insulin needles can be used more than once, depending on needle brand and type. But a reused needle must be properly cleaned, recapped, and inspected for bending or breakage. Reusing needles also increases your risk of infection. Ask your doctor or pharmacist whether you are able to reuse your insulin needles.

Infusion pump tubing, catheters, and the needle location on your skin should be changed every 48 hours. Throw away any medication leftover in the reservoir.

Check your blood sugar carefully during a time of stress or illness, if you travel, exercise more than usual, or skip meals. These things can affect your glucose levels and your insulin dose needs may also change.

Watch for signs of blood sugar that is too high (hyperglycemia). These symptoms include increased thirst, loss of appetite, increased urination, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, dry skin, and dry mouth. Check your blood sugar levels and ask your doctor how to adjust your insulin doses if needed.

Ask your doctor how to adjust your insulin aspart dose if needed. Do not change your dose without first talking to your doctor.

Carry an ID card or wear a medical alert bracelet stating that you have diabetes, in case of emergency. Any doctor, dentist, or emergency medical care provider who treats you should know that you are diabetic.

Storing unopened vials, cartridges, or injection pens: Keep in the carton and store in a refrigerator, protected from light. Throw away any insulin not used before the expiration date on the medicine label.

Unopened vials, cartridges, or injection pens may also be stored at room temperature for up to 28 days, away from heat and bright light. Throw away any insulin not used within 28 days.

Storing after your first use: Keep the "in-use" vials, cartridges, or injection pens at room temperature and use within 28 days. Do not refrigerate.

Do not freeze insulin aspart, and throw away the medication if it has become frozen.

Last updated:	July 07, 2008