NovoRapid Penfill 3ml Solution For Injection

NovoRapid Penfill contains insulin aspart. It belongs to the insulin class of medications and is used to treat high blood sugar levels in individuals with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Novorapid Penfill helps lower blood sugar levels after meals and reduces the risk of serious complications related to diabetes.

Insulin should be taken at least 15 to 20 minutes before or within 20 minutes of starting a meal. It is essential not to skip a meal or the dose of insulin. Always rotate the injection site to avoid using the same site for an extended period.

It is advisable to keep sugar candy or glucose tablets handy, as low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) is a common side effect of Novorapid Penfill. If you experience symptoms of hypoglycemia frequently, please contact your doctor, as they may need to adjust your dosage.

Dosage

Overdose

• Excess insulin will lead to low blood sugar levels, called hypoglycemia.
• Symptoms like dizziness, fainting, sweating and tremors may be seen.
• If you have the blood glucometer with you, test immediately and confirm.
• Whether or not you test your levels, it is important to take some glucose water/juice/eat sugar or chocolates immediately and then rush to your doctor.

Missed a Dose

• A missed dose may lead to high blood sugar levels which can cause symptoms like feeling thirsty, excessive urination, loss of appetite, drowsiness, the fruity smell from breath, etc.
• If you missed any dose of medicine take it as soon as you remember.
• If it's time for your next dose then skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dose schedule.
• Do not take a double dose of medicine to compensate for the missed one as taking a double dose can cause a drastic fall in blood glucose which can be dangerous.

Mode of Action

How Does It Work?

• Insulin is crucial to allow the entry of blood glucose into each cell of the body.
• Inside the cell, this glucose is used as a source of energy.
• In type 1 diabetes mellitus, the body fails to produce adequate insulin.
• This leads to glucose accumulating in the blood, causing high blood glucose levels.
• NovoRapid Penfill Injection lowers blood sugar levels by stimulating glucose uptake in cells, tissues, and muscles, especially in skeletal muscles and fat, and by inhibiting glucose production in the liver.

Directions for Use

• Take Novorapid Penfill Injection as per the technique suggested by your doctor or nurse.
• This injection is to be taken under the skin of the thigh or upper arm or abdomen.
• Do not take this injection in the vein or muscles.
• Pull a skin, fold up to take this injection.
• Wait for at least 6 seconds before removing the needle from the injection site.
• Always rotate the site of injection, do not take concurrent injections at the same site.

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

Can I take Novorapid Penfill Injection during pregnancy?

Novorapid Penfill Injection can be used during pregnancy if your doctor recommends. However, close monitoring of blood sugar levels is suggested as the dose requirements may change with each trimester of pregnancy.

Breast Feeding

Can I take Novorapid Penfill Injection while breastfeeding?

Novorapid Penfill Injection is usually safe during breastfeeding. Thus, it can be taken while you are nursing an infant.

Driving

Can I drive if I have taken Novorapid Penfill Injection?

• Insulin can cause low blood sugar levels, which may impair your ability to drive safely.
• Always keep sugar or a bar of chocolate in your car while driving. If you experience any symptoms of low blood glucose, such as dizziness, drowsiness, or visual disturbances.

Alcohol

Can I consume alcohol with Novorapid Penfill Injection?

• It is advisable not to consume alcohol when you are taking Novorapid Penfill Injection as it interferes with the way insulin works.
• Consumption of alcohol may lead to an increased risk of both low blood glucose level and high blood glucose level.
• Avoid excessive use of alcohol while taking insulin.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

• You have recurrent low blood sugar levels.
• You have frequent fevers and infections.
• You have diseases related to the liver and kidneys.
• You have thyroid disorders.
• You are switching to a different type of insulin.
• If you experience pain, itching, or swelling at the injection site, regularly change the site of injection.
• Avoid doing strenuous exercise.
• You are planning to change your diet preferences.
• Always carry a sugar sweet with you.
• If you are taking insulin but not eating a balanced diet, your blood glucose levels can drop suddenly.
• Be very careful about symptoms of low blood sugar, such as sweating, anxiety, a rapid heartbeat, headache, intense hunger, restlessness, dizziness, and irritability. If you experience these, immediately consume sugar (avoid artificial sweeteners). Eat something as soon as possible. Do not take insulin in such a situation. If symptoms persist, seek emergency medical help.

Contraindications

• If you are allergic to insulin or any of the ingredients of Novorapid Penfill Injection.
• If you are suffering from hypoglycemia (low blood sugar level).

Side effects

• Low blood sugar (Hypoglycaemia)
• Lightheadedness
• Dizziness
• Anxiety
• Nervousness
• Tiredness
• Feeling hungry
• Visual disturbances
• Headache
• Shaking
• Sweating
• Pale skin
• Skin rashes
• Pain, redness, swelling at the injection site

Interactions

Interactions with other medicines

• You may have symptoms of low blood sugar if you are taking other medicines for diabetes, depression (fluoxetine), medicines for fever and pain (salicylates), ramipril, lisinopril.
• You may have high blood sugar if you are taking oral contraceptives, thiazide, steroids, thyroxine, medicines used to treat severe diarrhoea and abnormal growth of body organs like octreotide, lanreotide.
• If you are taking the medicine pioglitazone to treat diabetes, be cautious, as some cases of heart attack and heart failure have been reported.
• Some medicines block your body's response to low blood sugar, so you may not experience symptoms like headache, hunger pangs, sweating, anxiety when your blood sugar drops. This can lead to a serious fall in blood sugar. Inform your doctor if you are on medicines like Betablockers (Metoprolol, Propranolol, Atenolol), Clonidine, Guanethidine and Reserpine.

Interactions with food items

• This medicine is to be taken 15 minutes before meals or after meals.
• Maintaining a constant meal pattern is advisable when you are taking insulin.
• Avoid skipping or delaying meals when you are taking insulin.

Storage and disposal

• Store between 2°C to 8°C in the refrigerator.
• Do not freeze it.
• Keep it out of the reach of children.
• Do not open the carton of vials to protect it from light.
• Any unused portion should not be stored and should be appropriately discarded.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What food items I should avoid, as I'm a diabetic?

• Avoid maida, white bread, noodles, corn flakes, poori, biryani, naan, fried rice, etc.
• Avoid custard apple, mango, jack fruit, fruit salads with ice cream, fruit-based desserts.
• Avoid cheese, milkshakes, ice creams.
• Try to avoid pork, beef, soft drinks, sugarcane juice, sweetened health drinks and beverages.

Can I stop taking Novorapid Penfill if I am feeling uncomfortable after taking this medicine?

No, you can not stop taking your insulin without speaking with a doctor. It may lead to high blood sugar levels and may worsen your disease condition and land you in complications. In case of side effects or discomfort, talk to your doctor. You may need a dose adjustment.

Why should I always change the site for taking Novorapid Penfill ?

Taking Novorapid Penfill Injection at the same site may lead to a lump formation, local irritation and itching. Thus it is advisable not to take injections at the same site or maintain a gap of at least one day.

What other lifestyle modifications I need to consider to manage diabetes?

• Diet should include chapatis, multigrain bread, puffed rice with vegetables, sprouts, roasted grams, plain cooked daal, soups, steamed vegetables, cooked vegetables with less oil, jamun, orange, guava, apple, watermelon, papaya, cow’s milk, curd, thin buttermilk, fish (grilled, baked or steamed), peanuts, cashew nuts and walnuts (handful).
• Limit sugar intake
• A brisk walk daily for 30 minutes
• Exercise regularly
• Monitor your blood glucose regularly
• Take your anti-diabetic medication on time

I develop low blood sugar levels often, what could be the possible reasons?

• Risk factors for developing low blood glucose levels include taking too much insulin, not taking adequate meals or missing meals, too much alcohol consumption, fever and too much exercise.
• Some medicines, when used with insulin can result in such episodes as other diabetes medicine glimepiride, medicines used for fever and pain (salicylates), ramipril, etc.
• Report to your doctor about these episodes. You may need a dose of adjustment.