Insulin Aspart by is a Prescription medication manufactured, distributed, or labeled by A-S Medication Solutions. Drug facts, warnings, and ingredients follow.
See Full Prescribing Information for important administration and dosage instructions (2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5).
Adverse reactions observed with insulin aspart include: hypoglycemia, allergic reactions, local injection site reactions, lipodystrophy, rash, and pruritus (6).
To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Novo Nordisk Pharma, Inc. at 1-800-727-6500 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
See 17 for PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION and FDA-approved patient labeling.
Revised: 3/2020
Subcutaneous Injection
Continuous Subcutaneous Infusion (Insulin Pump)
Intravenous Administration
Insulin aspart subcutaneous injection route |
If insulin aspart is mixed with NPH insulin, draw insulin aspart into the syringe first and inject immediately after mixing. |
Insulin aspart continuous subcutaneous infusion route (Insulin Pump) |
Do NOT mix insulin aspart with any other insulin. |
Insulin aspart 100 units per mL (U-100) is available as a clear and colorless solution for injection in:
Insulin Aspart FlexPen, PenFill cartridge, and PenFill cartridge devices should never be shared between patients, even if the needle is changed. Patients using insulin aspart vials must never share needles or syringes with another person. Sharing poses a risk for transmission of blood-borne pathogens.
Changes in an insulin regimen (e.g., insulin strength, manufacturer, type, injection site or method of administration) may affect glycemic control and predispose to hypoglycemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)] or hyperglycemia. Repeated insulin injections into areas of lipodystrophy or localized cutaneous amyloidosis have been reported to result in hyperglycemia; and a sudden change in the injection site (to an unaffected area) has been reported to result in hypoglycemia [see Adverse Reactions (6.1, 6.3)]. Make any changes to a patient’s insulin regimen under close medical supervision with increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring. Advise patients who have repeatedly injected into areas of lipodystrophy or localized cutaneous amyloidosis to change the injection site to unaffected areas and closely monitor for hypoglycemia. For patients with type 2 diabetes, dosage adjustments of concomitant anti-diabetic products may be needed.
Hypoglycemia is the most common adverse effect of all insulin therapies, including insulin aspart. Severe hypoglycemia can cause seizures, may lead to unconsciousness, may be life threatening or cause death. Hypoglycemia can impair concentration ability and reaction time; this may place an individual and others at risk in situations where these abilities are important (e.g., driving or operating other machinery).
Hypoglycemia can happen suddenly and symptoms may differ in each individual and change over time in the same individual. Symptomatic awareness of hypoglycemia may be less pronounced in patients with longstanding diabetes in patients with diabetic nerve disease, in patients using medications that block the sympathetic nervous system (e.g., beta-blockers) [see Drug Interactions (7)], or in patients who experience recurrent hypoglycemia.
Risk Factors for Hypoglycemia
The risk of hypoglycemia after an injection is related to the duration of action of the insulin and, in general, is highest when the glucose lowering effect of the insulin is maximal. As with all insulin preparations, the glucose lowering effect time course of insulin aspart may vary in different individuals or at different times in the same individual and depends on many conditions, including the area of injection as well as the injection site blood supply and temperature [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2)]. Other factors which may increase the risk of hypoglycemia include changes in meal pattern (e.g., macronutrient content or timing of meals), changes in level of physical activity, or changes to co-administered medication [see Drug Interactions (7)].Patients with renal or hepatic impairment may be at higher risk of hypoglycemia [see Use in Specific Populations (8.6, 8.7)].
Risk Mitigation Strategies for Hypoglycemia
Patients and caregivers must be educated to recognize and manage hypoglycemia. Self-monitoring of blood glucose plays an essential role in the prevention and management of hypoglycemia; increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring is recommended. In patients at higher risk for hypoglycemia and patients who have reduced symptomatic awareness of hypoglycemia; increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring is recommended.
Accidental mix-ups between insulin aspart and other insulin products have been reported. To avoid medication errors between insulin aspart and other insulins, instruct patients to always check the insulin label before each injection.
Severe, life-threatening, generalized allergy, including anaphylaxis, can occur with insulin products, including insulin aspart. If hypersensitivity reactions occur, discontinue insulin aspart; treat per standard of care and monitor until symptoms and signs resolve [see Adverse Reactions (6)]. Insulin aspart is contraindicated in patients who have had hypersensitivity reactions to insulin aspart or one of the excipients [see Contraindications (4)].
All insulin products, including insulin aspart, can cause a shift in potassium from the extracellular to intracellular space, possibly leading to hypokalemia. Untreated hypokalemia may cause respiratory paralysis, ventricular arrhythmia, and death. Monitor potassium levels in patients at risk for hypokalemia if indicated (e.g., patients using potassium-lowering medications, patients taking medications sensitive to serum potassium concentration).
Thiazolidinediones (TZDs), which are peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-gamma agonists, can cause dose-related fluid retention, particularly when used in combination with insulin. Fluid retention may lead to or exacerbate heart failure. Patients treated with insulin, including insulin aspart, and a PPAR-gamma agonist should be observed for signs and symptoms of heart failure. If heart failure develops, it should be managed according to current standards of care, and discontinuation or dose reduction of the PPAR-gamma agonist must be considered.
Malfunction of the insulin pump or insulin infusion set or insulin degradation can rapidly lead to hyperglycemia and ketoacidosis. Prompt identification and correction of the cause of hyperglycemia or ketosis is necessary. Interim subcutaneous injections with insulin aspart may be required. Patients using continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion pump therapy must be trained to administer insulin by injection and have alternate insulin therapy available in case of pump failure [see How Supplied/Storage and Handling (16.2) and Patient Counseling Information (17)].
Common adverse reactions were defined as events occurring in ≥5%, excluding hypoglycemia, of the population studied. Common adverse events occurring at the same rate or greater for insulin aspart-treated subjects than in comparator-treated subjects during clinical trials in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus and type 2 diabetes mellitus (other than hypoglycemia) are listed in Table 1 and Table 2, respectively.
Table 1: Adverse reactions occurring in ≥ 5% of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus Adult Patients treated with insulin aspart and at the same rate or greater on insulin aspart than on comparator
insulin aspart + NPH (%)
(n= 596) | Regular Human Insulin + NPH (%)
(n= 286) |
|
---|---|---|
Headache |
12 |
10 |
Injury accidental |
11 |
10 |
Nausea |
7 |
5 |
Diarrhea |
5 |
3 |
Table 2: Adverse reactions occurring in ≥ 5% of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Adult Patients treated with insulin aspart and at the same rate or greater on insulin aspart than on comparator
insulin aspart + NPH (%)
(n= 91) | Human Regular Insulin + NPH (%)
(n= 91) |
|
---|---|---|
Hyporeflexia |
11 |
7 |
Onychomycosis |
10 |
5 |
Sensory disturbance |
9 |
7 |
Urinary tract infection |
8 |
7 |
Chest pain |
5 |
3 |
Headache |
5 |
3 |
Skin disorder |
5 |
2 |
Abdominal pain |
5 |
1 |
Sinusitis |
5 |
1 |
Severe hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia is the most commonly observed adverse reaction in patients using insulin, including insulin aspart [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)]. The rates of reported hypoglycemia depend on the definition of hypoglycemia used, diabetes type, insulin dose, intensity of glucose control, background therapies, and other intrinsic and extrinsic patient factors. For these reasons, comparing rates of hypoglycemia in clinical trials for insulin aspart with the incidence of hypoglycemia for other products may be misleading and also, may not be representative of hypoglycemia rates that will occur in clinical practice.
Severehypoglycemia was defined as hypoglycemia associated with central nervous system symptoms and requiring the intervention of another person or hospitalization.
The incidence of severe hypoglycemia in adult and pediatric patients receiving subcutaneous insulin aspart with type 1 diabetes mellitus was 17% at 24 weeks and 6% at 24 weeks, respectively [see Clinical Studies (14)].
The incidence of severe hypoglycemia in adult patients receiving subcutaneous insulin aspart with type 2 diabetes mellitus was 10% at 24 weeks.
The incidence of severe hypoglycemia in adult and pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus, receiving insulin aspart via continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion by external pump was 2% at 16 weeks and 10% at 16 weeks respectively.
No severe hypoglycemic episodes were reported in adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus receiving insulin aspart via continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion by external pump at 16 weeks.
Allergic Reactions
Some patients taking insulin therapy, including insulin aspart have experienced erythema, local edema, and pruritus at the site of injection. These conditions were usually self-limiting. Severe cases of generalized allergy (anaphylaxis) have been reported [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)].
Insulin initiation and glucose control intensification
Intensification or rapid improvement in glucose control has been associated with a transitory, reversible ophthalmologic refraction disorder, worsening of diabetic retinopathy, and acute painful peripheral neuropathy. However, long-term glycemic control decreases the risk of diabetic retinopathy and neuropathy.
Lipodystrophy
Administration of insulin, including insulin aspart, subcutaneously and via subcutaneous insulin infusion by external pump, has resulted in lipoatrophy (depression in the skin) or lipohypertrophy (enlargement or thickening of tissue) in some patients [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)].
Peripheral Edema
Insulin products, including insulin aspart, may cause sodium retention and edema, particularly if previously poor metabolic control is improved by intensified insulin therapy.
Weight gain
Weight gain has occurred with some insulin therapies including insulin aspart and has been attributed to the anabolic effects of insulin and the decrease in glucosuria.
As with all therapeutic proteins, there is potential for immunogenicity. The detection of antibody formation is highly dependent on the sensitivity and specificity of the assay. Additionally, the observed incidence of antibody (including neutralizing antibody) positivity in an assay may be influenced by several factors including assay methodology, sample handling, timing of sample collection, concomitant medications, and underlying disease. For these reasons, comparison of the incidence of antibodies to insulin aspart in the studies described below with the incidence of antibodies in other studies or to other products may be misleading.
In a 6-month study with a 6-month extension in adult subjects with type 1 diabetes, 99.8% of patients who received insulin aspart were positive for anti-insulin antibodies (AIA) at least once during the study, including 97.2% that were positive at baseline. A total of 92.1% of patients who received insulin aspart were positive for anti-drug antibodies (ADA) at least once during the study, including 64.6% that were positive at baseline.
In a phase 3 type 1 diabetes clinical trial of insulin aspart, initial increase in titers of antibodies to insulin, followed by a decrease to baseline values, was observed in regular human insulin and insulin aspart treatment groups with similar incidences. These antibodies did not cause deterioration in glycemic control or necessitate increases in insulin dose.
The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of insulin aspart. Because these adverse reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is generally not possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.
Medication errors have been reported in which other insulins have been accidentally substituted for insulin aspart [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].
Localized cutaneous amyloidosis at the injection site has occurred with insulin aspart. Hyperglycemia has been reported with repeated insulin injections into areas of localized cutaneous amyloidosis; hypoglycemia has been reported with a sudden change to an unaffected injection site.
Drugs That May Increase the Risk of Hypoglycemia |
|
Drugs: |
Antidiabetic agents, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blocking agents, disopyramide, fibrates, fluoxetine, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, pentoxifylline, pramlintide, propoxyphene, salicylates, somatostatin analog (e.g., octreotide), and sulfonamide antibiotics. |
Intervention: |
Dose adjustment and increased frequency of glucose monitoring may be required when insulin aspart is co-administered with these drugs. |
Drugs That May Decrease the Blood Glucose Lowering Effect of insulin aspart |
|
Drugs: |
Atypical antipsychotics (e.g., olanzapine and clozapine), corticosteroids, danazol, diuretics, estrogens, glucagon, isoniazid, niacin, oral contraceptives, phenothiazines, progestogens (e.g., in oral contraceptives), protease inhibitors, somatropin, sympathomimetic agents (e.g., albuterol, epinephrine, terbutaline), and thyroid hormones. |
Intervention: |
Dose adjustment and increased frequency of glucose monitoring may be required when insulin aspart is co-administered with these drugs. |
Drugs That May Increase or Decrease the Blood Glucose Lowering Effect of insulin aspart |
|
Drugs: |
Alcohol, beta-blockers, clonidine, and lithium salts. Pentamidine may cause hypoglycemia, which may sometimes be followed by hyperglycemia. Pentamidine may cause hypoglycemia, which may sometimes be followed by hyperglycemia. |
Intervention: |
Dose adjustment and increased frequency of glucose monitoring may be required when insulin aspart is co-administered with these drugs. |
Drugs That May Blunt Signs and Symptoms of Hypoglycemia |
|
Drugs: |
Beta-blockers, clonidine, guanethidine and reserpine |
Intervention: |
Increased frequency of glucose monitoring may be required when insulin aspart is co-administered with these drugs. |
Risk Summary
Available information from published randomized controlled trials with insulin aspart use during the second trimester of pregnancy have not reported an association with insulin aspart and major birth defects or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes [see Data]. There are risks to the mother and fetus associated with poorly controlled diabetes in pregnancy [see Clinical Considerations].
In animal reproduction studies, administration of subcutaneous insulin aspart to pregnant rats and rabbits during the period of organogenesis did not cause adverse developmental effects at exposures 8-times and equal to the human subcutaneous dose of 1 unit/kg/day, respectively.
Pre- and post-implantation losses and visceral/skeletal abnormalities were seen at higher exposures, which are considered secondary to maternal hypoglycemia. These effects were similar to those observed in rats administered regular human insulin [see Data].
The estimated background risk of major birth defects is 6-10% in women with pre-gestational
diabetes with a HbA1c >7% and has been reported to be as high as 20-25% in women with a HbA1c >10%. The estimated background risk of miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects
and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively.
Clinical Considerations
Disease-Associated Maternal and/or Embryo-Fetal Risk
Poorly controlled diabetes in pregnancy increases the maternal risk for diabetic ketoacidosis, preeclampsia, spontaneous abortions, preterm delivery, and delivery complications. Poorly controlled diabetes increases the fetal risk for major birth defects, stillbirth, and macrosomia related morbidity.
Data
Human Data
Published data from 5 randomized controlled trials of 441 pregnant women with diabetes mellitus treated with insulin aspart during the late 2nd trimester of pregnancy did not identify an association of insulin aspart with major birth defects or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. However, these studies cannot definitely establish the absence of any risk because of methodological limitations, including a variable duration of treatment and small size of the
majority of the trials.
Animal Data
Fertility, embryo-fetal and pre- and postnatal development studies have been performed with insulin aspart and regular human insulin in rats and rabbits. In a combined fertility and embryo-fetal development study in rats, insulin aspart was administered before mating, during mating, and throughout pregnancy. Further, in a pre- and postnatal development study insulin aspart was given throughout pregnancy and during lactation to rats. In an embryo-fetal development study insulin aspart was given to female rabbits during organogenesis. The effects of insulin aspart did not differ from those observed with subcutaneous regular human insulin. Insulin aspart, like human insulin, caused pre- and post-implantation losses and visceral/skeletal abnormalities in rats at a dose of 200 units/kg/day (approximately 32 times the human subcutaneous dose of 1 unit/kg/day, based on human exposure equivalents) and in rabbits at a dose of 10 units/kg/day (approximately three times the human subcutaneous dose of 1 unit/kg/day, based on human exposure equivalents). No significant effects were observed in rats at a dose of 50 units/kg/day and in rabbits at a dose of 3 units/kg/day. These doses are approximately 8 times the human subcutaneous dose of 1 unit/kg/day for rats and equal to the human subcutaneous dose of 1 unit/kg/day for rabbits, based on human exposure equivalents. The effects are considered secondary to maternal hypoglycemia.
Risk Summary
There are no data on the presence of insulin aspart in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effect on milk production. One small published study reported that exogenous insulin, including insulin aspart, was present in human milk. However, there is insufficient information to determine the effects of insulin aspart on the breastfed infant. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for insulin aspart, and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from insulin aspart, or from the underlying maternal condition.
Insulin aspart is approved for use in children for subcutaneous daily injections and for subcutaneous continuous infusion by external insulin pump [see Clinical Studies (14.1, 14.2)]. Insulin aspart has not been studied in pediatric patients younger than 2 years of age. Insulin aspart has not been studied in pediatric patients with type 2 diabetes.
Of the total number of patients (n=1,375) treated with insulin aspart in 3 controlled clinical studies, 2.6% (n=36) were 65 years of age or over. One-half of these patients had type 1 diabetes (18/1285) and the other half had type 2 diabetes (18/90). The HbA1c response to insulin aspart, as compared to regular human insulin, did not differ by age.
Excess insulin administration may cause hypoglycemia and hypokalemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3, 5.6)]. Mild episodes of hypoglycemia usually can be treated with oral glucose. Adjustments in drug dosage, meal patterns, or exercise may be needed. More severe episodes with coma, seizure, or neurologic impairment may be treated with intramuscular/subcutaneous glucagon or concentrated intravenous glucose. Sustained carbohydrate intake and observation may be necessary because hypoglycemia may recur after apparent clinical recovery. Hypokalemia must be corrected appropriately.
Insulin aspart (injection) is a rapid-acting human insulin analog used to lower blood glucose. Insulin aspart is homologous with regular human insulin with the exception of a single substitution of the amino acid proline by aspartic acid in position B28, and is produced by recombinant DNA technology utilizing Saccharomyces cerevisiae (baker's yeast). Insulin aspart has the empirical formula C256H381N65079S6 and a molecular weight of 5825.8.
Insulin aspart is a sterile, aqueous, clear, and colorless solution, that contains insulin aspart 100 units/mL, glycerin 16 mg/mL, phenol 1.50 mg/mL, metacresol 1.72 mg/mL, zinc 19.6 mcg/mL, disodium hydrogen phosphate dihydrate 1.25 mg/mL, sodium chloride 0.58 mg/mL and water for injection. Insulin aspart has a pH of 7.2-7.6. Hydrochloric acid 10% and/or sodium hydroxide 10% may be added to adjust pH.
The primary activity of insulin, including insulin aspart is the regulation of glucose metabolism. Insulin and its analogs lower blood glucose by stimulating peripheral glucose uptake, especially by skeletal muscle and fat, and by inhibiting hepatic glucose production. Insulin inhibits lipolysis and proteolysis, and enhances protein synthesis.
Subcutaneous administration
The pharmacodynamic profile of insulin aspart given subcutaneously in 22 patients with type 1 diabetes is shown in Figure 2. The maximum glucose-lowering effect of insulin aspart occurred between 1 and 3 hours after subcutaneous injection (0.15 units/kg). The duration of action for insulin aspart is 3 to 5 hours. The time course of action of insulin and insulin analogs such as insulin aspart may vary considerably in different individuals orwithin the same individual. The parameters of insulin aspart activity (time of onset, peak time and duration) as designated in Figure 2 should be considered only as general guidelines. The rate of insulin absorption and onset of activity is affected by the site of injection, exercise, and other variables [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].
Figure 2. Serial mean serum glucose collected up to 6 hours following a single 0.15 units/kg pre-meal dose of insulin aspart (solid curve) or regular human insulin (hatched curve) injected immediately before a meal in 22 patients with type 1 diabetes.
Intravenous administration
A double-blind, randomized, two-way crossover study in 16 patients with type 1 diabetes demonstrated that intravenous infusion of insulin aspart resulted in a blood glucose profile that was similar to that after intravenous infusion with regular human insulin. Insulin aspart or human insulin was infused until the patient’s blood glucose decreased to 36 mg/dL, or until the patient demonstrated signs of hypoglycemia (rise in heart rate and onset of sweating), defined as the time of autonomic reaction (R) (see Figure 3).
Subcutaneous administration
Absorption and Bioavailability
In studies in healthy volunteers (total n=107) and patients with type 1 diabetes (total n=40), the median time to maximum concentration of insulin aspart in these trials was 40 to 50 minutes versus 80 to 120 minutes, for regular human insulin respectively.
The relative bioavailability of insulin aspart (0.15 units/kg) compared to regular human insulin indicates that the two insulins are absorbed to a similar extent.
In a clinical trial in patients with type 1 diabetes, insulin aspart and regular human insulin, both administered subcutaneously at a dose of 0.15 units/kg body weight, reached mean maximum concentrations of 82 and 36 mU/L, respectively.
Distribution
Insulin aspart has a low binding affinity to plasma proteins (<10%), similar to that seen with regular human insulin.
Figure 4. Serial mean serum free insulin concentration collected up to 6 hours following a single 0.15 units/kg pre-meal dose of insulin aspart (solid curve) or regular human insulin (hatched curve) injected immediately before a meal in 22 patients with type 1 diabetes.
Metabolism and Elimination
In a randomized, double-blind, crossover study 17 healthy Caucasian male subjects between 18 and 40 years of age received an intravenous infusion of either insulin aspart or regular human insulin at 1.5 mU/kg/min for 120 minutes. The mean insulin clearance was similar for the two groups with mean values of 1.2 L/h/kg for the insulin aspart group and 1.2 L/h/kg for the regular human insulin group.
After subcutaneous administration in normal malevolunteers (n=24), insulin aspart was eliminated with an average apparent half-life of 81 minutes.
Specific Populations
Pediatrics: Thepharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of insulin aspart and regular humaninsulin were evaluated in asingle dose study in 18 children (6-12 years, n=9) and adolescents (13-17 years [Tanner grade ≥ 2], n=9) with type 1 diabetes. The relative differences in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes between insulin aspart and regular human insulin were similar to those in healthy adult subjects and adults with type 1 diabetes.
Geriatrics: The pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of insulin aspart and regular human insulin were investigated in a single dose study in 18 subjects with type 2 diabetes who were ≥ 65 years of age. The relative differences in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in geriatric patients with type 2 diabetes between insulin aspart and regular human insulin were similar to those in younger adults.
Gender: Inhealthy volunteers given a single subcutaneous dose of insulin aspart 0.06 units/kg, no difference in insulin aspart levels was seen between men and women based on comparison of AUC (0-10h) or Cmax.
Obesity: A single subcutaneous dose of 0.1 units/kg insulin aspart was administered in a study of 23 patients with type 1 diabetes and a wide range of body mass index (BMI, 22-39 kg/m2). The pharmacokinetic parameters, AUC and Cmax, of insulin aspart were generally unaffected by BMI in the different groups – BMI 19-23 kg/m2 (N=4); BMI 23-27 kg/m2 (N=7); BMI 27-32 kg/m2 (N=6) and BMI >32 kg/m2 (N=6). Clearance of insulin aspart was reduced by 28% in patients with BMI >32 kg/m2 compared to patients with BMI <23 kg/m2.
Renal Impairment: A single subcutaneous dose of 0.08 units/kg insulin aspart was administered in a study to subjects with either normal renal function (N=6) creatinine clearance (CLcr) (> 80 ml/min) or mild (N=7; CLcr = 50-80 ml/min), moderate (N=3; CLcr = 30-50 ml/min) or severe (but not requiring hemodialysis) (N=2; CLcr = <30 ml/min) renal impairment. In this study, there was no apparent effect of creatinine clearance values on AUC and Cmax of insulin aspart.
Hepatic Impairment: A single subcutaneous dose of 0.06 units/kg insulin aspart was administered in an open-label, single-dose study of 24 subjects (N=6/group) with different degree of hepatic impairment (mild, moderate and severe) having Child-Pugh Scores ranging from 0 (healthy volunteers) to 12 (severe hepatic impairment). In this study, there was no correlation between the degree of hepatic impairment and any insulin aspart pharmacokinetic parameter.
Standard 2-year carcinogenicity studies in animals have not been performed to evaluate the carcinogenic potential of insulin aspart.In 52-week studies, Sprague-Dawley rats were dosed subcutaneously with insulin aspart at 10, 50, and 200 units/kg/day (approximately 2, 8, and 32 times the human subcutaneous dose of 1.0 units/kg/day, based on units/body surface area, respectively). At a dose of 200 units/kg/day, insulin aspart increased the incidence of mammary gland tumors in females when compared to untreated controls. The relevance of these findings to humans is unknown.
Insulin aspart was not genotoxic in the following tests: Ames test, mouse lymphoma cell forward gene mutation test, human peripheral blood lymphocyte chromosome aberration test, in vivo micronucleus test in mice, and in ex vivo UDS test in rat liver hepatocytes.
In fertility studies in male and female rats, at subcutaneous doses up to 200 units/kg/day (approximately 32 times the human subcutaneous dose, based on units/body surface area), no direct adverse effects on male and female fertility, or general reproductive performance of animals was observed.
The safety and effectiveness of subcutaneous insulin aspart was compared to regular human insulin in 596 type 1 diabetes adult, 187 pediatric type 1 diabetes, and 91 adult type 2 diabetes patients using NPH as basal insulin (see Tables 3, 4, 5). The reduction in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) was similar to regular human insulin.
The safety and effectiveness of insulin aspart administered by continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) by external pump was compared to buffered regular human insulin (administered by CSII), to lispro (administered by CSII) and compared to insulin aspart injections and NPH injection. Overall, the reduction in HbA1c was similar to the comparator.
Type 1 Diabetes – Adults (see Table 3)
Two 24 week, open‑label, active-controlled studies were conducted to compare the safety and efficacy of insulin aspart to regular human insulin injection in adult patients with type 1 diabetes. Because the two study designs and results were similar, data are shown for only one study (see Table 3).
The mean age of the trial population was 38.9 years and mean duration of diabetes was 15.7 years. Fifty-one percent were male. Ninety-four percent were Caucasian, 2% were Black and 4% were Other. The mean BMI was approximately 25.6 kg/m2.
Insulin aspart was administered by subcutaneous injection immediately prior to meals and regular human insulin was administered by subcutaneous injection 30 minutes before meals. NPH insulin was administered as the basal insulin in either single or divided daily doses. Changes in HbA1c were comparable for the two treatment regimens in this study (Table 3).
Table 3. Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus – Adult (insulin aspart plus NPH insulin vs. regular human insulin plus NPH insulin)
insulin aspart + NPH (N=596) |
Regular Human Insulin+ NPH (N=286) |
|
Baseline HbA1c (%)* |
7.9 ±1.1 |
8.0 ± 1.2 |
Change from Baseline HbA1c (%) |
-0.1 ± 0.8 |
0.0 ± 0.8 |
Treatment Difference in HbA1c, Mean (95% confidence interval) |
-0.2 (-0.3, -0.1) |
*Values are Mean ± SD
Type 1 Diabetes – Pediatric (see Table 4)
The efficacy of insulin aspart to improve glycemic control in pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus is based on an adequate and well-controlled trial of regular human insulin in pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (Table 4). This 24-week, parallel-group study of children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes (n = 283), aged 6 to 18 years, compared two subcutaneous multiple-dose treatment regimens: insulin aspart (n=187) or regular human insulin (n=96). NPH insulin was administered as the basal insulin. Similar effects on HbA1c were observed in both treatment groups (Table 4).
Subcutaneous administration of insulin aspart and regular human insulin have also been compared in children with type 1 diabetes (n=26) aged 2 to 6 years with similar effects on HbA1c.
Table 4. Pediatric Subcutaneous Administration of insulin aspart in Type 1 Diabetes (24 weeks; n=283)
insulin aspart + NPH (N=187) |
Regular Human Insulin+ NPH (N=96) |
|
Baseline HbA1c (%)* |
8.3 ± 1.2 |
8.3 ± 1.3 |
Change from Baseline HbA1c (%) |
0.1± 1.0 |
0.1± 1.1 |
Treatment Difference in HbA1c, Mean (95% confidence interval) |
-0.2 (-0.5, 0.1) |
*Values are Mean ± SD
Type 2 Diabetes - Adults (see Table 5)
Onesix-month, open-label, active-controlled study was conducted to compare the safety and efficacy of insulin aspart to regular human insulin in patients with type 2 diabetes (Table 5).
The mean age of the trial population was 56.6 years and mean duration of diabetes was 12.7 years. Sixty-three percent were male. Seventy-six percent were Caucasian, 9% were Black and 15% were Other. The mean BMI was approximately 29.7 kg/m2.
Insulin aspart was administered by subcutaneous injection immediately prior to meals and regular human insulin was administered by subcutaneous injection30 minutes before meals. NPH insulin was administered as the basal insulin in either single or divided daily doses. Changes in HbA1c were comparable for the two treatment regimens.
Table 5. Subcutaneous insulin aspart Administration in Type 2 Diabetes (6 months; n=176)
insulin aspart + NPH (N=90) |
Regular Human Insulin + NPH (N=86) |
|
Baseline HbA1c (%)* |
8.1 ± 1.2 |
7.8 ± 1.1 |
Change from Baseline HbA1c (%) |
-0.3 ± 1.0 |
-0.1 ± 0.8 |
Treatment Difference in HbA1c, Mean (95% confidence interval) |
- 0.1 (-0.4, 0.1) |
*Values are Mean ± SD
Type 1 Diabetes – Adult (see Table 6)
Two open-label, parallel design studies (6 weeks [n=29] and 16 weeks [n=118]) compared insulin aspart to buffered regular human insulin (Velosulin) in adults with type 1 diabetes receiving a subcutaneous infusion with an external insulin pump.
The mean age of the trial population was 42.3 years. Thirty-nine percent were male. Ninety-eight percent were Caucasian and 2% were Black.
The two treatment regimens had comparable changes in HbA1c.
Table 6. Adult Insulin Pump Study in Type 1 Diabetes (16 weeks; n=118)
insulin aspart (N=59) |
Buffered human insulin (N=59) |
|
Baseline HbA1c (%)* |
7.3 ± 0.7 |
7.5 ± 0.8 |
Change from Baseline HbA1c (%) |
0.0 ± 0.5 |
0.2 ± 0.6 |
Treatment Difference in HbA1c, Mean (95% confidence interval) |
0.2 (-0.1, 0.4) |
*Values are Mean ± SD
Type 1 Diabetes – Pediatric (see Table 7)
A randomized, 16-week, open-label, parallel design study of children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes (n=298) aged 4-18 years compared two subcutaneous infusion regimens administered via an external insulin pump: insulin aspart (n=198) or insulin lispro (n=100). These two treatments resulted in comparable changes from baseline in HbA1c (see Table 7).
Table 7. Pediatric Insulin Pump Study in Type 1 Diabetes (16 weeks; n=298)
insulin aspart (N=198) |
Lispro (N=100) |
|
Baseline HbA1c (%)* |
8.0 ± 0.9 |
8.2 ± 0.8 |
Change from Baseline HbA1c (%) |
-0.1 ± 0.8 |
-0.1 ± 0.7 |
Treatment Difference in HbA1c, Mean (95% confidence interval) |
-0.1 (-0.3, 0.1) |
*Values are Mean ± SD
Type 2 Diabetes – Adults (see Table 8)
An open-label, 16-week parallel design trial compared pre-prandial insulin aspart injection in conjunction with NPH injections to insulin aspart administered by continuous subcutaneous infusion in 127 adults with type 2 diabetes.
The mean age of the trial population was 55.1 years. Sixty-four percent were male. Eighty percent were Caucasian, 12% were Black and 8% were Other. The mean BMI was approximately 32.2 kg/m2.
The two treatment groups had similar reductions in HbA1c (Table 8).
Table 8. Pump Therapy in Type 2 Diabetes (16 weeks; n=127)
insulin aspart pump (N=66) |
insulin aspart + NPH (N=61) |
|
Baseline HbA1c (%)* |
8.2 ± 1.4 |
8.0 ± 1.1 |
Change from Baseline HbA1c (%) |
-0.6 ± 1.1 |
-0.5 ± 0.9 |
Treatment Difference in HbA1c, Mean (95% confidence interval) |
0.1 (-0.3, 0.4) |
*Values are Mean ± SD
Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (Patient Information and Instructions for Use).
Never Share an Insulin Aspart FlexPen, PenFill Cartridge or PenFill Cartridge Device Between Patients
Advise patients that they must never share Insulin Aspart FlexPen, PenFill cartridge or PenFill cartridge devices with another person even if the needle is changed, because doing so carries a risk for transmission of blood-borne pathogens. Advise patients using insulin aspart vials not to share needles or syringes with another person. Sharing poses a risk for transmission of blood-borne pathogens [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].
Hyperglycemia or Hypoglycemia
Inform patients that hypoglycemia is the most common adverse reaction with insulin. Instruct patients on self-management procedures including glucose monitoring, proper injection technique, and management of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia, especially at initiation of insulin aspart therapy. Instruct patients on handling of special situations such as intercurrent conditions (illness, stress, or emotional disturbances), an inadequate or skipped insulin dose, inadvertent administration of an increased insulin dose, inadequate food intake, and skipped meals. Instruct patients on the management of hypoglycemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].
Inform patients that their ability to concentrate and react may be impaired as a result of hypoglycemia. Advise patients who have frequent hypoglycemia or reduced or absent warning signs of hypoglycemia to use caution when driving or operating machinery.
Advise patients that changes in insulin regimen can predispose to hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia and that changes in insulin regimen should be made under close medical supervision [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].
Hypoglycemia with Medication Errors
Instruct patients to always check the insulin label before each injection to avoid mix-ups between insulin products [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].
Hypersensitivity Reactions
Advise patients that hypersensitivity reactions have occurred with insulin aspart. Inform patients of the symptoms of hypersensitivity reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].
Administration
Insulin aspart must only be used if the solution is clear and colorless with no particles visible. Instruct patients that when injecting insulin aspart, they must press and hold down the dose button until the dose counter shows 0 and then keep the needle in the skin and count slowly to 6 as the prescribed dose is not completely delivered until 6 seconds later. If the needle is removed earlier, the full dose may not be delivered (a possible under-dose may occur by as much as 20%). Inform the patient to increase the frequency of checking their blood glucose and that possible additional insulin administration may be necessary.
If 0 does not appear in the dose counter after continuously pressing the dose button, the patient may have used a blocked needle. In this case they would not have received any insulin – even though the dose counter has moved from the original dose that was set. Instruct the patient to change the needle as described in Section 5 of the Instructions for Use and repeat all steps in the IFU starting with Section 1: Prepare your pen with a new needle. Make sure the patient selects the full dose needed.
Patients Using Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Pumps
Before using an insulin pump with insulin aspart, read the pump label to make sure the pump has been evaluated with insulin aspart.
Rx only
Date of Issue: 11/2019
Version: 2
Novo Nordisk®, NovoLog®,PenFill®, Novolin®, FlexPen®, NovoFine®, and NovoTwist® are registered trademarks of Novo Nordisk A/S.
Patent Information: http://novonordisk-us.com/patients/products/product-patents.html
© 2002-2019 Novo Nordisk
Manufactured by:
Novo Nordisk A/S
DK-2880 Bagsvaerd, Denmark
Distributed by:
Novo Nordisk Pharma, Inc.
1-800-727-6500
Insulin Aspart Injection
Do not share your Insulin Aspart FlexPen, PenFill cartridge or PenFill cartridge compatible insulin delivery device with other people, even if the needle has been changed. You may give other people a serious infection, or get a serious infection from them.
What is insulin aspart?
Who should not take insulin aspart?
Do not take insulin aspart if you:
Before taking insulin aspart, tell your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions including, if you are:
Before you start taking insulin aspart, talk to your healthcare provider about low blood sugar and how to manage it.
How should I take insulin aspart?
What should I avoid while taking insulin aspart?
While taking insulin aspart do not:
What are the possible side effects of insulin aspart?
Insulin aspart may cause serious side effects that can lead to death, including:
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Signs and symptoms that may indicate low blood sugar include:
Your insulin dose may need to change because of:
Other common side effects of insulin aspart may include:
Get emergency medical help if you have:
These are not all the possible side effects of insulin aspart. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
General information about the safe and effective use of insulin aspart.
Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Patient Information leaflet. You can ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider for information about insulin aspart that is written for health professionals. Do not use insulin aspart for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give insulin aspart to other people, even if they have the same symptoms that you have. It may harm them.
What are the ingredients in insulin aspart?
Active Ingredient: insulin aspart
Inactive Ingredients: glycerin, phenol, metacresol, zinc, disodium hydrogen phosphate dihydrate, sodium chloride and water for injection
Manufactured by: Novo Nordisk A/S; DK-2880 Bagsvaerd, Denmark
For more information, call 1-800-727-6500.
This Patient Information has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Revised: 11/2019
INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE
Insulin Aspart Injection
10 mL multiple-dose vial (100 Units/mL, U-100)
Read this Instructions for Use before you start taking insulin aspart and each time you get a refill. There may be new information. This information does not take the place of talking to your healthcare provider about your medical condition or your treatment.
Supplies you will need to give your insulin aspart injection:
Preparing your insulin aspart dose:
Step 1: Pull off the tamper resistant cap (See Figure A).
Step 2: Wipe the rubber stopper with an alcohol swab (See Figure B).
Step 3: Hold the syringe with the needle pointing up. Pull down on the plunger until the black tip reaches the line for the number of units for your prescribed dose (See Figure C).
Step 4: Push the needle through the rubber stopper of the insulin aspart vial (See Figure D).
Step 5: Push the plunger all the way in. This puts air into the insulin aspart vial (See Figure E).
Step 6: Turn the insulin aspart vial and syringe upside down and slowly pull the plunger down until the black tip is a few units past the line for your dose (See Figure F).
Step 7: Slowly push the plunger up until the black tip reaches the line for your insulin aspart dose (See Figure H).
Step 8: Check the syringe to make sure you have the right dose of insulin aspart.
Step 9: Pull the syringe out of the vial’s rubber stopper (See Figure I).
Step 10: Choose your injection site and wipe the skin with an alcohol swab. Let the injection site dry before you inject your dose (See Figure J).
(Figure J)
Step 11: Insert the needle into your skin. Push down on the plunger to inject your dose (See Figure K). The needle should remain in the skin for at least 6 seconds to make sure you have injected all the insulin.
Step 12: Pull the needle out of your skin. After that, you may see a drop of insulin aspart at the needle tip. This is normal and does not affect the dose you just received (See Figure L).
After your injection:
Do not dispose of your used sharps disposal container in your household trash unless your community guidelines permit this. Do not recycle your used sharps disposal container.
How should I store insulin aspart?
General information about the safe and effective use of insulin aspart
This Instructions for Use has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Manufactured by:
Novo Nordisk A/S
DK-2880 Bagsvaerd, Denmark
© 2002-2019 Novo Nordisk
Distributed by:
Novo Nordisk Pharma, Inc.
1-800-727-6500
Revised: 11/2019
INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE
Insulin Aspart PenFill® 3 mL cartridge 100 Units/mL (U-100) Injection
Supplies you will need to give your insulin aspart injection:
(Figure A)
How to use the Insulin Aspart PenFill cartridge
(Figure B)
Step 1:
(Figure C)
Prepare your device with a new needle
Step 2:
(Figure D)
Step 3:
(Figure E)
Step 4:
(Figure F)
A drop of insulin may appear at the needle tip. This is normal, but you must still check the insulin flow.
Step 5:
(Figure G)
Select your dose
Step 6:
(Figure H)
Inject your dose
Step 7:
(Figure J)
You may see a drop of insulin aspart at the needle tip after injecting. This is normal and has no effect on the dose you just received. If blood appears after you take the needle out of your skin, press the injection site lightly with a cotton gauze and cover with an adhesive bandage, if necessary. Do not rub the area.
After your injection
Step 8:
(Figure K)
(Figure L)
Step 9:
(Figure M)
How should I store my Insulin Aspart PenFill cartridge?
Before use:
PenFill cartridges in use:
GeneralInformation about the safe and effective use of insulin aspart.
This Instructions for Use has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
© 2002-2019 Novo Nordisk
Manufactured by:
Novo Nordisk A/S
DK-2880 Bagsvaerd, Denmark
Revised: 11/2019
INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE
Insulin Aspart FlexPen®
Injection
Introduction
Please read the following instructions carefully before using your Insulin Aspart FlexPen.
Do not share your Insulin Aspart FlexPen with other people, even if the needle has been changed. You may give other people a serious infection, or get a serious infection from them.
Insulin Aspart FlexPen is a disposable, single-patient use, dial-a-dose insulin pen. You can select doses from 1 to 60 units in increments of 1 unit. Insulin Aspart FlexPen is designed to be used with NovoFine, NovoFine Plus or NovoTwist needles.
Getting ready
Make sure you have the following items:
Preparing your Insulin Aspart FlexPen
Wash your hands with soap and water. Before you start to prepare your injection, check the label to make sure that you are taking the right type of insulin. This is especially important if you take more than 1 type of insulin. Insulin aspart should look clear and colorless. Do not use your Insulin Aspart FlexPen if the liquid contains particles or is colored.
A. Pull off the pen cap (see diagram A).
Wipe the rubber stopper with an alcohol swab.
B. Attaching the needle
Remove the protective tab from a disposable needle.
Screw the needle tightly onto your FlexPen. It is important that the needle is put on straight (see diagram B).
Never place a disposable needle on your Insulin Aspart FlexPen until you are ready to take your injection.
C. Pull off the big outer needle cap (see diagram C).
D. Pull off the inner needle cap and throw it away (dispose of it) (see diagram D).
Giving the airshot before each injection
Before each injection small amounts of air may collect in the cartridge during normal use. To avoid injecting air and to ensure proper dosing:
E. Turn the dose selector to select 2 units (see diagram E).
F. Hold your Insulin Aspart FlexPen with the needle pointing up. Tap the cartridge gently with your finger a few times to make any air bubbles collect at the top of the cartridge (see diagram F).
G. Keep the needle pointing upwards, press the push-button all the way in (see diagram G). The dose selector returns to 0.
A drop of insulin should appear at the needle tip. If not, change the needle and repeat the procedure no more than 6 times.
If you do not see a drop of insulin after 6 times, do not use the Insulin Aspart FlexPen and contact Novo Nordisk at 1-800-727-6500.
A small air bubble may remain at the needle tip, but it will not be injected.
Selecting your dose
Check and make sure that the dose selector is set at 0.
H. Turn the dose selector to the number of units you need to inject. The pointer should line up with your dose.
The dose can be corrected either up or down by turning the dose selector in either direction until the correct dose lines up with the pointer (see diagram H). When turning the dose selector, be careful not to press the push-button as insulin will come out.
You cannot select a dose larger than the number of units left in the cartridge.
You will hear a click for every single unit dialed. Do not set the dose by counting the number of clicks you hear because you may get an incorrect dose.
Giving the injection
Do the injection exactly as shown to you by your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider should tell you if you need to pinch the skin before injecting. Wipe the skin with an alcohol swab and let the area dry.
Insulin aspart can be injected under the skin (subcutaneously) of your stomach area, buttocks, upper legs (thighs), or upper arms.
Change (rotate) your injection sites within the area you choose for each dose to reduce your risk of getting lipodystrophy (pits in skin or thickened skin) and localized cutaneous amyloidosis (skin with lumps) at the injection sites. Do not use the same injection site for each injection. Do not inject where the skin has pits, is thickened, or has lumps. Do not inject where the skin is tender, bruised, scaly or hard, or into scars or damaged skin.
I. Insert the needle into your skin.
Inject the dose by pressing the push-button all the way in until the 0 lines up with the pointer (see diagram I). Be careful only to push the button when injecting.
Turning the dose selector will not inject insulin.
J. Keep the needle in the skin for at least 6 seconds, and keep the push-button pressed all the way in until the needle has been pulled out from the skin (see diagram J). This will make sure that the full dose has been given.
You may see a drop of insulin at the needle tip. This is normal and has no effect on the dose you just received. If blood appears after you take the needle out of your skin, press the injection site lightly with an alcohol swab. Do not rub the area.
After the injection
Do not recap the needle. Recapping can lead to a needle stick injury. Remove the needle from the Insulin Aspart FlexPen after each injection and dispose of it. This helps to prevent infection, leakage of insulin, and will help to make sure you inject the right dose of insulin.
If you do not have a sharps container, carefully slip the needle into the outer needle cap. Safely remove the needle and throw it away as soon as you can.
K. Put the pen cap on the Insulin Aspart FlexPen and store the Insulin Aspart FlexPen without the needle attached (see diagram K).
Storing without the needle attached helps prevent leaking, blocking of the needle, and air from entering the Pen.
How should I store Insulin Aspart FlexPen?
Maintenance
For the safe and proper use of your FlexPen be sure to handle it with care. Avoid dropping your FlexPen as it may damage it. If you are concerned that your FlexPen is damaged, use a new one. You can clean the outside of your FlexPen by wiping it with a damp cloth. Do not soak or wash your FlexPen as it may damage it. Do not refill your FlexPen.
Δ Remove the needle from the Insulin Aspart FlexPen after each injection. This helps to ensure sterility, prevent leakage of insulin, and will help to make sure you inject the right dose of insulin for future injections.
Δ Be careful when handling used needles to avoid needle sticks and transfer of infectious diseases.
Δ Keep your Insulin Aspart FlexPen and needles out of the reach of children.
Δ Use Insulin Aspart FlexPen as directed to treat your diabetes.
Δ Do not share your Insulin Aspart FlexPen or needles with other people. You may give other people a serious infection, or
get a serious infection from them.
Δ Always use a new needle for each injection.
Δ Novo Nordisk is not responsible for harm due to using this insulin pen with products not recommended by Novo
Nordisk.
Δ As a precautionary measure, always carry a spare insulin delivery device in case your Insulin Aspart FlexPen is lost or damaged.
Δ Remember to keep the disposable Insulin Aspart FlexPen with you. Do not leave it in a car or other location where it can get too hot or too cold.
This Instructions for Use has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Revised: 11/2019
INSULIN ASPART
insulin aspart injection, solution |
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Labeler - A-S Medication Solutions (830016429) |
Establishment | |||
Name | Address | ID/FEI | Business Operations |
---|---|---|---|
A-S Medication Solutions | 830016429 | RELABEL(50090-4955) |