Insulin aspart/insulin degludec (By injection)

Insulin Aspart, Recombinant (IN-su-lin AS-part, ree-KOM-bi-nant), Insulin Degludec (IN-su-lin de-GLOO-dek)

Treats diabetes.

Brand Name(s):

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin.
• You may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to. If you use insulin once a day, use it with your main meal. If you use it twice a day, use 1 dose with each of your 2 biggest meals.
• Always double-check both the concentration (strength) of your insulin and your dose. Concentration and dose are not the same. The dose is how many units of insulin you will use. The concentration tells how many units of insulin are in each milliliter (mL), such as 100 units/mL (U-100), but this does not mean you will use 100 units at a time.
• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
• Make sure this medicine is clear and colorless before you use it. Do not use it if it is cloudy or discolored. Do not mix this medicine with water or other insulin, and do not use it in an insulin pump.
• You will be shown the body areas where this shot can be given. Use a different body area each time you give yourself a shot. Keep track of where you give each shot to make sure you rotate body areas. Do not use the exact same spot for each injection.
• Use a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine.
• Always check the label before use, to make sure you have the correct type of insulin. Do not change the brand, type, or concentration unless your doctor tells you to. If you use a pump or other device, make sure the insulin is made for that device.
• Missed dose: Take your next dose with your next main meal on the same day, and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Unopened medicine: Store in the refrigerator until the expiration date on the carton, or at room temperature for up to 28 days. Protect from light. Do not freeze.
• Opened medicine: Store at room temperature for up to 28 days. Keep away from direct heat and light. Do not refrigerate.
• Throw away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can change the amount of insulin you need to use and make it harder for you to control your diabetes. Tell your doctor about all other medicines that you are using.
• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, or heart failure.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Low blood sugar or low potassium levels in the blood
  • Fluid retention or heart failure (when used together with a thiazolidinedione [TZD] medicine)
• Never share insulin pens or needles with anyone. Sharing these can pass hepatitis virus, HIV, and other illnesses from one person to another.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Dry mouth, increased thirst, muscle cramps, nausea or vomiting, uneven heartbeat
• Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet, trouble breathing, tiredness
• Shaking, trembling, sweating, fast or pounding heartbeat, lightheadedness, hunger, confusion

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Cough, stuffy or runny nose, sore throat
• Headache
• Redness, pain, itching, swelling, or any skin changes where the shot was given

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 12/4/2023