What NovoRapid® is used for?

The insulin aspart, or “NovoRapid®”, in NovoRapid® FlexPen® is a rapid-acting insulin used to treat diabetes mellitus in adults and children. Diabetes mellitus is a condition where your pancreas does not produce enough insulin to control your blood sugar (glucose) level. Extra insulin is therefore needed. There are two types of diabetes mellitus: Type 1 diabetes - also called juvenile onset diabetes Type 2 diabetes - also called maturity onset diabetes Patients with type 1 diabetes always require insulin to control their blood sugar levels. Some patients with type 2 diabetes may also require insulin after initial treatment with diet, exercise and tablets. NovoRapid® lowers your blood sugar level after injection. When injected under your skin, NovoRapid® has a faster onset of action than soluble human insulin. It takes effect within 10 to 20 minutes. Usually, the maximum effect will occur between 1-3 hours after injection and the effect may last for up to 5 hours. As with all insulins, the duration of action will vary according to the dose, injection site, blood flow, temperature and level of physical activity. Due to its shorter duration of action, NovoRapid® has a lower risk of causing nocturnal hypoglycaemic episodes. FlexPen® is a pre-filled dial-a-dose insulin pen able to deliver from 1 to 60 units of NovoRapid® in increments of 1 unit. NovoRapid® is not addictive. NovoRapid® FlexPen® is available only with a doctor’s prescription.

Before you use NovoRapid® FlexPen®

Do not use NovoRapid® if: 1. you have an allergy to: • any medicine containing insulin • any of the ingredients listed in the “Ingredients” section of this leaflet. Some of the symptoms of an allergic reaction may include: - redness, swelling, rash and itching at the injection site - rash, itching or hives on the skin - shortness of breath - wheezing or difficulty breathing - swelling of the face, lips, tongue or other parts of the body. 2. you are experiencing a low blood sugar level (a “hypo”) when the dose is due. If you have a lot of hypos discuss appropriate treatment with your doctor.

How to use NovoRapid® FlexPen®

Your doctor, diabetes education nurse or pharmacist will have given you advice on how to use your medicine. Carefully follow all the directions.

While you are using NovoRapid® FlexPen® Things you must do

1. Measure your blood sugar level regularly. Make sure all friends, relatives, workmates or carers know that you have diabetes. If your child has diabetes it is important to tell their carers.
2. Keep using your insulin even if you feel well. It helps to control your condition, but does not cure it.
3. Tell your doctor if you often have hypos (low blood sugar levels). Your doctor may need to adjust your insulin dose.
4. Always carry some sugary food or fruit juice with you. If you experience any of the symptoms of a hypo, immediately eat some sugary food or have a drink e.g. lollies, biscuits or fruit juice.
5. Tell your doctor if you have trouble recognising the symptoms of hypos. Under certain conditions, the early warning signs of hypos can be different or less obvious. Your doctor may need to adjust your insulin dose.
6. Make sure that you tell every doctor, dentist, pharmacist or other health care professional who is treating you that you have diabetes and are using insulin.
7. Tell your doctor, diabetes education nurse or pharmacist if you are travelling. Ask them for a letter explaining why you are taking injecting devices with you. Each country you visit will need to see this letter, so you should take several copies. You may need to inject your insulin and eat your meals at different times because of time differences in and between countries.

Things you must not do

1. Do not stop using your medicine unless your doctor tells you to.
2. Do not use the medicine if you think it has been frozen or exposed to excessive heat. It will not work as well. Do not use this medicine to treat any other complaints unless your doctor tells you to.
3. Do not give your medicine to anyone else, even if they have the same condition as you.
4. Do not share needles or pens.