Insulin Aspart Protamine and Insulin Aspart (Vials)

Generic name: Insulin Aspart Protamine and Insulin Aspart (Vials) [ IN-soo-lin-AS-part-PROE-ta-meen-& IN-soo-lin-AS-part ]
Brand name: NovoLog Mix 70/30
Drug class: Insulin

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 27, 2024.

Uses of Insulin Aspart Protamine and Insulin Aspart:

• It is used to lower blood sugar in patients with high blood sugar (diabetes).

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Insulin Aspart Protamine and Insulin Aspart?

• If you are allergic to insulin aspart protamine and insulin aspart (vials); any part of insulin aspart protamine and insulin aspart (vials); or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• If you have any of these health problems: Acidic blood problem or low blood sugar.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with insulin aspart protamine and insulin aspart (vials).

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take insulin aspart protamine and insulin aspart (vials) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Insulin Aspart Protamine and Insulin Aspart?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take insulin aspart protamine and insulin aspart (vials). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Allergic reactions have happened with insulin aspart protamine and insulin aspart (vials). Rarely, some reactions can be very bad or life-threatening. Talk with the doctor.
• Low blood sugar may happen with insulin aspart protamine and insulin aspart (vials). Very low blood sugar can lead to seizures, passing out, long lasting brain damage, and sometimes death. Talk with the doctor.
• Low blood potassium may happen with insulin aspart protamine and insulin aspart (vials). If not treated, this can lead to a heartbeat that is not normal, very bad breathing problems, and sometimes death. Talk with the doctor.
• Avoid driving and doing other tasks or actions that call for you to be alert until you see how insulin aspart protamine and insulin aspart (vials) affects you.
• Some diabetes drugs like pioglitazone or rosiglitazone may cause heart failure or make it worse in people who already have it. Using insulin with these drugs may increase this risk. If you also take one of these drugs, talk with the doctor.
• Be sure you have the right insulin product. Insulin products come in many containers like vials, cartridges, and pens. Be sure that you know how to measure and get your dose ready. If you have any questions, call your doctor or pharmacist.
• It may be harder to control blood sugar during times of stress such as fever, infection, injury, or surgery. A change in physical activity, exercise, or diet may also affect blood sugar.
• Wear disease medical alert ID (identification).
• Do not drive if your blood sugar has been low. There is a greater chance of you having a crash.
• Check your blood sugar as you have been told by your doctor.
• Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor.
• Talk with your doctor before you drink alcohol or take products that have alcohol in them.
• Do not share your insulin product with another person. This includes any pens, cartridge devices, needles, or syringes, even if the needle has been changed. Sharing may pass infections from one person to another. This includes infections you may not know you have.
• If you are 65 or older, use insulin aspart protamine and insulin aspart (vials) with care. You could have more side effects.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.

How is this medicine (Insulin Aspart Protamine and Insulin Aspart) best taken?

Use insulin aspart protamine and insulin aspart (vials) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• It is given as a shot into the fatty part of the skin in the upper arm, thigh, buttocks, or stomach area.
• If you will be giving yourself the shot, your doctor or nurse will teach you how to give the shot.
• For type 1 diabetes, use within 15 minutes before starting a meal.
• For type 2 diabetes, use within 15 minutes before or after starting a meal.
• Move site where you give the shot each time.
• Do not give into skin that is thickened, or has pits or lumps.
• Do not give into skin that is irritated, tender, bruised, red, scaly, hard, scarred, or has stretch marks.
• Before giving the dose, roll the container gently in your hands as you have been told by the doctor.
• This medicine will look cloudy and milky when ready to use. Do not use if the solution looks clear or has lumps in it. Do not use if powder is stuck to the sides of the container.
• Do not use if the solution is leaking or has particles.
• Do not use if solution changes color.
• Throw away needles in a needle/sharp disposal box. Do not reuse needles or other items. When the box is full, follow all local rules for getting rid of it. Talk with a doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
• Do not mix this insulin in the same syringe with other types of insulin.
• Follow the diet and workout plan that your doctor told you about.
• Be sure you know what to do if you do not eat as much as normal or if you skip a meal.
• This medicine must not be used in an insulin pump. If you have questions, talk with the doctor.
• Do not draw into a syringe and store for future use.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Be sure you know what to do if you forget to take a dose.
• If you are not sure what to do if you miss a dose, call your doctor.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Signs of low potassium levels like muscle pain or weakness, muscle cramps, or a heartbeat that does not feel normal.
• A burning, numbness, or tingling feeling that is not normal.
• Change in eyesight.
• Passing out.
• Mood changes.
• Seizures.
• Slurred speech.
• Shortness of breath, a big weight gain, or swelling in the arms or legs.
• Thick skin, pits, or lumps where the injection was given.
• Low blood sugar can happen. The chance may be raised when insulin aspart protamine and insulin aspart (vials) is used with other drugs for diabetes. Signs may be dizziness, headache, feeling sleepy or weak, shaking, fast heartbeat, confusion, hunger, or sweating. Call your doctor right away if you have any of these signs. Follow what you have been told to do for low blood sugar. This may include taking glucose tablets, liquid glucose, or some fruit juices.

Related/similar drugs

What are some other side effects of Insulin Aspart Protamine and Insulin Aspart?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Headache.
• Back pain.
• Stomach pain or diarrhea.
• Upset stomach.
• Heartburn.
• Weight gain.
• Irritation where the shot is given.
• Flu-like signs.
• Signs of a common cold.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Insulin Aspart Protamine and Insulin Aspart?

• Store unopened containers in a refrigerator. Do not freeze.
• Do not use if it has been frozen.
• If an unopened container has been stored at room temperature, be sure you know how long you can leave insulin aspart protamine and insulin aspart (vials) at room temperature before you need to throw it away. If you are not sure, talk with the doctor or pharmacist.
• After opening, store in the refrigerator or at room temperature. Throw away any part not used after 28 days.
• Protect from heat and light.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about insulin aspart protamine and insulin aspart (vials), please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Biological Products Related to insulin aspart/insulin aspart protamine

Find detailed information on biosimilars for this medication.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer