FIASP (INSULIN ASPART)

Fiasp is an innovative formulation of insulin aspart that more closely matches the natural physiological insulin response of a person without diabetes, after a meal, compared with NovoRapid (conventional insulin aspart).

Two excipients have been added to Fiasp’s formulation, Vitamin B3 (niacinamide) to increase the speed of absorption, and a naturally occurring Amino Acid (L-Arginine) for stability.

Fiasp also has the option of a flexible dosing regimen (up to two minutes before a meal and up to 20 minutes after starting a meal), without compromising overall glycemic control or safety.

Achieving optimal glycemic control is recommended by Diabetes Canada to reduce the incidence and slow the progression of diabetes-related complications.

Fiasp is absorbed faster than NovoRapid (conventional insulin aspart), appearing twice as fast in the bloodstream after injection, which leads to improved glycemic control after a meal.

How to use Fiasp Penfill U-100 Insulin 100 Unit/Ml (3 Ml) Subcutaneous Cartridge Short-Acting Insulins

Read the Patient Information Leaflet and Instructions for Use if available from your pharmacist before you start using this medication and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor, diabetes educator, or pharmacist.

Learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional and the product package.

Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the insulin. Insulin aspart should be clear and colorless.

Before injecting each dose, clean the injection site with rubbing alcohol. Change where you inject each time to lessen the risk of problems or damage under the skin (for example, pits/lumps or thickened skin). Insulin aspart may be injected in the stomach area, thigh, or back of the upper arm. Do not inject into skin that is red, swollen, itchy, or damaged. Do not inject cold insulin because this can be painful. The insulin container you are currently using can be kept at room temperature.

Inject this medication under the skin as directed by your doctor, usually right before a meal or within 20 minutes after starting a meal. Do not inject into a vein or muscle because very low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) may occur. Because this insulin is fast-acting, do not use insulin aspart if you are unable to eat right after the injection or if you have low blood sugar. Not eating right after a dose of this insulin may lead to low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Do not rub the area after the injection.

If you are directed to inject this insulin with an infusion pump, read the instruction manual and directions that come with the infusion pump. If you have any questions, ask your health care professional. Avoid exposing the pump or its tubing to direct sunlight or other heat sources. Do not dilute insulin if you are using an insulin pump.

Giving insulin aspart into a vein should only be done by a health care professional. Very low blood sugar may result.

Do not change brands or types of insulin without directions on how to do so from your doctor.

Do not share your pen device with another person, even if the needle is changed. You may give other people a serious infection, or get a serious infection from them. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Measure each dose very carefully because even small changes in the amount of insulin may have a large effect on your blood sugar.

Check your blood sugar regularly as directed by your doctor. Keep track of your results and share them with your doctor. This is very important to determine the correct insulin dose.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better or if it gets worse (your blood sugar is too high or too low).

Side Effects

Injection site reactions (such as pain, redness, irritation) or weight gain may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: signs of low potassium level in the blood (such as muscle cramps, weakness, irregular heartbeat).

This medication can cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). This may occur if you do not consume enough calories from food or if you do unusually heavy exercise or if you took too much insulin. Symptoms of low blood sugar include sudden sweating, shaking, fast heartbeat, hunger, blurred vision, dizziness, or tingling hands/feet. It is a good habit to carry glucose tablets or gel to treat low blood sugar. If you don’t have these reliable forms of glucose, rapidly raise your blood sugar by eating a quick source of sugar such as table sugar, honey, or candy, or drink fruit juice or non-diet soda. Tell your doctor right away about the reaction and the use of this product. To help prevent low blood sugar, eat meals on a regular schedule, and do not skip meals. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to find out what you should do if you miss a meal.

Symptoms of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) include increased thirst/urination. If these symptoms occur, tell your doctor right away. Your dosage may need to be increased.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions
Before using insulin aspart, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other insulins; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Do not use this medication when you have low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, liver disease, thyroid problems.

You may experience blurred vision, dizziness, or drowsiness due to extremely low or high blood sugar. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness or clear vision until you are sure you can perform such activities safely.

Limit alcohol while taking this medication because it can increase your risk of developing low blood sugar.

It may be harder to control your blood sugar when your body is stressed (such as due to fever, infection, injury, or surgery). Consult your doctor because this may require a change in your treatment plan, medications, or blood sugar testing.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Check your blood sugar before and after exercise. You may need a snack beforehand.

If traveling across time zones, ask your doctor about how to adjust your insulin schedule. Take extra insulin and supplies with you.

Children may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially low blood sugar.

Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially low blood sugar.

Tell your doctor right away if you are pregnant. Pregnancy may cause or worsen diabetes. Discuss a plan with your doctor for managing your blood sugar while pregnant. Your doctor may change your diabetes treatment during your pregnancy (such as diet and medications including insulin).

This medication passes into breast milk, but is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. Your insulin needs may change while breast-feeding.

Consult your pharmacist or physician.

Interactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval.

A product that may interact with this drug is: rosiglitazone.

Beta-blocker medications (such as metoprolol, propranolol, glaucoma eye drops such as timolol) may prevent the fast/pounding heartbeat you would usually feel when your blood sugar falls too low (hypoglycemia). Other symptoms of low blood sugar, such as dizziness, hunger, or sweating, are not affected by these drugs.

Many drugs can affect your blood sugar, making it harder to control. Before you start, stop, or change any medication, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about how the medication may affect your blood sugar. Check your blood sugar regularly as directed and share the results with your doctor. Tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms of high or low blood sugar. (See also Side Effects section.) Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medication, exercise program, or diet.