Fiasp vs Novolog

Fiasp and Novolog are brand names for prescription drugs used for the treatment of type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Here we will explain how they work, their similarities and differences, their side effects, and more. This should provide you with the basics to better understand your options.

What is Fiasp?

Fiasp (fast acting insulin aspart injection) is an FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) approved medication manufactured by Novo Nordisk A/S. It is a rapid-acting human insulin analog, also known as a mealtime insulin, used with a diet and exercise program to control high blood glucose levels around mealtimes for type 1 diabetes mellitus and type 2 diabetes mellitus. The formulation for Fiasp contains Vitamin B3 (niacinamide) and L-arginine to stabilize the Insulin aspart formulation.

Controlling high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) helps prevent kidney damage, blindness, nerve problems, loss of limbs, and sexual function problems. Proper control of diabetes may also lessen your risk of a heart attack or stroke.

Fiasp dosage

Fiasp is available in the following dose: 100 units/mL (U-100), in the following formulations:

• 10 mL multiple-dose vial
• 3 mL single-patient-use Fiasp FlexTouch pen
• 3 mL single-patient-use PenFill cartridges for use in a PenFill cartridge device

Administration is by syringe, IV infusion, or through an insulin pump. Adjust the dose of Fiasp based on the route of administration, the patient’s metabolic needs, blood glucose monitoring results, and glycemic control goal. Dosage adjustments may be needed when switching from another insulin, changes in physical activity, changes in other medications, meal patterns, renal or hepatic function, or during acute illness.

• Subcutaneous injection – inject at the start of a meal or within 20 minutes after starting a meal into the abdomen, upper arm, or thigh. Rotate the injection sites within the same region
• Intravenous infusion – administer only under medical supervision after diluting to concentrations from 0.5 to 1 unit/mL insulin aspart in infusion systems using polypropylene infusion bags

Please read the full prescribing information provided and always speak with a healthcare professional for medical advice about any changes to your dose so they can monitor and evaluate your condition.

What is Novolog?

Novolog (insulin aspart injection) is an FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) approved medication manufactured by Novo Nordisk. Novolog is a rapid-acting insulin analog used to improve the control of blood sugar levels in adults and children with diabetes mellitus.

NovoLog is a man-made insulin used to control blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. It can be prescribed to adults and children over two years old. NovoLog is a fast-acting version of insulin. It works in the same as the insulin your body naturally produces, by helping your cells to absorb sugar from your blood.

The active ingredient in NovoLog is called insulin aspart. It works in the same way as the insulin your pancreas produces, except it’s faster acting. When you inject NovoLog, insulin aspart can start lowering your blood sugar levels within 10 to 20 minutes. This can help to lower your blood sugar levels after you’ve eaten and allow you to maintain normal blood sugar levels.

Novolog dosage

Novolog is available in the following dose: 100 units/mL (U-100), in the following formulations:

• 10 mL vials
• 3 mL PenFill cartridges for use in the 3 mL PenFill cartridge device
• NovoLog FlexPen (insulin pen)
• 3 mL NovoLog FlexTouch

Inject your insulin dose under your skin (subcutaneous injection) when you eat, usually twice a day. This can help lower your blood sugar to normal levels and can reduce the symptoms and complications of your diabetes.

Common side effects of Fiasp and Novolog

The most common side effects of Fiasp in clinical trials include:

• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels)
• Allergic reactions
• Hypersensitivity
• Injection site reactions
• Lipodystrophy
• Weight gain

More serious side effects of Fiasp include:

• Hyperglycemia and ketoacidosis
• Hypoglycemia may be life-threatening – follow what you have been told to do if low blood sugar occurs. This may include taking glucose tablets, liquid glucose, or some fruit juices. Hypoglycemia due to medication errors can occur. Check insulin labels before injection
• Hypokalemia (low potassium levels) – symptoms include weakness, muscle cramps or twitches, digestive problems, abnormal heartbeats, or kidney problems
• Fluid retention and heart failure with concomitant use of thiazolidinediones (TZDs)

The most common side effects of Novolog in clinical trials include:

• Reactions at the site of injection, like itching, rashes, skin thickening, or pits forming in your skin (lipodystrophy)
• Weight gain
• Swelling of your hands and feet
• Low levels of potassium in your blood (hypokalemia)

More serious side effects of Novolog include

• Severe allergic reactions to the medication
• Hypoglycemia – your blood sugar falling too low, which can be dangerous and lead to coma and other life-threatening conditions

These aren’t all the side effects Fiasp or Novolog can cause. You can find more details in the patient leaflet that comes with your medication. If you have any concerns about side effects, talk to your physician or pharmacist.

Fiasp and Novolog drug interactions

Fiasp can interact with other medications. These include:

• Drugs that increase hypoglycemia risk or increase or decrease the blood-glucose-lowering effect
• Drugs that blunt hypoglycemia signs and symptoms – beta-blockers, clonidine, guanethidine, and reserpine
• Do not drink alcohol or use medicines that contain alcohol

Novolog can interact with other medications. These include:

• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI), taken to treat depression
• Beta-blockers, taken to treat high blood pressure
• Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, taken to treat high blood pressure and certain heart conditions
• Contraceptive/birth control pills
• Thiazides, taken to treat high blood pressure or excessive fluid retention
• Glucocorticoids, such as cortisone, taken to treat inflammation
• Thyroid hormones, taken to treat thyroid gland disorders
• Alcohol, or any medications that contain alcohol

Fiasp and Novolog can interact with other medications. This can change how Fiasp and Novolog and other medications work and can make side effects more likely. Tell your prescribing physician about all your drugs, including vitamins and dietary supplements.

Fiasp and Novolog contraindications

You should not use Fiasp if you:

• Are allergic to the active ingredient, Insulin aspart
• Are allergic to any of the other ingredients in Fiasp
• Are having a hypoglycemia episode
• Are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant

Talk to your doctor about your medical condition before using Fiasp if you:

• Are taking any of the medications that could interact with Fiasp
• Are breastfeeding or are planning to breastfeed – It is not known if Fiasp passes into your breastmilk

You should not use Novolog if you:

• Are allergic to the active ingredient insulin aspart, or any other forms of insulin
• Are allergic to any of the other ingredients in NovoLog

Talk to your doctor before using Novolog if you:

• Are taking any of the medications that could interact with NovoLog
• Are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant
• Are breastfeeding or are planning to breastfeed

Other drugs for diabetes mellitus

• Humalog
• Lispro

If you have any concerns about Fiasp or Novolog side effects, or about your diabetes care plan, talk to your physician, or pharmacist for medical advice. Also inform your healthcare provider about any medical conditions, supplements, and over-the-counter meds you are taking. You are also encouraged to report side effects to the FDA: visit http://www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.