NOVOMEDLINK™
  1. Activella®

    (estradiol/norethindrone acetate tablets)

  2. Vagifem®

    (estradiol vaginal tablets)

  3. GlucaGen® HypoKit®

    (glucagon [rDNA Origin] for injection)

  4. Levemir®

    (insulin detemir [rDNA origin] injection)

  5. Norditropin®

    (somatropin (rDNA origin) injection)

  6. NovoLog®

    (Insulin aspart [rDNA origin] injection)

  7. NovoLog® Mix 70/30

    (70% insulin aspart protamine suspension and 30% insulin aspart injection, [rDNA origin])

  8. NovoSeven®

    (Coagulation Factor VIIa [Recombinant])

Description and Clinical Pharamacology

NovoLog® binds to the insulin receptors on muscle and fat cells. It lowers blood glucose by facilitating the cellular uptake of glucose and simultaneously inhibiting the output of glucose from the liver.

Structural formula of insulin aspart

NovoLog® is produced by rDNA technology

NovoLog® is structurally similar to regular human insulin, with the exception of a single substitution of the amino acid proline by aspartic acid. It is produced by recombinant DNA technology using Saccharomyces cerevisiae (baker's yeast) as the production organism.

One unit of NovoLog® has the same glucose-lowering effect as one unit of regular human insulin. However, NovoLog® is different from regular human insulin in that:

  • It has a more rapid onset after subcutaneous injection
  • It has a shorter duration after subcutaneous injection
  • The single substitution of the amino acid proline with aspartic acid reduces the tendency to form hexamers

Differences in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics between NovoLog® and regular human insulin are not associated with differences in overall glycemic control.

  1. NovoLog® (insulin aspart [rDNA origin] injection) Indications and Usage

    NovoLog® is an insulin analog indicated to improve glycemic control in adults and children with diabetes mellitus.

    NovoLog® Important Safety Information

    NovoLog® is contraindicated during episodes of hypoglycemia and in patients hypersensitive to NovoLog® or one of its excipients.

    NovoLog® has a more rapid onset and shorter duration of action than regular human insulin. An injection of NovoLog® should be immediately followed by a meal within 5 to 10 minutes. Because of the short duration of action of NovoLog®, a longer-acting insulin also should be used in patients with type 1 diabetes and may be needed in patients with type 2 diabetes. When used in an external subcutaneous insulin infusion pump, NovoLog® should not be mixed with any other insulin or diluent. Hypoglycemia is the most common adverse effect of all insulin therapies, including NovoLog®. The timing of hypoglycemia usually reflects the time-action profile of the administered insulins.

    Any change of insulin dose should be made cautiously and only under medical supervision. Glucose monitoring is recommended for all patients with diabetes and is particularly important for patients using external pump infusion therapy. As with all insulin preparations, the time course of action of NovoLog® may vary in different individuals or at different times in the same individual and is dependent on many conditions, including injection site, local blood supply, temperature, and level of physical activity.

    Severe, life-threatening generalized allergy, including anaphylactic reaction, may occur with any insulin product, including NovoLog®. Adverse reactions observed with NovoLog® include hypoglycemia, allergic reactions, local injection site reactions, lipodystrophy, rash, and pruritus. Insulin, particularly when given intravenously or in settings of poor glycemic control, may cause hypokalemia. Like all insulins, NovoLog® requirements may be reduced in patients with renal impairment or hepatic impairment.

    Please see Prescribing Information.

Levemir®, NovoLog®, NovoLog® Mix 70/30, GlucaGen®, HypoKit®, and FlexPen® are registered trademarks of Novo Nordisk A/S. NovoSeven® and Norditropin® are registered trademarks of Novo Nordisk Health Care AG. Activella® 1.0 mg/0.5 mg, Activella® 0.5 mg/0.1 mg, and Vagifem® are registered trademarks of Novo Nordisk FemCare AG.