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Novorapid Penfill
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Novorapid Penfill

Manufactured byNOVO NORDISK INDIA PVT LTD
ContainsInsulin Aspart
Description
Novorapid Penfill is a fast-acting variant of insulin used for the treatment of diabetes mellitus. Insulin is a natural substance produced by the pancreas which helps in utilizing glucose for energy production. Patients with diabetes mellitus may not be able to utilize glucose due to the insufficient production of insulin or due to the body's inability to use insulin or both. This medicine helps in the utilization of glucose and controlling blood glucose levels in such patients. Patients are advised to follow a strict exercise and diet regimen along with this medicine to get the best possible effect.
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Side effectsConcernsUsageRelated products

Side effects

Major & minor side effects for Novorapid Penfill

  • Decreased blood glucose levels
  • Headache
  • Pain at the injection site
  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness
  • Tingling of hands, feet, lips or tongue
  • Confusion

Uses of Novorapid Penfill

What is it prescribed for?

  • Type I Diabetes mellitus
  • Type II Diabetes Mellitus
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Concerns

Commonly asked questions

  • How long does it take for this medicine to take effect?
    The effect of this medicine can be observed within 12-18 minutes of administration of the dose.
  • How long do the effects of this medicine last?
    The effect of this medicine lasts for an average duration of 3 to 7 hours.
  • Is it safe to consume alcohol while taking this medicine?
    Consumption of alcohol is not recommended during treatment with this medicine due to the increased risk of both hypoglycemia (low blood glucose levels) and hyperglycemia (high blood glucose levels) depending on the quantity and frequency of alcohol consumption. This may cause severe side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, increased thirst, increased hunger, mood changes, extreme fatigue, etc.
  • Is this a habit forming medicine?
    No habit-forming tendencies were reported.
  • Can this medicine be taken during pregnancy?
    This medicine is considered safe for use by pregnant women. However, it must be used only when necessary and the potential benefits outweigh the risks.
  • Can this medicine be taken while breast-feeding?
    Use of insulin by breastfeeding women is considered acceptable. Breastfeeding women generally require adjustments in doses of insulin.

Allergy

This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with a known allergy to insulin aspart or any other inactive ingredients present along with it.

Hypoglycemia

This medicine is not recommended for use in patients suffering from decreased blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia) since it may worsen the patient's condition.
Warnings for special population

Pregnancy

This medicine is considered safe for use by pregnant women. However, it must be used only when necessary and the potential benefits outweigh the risks.

Breast-feeding

Use of insulin by breastfeeding women is considered acceptable. Breastfeeding women generally require adjustments in doses of insulin.
General warnings

Hypersensitivity reactions

This medicine may cause serious and occasionally fatal hypersensitivity reactions (severe allergic reactions) including anaphylactic shock in some patients. Seek immediate medical intervention if any signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction such as skin rash, sore throat, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, etc. occur. If an anaphylactic reaction occurs, the treatment should be discontinued immediately and appropriate corrective measures should be undertaken.

Hypoglycemia

This medicine may cause hypoglycemia (low blood glucose levels) in some patients. This risk is especially higher in patients suffering from kidney diseases, malnourishment, pituitary gland diseases, etc. Close monitoring of blood glucose levels is recommended for such patients. Appropriate dose adjustments may be required based on the clinical condition. Your doctor may advise you to carry a sugar candy to counteract the effects of low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia).

Hypokalemia (Decreased potassium levels)

This medicine should be used with caution in patients at risk of developing hypokalemia or patients suffering from hypokalemia since it may worsen the patient's condition. Close monitoring of potassium levels, appropriate corrective measures, or dose adjustments may be required based on the clinical condition of the patient.

Driving and Operating machinery

This medicine may cause symptoms such as weakness, drowsiness, sleepiness, dizziness, inability to concentrate etc. in some patients. It is advised that you do not perform any activities such as driving a vehicle or operating heavy machinery if you experience any of these symptoms during treatment with this medicine.

Changing the type and brand of insulin

Transferring to a different brand or type of insulin should be done under strict medical supervision.

Single Person Use

This medicine (pen) should not be shared with others even if the needle is changed. Sharing of syringes or needles with another person, who are using vials is strictly not advised.

Heart failure

This medicine should be used with extreme caution in patients who are concomitantly taking PPAR-gamma agonists (Thiazolidinediones) due to the increased risk of fluid retention which may exacerbate to heart failure. Frequent clinical monitoring is advised in such patients. Report any unusual symptoms to the doctor on priority. Do not stop the use of any medicine without consulting your doctor.

Use in Children

This medicine is not recommended for use in children below 2 years of age since the safety and efficacy of use are not clinically established.

Route of administration

In specific circumstances, some formulations of this medicine can also be administered intravenously in infusion systems using polypropylene infusion bags strictly under the medical supervision of a qualified healthcare professional.

Missed Dose

Since this medicine is administered before food, you may not be on a timed dosing schedule. In case of a missed dose, administer the medicine right away after the meal. If the time gap is more since the meal, consult your doctor whether to inject the missed dose or not. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

Overdose

Seek immediate medical attention or contact the doctor if an overdose of this medicine is suspected. Hypoglycemia (low blood glucose levels) may occur in case of an overdose with symptoms such as extreme weakness, blurred vision, sweating, trouble speaking, tremors, stomach pain, confusion, etc. In cases of mild hypoglycemic episodes, oral glucose or sugary products can be used to avoid severe hypoglycemia.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol

Description

N/A

Instructions

Consumption of alcohol is not recommended during treatment with this medicine due to the increased risk of both hypoglycemia (low blood glucose levels) and hyperglycemia (high blood glucose levels) depending on the quantity and frequency of alcohol consumption. This may cause severe side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, increased thirst, increased hunger, mood changes, extreme fatigue, etc.
Interaction with Medicine

Corticosteroids

Beta blockers

ACE inhibitors

Fluoroquinolones

Aspirin

Disease interactions

Renal Disease

This medicine should be used with caution in patients with a history of kidney diseases due to the increased risk of severe adverse effects. Close monitoring of blood glucose levels is recommended for such patients. Appropriate dose adjustments may be necessary based on the clinical condition of the patient.

Hypokalemia

Caution is advised if this medicine is used in patients at an increased risk of developing hypokalemia or patients suffering from hypokalemia (decreased blood potassium levels) since it may worsen the patient's condition. Close monitoring of clinical condition, appropriate corrective measures, dose adjustments, or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required based on the clinical condition of the patient.

Liver Disease

This medicine should be used with caution in patients with a history of liver diseases due to the increased risk of severe adverse effects. Close monitoring of blood glucose levels is recommended for such patients. Appropriate dose adjustments may be necessary based on the clinical condition of the patient.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
This is not an exhaustive list of possible drug interactions. You should consult your doctor about all the possible interactions of the drugs you’re taking.
Carefully follow all the instructions given by your doctor. Do not administer in larger or smaller amounts than advised/prescribed. Consult the doctor if you experience any undesirable side effects. Do not stop the use of this medicine without consulting your doctor. Close monitoring of blood glucose levels and frequent follow-up visits with the doctor may be required based on the clinical condition. Never share an injection pen, cartridge, or syringe with another person, even if the needle has been changed.
Miscelleneous

To be taken before food

To be taken as instructed by doctor

May cause sleepiness

How it works
This medicine is a replacement insulin which works by enhancing the glucose uptake for energy production. This helps in controlling the blood glucose levels.
Legal Status

Approved

Approved

Approved

Approved

Classification

Category

Insulin, Antidiabetic agents

Schedule

Schedule H

[Internet]. Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2018 [cited 6 September 2018]. Available from:

https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=e172b4f8-9b25-4019-8e09-afc10b2f30c9

[Internet]. Medicines.org.uk. 2018 [cited 6 September 2018]. Available from:

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/1600/smpc#

[Internet]. Ebs.tga.gov.au. 2018 [cited 6 September 2018]. Available from:

https://www.ebs.tga.gov.au/ebs/picmi/picmirepository.nsf/pdf?OpenAgent&id=CP-2010-PI-02966-3
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Information on this page was last updated on 10 Jan 2019

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We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.