Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

A nurse or other trained health professional may give you this medicine. You may also be taught how to give your medicine at home. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin.

Always double-check both the concentration (strength) of your insulin and your dose. Concentration and dose are not the same. The dose is how many units of insulin you will use. The concentration tells how many units of insulin are in each milliliter (mL), such as 100 units/mL (U-100), but this does not mean you will use 100 units at a time.

Each package of insulin aspart protamine and insulin aspart combination contains a patient information sheet. Read this sheet carefully before beginning your treatment and each time you refill the medicine for any new information, and make sure you understand:

  • How to prepare the medicine.
  • How to inject the medicine.
  • How to use a disposable insulin delivery device.
  • How to dispose of syringes, needles, and injection devices.

It is best to use a different place on the body for each injection (eg, under the skin of your abdomen or stomach, thigh, buttocks, or upper arm). Do not use the exact same spot for each injection. If you have questions about this, contact a member of your health care team.

When used as a mealtime insulin, this insulin combination should be taken within 15 minutes before a meal. If you have type 2 diabetes, you can use this medicine after meals.

Use a new needle for the FlexPen® each time you give yourself an injection. Always remove and throw the needle after each injection from the pen. Store it without a needle attached.

Carefully follow the special meal plan your doctor gave you. This is the most important part of controlling your condition and is necessary if the medicine is to work properly. Also, exercise regularly and test for sugar in your blood or urine as directed.

You should never mix insulin aspart protamine and insulin aspart combination with other insulin injections without checking first with your doctor. These injections are usually done separately. Also, this medicine should not be used in an insulin infusion pump. If you have questions about this, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Do not change the brand, type, or dose of your insulin unless your doctor tells you to. When you receive a new supply of insulin, check the label to be sure if it is the correct type of insulin.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For injection dosage form:
    • For diabetes mellitus:
      • Adults—The dose is based on your blood sugar and must be determined by your doctor.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Store insulin containers that have not been opened in the refrigerator in the original carton until the expiration date. Do not freeze. Do not use the insulin if it has been frozen. You may also store the unopened cartridge or FlexPen® at room temperature for up to 14 days, or the unopened vials at room temperature for up to 28 days.

Store the opened vial of insulin in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. If you cannot keep your vial of insulin in the refrigerator, you may store it at room temperature in a cool place, away from direct heat and light, for only 28 days.

The cartridge and pen you are currently using should not be refrigerated. You should store the cartridge or pen at room temperature in a cool place away from direct heat and light, for only 14 days.

Portions of this document last updated: April 01, 2024

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