Fiasp

Brand Name

Fiasp

Common Name

insulin aspart (fast-acting)

In this drug factsheet:

• How does this medication work? What will it do for me?
• How should I use this medication?
• What form(s) does this medication come in?
• Who should NOT take this medication?
• What side effects are possible with this medication?
• Are there any other precautions or warnings for this medication?
• What other drugs could interact with this medication?

How does this medication work? What will it do for me?

Insulin aspart is a rapid-acting mealtime insulin. When it is injected subcutaneously (under the skin), insulin helps to lower blood glucose levels. It is used along with an intermediate or long-acting insulin to lower blood glucose levels for adults and children 2 years of age and older, with type 1 diabetes. It may also be used with other insulins and metformin to treat adults with type 2 diabetes. Insulin aspart may be used to continuously deliver insulin subcutaneously, using certain insulin pumps.

Insulin is a naturally occurring hormone made by the pancreas that helps our body use or store the glucose (sugar) it gets from food. For people with diabetes, either the pancreas does not make enough insulin to meet the body's requirements, or the body cannot properly use the insulin that is made. As a result, glucose cannot be used or stored properly and accumulates in the bloodstream.

There are many different types of insulin and they are absorbed at different rates and work for varying periods of time. Insulin aspart starts working within 20 minutes after the injection, has its maximum effect between 1 hour and 3 hours, and stops working after 3 to 5 hours.

This medication may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of this medication may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

How should I use this medication?

Your required dose of insulin depends on how much natural insulin your pancreas is producing and how well your body is able to use the insulin. Your doctor or diabetes educator will determine the appropriate dose for you according to various lifestyle factors and the blood glucose values obtained while monitoring your blood glucose.

Your dose of insulin should be injected subcutaneously (under the skin) exactly as instructed by your doctor or diabetes educator. The dose of insulin is measured in international units (IU). Each 1 mL of insulin contains 100 IU. Insulin aspart is injected under the skin up to 2 minutes before the start of a meal. When necessary, insulin aspart may be injected up to 20 minutes after starting a meal. Longer-acting insulins are often used along with insulin aspart to cover the periods of time between doses of insulin aspart. There are many variations of insulin dosing

Insulin aspart should be clear and colourless. Do not use the insulin if you notice anything unusual in the appearance of the solution, such as cloudiness, discoloration, or clumping.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is very important that you use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The timing of insulin with respect to your meals is crucial to keeping blood glucose under control and preventing unwanted side effects. If you miss a dose, check your blood glucose to determine whether a dose is needed. If necessary, insulin aspart may be used up to 20 minutes after starting a meal. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Keep unopened bottles of insulin in the refrigerator until needed. They may be used until the expiry date on the label. Never allow insulin to freeze. Insulin that is currently in use may be kept at room temperature for no more than 28 days and then discarded. Insulin must not be exposed to extremely hot temperatures and it needs to be protected from light. Keep insulin out of reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

What form(s) does this medication come in?

Fiasp 10 mL vial
Each 1 mL of the water-clear colourless solution contains 100 Units of insulin aspart (equivalent to 3.5 mg). Nonmedicinal ingredients: glycerol, phenol, metacresol, zinc, disodium phosphate dihydrate, arginine hydrochloride, niacinamide (vitamin B3), and water for injection. Hydrochloric acid and/or sodium hydroxide may be added to adjust pH.

Fiasp Penfill
Each 1 mL of the water-clear colourless solution contains 100 Units of insulin aspart (equivalent to 3.5 mg). Nonmedicinal ingredients: glycerol, phenol, metacresol, zinc, disodium phosphate dihydrate, arginine hydrochloride, niacinamide (vitamin B3), and water for injection. Hydrochloric acid and/or sodium hydroxide may be added to adjust pH.

Fiasp FlexTouch Pre-filled Insulin Pen
Each 1 mL of the water-clear colourless solution contains 100 Units of insulin aspart (equivalent to 3.5 mg). Nonmedicinal ingredients: glycerol, phenol, metacresol, zinc, disodium phosphate dihydrate, arginine hydrochloride, niacinamide (vitamin B3), and water for injection. Hydrochloric acid and/or sodium hydroxide may be added to adjust pH.

Who should NOT take this medication?

Do not take this medication if you:

• are allergic to insulin aspart or any ingredients of the medication
• are experiencing an episode of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)

What side effects are possible with this medication?

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• redness, itching, or swelling at the site of the injection

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• changes under the skin at the injection site
• signs of low potassium levels in the blood (e.g., weakness, fatigue, muscle cramps, irregular heartbeat)
• symptoms of low blood sugar (e.g., cold sweat, cool pale skin, headache, fast heartbeat, weakness)
• skin rash

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• signs of a serious allergic reaction (e.g., abdominal cramps, difficulty breathing, nausea and vomiting, or swelling of the face and throat)
• unconsciousness

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.

Are there any other precautions or warnings for this medication?

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.

Allergic reactions: If you notice signs of a serious allergic reaction (e.g., swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing, wheezing, or itchy skin rash), stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention.

Appearance of insulin: The contents of the vial of insulin aspart should be clear and colourless. Do not use this medication if you notice anything unusual about its appearance, such as cloudiness, discoloration, or clumping.

Changes at injection site: Fatty tissue under the skin at the injection site may shrink or thicken if you inject yourself too often at the same site. To help avoid this effect, change the site with each injection. Talk to your doctor or diabetes educator if you notice your skin pitting or thickening at the injection site.

Changes in insulin requirements: Many things can affect blood glucose levels and insulin requirements. These include:

• certain medical conditions (e.g., infections, thyroid conditions, liver or kidney disease)
• certain medications that increase or decrease blood glucose levels
• diet
• exercise
• illness
• injury
• stress
• surgery
• travelling over time zones

It is important your doctor know your current health situation and any changes that may affect the amount of insulin you need. Blood glucose should be monitored regularly as recommended by your doctor or diabetes educator.

Diabetic identification: It is important to either wear a bracelet (or necklace) or carry a card indicating you have diabetes and are taking insulin.

Family and friends: Educate your family and friends about the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia (low blood glucose). Keep a glucagon kit available and instruct them on its proper use in case you experience severe low blood glucose and you lose consciousness.

Low blood glucose (hypoglycemia): Hypoglycemia may occur if too much insulin is used, if meals are missed, or if you exercise more than usual. Symptoms of mild-to-moderate hypoglycemia may occur suddenly and can include cold sweat, nervousness or shakiness, fast heartbeat, headache, hunger, confusion, lightheadedness, weakness, and numbness or tingling of the tongue, lips, or fingers. Mild-to-moderate hypoglycemia may be treated by eating foods or drinks that contain sugar. People taking insulin should always carry a quick source of sugar, such as hard candies, glucose tablets, juice, or regular soft drinks (not diet soft drinks). Signs of severe hypoglycemia can include disorientation, loss of consciousness, and seizures. People who are unable to take sugar by mouth or who are unconscious may require an injection of glucagon or treatment with intravenous (into the vein) glucose.

Kidney function: Insulin requirements may be decreased in kidney disease. If you have reduced kidney function or kidney disease, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Liver function: Insulin requirements may be decreased in liver disease. If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Pregnancy: The safety and effectiveness of insulin aspart have not been determined for use during pregnancy. This medication should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately. It is essential to maintain good blood glucose control throughout pregnancy. Insulin requirements usually decrease during the first trimester and increase during the second and third trimesters.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if insulin aspart passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking this medication, it may affect your baby. Insulin requirements often fluctuate while breast-feeding. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using this medication have not been established for children under the age of 2 years with type 1 diabetes and children under the age of 18 years with type 2 diabetes.

What other drugs could interact with this medication?

There may be an interaction between insulin aspart and any of the following:

• acetylsalicylic acid (ASA)
• American ginseng
• androgens (e.g., testosterone)
• atypical antipsychotics (e.g., clozapine, olanzapine, quetiapine, risperidone)
• beta-adrenergic blockers (e.g., atenolol, propranolol, sotalol)
• ceritinib
• chloroquine
• clarithromycin
• corticosteroids (e.g., dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, prednisone)
• danazol
• disopyramide
• epinephrine
• estrogens (e.g., conjugated estrogen, estradiol, ethinyl estradiol)
• garlic
• ginger
• glucagon
• goserelin
• hepatitis C antivirals (e.g., daclatasvir, ledipasvir, paritaprevir, sofosbuvir)
• HIV protease inhibitors (e.g., atazanavir, indinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir)
• hydroxychloroquine
• lanreotide
• leuprolide
• loop diuretics (e.g., bumetanide, furosemide)
• mifepristone
• monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs; e.g., moclobemide, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine)
• niacin
• nilotinib
• octreotide
• other diabetes medications (e.g., acarbose, canagliflozin, dapagliflozin, glyburide, linagliptin, liraglutide, metformin, pioglitazone, rosiglitazone, sitagliptin)
• pasireotide
• progestins (e.g., dienogest, levonorgestrel, medroxyprogesterone, norethindrone)
• quinine
• quinolone antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, ofloxacin)
• selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs; e.g., citalopram, fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline)
• sirolimus
• somatostatin
• sulfonamide antibiotics ("sulfas"; e.g., sulfisoxazole, sulfamethoxazole)
• sunitinib
• tacrolimus
• tramadol
• thiazide diuretics (water pills; e.g., hydrochlorothiazide, indapamide, metolazone)
• vorinostat

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2025. Terms and conditions of use (opens in a new window). The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/drug/getdrug/Fiasp (opens in a new window)