What is NovoLog used for?  

NovoLog in used to treat patients 6 years of age and older with diabetes to control high blood sugar. Because NovoLog acts faster and has a shorter duration of action than regular human insulin, NovoLog should normally be used in combination with an intermediate or long-acting insulin.

Who should not use NovoLog?  

Do not use NovoLog if you are experiencing an episode of low blood sugar.

Special Warnings with NovoLog:

• NovoLog is different from regular human insulin because of its fast onset and shorter duration of action. Because of this fast onset, you will need to eat a meal immediately after injecting NovoLog. 
• Because of NovoLog’s short duration of action, if you have Type 1 diabetes you also require longer-acting insulin to maintain control of blood sugar. 
• The most common side effect of all insulin preparations including NovoLog is low blood sugar. With all types of insulin the timing of low blood sugar can change depending on the formulation so it is important to monitor your blood sugar regularly.

General Precautions with NovoLog:

Because of NovoLog’s faster onset of action changes in blood levels of potassium may occur. Not everyone can tolerate rapid changes or low potassium. Patients with certain medical conditions may have more difficulty with the rapid blood sugar lowering effect of NovoLog. Depending on your medical condition, your doctor will decide if NovoLog is right for you. 

There is a risk of your blood sugar becoming too low when taking diabetes medicines. Strenuous physical activity, drinking alcoholic beverages, or not eating enough can increase this possibility when taking NovoLog. Talk to your healthcare provider. 

Insulin antibodies may develop during treatment with all insulin, but may be greater with NovoLog. 

What should I tell my doctor or healthcare provider?

Because certain other medications may increase or decrease the blood-sugar-lowering effect of NovoLog, review all medications you are taking with your healthcare provider, including those that you take without a prescription. 

Any change of insulin should be made under medical supervision. Be certain to tell your doctor or healthcare provider if you are taking other insulin, including oral medications used to control blood sugar. 

Tell your doctor or healthcare provider if you: 

• experience any minor allergic reactions, such as redness, swelling, or itching at the site of injection,
• have a history of kidney or liver problems,
• are trying to become pregnant, are already pregnant, or are breast-feeding.

What are some possible side effects of NovoLog? (This is NOT a complete list of side effects reported with NovoLog. Your healthcare provider can discuss with you a more complete list of side effects.)  

• Low blood sugar
• Injection site reactions such as redness, pain, itching, hives, and swelling 
• Changes in fat tissue at site of injection such as thickened or hard skin

  Date created: September 4, 2001; Updated: February 1 , 2007