NOVORAPID FLEXPEN, 100U/ML, INJ.PEN

Common uses

This product contains insulin. Typically, it is used to control blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Following injection, its action starts in a few minutes.

How to use this medication

This product must be injected under the skin (subcutaneously):

• clean the tip of the pen with an alcohol swab and attach a needle;
• select the required dose;
• clean the skin at the injection site with an alcohol swab;
• pinch the skin and inject the insulin into the fold. If you use a short needle, pinching the skin may not be necessary, ask your pharmacist;
• wait a few days before injecting the same site again.

Keep the pen you are using at room temperature and discard it after 28 days. Unopened pen should be stored in the refrigerator.

Use this medication regularly and continuously to maintain its beneficial effects. Insulin users should be aware of the symptoms of low blood sugar, which include confusion, headache, hunger, mood changes, palpitations, rapid breathing, cold sweats and shakiness. These symptoms require immediate treatment, to bring your blood sugar back up to a safe level. This can be done with a quick source of sugar, such as: - 4 or 5 glucose tablets
- 59 to 79 mL of liquid glucose
- 15 to 20 mL (3 or 4 teaspoons) of honey, maple syrup or corn syrup
- 5 to 7 LifeSavers type candies
- 175 to 250 mL (¾ to 1 cup) of fruit juice or regular soft drink (not a diet soft drink)
- 4 or 5 packets of white sugar diluted in water

Inform your health care professional if these symptoms have occurred, as it may mean that your diet and/or medication needs to be adjusted.

Insulin users must check their blood sugar levels regularly using an appropriate device.

Dispose of used syringes and needles safely. Your pharmacist can tell you the best way to do this. If you miss a dose, contact your pharmacist. Never double a dose to make up for a missed dose.

This medication must be taken at the start of a meal with the first bite of food. In order not to cause hypoglycemia, avoid excessive alcohol consumption. Do not drink alcohol on an empty stomach.

Possible side effects

Aside from the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels), this product has few side effects. If you think this medication may be causing side effects, talk to your health care professional. He or she can help you to determine whether or not the medication is the source of the problem.

Additional information

This medication may interact with other medications or supplements, sometimes significantly. Many interactions, however, may be dealt with by a dosage adjustment or a change in medication schedule. Check with your pharmacist before using this medication in combination with any other medications (including non-prescription products), vitamins or natural products.

General information

When meeting with any health professional, it is important for you to share the following information:

• Your medical history and allergies (medication, food, or other);
• If you're pregnant or want to become pregnant, or if you're breastfeeding;
• If you use tobacco or cannabis or its derivatives, or if you use recreational drugs;
• The names of all the medications you take, whether you take them regularly or once in a while, including over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and natural health products.

It is also strongly recommended that you keep an up-to-date list of all the medications you take and carry it with you at all times. This could be useful if you have to see a health professional or need emergency care.

Keep all your medications out of the reach of children and pets and return any unused or expired medications to the pharmacy for proper disposal.