Novolog (Insulin)

Also Known as Novorapid

Prescription medicineOnly Available By Prescription

What if I find a lower price with another pharmacy?

We guarantee the lowest price on all of our prescription products. If you find your medications cheaper at any other recognized licensed mail order pharmacy, we will not only match their price, we will beat it by 25% of the difference. It is our 125% price match guarantee!

Example: If you find a product on Canada Drugs Direct for $50.00 and find the same product for $40.00 at another mail order pharmacy, we will provide you with a $12.50 discount, bringing your total to $37.50.

To get the discount please make sure to mention the price match to the customer service team when they call to collect payment for your order. Or call toll free at 1-888-904-8467 to place the order through the phone.

Terms & Conditions of Program

  • Guaranteed lowest price is only valid at the time of sale.
  • We will only match the current advertised price.
  • Products must be identical and in stock at the time of placing an order with a licensed mail order pharmacy. They must be an online Canadian pharmacy with an address in Canada.
  • Products must be authentic in brand and size (same manufacturer, same country of manufacture, same pack size, same strength and same quantity).
  • Products must be new. We cannot match the price of any used, short expiry or expired product.
  • Price match can only be issued over the phone with our customer service team. Please note at this time we cannot offer price matching for the products Ozempic or Saxenda.
What is a Generic Drug?

A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, consumption method, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name drug and works in the same way and in the same amount of time in the body.

The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is that generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (eg. different shape or color), as trademarks laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.

Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to develop a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name and sell it at a substantial discount.

Description

NovoLog (Insulin Aspart) is a fast-acting insulin analog used to improve glycemic control in adults and children with diabetes mellitus. Designed to mimic the body's natural rapid insulin response to meals, NovoLog begins working within 10 to 20 minutes after injection, peaks at about 1 to 3 hours, and continues to work for 3 to 5 hours. This insulin is structurally similar to human insulin, with a substitution of the amino acid proline by aspartic acid, allowing for faster absorption. NovoLog is indicated for use in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes and is often integrated into a comprehensive insulin regimen, including long-acting insulins.

Fact Table

Formula

C256H381N65O79S6

License

US FDA

Bioavailability

~60–70%

Legal status

Prescription only (Rx-only)

Chemical Name

Insulin Aspart

Elimination half-life

~1 hour

Dosage (Strength)

100 units/mL (U-100); available in 3 mL FlexPen, 10 mL vials

Pregnancy

Consult a doctor (Category B)

Brands

NovoLog, Fiasp

Protein binding

Low

PubChem CID

16132389

MedlinePlus

a605030

ChEBI

86339

ATC code

A10AB05

DrugBank

DB01307

KEGG

D04558

Routes of administration

Subcutaneous injection, intravenous (in hospital settings)

Directions

NovoLog should be administered by subcutaneous injection shortly before meals, typically within 5 to 10 minutes of eating. Dosage is individualized based on the patient’s metabolic needs, blood glucose monitoring results, and glycemic control goals. It can also be used in continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) pumps. NovoLog may be injected into the abdominal wall, thigh, buttock, or upper arm, with regular rotation of injection sites to reduce the risk of lipodystrophy. Intravenous administration is also possible under medical supervision in clinical settings.

Ingredients

Each mL of NovoLog contains 100 units of insulin aspart. Other inactive ingredients include glycerol, phenol, metacresol, zinc, disodium phosphate dihydrate, sodium chloride, and water for injection. Hydrochloric acid or sodium hydroxide may be added to adjust pH.

Contraindications

NovoLog is contraindicated in patients experiencing hypoglycemia and in individuals with hypersensitivity to insulin aspart or any of the formulation’s excipients. It should not be used during episodes of low blood sugar or in insulin pumps during periods of pump failure or catheter blockage.

Cautions

Careful dose adjustment is essential when switching between different insulin products or methods of administration to avoid hyper- or hypoglycemia. Patients should be advised to monitor blood glucose levels regularly and adjust insulin doses in response to illness, changes in diet, or physical activity. Use with caution in patients with renal or hepatic impairment. Alcohol consumption may increase the risk of hypoglycemia. Insulin requirements may also change during periods of stress, infection, or surgery. Always consult a healthcare provider before making any adjustments to the insulin regimen.

Side Effects

Common side effects may include:

  • Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
  • Injection site reactions such as redness, swelling, or itching
  • Lipodystrophy (fat tissue changes at injection sites)
  • Weight gain
  • Peripheral edema
  • Hypokalemia (low potassium levels)

Rare but serious allergic reactions can occur and require immediate medical attention, including anaphylaxis and generalized skin reactions.

Frequently Asked Questions about Novolog (Insulin Aspart)


Can I take Novolog without eating right away?

No. Novolog works quickly, so taking it without eating can cause hypoglycemia. You should eat within 5 to 10 minutes of injection.


Can Novolog be mixed with other insulins?

Yes, Novolog can be mixed with NPH insulin (intermediate-acting), but not with long-acting insulins like Lantus or Levemir. Only mix under your healthcare provider's guidance.


Is Novolog available in generic form?

Yes. A biosimilar insulin aspart is available under names like Insulin Aspart Injection. These are FDA-approved alternatives and may be more affordable.


What happens if I miss a Novolog dose?

If you miss a dose before a meal, take it as soon as possible if you're still eating. If the meal has passed, skip the dose and monitor your blood sugar. Do not double-dose without medical advice.


What are signs of an allergic reaction to Novolog?

Serious allergic reactions are rare but may include:

Rash or itching
Swelling (especially of face/tongue/throat)
Trouble breathing

Seek immediate medical help if any of these occur.


Can Novolog be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Yes. Novolog is considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding, but insulin requirements often change, so close medical supervision is essential.


Can I use Novolog if I have kidney or liver problems?

Yes, but dose adjustments may be needed. Kidney and liver issues can affect insulin metabolism, increasing the risk of low blood sugar. Your provider will monitor and adjust as needed.


How does exercise affect Novolog?

Exercise increases insulin sensitivity, which may increase the risk of hypoglycemia. Monitor your blood sugar more closely around physical activity and adjust food or insulin if needed.


How is Novolog different from Humalog?

Both are rapid-acting insulins, but:

Novolog: Insulin aspart
Humalog: Insulin lispro

They work similarly but are not automatically interchangeable without provider approval.


How long is a Novolog pen or vial good for once opened?

Once opened and stored at room temperature (below 86°F / 30°C), Novolog pens and vials are good for 28 days. After that, discard any remaining insulin.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The information provided above is for general awareness and educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace professional medical or veterinary advice. Always consult your physician, pharmacist, or veterinarian regarding the safety, suitability, and proper use of any medication for yourself or your pet.

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