This article describes NovoLog’s dosages and strength and gives details on how to use it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for NovoLog. If you want to know more about NovoLog, see this overview article. It covers details about the drug’s uses and side effects, ways to save on cost, and more.
NovoLog is a brand-name medication that comes as a liquid solution that you’ll inject or infuse under your skin. A doctor or another healthcare professional may also give NovoLog as an infusion into a vein. NovoLog is available as a biosimilar called insulin aspart. This article describes dosages of NovoLog.
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Forms and strength of NovoLog
NovoLog is a liquid solution that’s injected under your skin or into your vein. It comes as follows:
- Forms:
- 3-mL PenFill prefilled cartridge used with a reusable insulin pen
- 3-mL FlexPen prefilled pen, which is disposable (this replaced the NovoLog FlexTouch prefilled pen)
- 10-mL multiple-dose vial used with syringes or an insulin pump
- Strength: 100 units per milliliter (mL)
NovoLog can also be given by intravenous (IV) infusion (an injection given into your vein over time). This is usually given by a doctor or another healthcare professional in a hospital.
Dosage of NovoLog
This article describes the recommended dosages for NovoLog. The drugmaker provides these dosages.
If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of NovoLog without your doctor’s recommendation.
Usual recommended dosages of NovoLog in adults
Usually, doctors start by prescribing a low dosage of NovoLog. Then, they’ll adjust it over time until the right dosage is reached. Ultimately, your doctor will prescribe the smallest dosage of NovoLog that gives the desired outcome.
For forms that are injected under your skin, NovoLog should be injected:
- within 5–10 minutes before a meal
- under the skin of your upper arm, abdominal area, thigh, or buttocks
For continuous infusion under your skin with an insulin pump, your doctor will recommend the best NovoLog dosage for you.
For IV infusion, NovoLog is given by a doctor or another healthcare professional in a hospital. This is because your blood sugar level and certain electrolyte levels would need to be closely monitored.
Talk with your doctor if you have questions about your NovoLog dosage.
Dosages of NovoLog in children
NovoLog can be prescribed to children ages 6 years and older with diabetes. The dosage for this use is the same as the dosage for adults above.
Dosage adjustments for NovoLog
Dosages for NovoLog are highly personalized and may change during your treatment due to several factors. These include:
- your blood sugar goal
- which drug form you’re prescribed
- how well you respond to NovoLog
- your age
- changes in your physical activity or food intake
- other medications you take
- other health conditions you may have
Your doctor will prescribe the dosage of NovoLog that’s the best for you based on the factors above. Different types of insulin dosages that your doctor may prescribe include:
- Sliding scale dosage: With a sliding scale dosage, your dose will vary based on what your blood sugar level is at a specific time.
- Preset dosage: With a preset dosage, your doctor will prescribe the exact amount of insulin for you to use at a specific time.
- Carbohydrate-specific dosage: With a carbohydrate-specific dosage, also called carb-ratios, your dose depends on the amount of carbohydrates (sugars) you plan to eat a a specific time.
Missed dose of NovoLog
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist right away if you realize you forgot to take a dose of NovoLog. They may advise you to take the missed dose. Or they may advise you to skip it and take your next dose as scheduled.
For tips on how to plan your doses of NovoLog and avoid missing a dose, read this article. You could also try:
- downloading a reminder app on your phone
- setting an alarm
- putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your calendar, bathroom mirror, or bedside table
Frequently asked questions
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about NovoLog and its dosage.
How much NovoLog is safe to use in a day?
It depends. Some people are more sensitive to NovoLog and may use lower dosages to manage their diabetes. They may also have an increased risk of side effects, such as low blood sugar, with lower doses.
Other people may be more resistant to NovoLog. They may often need higher doses to manage their diabetes. So what is a safe dosage of NovoLog for one person may not be appropriate for another person.
While you’re using NovoLog, be sure to monitor your blood sugar levels and any side effects. Your doctor will adjust your dosage based on your individual response.
If you have concerns about your NovoLog dosage, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Is NovoLog used long term?
Yes, doctors typically prescribe NovoLog as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely use it long term.
If you have questions about how long you should use NovoLog, talk with your doctor.
How NovoLog is used
If you’re prescribed the injection form of NovoLog, you’ll inject it under your skin within 5–10 minutes before a meal.
If you’re using an insulin pump to take your dose of NovoLog, your doctor will show you how to use it. This will be a continuous infusion under your skin. Different insulin pumps have different instructions for use. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s user manual of the pump you’re prescribed. If you have any questions about your NovoLog dosage or how to use your insulin pump, talk with your doctor.
Before each dose, you should make sure your NovoLog appears clear and colorless. If it’s not, do not use it.
Also, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re having difficulty using your medication. They can offer recommendations about how to use it.
If you’re in a hospital, your doctor may give NovoLog by IV infusion. Talk with your doctor if you have questions about how they’ll give NovoLog IV infusion.
NovoLog coupon
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Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.
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