What is another name for Novolog (insulin aspart)?

Another Name for NovoLog (Insulin Aspart)

NovoLog is the brand name for insulin aspart, a rapid-acting insulin analog used for diabetes management. 1

Insulin Aspart Identification

Insulin aspart is marketed under several brand names:

• NovoLog - Primary brand name in the United States 1, 2
• NovoRapid - Brand name used in many countries outside the US 2, 3
• Fiasp - A faster-acting formulation of insulin aspart 4

In addition, insulin aspart is available in premixed formulations:

• NovoLog Mix 70/30 (US) or NovoMix 30 (outside US) - Contains 30% soluble insulin aspart and 70% protamine-bound insulin aspart 2, 5

Pharmacological Classification and Properties

Insulin aspart belongs to the rapid-acting insulin analog class with the following characteristics:

• Onset of action: 15-30 minutes (faster than regular human insulin)
• Peak effect: 1-3 hours
• Duration of action: 3-5 hours 6

This pharmacokinetic profile allows insulin aspart to be administered immediately before meals, unlike regular human insulin which typically requires administration 30 minutes before meals 7, 6.

Clinical Use

Insulin aspart is used in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes management:

• In type 1 diabetes: Typically used as part of a basal-bolus regimen with a longer-acting insulin 7, 6
• In type 2 diabetes: Can be used alone or in combination with oral medications or other insulins 7

When used in insulin pumps (continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion), insulin aspart is preferred over regular human insulin due to its faster action profile 6.

Important Considerations

• When switching from regular human insulin to insulin aspart, the timing of administration changes from 30 minutes before meals to immediately before or within 5-10 minutes of starting a meal 6, 1
• Insulin aspart should not be shared between patients, even if the needle has been changed, due to infection risk 1
• The medication can be administered subcutaneously in the abdomen, buttocks, thighs, or upper arms 1

Safety Profile

Insulin aspart has a similar safety profile to regular human insulin but may be associated with:

• Lower incidence of nocturnal hypoglycemia in some studies 2, 3
• Similar overall hypoglycemia risk compared to other insulin formulations 5

Remember that insulin aspart is the generic name for NovoLog, and these terms can be used interchangeably when discussing this medication.