From the FDA Drug Label
MERILOG (insulin aspart-szjj) injection, for subcutaneous use. MERILOG™ (insulin aspart-szjj) is biosimilar* to NOVOLOG® (insulin aspart). The trade name for aspart insulin is NOVOLOG and also MERILOG 1.
From the Research
The trade name for aspart insulin is NovoLog in the United States and NovoRapid in many other countries. It is a rapid-acting insulin analog manufactured by Novo Nordisk that begins working within 10-20 minutes after injection, peaks in about 1-3 hours, and lasts for 3-5 hours 2. Aspart insulin is commonly used to control blood sugar levels in people with diabetes, particularly around mealtimes due to its quick onset of action. It can be administered via subcutaneous injection using insulin pens, syringes, or insulin pumps. When using aspart insulin, it's typically injected right before meals (0-15 minutes) to match the insulin action with food absorption. The dosage varies based on individual needs, blood glucose levels, carbohydrate intake, and physical activity. Patients should store unopened vials or pens in the refrigerator, while in-use supplies can be kept at room temperature for up to 28 days. Aspart insulin works by mimicking the body's natural insulin but with a modified amino acid structure that allows for faster absorption into the bloodstream.
Some key points to consider when using aspart insulin include:
- It has a faster onset and shorter duration of action compared to regular human insulin 2
- It can be used in a basal-bolus regimen with NPH insulin to provide better glycaemic control in patients with type 1 diabetes 2
- It has a similar efficacy to insulin lispro and regular human insulin in patients with type 1 diabetes when used in a continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) regimen 3
- It has a lower risk of hypoglycaemia compared to regular human insulin in several studies 2, 4
- It is an effective and well-tolerated alternative to regular human insulin and insulin lispro for the maintenance of glycaemic control in patients with type 1 or 2 diabetes 2