What are the possible side effects of NovoLog® Mix 70/30 insulin? Learn about the serious and common side effects of this medication used to control high blood sugar in people with diabetes.

What is NovoLog® Mix 70/30?

NovoLog® Mix 70/30 is a man-made insulin used to control high blood sugar in people with diabetes mellitus. It is a mixture of 70% insulin aspart (the active ingredient in NovoLog®) and 30% insulin aspart protamine suspension, which is a longer-acting insulin.

Is NovoLog® Mix 70/30 Safe for Children?

It is not known if NovoLog® Mix 70/30 is safe and effective in children. The safety and efficacy of this medication have not been established in the pediatric population.

Sharing Needles and Syringes

Do not share your NovoLog® Mix 70/30 FlexPen® with other people, even if the needle has been changed. Do not share needles or syringes with another person. You may give other people a serious infection, or get a serious infection from them.

When Should You Not Take NovoLog® Mix 70/30?

Do not take NovoLog® Mix 70/30 if you are having an episode of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) or you have an allergy to NovoLog® Mix 70/30 or any of its ingredients.

Informing Your Healthcare Provider

Before taking NovoLog® Mix 70/30, tell your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions, including if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. Also, inform your provider about any new prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including supplements, that you are taking.

Managing Low Blood Sugar

Before you start taking NovoLog® Mix 70/30, talk to your health care provider about low blood sugar and how to manage it. It is essential to understand the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia and how to respond appropriately.

Proper Use of NovoLog® Mix 70/30

Read the Instructions for Use and take NovoLog® Mix 70/30 exactly as directed by your healthcare provider. If you have type 1 diabetes, inject the medication within 15 minutes before you eat a meal. If you have type 2 diabetes, you may inject up to 15 minutes before or after starting your meal. Do not mix NovoLog® Mix 70/30 with other insulin products or use it in an insulin pump.

Monitoring Blood Sugar Levels

Check your blood sugar levels regularly. Ask your health care provider what your blood sugar levels should be and when you should check them. Proper monitoring is crucial for managing your diabetes effectively.

Injection Site Rotation

Change (rotate) your injection sites within the area you choose with each injection to reduce your risk of getting lipodystrophy (pits in skin or thickened skin) and localized cutaneous amyloidosis (skin with lumps) at the injection sites. Do not use the exact same spot for each injection.

Avoid Injection in Certain Areas

Do not inject where the skin has pits, is thickened, or has lumps. Do not inject where the skin is tender, bruised, scaly or hard, or into scars or damaged skin.

Driving and Operating Heavy Machinery

Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how NovoLog® Mix 70/30 affects you. The medication can cause drowsiness, dizziness, or other side effects that may impair your ability to safely operate vehicles or machinery.

Alcohol and Medications

Do not drink alcohol or use medicines that contain alcohol, as they can interact with NovoLog® Mix 70/30 and affect your blood sugar levels.

Serious Side Effects

Serious side effects of NovoLog® Mix 70/30 can lead to death, including low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia include dizziness, light-headedness, sweating, confusion, headache, blurred vision, slurred speech, shakiness, fast heart rate, anxiety, irritability, mood changes, and hunger.

Other Common Side Effects

Other common side effects of NovoLog® Mix 70/30 may include low potassium in your blood (hypokalemia), reactions at the injection site, itching, rash, serious allergic reactions (whole body reactions), skin thickening or pits at the injection site (lipodystrophy), weight gain, and swelling of your hands and feet.

Seek Emergency Medical Help

Get emergency medical help if you experience trouble breathing, shortness of breath, fast heartbeat, swelling of your face, tongue, or throat, sweating, extreme drowsiness, dizziness, or confusion.

In conclusion, it is important to understand the potential side effects of NovoLog® Mix 70/30 and to take the necessary precautions to ensure safe and effective use of this medication. Always consult with your healthcare provider for guidance on managing your diabetes and any related side effects.