Insulin Aspart-szjj (By injection)
Insulin Aspart-szjj, Recombinant (IN-su-lin AS-part - szjj, ree-KOM-bi-nant)
Helps control blood sugar level in patients with diabetes mellitus.
Brand Name(s):
There may be other brand names for this medicine.
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to insulin aspart or during episodes of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).How to Use This Medicine:
Injectable
- Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin. It is usually given in the buttocks, stomach, thigh, or upper arm.
- A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.
- You may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
- Always double-check both the concentration (strength) of your insulin and your dose. Concentration and dose are not the same. The dose is how many units of insulin you will use. The concentration tells how many units of insulin are in each milliliter (mL), such as 100 units/mL (U-100), but this does not mean you will use 100 units at a time.
- Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
- Check the liquid in the prefilled pen or vial. It should be clear and colorless. Do not use it if it is cloudy, colored, or has particles in it.
- You will be shown the body areas where this shot can be given. Use a different body area each time you give yourself a shot. Keep track of where you give each shot to make sure you rotate body areas. Do not use the exact same spot for each injection. Do not inject into skin areas that are tender, bruised, scaly, hard, thickened, damaged, or has pits, lumps, or scars.
- You should eat a meal within 5 to 10 minutes after taking this medicine.
- Merilog SoloStar® prefilled pen:
- Wash your hands with soap and water.
- Attach a new needle. Keep the needle straight and screw it into the pen. Do not over-tighten. Pull off the outer needle cap.
- Always do a safety test before each injection to make sure the pen is working properly and you receive the correct dose.
- Select 2 units when turning the dose selector. Press the injection button until it stops. You should see a "0" in the dose window.
- You should see insulin at the needle tip. If you do not see insulin, repeat the safety test but not more than 3 times. If there is still no insulin after the third time, change the needle and repeat the safety test. Do not use the pen if there is still no insulin at the needle tip and use a new pen. Do not use a syringe to remove insulin from the pen.
- Turn the dose selector to your prescribed dose. Be careful not to press the injection button.
- Insert the needle into your skin and press the injection button all the way in. Keep pressing until you see "0" in the dose window, slowly count to 10 to make sure you receive the full dose.
- Use a new needle each time you give yourself an injection. Always remove and throw the needle after each injection. Store the pen without a needle attached. Do not use the pen if it is broken or damaged.
- Vial:
- Wash your hands with soap and water.
- Do not shake the vial.
- Use only syringes that are made for insulin injections. Use a new syringe and needle each time you give yourself an injection.
- Do not mix this medicine with any other insulin.
- Use a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine.
- Always check the label before use, to make sure you have the correct type of insulin. Do not change the brand, type, or concentration unless your doctor tells you to. If you use a pump or other device, make sure the insulin is made for that device.
- Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
- Unopened medicine: Store the vials and pens in the refrigerator. You may store the medicine at room temperature for 28 days. Protect from light. Do not freeze.
- Opened medicine:
- Vials: Store in the refrigerator or at room temperature in a cool place, away from sunlight and heat. Use within 28 days.
- Prefilled pens: Store at room temperature, away from direct heat and light. Do not refrigerate. Throw away any opened pen after 28 days.
- Throw away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid:
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
- Some medicines can change the amount of insulin you need to use and make it harder for you to control your diabetes. Tell your doctor about all other medicines that you are using.
- Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.
Warnings While Using This Medicine:
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or heart disease (including heart failure).
- This medicine may cause the following problems:
- Low blood sugar
- Fluid retention or heart failure (when used together with thiazolidinediones [TZD] medicines)
- This medicine may make you dizzy, drowsy, or less alert than you are normally. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
- Never share insulin pens, needles, or cartridges with anyone. Sharing these can pass hepatitis virus, HIV, and other illnesses from one person to another.
- Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
- Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
- Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
- Blurred vision, fruit-like breath odor, stomach pain, weakness
- Change in how much or how often you urinate, lower back or side pain, painful urination
- Dry mouth, increased thirst, muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting, uneven heartbeat
- Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet, trouble breathing, tiredness
- Shaking, trembling, sweating, fast or pounding heartbeat, lightheadedness, hunger, confusion
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
- Headache, stuffy or runny nose, sore throat
- Redness, pain, itching, swelling, or any skin changes where the shot was given
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088
Last Updated: 5/4/2025