Drug Guide
Insulin Aspart Recombinant
Classification
Therapeutic: Antidiabetic Agent
Pharmacological: Rapid-Acting Insulin
FDA Approved Indications
- Improvement of glycemic control in adults and children with diabetes mellitus
Mechanism of Action
Insulin Aspart is a fast-acting insulin analog that mimics endogenous insulin response to a meal by facilitating cellular glucose uptake and inhibiting hepatic glucose production.
Dosage and Administration
Adult: Individualized dosing; typically injected before meals with adjustments based on blood glucose levels.
Pediatric: Dosing based on weight and blood glucose levels, similar to adults; initial dosing varies.
Geriatric: Adjustments based on renal and hepatic function and comorbidities.
Renal Impairment: Possible need for dose adjustment; monitor blood glucose closely.
Hepatic Impairment: Use with caution; monitor for hypoglycemia due to altered glucose metabolism.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption: Rapid absorption with peak effect approximately 1-3 hours post-injection.
Distribution: Distributed to body tissues, small volume of distribution.
Metabolism: Metabolized by insulin-degrading enzymes; hepatic and renal pathways involved.
Excretion: Excreted in urine as metabolites.
Half Life: Approximately 1 hour (elimination half-life).
Contraindications
- Hypoglycemia
- Allergy to insulin or excipients
Precautions
- Use with caution in renal or hepatic impairment, during illness or stress, and in pregnant or lactating women.
Adverse Reactions - Common
- Hypoglycemia (Common)
- Lipodystrophy at injection sites (Uncommon)
Adverse Reactions - Serious
- Severe hypoglycemia (Rare)
- Allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis (Rare)
Drug-Drug Interactions
- Other antidiabetic agents (risk of hypoglycemia), corticosteroids (may raise blood glucose)
Drug-Food Interactions
- Alcohol may potentiate or impair glycemic control.
Drug-Herb Interactions
N/ANursing Implications
Assessment: Monitor blood glucose regularly, especially around insulin administration.
Diagnoses:
- Risk for unstable blood glucose
- Risk for hypoglycemia
Implementation: Administer as prescribed, typically 15 minutes before meals.
Evaluation: Assess blood glucose and HbA1c periodically to evaluate control.
Patient/Family Teaching
- Inject insulin as prescribed, recognize signs of hypoglycemia, carry quick-acting glucose source.
- Report hypoglycemic symptoms immediately.
- Maintain proper storage of insulin.
Special Considerations
Black Box Warnings:
- Risk of severe hypoglycemia, which can be life-threatening.
- Potential for hypoglycemia with dosing errors.
Genetic Factors: None specified.
Lab Test Interference: May affect some assays for insulin measurement.
Overdose Management
Signs/Symptoms: Severe hypoglycemia, including sweating, trembling, confusion, unconsciousness.
Treatment: Administer oral glucose if alert; in severe cases, administer glucagon or IV dextrose under medical supervision.
Storage and Handling
Storage: Store unopened vials and pens at 2°C to 8°C. Once in use, can be kept at room temperature (up to 25°C) for up to 28 days.
Stability: Stable for 28 days at room temperature when in use.