NovoLog 70/30 (insulin aspart) is a medication used to manage type 1 diabetes, a condition of elevated blood glucose levels. In type 1 diabetes, your pancreas fails to make an essential hormone called insulin that plays a role in lowering your glucose levels. According to MedlinePlus, NovoLog is a short-acting and human-based derivative of insulin. Typically, this medication is available as an injection that should be taken prior to eating breakfast and dinner, says the National Library of Medicine.
Common Side Effects
Hypoglycemia (a condition of low blood sugar) is NovoLog's most common side effect, according to Drugs.com. Symptoms of hypoglycemia include nausea, hunger, a headache, tremors, confusion, drowsiness and tachycardia (a fast heartbeat). It may also cause convulsions and trouble concentrating. Drink high sugar-containing drinks such as orange juice or eat high sugary foods such as a candy bar. This will rapidly reverse your hypoglycemic symptoms and normalize your blood glucose levels. NovoLog can also cause redness or swelling at the injection site. Notify your doctor when this persists for three or more days.
Serious Side Effects
MedlinePlus indicates that NovoLog can cause convulsions, seizures and loss of consciousness when hypoglycemic symptoms are left untreated. NovoLog may also cause hyperglycemia (high blood sugar levels) if not enough of this medication is prescribed. Symptoms of hyperglycemia include blurry vision, frequent urination, extreme thirst or hunger and weakness. Diabetic ketoacidosis (a condition of increased ketones in your blood) can result when hyperglycemia is left untreated. Ketones are the breakdown product of fats. Symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis include dry mouth, fruity-smelling breath, stomach problems, vomiting and shortness of breath. Go to your local emergency room when you have these effects.
Additional Concerns
Avoid NovoLog if you are allergic to insulin aspart. Such potentially fatal effects as hives, swelling of your tongue or face may develop.
Drugs.com says that it is unknown if NovoLog can enter your breast milk or harm your unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to nurse your baby.
Avoid combining NovoLog with albuterol, clonidine, reserpine, guanethidine or beta-blockers such as atelenol, says Drugs.com. NovoLog and these medications can combine and lead to the aforementioned side effects.
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