Novorapid vs Novolog- What is The Difference Between Them?

Before we begin comparing Novorapid vs Novolog, let us emphasize the fact that insulin is an important hormone in monitoring blood glucose and potassium levels.

Insulin is a hormone that works by lowering glucose level (sugar) in the blood by moving the glucose from the blood to the cells of the body.

Insulin is produced by an organ called the pancreas. If the body cannot maintain the optimal level of insulin it leads to one of the most prevailing causes of death globally, called Diabetes.

It is a well known ‘silent killer’ as the complications develop gradually and affect multiple organs of the body.

Insulin production is hampered in Diabetes Type 1 while in Diabetes Type 2, even though insulin is produced, the cells are not able to utilize it as they are not receptive to the insulin made in the body.

There are various types of insulin: Rapid Acting insulin, Short-Acting Insulin, Intermediate-acting insulin, Long-acting insulin, and Mixed insulin.

Aspart is an example of rapid-acting Insulin sold under various brand names such as Novolog, NovoRapid, Novomix, and Fiasp.

Table of Content

Insulin Aspart

Insulin Aspart is used to treat type 1 diabetes (a condition in which the body does not produce insulin) in adults and children.

It is also used to treat people with type 2 diabetes (a condition in which cells of the body fail to utilize the insulin made by the human body) who need to introduce insulin in their body to monitor blood glucose levels.

It begins to work about 15 minutes after injection, reaches its peak within the blood at approximately 1 hour, and remains within the blood for 2 to 4 hours. It is sometimes used in conjunction with other types of insulin.

Procedure

This insulin may be available as cartridges, infusion pumps, or aspens, known as flex pens.

Usually, it is taken along with longer-acting insulin. It is quite flexible as their dosage can be adjusted according to the diet of the patient.

Before injecting each dose of insulin, the site is cleaned with a disinfectant, commonly rubbing alcohol.

The site of injection must be changed each time of insertion to reduce the risk of various secondary complications such as infection or damage to the skin which would be elaborated further below as we progress.

It may be injected in the stomach area, the thighs, the buttocks, or the back of the upper arm.

A noteworthy point of insulin Aspart is that it can be kept at room temperature if storing them in refrigerators becomes a challenge.

Available Forms

Insulin Aspart comes as a solution for example Fiasp and NovoLog and a suspension called NovologMix 70/30 to inject under the skin.

In the case of diabetes type 1, insulin Aspart solution(Novolog) is usually injected 5–10 minutes before having a meal.

The suspension form of insulin Aspart to treat diabetes type 2 is injected 15 minutes before a meal.

Insulin Aspart solution (Fiasp) is usually injected at the start of a meal or within 20 minutes after starting a meal.

This is why after using NovoRapid, Novolog or Novomix, you should eat a meal within 5 to 10 minutes while Fiasp should be given at the start of a meal or within 20 minutes after starting a meal.

Warnings Before Talking Insulin:

Type of Insulin and dosage should only be prescribed by a medical practitioner.
Insulin Aspart should not be mixed or diluted with other insulin when using an insulin pump.
Like any other insulin, it carries the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood glucose level) or hyperglycemia (high blood glucose level) if the accurate dosage is not given or missed and if instructions are not followed. Hence glucose level must be monitored regularly.
The patient must carry a form of sugar such as biscuits or candy to avoid health hazards in case of hypoglycemia.
If a patient develops signs of low potassium such as breathing difficulties, muscle fatigue, cardiac-related issues, or is allergic to the particular type of insulin, they must seek medical attention.
Before using the insulin, the patient’s general condition along with Liver and Kidney function must be assessed.
Before the product is purchased, the product must be checked visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, the insulin must not be used. Insulin Aspart in solution form should be clear and colorless.
It must not be injected into the skin that is red, swollen, itchy, or within an area of active infection. Injecting cold insulin should be avoided as it may be painful.

NovoRapid and NovoLog

NovoLog and NovoRapid are different brand names of Insulin Aspart sold by Novo Nordisk company.

While NovoLog is the name used in the United States, NovoRapid is the name used outside of the United States. It is a replacement insulin that is similar to the insulin made by the body.

It is engineered in such a manner that is absorbed faster than human insulin. It works similarly as naturally produced insulin and helps lower glucose levels in adults, adolescents, and children above 1 year of age with diabetes mellitus.

Novorapid vs Novolog

So far the similarities of NovoRapid and Novolog have been discussed above but one of the most important factors for purchasing either of them is affordability.

Novorapid is far cheaper than Novolog and is readily available. The market price of five Novorapid flex pens is approximately $50 while Novologs have to be shipped at $134 per pen with additional delivery cost!

In conclusion, Novorapid seems to be a far more affordable deal than Novolog.

Novomix

NovoMix is available as a range of suspensions for injection, which are available in cartridges and as FlexPen.

NovoMix contains the active substance insulin Aspart combined with the substance protamine which is intermediate-acting in order to make it last longer. It is available as:

NovoMix 30 contains 30% of active substance insulin Aspart with 70% of protamine.
NovoMix 50 contains 50% of active substance insulin Aspart with 50% of protamine.
NovoMix 70 contains 70% of active substance insulin Aspart with 30% of protamine.

In a European study, NovoMix 30 gave identical results compared to human insulin. NovoMix 70 and NovoMix 50 resulted in better overall control of blood glucose levels than human insulin.

Adding NovoMix 30 to other anti-diabetes medications also resulted in better control.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Insulin Aspart is available under various brands each having its pros and cons and it depends on the type of diabetes, condition of the patient, both financially and medically, and the preference of the medical practitioner to select the most suitable type.