Initiating Fiasp® (insulin aspart injection) 100 U/mL

Watch a video featuring Jeremy Pettus, MD, to learn why he prescribes Fiasp® to his patients with diabetes in need of a mealtime insulin. Fiasp® comes in a pen, vial, and PenFill cartridge. See Important Safety Information below.
Please click here to see the Prescribing Information for Fiasp® - www.novo-pi.com...
Indications and Usage
Fiasp® (insulin aspart injection) 100 U/mL is a rapid-acting insulin analog indicated to improve glycemic control in adult and pediatric patients with diabetes mellitus.
Important Safety Information
Contraindications
• Fiasp® is contraindicated during episodes of hypoglycemia and in patients hypersensitive to Fiasp® or one of its excipients.
Warnings and Precautions
• Never share a Fiasp® FlexTouch® Pen, PenFill® cartridge or PenFill® cartridge device between patients, even if the needle is changed. Patients using Fiasp® vials must never share needles or syringes with another person. Sharing poses a risk for transmission of blood-borne pathogens.
• Hyperglycemia or Hypoglycemia with Changes in Insulin Regimen: Changes in an insulin regimen (e.g., insulin strength, manufacturer, type, injection site or method of administration) may affect glycemic control and predispose to hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia. Repeated insulin injections into areas of lipodystrophy or localized cutaneous amyloidosis have been reported to result in hyperglycemia; and a sudden change in the injection site (to an unaffected area) has been reported to result in hypoglycemia. Make any changes to a patient’s insulin regimen under close medical supervision with increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring. Advise patients who have repeatedly injected into areas of lipodystrophy or localized cutaneous amyloidosis to change the injection site to unaffected areas and closely monitor for hypoglycemia. Adjustments in concomitant anti-diabetic treatment may be needed.
• Hypoglycemia is the most common adverse reaction of insulin, including Fiasp®, and may be life-threatening. Increase glucose monitoring with changes to: insulin dosage, co-administered glucose
lowering medications, meal pattern, physical activity; and in patients with renal impairment or hepatic impairment or hypoglycemia unawareness.
• To avoid medication errors and accidental mix-ups between Fiasp® and other insulin products, instruct patients to always check the insulin label before injection.
• As with all insulins, Fiasp® use can lead to life-threatening hypokalemia, which then may cause respiratory paralysis, ventricular arrhythmia, and death. Monitor potassium levels in patients at risk for hypokalemia and treat if indicated.
• Severe, life-threatening, generalized allergy, including anaphylaxis, may occur with insulin products, including Fiasp®.
• Fluid retention and heart failure can occur with concomitant use of thiazolidinediones (TZDs), which are PPAR-gamma agonists, and insulin, including Fiasp®. Patients should be observed for signs and symptoms of heart failure. If heart failure occurs, dosage reduction or discontinuation of the TZD must be considered.
• Pump or infusion set malfunctions can lead to a rapid onset of hyperglycemia and ketoacidosis. Prompt identification and correction of the cause of hyperglycemia or ketosis is necessary. Interim therapy with subcutaneous injection of Fiasp® may be required. Patients using continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion pump therapy must be trained to administer insulin by injection and have alternate insulin therapy available in case of pump failure.
Adverse Reactions
• Adverse reactions observed with Fiasp® include hypoglycemia, allergic reactions, hypersensitivity, injection site reactions, lipodystrophy, and weight gain.
Use in Specific Populations
• Pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes treated with mealtime and postmeal Fiasp® reported a higher rate of blood glucose confirmed hypoglycemic episodes compared to patients treated with NovoLog® (insulin aspart injection); the imbalance was greater during the nocturnal period. Monitor blood glucose levels closely in pediatric patients.
• Like all insulins, Fiasp® requirements may be reduced in patients with renal impairment or hepatic impairment. These patients may require more frequent blood glucose monitoring and dose adjustments.