NovoLog dosage

NovoLog (insulin aspart) is a brand-name prescription medication. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved it to manage blood sugar levels in adults and children with diabetes. This includes type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

NovoLog is a mealtime insulin, also called a rapid-acting insulin. It’s also a biologic drug. There are currently no biosimilars of NovoLog available.

NovoLog comes as a solution. It’s given as a subcutaneous injection or infusion (given over time). A healthcare professional may also give NovoLog as an IV infusion in certain cases.

NovoLog dosage chart

The manufacturer has not recommended a specific dosage of NovoLog to treat type 1 or type 2 diabetes. This is because your dosage will depend on several factors. See the “Factors affecting dosage” section below for more details.

The following NovoLog insulin dosage chart summarizes NovoLog’s dosage according to recommendations from the American Diabetes Association. Your doctor will determine the dosage that’s best for you.

* One kilogram is about 2.2 pounds.

NovoLog vs. NovoLog Mix 70/30

Both NovoLog and NovoLog Mix 70/30 are insulins approved to treat type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Similar to NovoLog, NovoLog Mix 70/30 contains insulin aspart that’s rapid-acting. However, unlike NovoLog, NovoLog Mix 70/30 also contains an insulin aspart that’s intermediate-acting.

NovoLog Mix 70/30 comes in the following forms:

• 10-milliliter (mL) vial that contains multiple doses
• 3-mL FlexPen

For information about the dosing of NovoLog, including the insulin’s strength and how to take the drug, keep reading. For a comprehensive look at NovoLog, see this article. If you have questions about NovoLog Mix 70/30, talk with your doctor.

This article describes typical dosages for NovoLog provided by the American Diabetes Association. The manufacturer has not recommended a specific dosage. This is because your dosage will be based on several factors. When taking NovoLog, always follow the dosage prescribed by your doctor.

This section describes the typical dosages for NovoLog.

NovoLog forms

NovoLog comes as a solution that’s given as a subcutaneous injection or infusion (given over time). A healthcare professional may also give NovoLog as an IV infusion in certain cases.

NovoLog is available in the following forms:

• 10-milliliter (ml) vial for use with a syringe or insulin pump (a device that delivers insulin through a tube under your skin)
• 3-ml PenFill cartridge for the 3 ml PenFill cartridge device (a reusable insulin pen)
• 3-ml FlexPen (an insulin pen)
• 3-ml FlexTouch (an insulin pen)

NovoLog strength

NovoLog is available in one strength: 100 units per milliliters (U-100).

Typical dosages

Typically, your doctor will prescribe you the recommended dosage to treat your diabetes. Then they’ll adjust it over time to reach the amount that’s right for you. Your doctor will ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.

The following information describes dosages that are recommended by the American Diabetes Association. The manufacturer of NovoLog has not recommended a specific dosage to treat type 1 and type 2 diabetes. This is because your dosage will depend on several factors.* However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Note: Your NovoLog dosage will likely be the same for all forms of the drug. Talk with your doctor about how to dose NovoLog based on the form that’s best for you.

* For details about these factors, see the “Factors affecting dosage” section below.

Dosage for type 1 diabetes

The recommended dosage of insulin for type 1 diabetes is 0.4 unit to 1 unit per kilogram of body weight per day (unit/kg/day). (One kg is about 2.2 pounds [lb]).

For example, if you weigh 80 kg (about 176 pounds) and your doctor prescribes 1 unit/kg/day, your total daily insulin dose would be 80 units.

You’ll take about half of your total daily insulin dose by using NovoLog at mealtimes. And you’ll take the other half of your total daily insulin dose by using an intermediate- or long-acting insulin.

In the example above, your NovoLog dosage would be about 40 units per day. This would be divided across your meals. The exact amount of NovoLog you take before each meal would depend on your blood sugar level and the amount of carbohydrates you plan to eat.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about how to calculate the correct NovoLog dosage for each meal.

Dosage for type 2 diabetes

The recommended amount of insulin for type 2 diabetes is 4 units per day.

Typically, you’ll take this dosage of NovoLog before your biggest meal of the day. Some people with type 2 diabetes may need to take NovoLog with other meals as well.

If you have type 2 diabetes and have questions about your NovoLog dosage, talk with your doctor. They’ll prescribe the dosage that’s best for you.

Children’s dosage

The children’s dosages for type 1 and type 2 diabetes are the same as the dosages recommended above.

For information on the best dosage for your child, talk with their doctor.

Long-term treatment

NovoLog is meant to be used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that NovoLog is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely take it long term.

This section provides answers to some frequently asked questions about NovoLog.

Is there a sliding scale for NovoLog dosages?

Yes, there’s a sliding scale that can be used to determine your NovoLog dosage. A sliding scale is a chart that tells you or your doctor how much insulin you’ll need. It’s based on your current blood sugar level.

A sliding scale can help determine if you need a high dose or a low dose of NovoLog. And it can be used with any form of NovoLog, including the FlexPen.

This scale is often used if your blood sugar level is being corrected in a hospital. The higher your blood sugar, the more insulin you’ll need to correct it.

Talk with your doctor to see if they recommend you use a sliding scale to determine your NovoLog dosage. Or talk with them to see if they recommend a different method that may be better for you.

Will I need to use a dosage calculator for NovoLog?

It depends. If you have type 1 diabetes, you’ll likely need to use a dosage calculator for NovoLog before mealtimes. This is because your dosage will depend on your blood sugar level before your meal. And it’ll depend on the amount of carbohydrates you plan to eat. Your doctor will show you how to calculate your dosage.

If you have type 2 diabetes, you likely will not need to use a dosage calculator. Your doctor will prescribe the dosage that’s best for you.

Keep in mind that you may need to calculate a NovoLog correction dose if you experience high blood sugar. Be sure to talk with your doctor about when and how you may need to do this.

The NovoLog dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors. These include:

• the type and severity of the condition you’re using NovoLog to treat
• your weight if you have type 1 diabetes
• other medications you take
• your blood sugar levels
• your exercise and eating habits
• whether you have an infection, such as the flu or common cold

Other medical conditions you have can also affect your NovoLog dosage.

Dosage adjustments

Your doctor may adjust your dosage of NovoLog if there are changes in:

• your condition
• your blood sugar levels
• your exercise or eating habits
• any other medications you take, including other insulins
• whether you have an infection, such as the flu or common cold
• your kidneys or liver function

If you have questions about dosage adjustments, talk with your doctor.

Be sure to use NovoLog according to the dosing instructions your doctor provides.

Subcutaneous injection

All NovoLog forms can be injected subcutaneously (injected under the skin). You’ll inject NovoLog into your abdomen, thigh, buttocks, or upper arm 5 to 10 minutes before a meal.

Remember to rotate the injection site each time you inject NovoLog. This is to help reduce the risk of pain and other side effects at the injection site. (For information about the side effects of NovoLog, including injection site reactions, see this article.)

Do not inject NovoLog into skin that is thickened, has pits or lumps, or is scarred, tender, bruised, or damaged in any way.

If you have questions about how to use NovoLog with a syringe or pen, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. You can also find instructions on the manufacturer’s website and in the prescribing information.

Continuous subcutaneous infusion (insulin pump)

NovoLog can be administered using a vial and an insulin pump. An insulin pump is a device that delivers insulin over time using a tube under your skin. This type of administration is referred to as continuous subcutaneous infusion.

Be sure to refer to the pump’s manufacturer’s manual for correct use. This is because there are different brand insulin pumps that can be used with NovoLog. Your doctor will also show you the correct way to use an insulin pump and how to insert NovoLog into the pump.

Remember to rotate the pump infusion site according to the manufacturer’s manual. This is to reduce the risk of pain and other side effects at the infusion site. Do not insert your pump into skin that’s thickened, has pits or lumps, or is scarred, tender, bruised, or damaged in any way.

Be sure to change the NovoLog solution in your pump every 7 days or according to the manufacturer’s manual. Make sure to do this even if you have not used all of the insulin.

If you have questions about how to use NovoLog in an insulin pump, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

IV infusion

Your doctor or another healthcare professional may give you NovoLog by an IV infusion (an injection into your vein over a period of time). They may give you NovoLog in this way if you’re in the hospital.

To learn more about how NovoLog is administered by IV infusion, talk with your doctor.

ACCESSIBLE DRUG LABELS AND CONTAINERS

If you’re having trouble reading your prescription label, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Some pharmacies offer labels with large print, braille, or a code you scan with a smartphone to convert text to speech. If your local pharmacy doesn’t have these options, your doctor or pharmacist might be able to recommend a pharmacy that does.

If you forget to take NovoLog before your meal, you can check your blood sugar level to see if you need a dose. Depending on your blood sugar, you can take the missed dose of NovoLog or wait until your next scheduled dose.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re unsure if you should take a missed dose of NovoLog.

To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or using a timer. You could also download a reminder app on your phone.

If you use more NovoLog than your doctor prescribes, you may develop serious side effects.

It’s important that you do not use more NovoLog than your doctor advises.

Symptoms of an overdose

Overdose symptoms of NovoLog can include:

• low blood sugar level
• low potassium level

If you take more than the recommended amount of NovoLog

Call your doctor right away if you believe you’ve taken too much NovoLog. Another option is to call the American Association of Poison Control Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. If you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.

The dosages in this article are typical dosages provided by the American Diabetes Association. If your doctor recommends NovoLog for you, they’ll prescribe the dosage that’s right for you. Always follow the dosage that your doctor prescribes for you.

As with any drug, never change your dosage of NovoLog without your doctor’s recommendation. If you have questions about the dosage of NovoLog that’s best for you, talk with your doctor.

Besides learning about dosage, you may want other information about NovoLog. These additional articles might be helpful to you:

• More about NovoLog. For details about other aspects of NovoLog, refer to this article.
• Drug comparison. Find out how NovoLog compares with Humalog. For information about dosage differences between the drugs, ask your doctor or pharmacist. They can also help determine any dose conversions.
• Details about diabetes. For details about diabetes, see our diabetes hub and list of related articles.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.