Acilog Biopen 100 IU/ml Injection

Acilog Biopen – Insulin Aspart 100 IU/ml Rapid-Acting Pre-filled Pen Injection

What is Acilog Biopen?

Acilog Biopen is a rapid-acting insulin aspart analogue in a pre-filled disposable pen (biopen) format, manufactured by ACI Limited — one of Bangladesh's leading pharmaceutical companies. It contains insulin aspart 100 IU/ml and provides fast-acting post-meal glucose control with an onset of 10–20 minutes. The biopen format is a ready-to-use, pre-filled disposable pen device: no cartridge loading, no pen priming setup — simply attach a needle and dial the dose. It is the most convenient format of Acilog rapid-acting insulin, ideal for patients travelling, those new to pen injection, or anyone who values a no-assembly delivery device. Acilog is ACI Limited's locally manufactured biosimilar to NovoRapid (Novo Nordisk), providing equivalent clinical action at a more affordable price.

Generic Name and Composition

Each ml contains: 100 IU insulin aspart (rDNA origin). Insulin aspart has a single amino acid substitution (B28 proline replaced by aspartate) compared to human insulin. This prevents self-aggregation into hexamers and allows rapid dissociation into monomers after SC injection — producing a pharmacokinetic profile (onset 10–20 min, peak 1–3 hrs, duration 3–5 hrs) that closely matches the physiological post-meal insulin surge.

Indications

• Type 1 diabetes — bolus component of basal-bolus insulin regimen
• Type 2 diabetes — mealtime bolus injection to control post-prandial glucose
• Patients who prefer a ready-to-use, pre-filled pen over a cartridge-based system
• Insulin pump (CSII) therapy compatible

How It Works — Mechanism of Action

After SC injection, insulin aspart monomers are rapidly absorbed into capillaries. Peak plasma levels at 1–3 hours coincide with peak dietary glucose absorption — blunting post-meal glucose excursions. Acilog Biopen activates insulin receptors on muscle and adipose tissue (GLUT-4-mediated glucose uptake), suppresses hepatic glucose production, and promotes glycogen synthesis. The short 3–5 hour duration minimises late post-injection hypoglycaemia risk.

Dosage and Administration

Inject 0–10 minutes before main meals (may be given immediately after meals if needed). Acilog Biopen is a pre-filled disposable pen — attach a compatible pen needle, perform a 2 IU safety shot, dial the prescribed dose, and inject SC. Do not use the pen if the solution is not clear and colourless. Once the pen is empty, discard the entire pen — it cannot be refilled. Inject into abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Rotate sites.

Side Effects

Very common: Hypoglycaemia — especially if meal is delayed after injection. Common: Injection site reactions, lipohypertrophy, weight gain. Uncommon: Lipoatrophy, peripheral oedema, visual changes at treatment initiation. Rare: Generalised hypersensitivity, anaphylaxis.

Drug Interactions

Enhance hypoglycaemia: OADs, GLP-1 agonists, SGLT-2 inhibitors, ACE inhibitors, MAO inhibitors, salicylates, alcohol. Reduce effect: Corticosteroids, glucagon, thyroid hormones, sympathomimetics, thiazides, oral contraceptives. Mask symptoms: Beta-blockers, clonidine.

Contraindications

• Active hypoglycaemia
• Hypersensitivity to insulin aspart or any excipient
• IV use only under medical supervision (biopen is for SC injection)

Pregnancy and Lactation

Pregnancy: Insulin aspart is considered safe in pregnancy; specialist monitoring required. Lactation: No clinically significant infant exposure via breast milk expected.

Precautions and Warnings

• Eat within 10 minutes of injection — rapid onset means delayed meals cause hypoglycaemia.
• Acilog Biopen contains a clear, colourless solution — do not use if cloudy or discoloured.
• Always use with a basal insulin in Type 1 diabetes — aspart covers only 3–5 hours; basal insulin is required for overnight and inter-meal coverage.
• Disposable pen — do not share or reuse. Discard entire pen after use.
• Do not freeze. Protect from light and heat.

Overdose

Hypoglycaemia. Mild: oral glucose or food. Severe: IV dextrose 20–50% or IM glucagon 1 mg. Acilog Biopen's short duration (3–5 hrs) limits prolonged hypoglycaemia risk — but monitor glucose carefully and repeat treatment if needed.

Storage Instructions

• Unopened pen: 2–8 degrees C. Do not freeze.
• In-use pen: Below 25 degrees C. Protect from light. Do not refrigerate once in use.
• Discard 28 days after first use or when empty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the difference between Acilog Biopen and Acilog 3ml cartridge?
Both contain identical insulin aspart 100 IU/ml. The Acilog 3ml is a pen cartridge loaded into a compatible reusable insulin pen device — the pen is kept and the cartridge replaced when empty, reducing plastic waste and ongoing cost. The Acilog Biopen is a pre-filled, ready-to-use disposable pen — no setup required. It is discarded when empty. The biopen suits travel, short-term use, or patients new to pen injection.

Q2: Is Acilog Biopen the same as NovoRapid FlexPen?
Both contain insulin aspart 100 IU/ml in a pre-filled disposable pen. NovoRapid FlexPen is manufactured by Novo Nordisk (Denmark). Acilog Biopen is manufactured by ACI Limited (Bangladesh). As a locally produced biosimilar, the clinical effect per unit is the same — Acilog provides a more affordable option available throughout Bangladesh.

Q3: Can I use Acilog Biopen without a basal insulin?
In Type 2 diabetes with partial insulin secretion, Acilog Biopen may be used alone with meals under physician guidance. In Type 1 diabetes, a long-acting basal insulin (e.g., glargine or detemir) is always required alongside Acilog — aspart alone lasts only 3–5 hours and cannot cover overnight or between-meal glucose needs.

Q4: Who manufactures Acilog?
The Acilog insulin range (Acilog 3ml cartridge, Acilog Biopen, Acilog Mix vial, Acilog Mix Biopen) is manufactured by ACI Limited, Bangladesh — a major domestic pharmaceutical manufacturer providing locally made insulin aspart in both rapid-acting and biphasic premixed formats.

Medical Disclaimer: For educational purposes only. Acilog Biopen is Rx-only. Consult your diabetologist before starting or changing insulin therapy. DiabetesStore.com.bd is a licensed online pharmacy in Bangladesh.