Insulet ASP 100 IU/ml Injection

Insulet ASP – Insulin Aspart 100 IU/ml Injection by Healthcare Pharmaceuticals

What is Insulet ASP?

Insulet ASP is a rapid-acting insulin analogue containing insulin aspart 100 IU/ml, manufactured by Healthcare Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Bangladesh. Insulin aspart is a monomeric analogue of human insulin in which the B28 proline is replaced by aspartic acid — enabling faster self-association dissociation and absorption after subcutaneous injection. With an onset of 10–20 minutes (vs. 30 minutes for regular human insulin), Insulet ASP provides superior post-meal glucose control and allows injection immediately before or just after meals. Used as bolus insulin in both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, it can be combined with Insulet GN (glargine) for a complete locally manufactured basal-bolus regimen.

Generic Name and Composition

Each ml: 100 IU insulin aspart (rDNA). Aspart's B28 proline-to-aspartate substitution introduces a negative charge that disrupts the hexamer self-association seen with human insulin. After SC injection, aspart rapidly dissociates into dimers then monomers — allowing faster capillary absorption than regular insulin. This produces a shorter, sharper glucose-lowering action: onset 10–20 min, peak 1–3 hrs, duration 3–5 hrs.

Indications

• Type 1 diabetes — bolus insulin in basal-bolus regimen
• Type 2 diabetes — mealtime bolus insulin with or without basal insulin
• Insulin pump (CSII) therapy — compatible with continuous SC infusion
• Patients requiring flexible, fast-acting locally manufactured insulin analogue

How It Works — Mechanism of Action

Following SC injection, insulin aspart monomers absorb rapidly into capillaries. Peak plasma concentration is reached in 1–3 hours — earlier and higher than regular human insulin. Insulet ASP activates insulin receptors to promote GLUT-4 glucose uptake in muscle and adipose tissue, suppress hepatic glucose output, and stimulate glycogen synthesis — rapidly blunting post-meal glucose excursions. Its short duration (3–5 hrs) reduces late post-prandial hypoglycaemia risk compared to regular insulin.

Dosage and Administration

Inject immediately before meals (0–10 minutes prior); may also be given just after meals if post-meal use is required. Type 1: Dose individualised — typically matched to carbohydrate intake using insulin-to-carb ratios. Type 2: Start 4–6 IU before each main meal; titrate based on 2-hour post-meal glucose. Inject SC into abdomen (fastest absorption), thigh, or upper arm. Rotate sites within the same region.

Side Effects

Very common: Hypoglycaemia — particularly if meal is smaller than anticipated after injection.

Common: Injection site reactions, lipohypertrophy, weight gain.

Uncommon: Lipoatrophy, peripheral oedema, visual changes at therapy initiation.

Rare: Generalised hypersensitivity, anaphylaxis.

Drug Interactions

Enhance effect: 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

• Hypersensitivity to insulin aspart or any excipient
• Active hypoglycaemia; IV use only under medical supervision

Pregnancy and Lactation

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

Precautions and Warnings

• Inject just before meals — the rapid onset means delayed meals after injection significantly increase hypoglycaemia risk.
• Insulet ASP is a clear solution — discard if cloudy, particulate, or discoloured.
• Always pair with a basal insulin (e.g., Insulet GN) in Type 1 diabetes — aspart alone provides only 3–5 hours of coverage.
• Do not freeze. Protect from light and excessive heat.

Overdose

Hypoglycaemia. Mild: oral glucose or carbohydrates. Severe: IV dextrose or IM glucagon 1 mg. Insulet ASP's short duration (3–5 hrs) means hypoglycaemia resolves more quickly than with longer-acting insulins, but close monitoring is still required.

Storage Instructions

• Unopened: 2–8 degrees C. Do not freeze.
• In-use vial: Below 25 degrees C. Protect from light.
• Discard 28 days after first use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How does Insulet ASP differ from regular human insulin (Insulet 30/70 or Humulin R)?
Insulet ASP (aspart analogue) has onset 10–20 min vs. 30 min for regular human insulin. It can be injected immediately before meals, while regular insulin needs 30 minutes pre-meal timing. Aspart also has a shorter duration (3–5 hrs vs. 5–8 hrs), reducing late post-meal hypoglycaemia risk.

Q2: Is Insulet ASP the same as NovoRapid?
Both contain insulin aspart 100 IU/ml — the same rapid-acting analogue. NovoRapid is the originator (Novo Nordisk, Denmark); Insulet ASP is manufactured locally by Healthcare Pharmaceuticals, Bangladesh, offering equivalent pharmacology at a more affordable price.

Q3: Can Insulet ASP be used in an insulin pump?
Insulin aspart is approved for continuous subcutaneous infusion (CSII/pump therapy). Healthcare Pharmaceuticals' Insulet ASP vial can be used to fill pump reservoirs. Confirm pump compatibility and change reservoirs and infusion sets as per pump manufacturer guidance.

Q4: Can I mix Insulet ASP with Insulet GN (glargine) in the same syringe?
No. Insulet GN (glargine) is formulated at pH 4. Mixing with Insulet ASP changes the pH, disrupting glargine's microprecipitation mechanism and altering both insulins' pharmacokinetics unpredictably. Always inject them separately.

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