This salt alternative could help reduce blood pressure. So why are so few people usingit?

▼ This medicine is subject to additional monitoring. This will allow quick identification of new safety information. You can help by reporting any side effects you may get. You can report side effects to your doctor, or directly at www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems.

Active ingredient(s): Insulin aspart

Consumer Medicine Information (CMI)

This leaflet provides important information about using Fiasp®. You should also speak to your doctor, diabetes education nurse, or pharmacist if you would like further information or if you have any concerns or questions about using Fiasp®.

Where to find information in this leaflet:

1. Why am I using Fiasp®?
2. What should I know before I use Fiasp®?
3. What if I am taking other medicines?
4. How do I use Fiasp®?
5. What should I know while using Fiasp®?
6. Are there any side effects?
7. Product details

1. Why am I using Fiasp®?

The insulin aspart, or “Fiasp®”, in Fiasp® 10 mL vial is a fast-acting insulin used to treat diabetes mellitus in adults, adolescents and children aged 1 year and above.

Diabetes mellitus is a condition where your pancreas does not produce enough insulin to control your blood sugar (glucose) level. Extra insulin is therefore needed.

There are two types of diabetes mellitus:

• Type 1 diabetes
• Type 2 diabetes

Patients with type 1 diabetes always require insulin to control their blood sugar levels.

Some patients with type 2 diabetes may also require insulin after initial treatment with diet, exercise and tablets.

Fiasp® lowers your blood sugar level after injection. When injected under your skin, Fiasp® has a faster onset of action than NovoRapid®. Fiasp® can be injected at the start of a meal, with an option to inject up to 20 minutes after starting a meal. A maximum effect occurs between 1 and 3 hours after the injection and the effect lasts for 3-5 hours.

Fiasp® should normally be used in combination with intermediate-acting or long-acting insulin preparations.

As with all insulins, the duration of action will vary according to the dose, injection site, blood flow, temperature and level of physical activity.

Fiasp® is not addictive.

Fiasp® 10 mL vial is available only with a doctor’s prescription.

2. What should I know before I use Fiasp®?

Warnings

Do not use Fiasp® if:

• you are allergic to a medicine containing insulin, or any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet. Always check the ingredients to make sure you can use this medicine.

Some of the symptoms of an allergic reaction may include:
– redness, swelling, rash and itching at the injection site
– rash, itching or hives on the skin
– shortness of breath
– wheezing or difficulty breathing
– swelling of the face, lips, tongue or other parts of the body.

• the expiry date printed on the pack has passed, or if the packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering. If it has expired or is damaged, return it to your pharmacist for disposal. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.

Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you:

• have any other medical conditions such as kidney or liver problems, adrenal, pituitary or thyroid gland problems
• take any medicines for any other condition.

During treatment, you may be at risk of developing certain side effects. It is important you understand these risks and how to monitor for them. See additional information under Section 6. Are there any side effects?

Pregnancy and breast-feeding

Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Fiasp® 10 mL vial can be used during pregnancy. Pregnancy may make managing your diabetes more difficult. Insulin needs usually decrease during the first three months of pregnancy and increase during the last six months. Your doctor can discuss with you the risks and benefits involved.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are breast-feeding or intend to breast-feed.

There are no restrictions on treatment with Fiasp® during breast-feeding.

Heart disease or stroke history

• Inform your doctor as soon as possible if you experience signs of heart failure such as unusual shortness of breath or rapid increase in weight or localised swelling (oedema).

Some patients with long-standing type 2 diabetes mellitus and heart disease or previous stroke who are treated with thiazolidinediones in combination with insulin may develop heart failure.

Children below the age of 1 year

There is no experience with the use of Fiasp® in children below the age of 1 year.

3. What if I am taking other medicines?

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including any medicines, vitamins or supplements that you buy without a prescription from your pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop.

Some medicines may interfere with Fiasp® and affect how it works.

This may mean that your insulin dose has to change.

Medicines that may cause your blood sugar to fall (hypoglycaemia):

• other medicines (oral and injectable) used for the treatment of diabetes
• sulphonamides – used to treat bacterial infections
• monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI) – used for the treatment of depression
• beta-blocking agents – used for the treatment of certain heart conditions and high blood pressure
• angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors – used for the treatment of certain heart conditions, high blood pressure or elevated protein/albumin in the urine
• salicylates e.g. aspirin – used to relieve pain and lower fever
• anabolic steroids – used to promote growth.

Medicines that may cause your blood sugar to rise (hyperglycaemia):

• glucocorticoids (except when applied locally) – used to treat inflammatory conditions
• oral contraceptives (“the pill”) – used for birth control
• thiazides – used for the treatment of high blood pressure or fluid retention (oedema)
• thyroid hormones – used for the treatment of malfunction of the thyroid gland
• sympathomimetics – used for the treatment of asthma
• growth hormone – used to treat growth disorders
• danazol – used to treat endometriosis, menorrhagia, fibrocystic breast disease and hereditary angioedema.

Medicines that may cause a rise or fall in your blood sugar:

• octreotide – used to treat gastrointestinal endocrine tumours and enlargement of parts of the body (e.g. hands, feet, head) caused by abnormal growth hormone levels
• lanreotide – used to treat enlargement of parts of the body (e.g. hands, feet, head) caused by abnormal hormone levels.

Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure about what medicines, vitamins or supplements you are taking and if these affect Fiasp®.

4. How do I use Fiasp®?

Your doctor, diabetes education nurse or pharmacist will have given you advice on how to use your medicine. Carefully follow all the directions. They may differ from the information contained in this leaflet.

Any change in dose or type of insulin should be made cautiously and only under medical supervision.

If you change the type of insulin that you use, you may have to use more or less than before. This may happen with the first dose or over a period of time.

Fiasp® may be used for injection under the skin or for continuous infusion in a pump system. Fiasp® may also be injected into a vein under supervision by a doctor.

Ensure the correct length of needle is selected for use in children.

Before you use Fiasp® in a pump system you should receive comprehensive instructions about the use of the system, and what to do in case of illness, too high or too low blood sugar levels, or failure of the pump system.

If you do not understand the instructions, ask your doctor, diabetes education nurse or pharmacist for help.

When to use Fiasp®

Fiasp® is a mealtime insulin. It can be injected at the start of a meal, with an option to inject up to 20 minutes after starting a meal.

How much to use

It is very important that you manage your diabetes carefully. Too much or too little insulin can cause serious effects.

Dose for type 1 and type 2 diabetes

Your doctor or diabetes education nurse will decide together with you:

• how much Fiasp® you will need at each meal
• when to check your blood sugar level and if you need a higher or lower dose.

Check with your doctor, diabetes education nurse or pharmacist first if you want to change your usual diet. A change in diet may alter your need for insulin.

When using other medicines, ask your doctor if your treatment needs to be adjusted.

Dose adjustment for type 2 diabetes

The dose each day for Fiasp® should be based on your blood sugar level at mealtimes and bedtime from the previous day.

• Before breakfast – dose should be adjusted according to the blood sugar level before lunch the previous day
• Before lunch – dose should be adjusted according to the blood sugar level before dinner the previous day
• Before dinner – dose should be adjusted according to the bedtime blood sugar level the previous day.

Talk to your doctor about changes in your dose if you are elderly (65 years’ or older).

Fiasp® can be used in elderly patients but if you are elderly you may need to check your blood sugar level more often.

How to use Fiasp®

• Fiasp® may be injected into the front of the waist (abdomen), thighs or upper arms.
• Remember to rotate your injection site regularly within the same region as shown to you by your doctor or diabetes education nurse.

Checking your Fiasp® 10 mL vial:

• On first use of a new vial, check that the protective colour-coded, tamper-proof plastic cap is in place, and is not loose or missing.
• Check your Fiasp® 10 mL vial before each preparation and injection. Make sure you are using the correct type of insulin.
• Do not use this medicine if it is thickened, coloured, or has solid bits in it.

How to use Fiasp® 10 mL vial in a syringe

• You need to use U100 insulin syringes.
• When you are using Fiasp® 10 mL vial you should use a new syringe for each injection.

How to use Fiasp® 10 mL vial in a subcutaneous infusion pump system

• Fiasp® may also be given under the skin by means of an insulin infusion pump. Use the type of pump system recommended by your doctor, and read and follow the instructions that accompany your pump.
• Fiasp® should never be diluted or mixed with any other insulin when used in a pump.
• Before inserting the needle, use soap and water to clean your hands and the skin where the needle is inserted so as to prevent infection at the infusion site.
• When you are filling a new syringe, be certain not to leave large air bubbles in either the syringe or the tubing.
• Change the infusion set (syringe and tubing) according to the instructions in the product information supplied with the infusion set.
• To get the benefit of insulin infusion, and to detect possible malfunction of the insulin pump, you should measure your blood sugar levels regularly.
• When using Fiasp® from a vial in an infusion pump system it can be used for a maximum of 6 days.

What to do in case of infusion pump system failure

In case of infusion pump system failure, you should always carry a spare vial of Fiasp® and a U100 syringe, or an alternative insulin delivery system, for injection under the skin.

After you use it

• Do not refill Fiasp® 10 mL vials
• Health care professionals, relatives and other carers should follow general precautionary measures for removal and disposal of needles to eliminate the risk of needlestick injury.

How long to use it

Do not stop using Fiasp® 10 mL vial unless your doctor tells you to.

If you use too much Fiasp® (overdose) – Hypoglycaemia

Your blood sugar level may become too low (you may experience hypoglycaemia or a “hypo”) if you:

• accidentally use too much of this medicine
• have too much or unexpected exercise
• delay eating meals or snacks
• eat too little food
• are ill.

The first symptoms of mild to moderate hypos can come on suddenly. They may include:

• cold sweat, cool pale skin
• fatigue, drowsiness, unusual tiredness and weakness
• nervousness, anxious feeling, tremor, rapid heart beat
• confusion, difficulty concentrating
• excessive hunger
• vision changes
• headache, nausea.

Always carry some sugary food or fruit juice with you.

If you experience any of these symptoms of a hypo, immediately eat some sugary food or have a sugary drink, e.g. lollies, biscuits or fruit juice, and measure your blood sugar level.

Tell your relatives, friends, close workmates, teachers or carers that you have diabetes. It is important that they recognise the signs and symptoms of a hypo.

Make sure they know to give you some sugary food or fruit juice for mild to moderate symptoms of a hypo.

If you lose consciousness, make sure they know:

• to turn you on your side and get medical help immediately
• not to give you anything to eat or drink.

This is because you could choke.

An injection of the hormone glucagon may speed up recovery from unconsciousness. This can be given by a relative, friend, workmate, teacher or carer who knows how to give it.

If glucagon is used, eat some sugary food or have a sugary drink as soon as you are conscious again.

If you do not feel better after this, contact your doctor, diabetes education nurse, or the closest hospital.

If you do not respond to glucagon treatment, you will require medical attention.

See your doctor if you keep having hypo reactions, or if you have ever become unconscious after using insulin.

Your insulin dose may need to be changed.

If a severe hypo is not treated, it can cause brain damage and even death.

If you think that you have used too much Fiasp®, you may need urgent medical attention.

You should immediately:

• contact your doctor, or
• go to the Accident and Emergency department at your nearest hospital, or
• phone the Poisons Information Centre (by calling 13 11 26).

You should do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.

If you miss a dose – Hyperglycaemia

If you forget your insulin dose, test your blood sugar level as soon as possible.

If you are not sure what to do, talk to your doctor, diabetes education nurse or pharmacist.

Do not use a double dose of your insulin.

If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and use your next dose when you are meant to.

Otherwise, use it as soon as you remember – don’t forget to eat some carbohydrate within 10 minutes of your injection – and then go back to using it as you would normally.

Your blood sugar levels may become high (hyperglycaemia) if you:

• miss doses of insulin or use less insulin than you need
• have uncontrolled diabetes
• exercise less than usual
• eat more carbohydrates than usual
• are ill or stressed.

High blood sugar levels over a long period of time can lead to too much acid in the blood (diabetic ketoacidosis).

Contact your doctor immediately if your blood sugar level is high or you recognise any of the following symptoms.

Symptoms of mild to moderate hyperglycaemia include:

• drowsy feeling
• flushed face
• thirst, loss of appetite
• fruity odour on the breath
• blurred vision
• passing larger amounts of urine than usual
• getting up at night more often than usual to pass urine
• high levels of glucose and acetone in the urine.

Symptoms of severe hyperglycaemia include:

• heavy breathing
• fast pulse
• nausea, vomiting
• dehydration
• loss of consciousness.

Severe hyperglycaemia can lead to unconsciousness and in extreme cases death if untreated.

Discuss any worries you may have about this with your doctor, diabetes education nurse or pharmacist.

5. What should I know while using Fiasp®?

Things you should do

Measure your blood sugar level regularly.

Make sure all friends, relatives, workmates, teachers or carers know that you have diabetes.

Keep using your insulin even if you feel well.

It helps to control your condition, but does not cure it.

Tell your doctor if you often have hypos (low blood sugar levels).

Your doctor may need to adjust your insulin dose.

Always carry some sugary food or fruit juice with you.

If you experience any of the symptoms of a hypo, immediately eat some sugary food or have a sugary drink, e.g. lollies, biscuits or fruit juice.

Tell your doctor if you have trouble recognising the symptoms of hypos.

Under certain conditions, the early warning signs of hypos can be different or less obvious. Your doctor may need to adjust your insulin dose.

Remind any doctor, dentist or pharmacist or other health professionals you visit that you have diabetes and are using insulin.

Tell your doctor, diabetes education nurse or pharmacist if you are travelling.

Ask them for a letter explaining why you are taking injecting devices with you. Each country you visit will need to see this letter, so you should take several copies.

You may need to inject your insulin and eat your meals at different times because of time differences in and between countries.

You may not be able to get the same type of insulin in the country you are visiting.

Things you should not do

Do not stop using your medicine unless your doctor tells you to.

Do not use the medicine if you think it has been frozen or exposed to excessive heat.

It will not work as well.

Do not refill your Fiasp® 10 mL vial.

Do not use this medicine to treat any other complaints unless your doctor tells you to.

Do not give your medicine to anyone else, even if they have the same condition as you.

Things to be careful of

Tell your doctor if you are ill.

Illness, especially with nausea and vomiting, may cause your insulin needs to change. Even if you are not eating, you still require insulin. You and your doctor should design an insulin plan for those times when you are sick.

Tell your doctor if you are exercising more than usual.

Exercise may lower your need for this medicine. Exercise may also speed up the effect of a dose of it, especially if the exercise involves the area of the injection site (e.g. the thigh should not be used for injection prior to jogging or running).

Tell your doctor if your diet changes.

Changes in diet may cause your insulin needs to change.

Tell your doctor if you notice any skin changes at the injection site.

If you inject insulin at the same place, the fatty tissue may shrink (lipoatrophy) or thicken (lipohypertrophy). Lumps under the skin may also be caused by build-up of a protein called amyloid (cutaneous amyloidosis). The insulin may not work very well if you inject into a lumpy, shrunken or thickened area. Change the injection site with each injection to help prevent these skin changes.

Tell your doctor if you are currently injecting into these affected areas before you start injecting in a different area. Your doctor may tell you to check your blood sugar more closely, and to adjust your insulin or your other antidiabetic medications dose.

Driving or using machines

Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how the insulin affects you.

If your blood sugar is low or high your concentration and ability to react might be affected, and therefore also your ability to drive or operate a machine. Bear in mind that you could endanger yourself or others. Please ask your doctor whether you can drive a car if:

• you have frequent hypos
• you find it hard to recognise hypoglycaemia.

Drinking alcohol

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you drink alcohol.

Alcohol may mask the symptoms of hypos. If you drink alcohol, your need for insulin may change as your blood sugar level may either rise or fall. Careful monitoring is recommended.

Looking after your medicine

• Store Fiasp® 10 mL vials that are not being used between 2°C and 8°C in a refrigerator (not in or too near the freezer section or cooling element).
• You can carry the Fiasp® 10 mL vial that you are using, or that you are carrying as a spare, with you. You can keep it at room temperature (not above 30°C) or in a refrigerator (2°C to 8°C) for up to 4 weeks (including time in a pump reservoir).
• Protect the Fiasp® in Fiasp® 10 mL vial from light by keeping the vial in its carton when not in use.
• Never use Fiasp® 10 mL vial after the expiry date printed on the label and carton after ‘EXP.’
  The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
• Never use Fiasp® 10 mL vial if the solution is not clear and colourless.
• Keep out of the reach of children.

Disposal of your medicine

• Discard in-use Fiasp® 10 mL vial after 4 weeks even if there is still some Fiasp® left in it (including time in a pump reservoir).
• Dispose of used needles and syringes safely into a yellow plastic sharps container.

Getting rid of any unwanted medicine

If you no longer need to use this medicine or it is out of date, take it to any pharmacy for safe disposal.

Do not use this medicine after the expiry date. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.

6. Are there any side effects?

All medicines can have side effects. Sometimes they are serious, most of the time they are not. You may need medical treatment if you get some of the side effects.

This medicine helps most people for whom it is prescribed, but it may have unwanted side effects in a few people.

Ask your doctor, diabetes education nurse or pharmacist to answer any questions you may have. Tell your doctor, diabetes education nurse or pharmacist as soon as possible if you do not feel well while you are using Fiasp® 10 mL vial.

Common side effects

Serious side effects

Tell your doctor if you notice anything else that may be making you feel unwell.

Other side effects not listed here may occur in some people.

Reporting side effects

After you have received medical advice for any side effects you experience, you can report side effects to the Therapeutic Goods Administration online at www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

7. Product details

What Fiasp® contains

Fiasp® contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per dose. This means that the medicine is essentially ‘sodium-free’.

Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to any of these ingredients.

What Fiasp® looks like

Fiasp® is a clear, colourless solution for subcutaneous injection/infusion.

Fiasp® 10 mL vial is a 10 mL glass vial designed to be used either with U100 insulin syringes or in insulin infusion pump systems. Pack size of 1 vial. (AUST R 275375)

Who distributes Fiasp®

Fiasp® 10 mL vial is supplied in Australia by:

Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd
Level 10
118 Mount Street
North Sydney NSW 2060
Australia

Fiasp® 10 mL vial is supplied in New Zealand by:

Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
11-19 Customs Street West
Commercial Bay Tower, Level 18, Office 1834
Auckland 1010
New Zealand

Fiasp®, NovoRapid® and NovoCare® are registered trademarks of Novo Nordisk A/S.

© 2021
Novo Nordisk A/S

For further information:

For further information call the NovoCare® Customer Care Centre on 1800 668 626 (Australia) or 0800 733 737 (New Zealand).

You can also get more information about diabetes and insulin from:

Diabetes Australia:

Diabetes New Zealand:

This leaflet was prepared on 02 November 2021.

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