Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) summary
The
full CMI on the next page has more details. If you are worried about using this medicine,
speak to your doctor, diabetes education nurse, or pharmacist.
This medicine is new or being used differently. Please report side effects. See the
full CMI for further details.
1. Why am I using Fiasp® FlexTouch®?
Fiasp
® contains the active ingredient insulin aspart. Insulin aspart is a rapid-acting insulin
used to treat diabetes mellitus in adults, adolescents and children aged 1 year and
above.
For more information, see Section
1. Why am I using Fiasp®? in the full CMI.
2. What should I know before I use Fiasp® FlexTouch®?
Do not use if you have ever had an allergic reaction to insulin aspart or any of the
ingredients listed at the end of the CMI.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any other medical conditions (especially
kidney, liver or gland problems), take any other medicines, or are pregnant or plan
to become pregnant or are breast-feeding.
For more information, see Section
2. What should I know before I use Fiasp® FlexTouch®? in the full CMI.
3. What if I am taking other medicines?
4. How do I use Fiasp® FlexTouch®?
Use at the start of a meal (with an option to use up to 20 minutes after starting
a meal). Inject into the abdomen, thighs, or upper arms.
Change your injection site regularly. Carefully follow the advice on how to inject
under the skin.
5. What should I know while using Fiasp® FlexTouch®?
|
Things you should do
|
Remind any doctor, dentist, pharmacist or diabetes education nurse you visit that
you have diabetes and are using insulin.
Tell your doctor if you often have hypos (low blood sugar levels).
Always carry some sugary food or fruit juice with you.
|
|
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.
|
|
Driving or using machines
|
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.
|
|
Drinking alcohol
|
Alcohol may mask the symptoms of hypos. If you drink alcohol, your need for insulin
may change.
Careful monitoring is recommended.
|
|
Looking after your medicine
|
Store Fiasp® FlexTouch®
that is 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 keep the Fiasp® FlexTouch®
that you are using, or that you are carrying as a spare, either at room temperature (not above 30°C) or in a refrigerator (2°C to 8°C), for up to
4 weeks.
|
6. Are there any side effects?
The most common side effect when using insulin is low blood sugar levels (a hypo).
Tell your relatives, friends, close workmates, teachers or carers that you have diabetes.
It is important that they can recognise the signs and symptoms of a hypo. For more
information, including what to do if you have any side effects, see Section
6. Are there any side effects? in the full CMI.
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
Full Consumer Medicine Information (CMI)
This leaflet provides important information about using Fiasp® FlexTouch®. You should also speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you would like further information
or if you have any concerns or questions about using Fiasp
®
FlexTouch
®
.
Where to find information in this leaflet:
1. Why am I using Fiasp®?
The insulin aspart, or “Fiasp
®
”, in Fiasp
®
FlexTouch
®
is a fast-acting insulin.
Fiasp
®
is 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.
FlexTouch
® is a pre-filled dial-a-dose insulin pen able to deliver from 1 to 80 units of Fiasp® in one injection in steps of 1 unit.
Fiasp® is not addictive.
Fiasp® FlexTouch® 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.
you are experiencing a low blood sugar level (a “hypo”) when the dose is due.
If you have a lot of hypos discuss appropriate treatment with your doctor.
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 or have had 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 intend to become pregnant.
Fiasp® 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.
Use in children
Do not use Fiasp
®
in children below the age of 1 year.
There is no experience with the use of Fiasp® in children below the age of 1 year.
Ensure the correct length of needle is selected for use in children.
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 affect your blood sugar level. Your dose of insulin may need to change
if you take other medicines.
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 your blood sugar to rise or fall:
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.
Tell your doctor about any other medicines that you are taking. This is very important. Your doctor will advise you if it is all right to keep taking
them or if you should stop taking them.
4. How do I use Fiasp® FlexTouch®?
If you are blind or have poor eyesight and cannot read the dose counter on the pen,
do not use this pen without help. Get help from a person with good eyesight who is trained to use Fiasp® FlexTouch®.
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.
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.
|
Table 1 Dose adjustment
|
|
Mealtime or bedtime plasma glucose
|
Dose adjustment
|
|
mmol/L
|
Unit
|
|
less than 4.0
|
-1
|
|
4.0 - 6.0
|
no adjustment
|
|
more than 6.0
|
+1
|
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® is for injection under the skin (subcutaneous injection). Before you use Fiasp® for the first time, your doctor or diabetes education nurse will show you how to
use the pre-filled pen.
Fiasp® may be injected into the front of the waist (abdomen), thighs or upper arms.
Do not inject into a vein or muscle.
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
®
FlexTouch
®
:
Check your Fiasp® FlexTouch® 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.
Follow the detailed instructions on how to inject Fiasp® FlexTouch® in the instructions
for use supplied with the product. These instructions are also available via the
following hyperlink:
How long to use it
Do not stop using Fiasp® FlexTouch® 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 every doctor, dentist or pharmacist or other health professionals who are treating
you 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 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.
Do not share needles or pens.
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 driving or operating machinery 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
if 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® FlexTouch®
that is 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® FlexTouch®
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 - 8°C) for up to 4 weeks.
Discard Fiasp
®
FlexTouch
®
after 4 weeks even if there is still some Fiasp
®
left in it.
Protect the Fiasp® in Fiasp® FlexTouch® from light by always keeping the cap on the pen when not in use.
Never use Fiasp® FlexTouch® 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® FlexTouch® if the solution is not clear and colourless.
Keep out of the reach of children.
Disposal of your medicine
Dispose of used needles safely into a yellow plastic sharps container.
If your doctor tells you to stop using this medicine or the expiry date has passed,
ask your pharmacist what to do with any medicine that is left over.
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. If you do experience any side effects, most of
them are minor and temporary. However, some side effects may need medical attention.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist to answer any questions you have. Tell your doctor,
diabetes education nurse or pharmacist as soon as possible if you do not feel well
while you are using Fiasp
®
FlexTouch
®
.
Serious side effects
|
Serious side effects
|
What to do
|
|
Symptoms of severe low blood sugar levels:
disorientation
seizures, fits or convulsions
loss of consciousness.
If a severe hypo is not treated, it can cause brain damage and death.
Other effects:
skin rashes over a large part of the body
shortness of breath, wheezing
swelling of the face, lips or tongue
fast pulse
sweating.
|
Tell your doctor immediately or go to Accident and Emergency at your nearest hospital
if you notice any of these serious side effects.
You may need urgent medical attention or hospitalisation. These side effects are very
rare.
|
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
|
Active ingredient
(main ingredient)
|
insulin aspart 100 units per mL (100 U/mL)
|
|
Other ingredients
(inactive ingredients)
|
phenol, metacresol, glycerol, zinc acetate, dibasic sodium phosphate dihydrate, arginine
hydrochloride, nicotinamide (also known as niacinamide or vitamin B3), hydrochloric
acid (for pH adjustment), sodium hydroxide (for pH adjustment) and water for injections.
|
Fiasp® FlexTouch® 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. Fiasp® FlexTouch® is a 3 mL pre-filled glass cartridge contained in a dial-a-dose insulin pen. Pack
sizes of 1 and 5 pre-filled pens of 3 mL. (AUST R 275394)
Not all pack sizes may be marketed.
Who distributes Fiasp®
Fiasp® FlexTouch® is supplied in Australia by:
Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd
Level 10
118 Mount Street
North Sydney NSW 2060
Australia
Fiasp® FlexTouch® 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®, FlexTouch®, NovoRapid®, NovoCare® and NovoFine® 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:
freecall helpline 1300 136 588
Diabetes New Zealand:
This leaflet was prepared on 02 November 2021.