NovoRapid Caution For Usage

Instructions for Use for the Patient: FlexPen: Please read the following instructions carefully before using the NovoRapid FlexPen.
The FlexPen is a unique dial-a-dose insulin pen. Doses can be selected from 1 to 60 units in increments of 1 unit. FlexPen is designed to be used with NovoFine or NovoTwist disposable needles up to a length of 8 mm. As a precautionary measure, always carry a spare insulin delivery device in case the FlexPen is lost or damaged.
Maintenance: The FlexPen is designed to work accurately and safely. It must be handled with care. If it is dropped or crushed, there is a risk of damage and leakage of insulin. The exterior of the FlexPen can be cleaned by wiping it with a medicinal swab. Do not soak it, wash or lubricate it as it may damage the pen.
Do not refill the FlexPen.
Preparing the NovoRapid FlexPen: Check the label to make sure that the FlexPen contains the correct type of insulin.
A. Pull off the pen cap.
B. Remove the protective tab from a new disposable needle.
Screw the needle straight and tightly onto the FlexPen.
C. Pull off the big outer needle cap and keep it for later.
D. Pull off the inner needle cap and dispose of it.
Always use a new needle for each injection to prevent contamination.
Be careful not to bend or damage the needle before use.
To reduce the risk of unexpected needle sticks, never put the inner needle cap back on once removed from the needle.
Checking the Insulin Flow: Prior to each injection, small amounts of air may collect in the cartridge during normal use. To avoid injection of air and ensure proper dosing: E. Turn the dose selector to select 2 units.
F. Hold the FlexPen with the needle pointing upwards and tap the cartridge gently with the finger a few times to make any air bubbles collect at the top of the cartridge.
G. Keeping the needle upwards, press the push-button all the way in. The dose selector returns to 0.
A drop of insulin should appear at the needle tip. If not, change the needle and repeat the procedure no more than 6 times.
If a drop of insulin still does not appear, the pen is defective, and a new one must be used.
Selecting the Dose: Check that the dose selector is set at 0.
H. Turn the dose selector to select the number of units needed.
The dose can be corrected either up or down by turning the dose selector in either direction until the correct dose lines up with the pointer. When turning the dose selector, be careful not to push the push-button as insulin will come out.
The patient cannot select a dose larger than the number of units left in the cartridge.
Do not use the residual scale to measure the dose of insulin.
Making the Injection: I. Insert the needle into the skin. Use the injection technique shown by the doctor or nurse.
Inject the dose by pressing the push-button all the way in until 0 lines up with the pointer. Be careful only to push the push-button when injecting.
Turning the dose selector will not inject insulin.
J. Keep the push-button fully depressed after the injection until the needle has been withdrawn from the skin. The needle must remain under the skin for at least 6 seconds. This will ensure that the full dose has been injected.
K. Lead the needle into the big outer needle cap without touching the big outer needle cap. When the needle is covered, carefully push the big outer needle cap completely on and then unscrew the needle.
Dispose of it carefully and put the pen cap back on.
Always remove the needle after each injection and store the FlexPen without the needle attached. Otherwise the liquid may leak out which can cause inaccurate dosing.
Caregivers should be most careful when handling used needles to avoid needle sticks.
Dispose of the used FlexPen carefully without the needle attached.
Needles and NovoRapid FlexPen must not be shared.
Instructions for Use/Handling and Disposal: Needles and NovoRapid FlexPen/Penfill must not be shared. The cartridge must not be refilled.
NovoRapid must not be used if it does not appear clear and colourless or if it has been frozen.
The patient should be advised to discard the needle after each injection.
NovoRapid may be used in an infusion pump system (CSII) as described in Dosage & Administration. Tubings in which the inner surface materials are made of polyethylene or polyolefin have been evaluated and found compatible with pump use.
In case of emergency in current NovoRapid users (hospitalisation or insulin pen malfunction), NovoRapid can be withdrawn with a 100 U insulin syringe from the FlexPen/Penfill.
Incompatibilities: Substances added to NovoRapid may cause degradation of insulin aspart, e.g. if NovoRapid contains thiol or sulphites. NovoRapid must not be mixed with other products. Exceptions are Neutral Protamine Hagedorn (NPH) insulin and infusion fluids (see Dosage & Administration).