Taking NovoLog®

You may have concerns about adding an injectable medicine to your daily routine. But it’s important to realize the positive effect it may have on the management of your diabetes. NovoLog® comes in a variety of delivery options to meet your needs, including the NovoPen Echo®, NovoLog® FlexPen®, and a vial.

NovoLog® offers multiple options for insulin delivery

Insulin pens

NovoLog® FlexPen®

NovoLog® FlexPen®

  • Prefilled with 300 units of NovoLog® rapid-acting insulin analog
  • Adjustable in 1-unit dosing amounts from 1 to 60 units of insulin
  • Proven accurate

NovoLog® also comes in a 10‑mL vial

NovoLog® 10-mL vial
NovoPen Echo®

NovoPen Echo®

  • For use with NovoLog® 3-mL (300 unit) PenFill® cartridgesa
    • You'll know when to change the cartridge because NovoPen Echo® doesn't allow you to dial more units than are left
  • Adjustable in half-unit dosing from 0.5 to 30 units of insulin
  • Proven accurate
  • Automatically records the last dose and approximate time since your last injection
  • You can dial your dose up and down
  • Short button travel reduces injection movement

Watch Instructions For Use »

aPenFill® cartridges require a prescription and are sold separately.

Insulin pump

NovoLog® is approved for use in insulin pumps in children ages 2 and older with type 1 diabetes and adults with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. An insulin pump is a small, programmable, battery-operated device that delivers a steady, measured amount of insulin under your skin.

NovoLog® in an insulin pump offers:

  • Heat stability at normal body temperatures (up to 98.6°F)
  • Storage in the pump reservoir for up to 6 days before being changed

Novo Nordisk has used these pumps in various studies: Medtronic Paradigm® 513 and 712; MiniMed 508; and Disetronic® D-TRON® and H-TRON®. Before using a different insulin pump with NovoLog®, read the pump label to make sure the pump has been evaluated with NovoLog®.

woman with insulin pump


If you use an insulin pump, it’s a good idea to have a backup source for insulin. Ask your diabetes care team if NovoLog® FlexPen® or NovoPen Echo® could be a good option for you.

Learn about another rapid-acting insulin

Get details on another rapid-acting insulin from Novo Nordisk that is also available in pens and can be used in a pump.

See another option

Storage conditions for NovoLog® FlexPen®, 3‑mL PenFill® cartridge, and 10‑mL vialb-d

closed medicine container icon

Storage before use

  • Store unused NovoLog® pens, PenFill® cartridges, and vials at room temperature up to 86°F for up to 28 days
  • Store unused NovoLog® pens and vials in refrigerator at 36°F to 46°F until expiration
open medicine container icon

Storage after use

  • Keep at room temperature (below 86oF) or refrigerated for up to 28 days
  • Keep away from direct heat and light
  • Dispose after 28 days, even if there is insulin left in the pen or vial

b3-mL PenFill® cartridge is available for NovoPen Echo®.
cFlexPen® and PenFill® cartridges in use (opened) must NOT be stored in the refrigerator.
dIn-use vials (opened) may be stored in the refrigerator (36°F to 46°F).

Save on NovoLog®

Lower your co-pay with a savings card

If eligible, you may be able to pay as little as $25 per 30-day supply for up to 2 years (maximum savings up to $100 per 30-day supply) when you start NovoLog® with a savings card.e

Request a card


eEligibility and restrictions apply.

Save on NovoLog®

Lower your co-pay with a savings card

If eligible, you may be able to pay as little as $25 per 30-day supply for up to 2 years (maximum savings up to $100 per 30-day supply) when you start NovoLog® with a savings card.e

Request a card


eEligibility and restrictions apply.

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Cornerstones4Care® offers bite-sized, everyday lessons on eating better, moving more, and treating diabetes that you can learn in 5 minutes or less.

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Indications and Usage

What is NovoLog® (insulin aspart) injection?

  • NovoLog® is a man-made insulin used to control high blood sugar in adults and children with diabetes mellitus.

NovoLog® Important Safety Information

Do not share your NovoLog® FlexPen®, NovoLog® FlexTouch®, PenFill® cartridge or PenFill® cartridge compatible insulin delivery device with other people, even if the needle has been changed. You may give other people a serious infection, or get a serious infection from them.

Who should not take NovoLog®?

Do not take NovoLog® if:

  • your blood sugar is too low (hypoglycemia) or you are allergic to NovoLog® or any of its ingredients.

Before taking NovoLog®, tell your health care provider about all your medical conditions including, if you are:

  • pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
  • taking new prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including supplements.

Talk to your health care provider about how to manage low blood sugar.

How should I take NovoLog®?

  • Read the Instructions for Use and take exactly as directed.
  • NovoLog® starts acting fast. Eat a meal within 5 to 10 minutes after taking it.
  • Know the type and strength of your insulin. Do not change your insulin type unless your health care provider tells you to.
  • Check your blood sugar levels. Ask your health care provider what your blood sugar levels should be and when you should check them.
  • Do not reuse or share your needles with other people. You may give other people a serious infection, or get a serious infection from them.
  • Change (rotate) your injection sites within the area you choose with each injection to reduce your risk of getting lipodystrophy (pits in skin or thickened skin) and localized cutaneous amyloidosis (skin with lumps) at the injection sites.
    • Do not use the exact same spot for each injection.
    • Do not inject where the skin has pits, is thickened, or has lumps.
    • Do not inject where the skin is tender, bruised, scaly or hard, or into scars or damaged skin.

What should I avoid while taking NovoLog®?

  • Do not drive or operate heavy machinery, until you know how NovoLog® affects you.
  • Do not drink alcohol or use medicines that contain alcohol.

What are the possible side effects of NovoLog®?

Serious side effects can lead to death, including:
Low blood sugar. Some signs and symptoms include:

  • anxiety, irritability, mood changes, dizziness, sweating, confusion, and headache.

Your insulin dose may need to change because of:

  • weight gain or loss, increased stress, illness, or change in diet or level of physical activity.

Other common side effects may include: 

  • low potassium in your blood, injection site reactions, itching, rash, serious whole body allergic reactions, skin thickening or pits at the injection site, weight gain, and swelling of your hands and feet.

Get emergency medical help if you have:

  • trouble breathing, shortness of breath, fast heartbeat, swelling of your face, tongue, or throat, sweating, extreme drowsiness, dizziness, or confusion.

Please click here for NovoLog® Prescribing Information.

NovoLog® is a prescription medication.

Look up your cost and a savings offer at MyNovoLogCost.com.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA.
Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1‑800-FDA-1088.

If you need assistance with prescription costs, help may be available. Visit www.pparx.org or call 1‑888-4PPA-NOW.

Talk to your health care provider about your diabetes management plan, including diet and exercise.