An Introduction to NovoLog Side Effects
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with
NovoLog® (
insulin aspart). However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, many people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, they are often minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider.
(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with NovoLog. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of NovoLog side effects with you.)
Possible Side Effects With NovoLog
While clinical studies for most medications compare the medicine to a placebo (a "sugar pill" that does not contain any active ingredients), this is usually not possible for
diabetes medications like NovoLog. It would be unethical to give a placebo to people with
diabetes, as it is essential to keep blood sugar under control. In NovoLog studies, the drug was compared to regular human
insulin, instead of a placebo. This comparison included side effects, where the side effects that occurred in a group of people taking NovoLog were documented and compared to the side effects that occurred in another group of people taking regular human insulin.
Based on these studies, possible NovoLog side effects include:
- A skin reaction at the site of the injection
- Skin thickening or pitting at the site of the injection
- Low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia)
- Low blood potassium (especially if NovoLog is given by IV).
