Please read this leaflet carefully before using this product.

Please note the special directions under " PREPARING THE INJECTION ".

Novolin ® PenFill ® cartridges are designed for use with NovoPen ® 3, NovoPen ® Junior, NovoPen 3 Demi ® , InDuo™, and Innovo® Insulin Delivery Devices and NovoFine ® disposable needles or other products specifically recommended by Novo Nordisk.

PenFill ® cartridge is for single-person use only.

See IMPORTANT NOTES section.

WARNING

ANY CHANGE OF INSULIN SHOULD BE MADE CAUTIOUSLY AND ONLY UNDER MEDICAL SUPERVISION. CHANGES IN PURITY, STRENGTH, BRAND (MANUFACTURER), TYPE (REGULAR, NPH, LENTE ® , ETC.), SPECIES (BEEF, PORK, BEEF-PORK, HUMAN), AND/OR METHOD OF MANUFACTURE (RECOMBINANT DNA VERSUS ANIMAL-SOURCE INSULIN) MAY RESULT IN THE NEED FOR A CHANGE IN DOSAGE.

SPECIAL CARE SHOULD BE TAKEN WHEN THE TRANSFER IS FROM A STANDARD BEEF OR MIXED SPECIES INSULIN TO A PURIFIED PORK OR HUMAN INSULIN. IF A DOSAGE ADJUSTMENT IS NEEDED, IT WILL USUALLY BECOME APPARENT EITHER IN THE FIRST FEW DAYS OR OVER A PERIOD OF SEVERAL WEEKS. ANY CHANGE IN TREATMENT SHOULD BE CAREFULLY MONITORED.

PLEASE READ THE SECTIONS " INSULIN REACTION AND SHOCK " AND " DIABETIC KETOACIDOSIS AND COMA "FOR SYMPTOMS OF HYPOGLYCEMIA (LOW BLOOD GLUCOSE) AND HYPERGLYCEMIA (HIGH BLOOD GLUCOSE).

INSULIN USE IN DIABETES

Your physician has explained that you have diabetes and that your treatment involves injections of insulin or insulin therapy combined with an oral antidiabetic medicine. Insulin is normally produced by the pancreas, a gland that lies behind the stomach. Without insulin, glucose (a simple sugar made from digested food) is trapped in the bloodstream and cannot enter the cells of the body. Some patients who don't make enough of their own insulin, or who cannot use the insulin they do make properly, must take insulin by injection in order to control their blood glucose levels. Each case of diabetes is different and requires direct and continued medical supervision. Your physician has told you the type, strength and amount of insulin you should use and the time(s) at which you should inject it, and has also discussed with you a diet and exercise schedule. You should contact your physician if you experience any difficulties or if you have questions.

TYPES OF INSULINS

Standard and purified animal insulins as well as human insulins are available. Standard and purified insulins differ in their degree of purification and content of noninsulin material. Standard and purified insulins also vary in species source; they may be of beef, pork, or mixed beef and pork origin. Human insulin is identical in structure to the insulin produced by the human pancreas, and thus differs from animal insulins. Insulins vary in time of action; see PRODUCT DESCRIPTION for additional information.

Your physician has prescribed the insulin that is right for you; be sure you have purchased the correct insulin and check it carefully before you use it.

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

A package contains five (5) Novolin ® PenFill® 3mL cartridges.

Novolin ® 70/30 PenFill contain Novolin ® 70/30 which is a mixture of 70% NPH, Human Insulin Isophane Suspension and 30% Regular, Human Insulin Injection (recombinant DNA origin). The concentration of this product is 100 units of insulin per milliliter. It is a cloudy or milky suspension of human insulin with protamine and zinc. The insulin substance (the cloudy material) settles at the bottom of the cartridge, therefore, the cartridge must be rotated up and down as described under PREPARING THE INJECTION so that the contents are uniformly mixed before the dose is given.

Novolin ® 70/30 has an intermediate duration of action. The effect of Novolin ® 70/30 begins approximately 1 / 2 hour after injection. The effect is maximal between 2 and approximately 12 hours. The full duration of action may last up to 24 hours after injection.

The time course of action of any insulin may vary considerably in different individuals, or at different times in the same individual. Because of this variation, the time periods listed here should be considered as general guidance only.

This human insulin (recombinant DNA origin) is structurally identical to the insulin produced by the human pancreas. This human insulin is produced by recombinant DNA technology utilizing Saccharomyces cerevisiae (bakers' yeast) as the production organism.

Novolin ® N PenFill ® cartridges contain Novolin ® N, commonly known as NPH, Human Insulin Isophane Suspension (recombinant DNA origin). The concentration of this product is 100 units of insulin per milliliter. It is a cloudy or milky suspension of human insulin with protamine and zinc. The insulin substance (the cloudy material) settles at the bottom of the cartridge; therefore, the cartridge must be rotated up and down as described under PREPARING THE INJECTION so that the contents are uniformly mixed before a dose is given.

Novolin ® N has an intermediate duration of action. The effect of Novolin ® N begins approximately 1 ½ hours after injection. The effect is maximal between 4 and 12 hours. The full duration of action may last up to 24 hours after injection. The time course of action of any insulin may vary considerably in different individuals, or at different times in the same individual. Because of this variation, the time periods listed here should be considered as general guidance only. This human insulin (recombinant DNA origin) is structurally identical to the insulin produced by the human pancreas. This human insulin is produced by recombinant DNA technology utilizing Saccharomyces cerevisiae (bakers' yeast) as the production organism.

Novolin ® R PenFill ® cartridges contain Novolin ® R, commonly known as Regular, Human Insulin Injection (recombinant DNA origin). The concentration of this product is 100 units of insulin per milliliter. It is a clear, colorless solution which has a short duration of action. The effect of Novolin ® R begins approximately ½ hour after injection. The effect is maximal between 2 ½ and 5 hours and ends approximately 8 hours after injection. The time course of action of any insulin may vary considerably in different individuals, or at different times in the same individual. Because of this variation, the time periods listed here should be considered as general guidance only.

This human insulin (recombinant DNA origin) is structurally identical to the insulin produced by the human pancreas. This human insulin is produced by recombinant DNA technology utilizing Saccharomyces cerevisiae (bakers' yeast) as the production organism.

INSULIN DELIVERY SYSTEMS

These Novolin PenFill 3mL cartridges are designed for use with NovoPen ® 3, NovoPen ® Junior, NovoPen 3 Demi ® , InDuo™, and Innovo ® Insulin Delivery Devices and NovoFine ® disposable needles or other products specifically recommended by Novo Nordisk.

STORAGE

Insulin should be stored in a cold (36°-46°F [2-8°C]) place, preferably in a refrigerator, but not in the freezing compartment. Do not let it freeze. Keep Novolin ® 70/30 PenFill ® , Novolin ® N PenFill ® and Novolin ® R PenFill ® cartridges in the carton so that they will stay clean and protected from light. The Novolin ® 70/30 PenFill ® , Novolin ® N PenFIll ® and Novolin ® R PenFill ® cartridges that you are currently using should not be refrigerated but should be kept as cool as possible (below 86°F [30°C]) and away from direct heat and light. Novolin ® N PenFill ® 3.0ml cartridges can be kept unrefrigerated for 14 days, and Novolin ® 70/30 PenFill ® 3.0ml cartridges can be kept unrefrigerated for 10 days. Novolin ® R PenFill ® 3.0ml cartridges can be kept unrefrigerated for 28 days. Unrefrigerated cartridges must be discarded after these time periods, even if they still contain insulin.

Never use insulin after the expiration date which is printed on the label and carton.

Never use any Novolin ® 70/30 PenFill ® or Novolin ® N PenFill ® cartridge if the precipitate (the white deposit), has become lumpy or granular in appearance or has formed a deposit of solid particles on the wall of the cartridge. This insulin should not be used if the liquid in the cartridge remains clear after it has been mixed.

Never use any Novolin ® R PenFill ® cartridge if the insulin becomes viscous (thickened) or cloudy; use it only if it is clear and colorless.

IMPORTANT

Failure to comply with the following antiseptic measures may lead to infections at the injection site.

PREPARING THE INJECTION

Never place a single-use disposable needle on your device until you are ready to give an injection, and remove the needle immediately after each injection. Follow the directions for use in the instruction manual for your insulin delivery device. Insulin PenFill ® cartridges may contain a small amount of air. To prevent an injection of air and make certain insulin is delivered, an air shot must be done before each injection. Directions for performing an air shot are provided in your insulin delivery device instruction manual.

Novolin ® 70/30 PenFill ® and Novolin ® N PenFill ®

Never place a single-use disposable needle on your insulin delivery device until you are ready to give an injection, and remove it immediately after each injection. If the needle is not removed, some liquid may be expelled from the cartridge causing a change in the insulin concentration (strength). For Novolin ® 70/30 PenFill ® and Novolin ® N PenFill ®

The cloudy material in an insulin suspension will settle to the bottom of the cartridge, so the contents must be mixed before injection. These ( Novolin ® 70/30 PenFill ® and Novolin ® N PenFill ® ) cartridges contain a glass ball to aid mixing.

When using a new cartridge, turn the cartridge up and down between positions A and B--See Figure 1. Do this at least 10 times until the liquid appears uniformly white and cloudy.

images/75/75501301.jpg

Assemble your insulin delivery device following the directions in your instruction manual.

For subsequent injections when a cartridge is already in the device, turn the device up and down between positions A and B--See Figure 2. Do this at least 10 times until the liquid appears uniformly white and cloudy. Follow the directions in your insulin delivery device instruction manual.

images/75/75501302.jpg

Note: Never initiate a new injection unless there is sufficient insulin in the cartridge to ensure proper mixing (the glass ball needs adequate room for movement to mix the suspension). This step is not necessary for Novolin ® R PenFill ®

Insulin PenFill ® cartridges may contain a small amount of air. To prevent an injection of air and make certain insulin is delivered, an air shot must be done before each injection. Directions for performing an air shot are provided in your delivery device instruction manual.

GIVING THE INJECTION

  1. The following areas are suitable for subcutaneous insulin injection: thighs, upper arms, buttocks, abdomen. Do not change areas without consulting your physician. The actual point of injection should be changed each time; injection sites should be about an inch apart.
  2. The injection site should be clean and dry. Pinch up skin area to be injected and hold it firmly.
  3. Hold the device like a pencil and push the needle quickly and firmly into the pinched-up area.
  4. Release the skin and push the push-button all the way in to inject insulin beneath the skin. After the injection, the needle should remain under the skin for at least 6 seconds. Keep the push button fully depressed until the needle is withdrawn from the skin. This will ensure that the full dose has been delivered.
  5. Do not inject into a muscle unless your physician has advised it. You should never inject insulin into a vein. Follow the directions for use of your insulin delivery device.
  6. Remove the needle. If slight bleeding occurs, press lightly with a dry cotton swab for a few seconds-- do not rub.

Note: Use the injection technique recommended by your physician.

USAGE IN PREGNANCY

It is particularly important to maintain good control of your diabetes during pregnancy and special attention must be paid to your diet, exercise and insulin regimens. If you are pregnant or nursing a baby, consult your physician or nurse educator.

INSULIN REACTION AND SHOCK

Insulin reaction (hypoglycemia) occurs when the blood glucose falls very low. This can happen if you take too much insulin, miss or delay a meal, exercise more than usual or work too hard without eating, or become ill (especially with vomiting or fever). Hypoglycemia can also happen if you combine insulin therapy and other medications that lower blood glucose, such as oral antidiabetic agents or other prescription and over-the-counter drugs. The first symptoms of an insulin reaction usually come on suddenly. They may include a cold sweat, fatigue, nervousness or shakiness, rapid heartbeat, or nausea. Personality change or confusion may also occur. If you drink or eat something right away (a glass of milk or orange juice, or several sugar candies), you can often stop the progression of symptoms. If symptoms persist, call your physician--an insulin reaction can lead to unconsciousness. If a reaction results in loss of consciousness, emergency medical care should be obtained immediately. If you have had repeated reactions or if an insulin reaction has led to a loss of consciousness, contact your physician. Severe hypoglycemia can result in temporary or permanent impairment of brain function and death.

In certain cases, the nature and intensity of the warning symptoms of hypoglycemia may change. A few patients have reported that after being transferred to human insulin, the early warning symptoms of hypoglycemia were less pronounced than they had been with animal-source insulin.

DIABETIC KETOACIDOSIS AND COMA

Diabetic ketoacidosis may develop if your body has too little insulin. The most common causes are acute illness or infection or failure to take enough insulin by injection. If you are ill you should check your urine for ketones. The symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis usually come on gradually, over a period of hours or days, and include a drowsy feeling, flushed face, thirst and loss of appetite. Notify your physician right away if the urine test is positive for ketones (acetone) or if you have any of these symptoms. Fast, heavy breathing and rapid pulse are more severe symptoms and you should have medical attention right away. Severe, sustained hyperglycemia may result in diabetic coma and death.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

A few people with diabetes develop red, swollen and itchy skin where the insulin has been injected. This is called a "local reaction" and it may occur if the injection is not properly made, if the skin is sensitive to the cleansing solution, or if you are allergic to the insulin being used. If you have a local reaction, tell your physican.

Generalized insulin allergy occurs rarely, but when it does it may cause a serious reaction, including skin rash over the body, shortness of breath, fast pulse, sweating, and a drop in blood pressure. If any of these symptoms develop, you should seek emergency medical care.

If severe allergic reactions to insulin have occured (i.e., generalized rash, swelling or breathing difficulties) you should be skin-tested with each new insulin preparation before it is used.

IMPORTANT NOTES

  1. A change in the type, strength, species or purity of insulin could require a dosage adjustment. Any change in insulin should be made under medical supervision.
  2. To avoid possible transmission of disease, PenFill ® cartridge is for single-person use only.
  3. Before use, check that the PenFill ® cartridge is intact (e.g. no cracks). Do not use if any damage is seen, or if the part of the rubber piston that you see is wider than the white bar code band.
  4. You may have learned how to test your urine or your blood for glucose. It is important to do these tests regularly and to record the results for review with your physician or nurse educator.
  5. If you have an acute illness, especially with vomiting or fever, continue taking your insulin. If possible, stay on your regular diet. If you have trouble eating, drink fruit juices, regular soft drinks, or clear soups; if you can, eat small amounts of bland foods. Test your urine for glucose and ketones and, if possible, test your blood glucose. Note the results and contact your physician for possible insulin dose adjustment. If you have severe and prolonged vomiting, seek emergency medical care.
  6. You should always carry identification which states that you have diabetes.
  7. Always ask your physician or pharmacist before taking any drug.
  8. Do not try to refill a PenFill ® cartridge.

Always consult your physician if you have any questions about your conditon or the use of insulin.

Helpful information for people with diabetes is published by American Diabetes Association, 1660 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA 22314

Date of issue: July 2002

Protected by U.S. Patent No 6,126,646 and Des. 347,894 and other U.S. Patents Pending, restricted to use with Novo Nordisk insulin delivery devices and Novo Nordisk pen needles.

©2002 Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Novo Nordisk ® , Novolin ® PenFill ® , NovoPen ® , NovoPen 3 Demi ® , Innovo ® , NovoFine ® and Lente ® are registered trademarks owned by Novo Nordisk A/S.

In Duo™ is a trademarks of LifeScan, Inc., a Johnson and Johnson Company

Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Princeton, NJ 08540

Call 1-800-727-6500 for additional information

(Se habla espanol)

www.novonordisk-us.com

Manufactured by: Novo Nordisk A/S, DK-2880 Bagsvaerd, Denmark and Novo Nordisk Pharmaceutical Industries, Inc., Clayton, NC 27520

HOW SUPPLIED

Novolin ® 70/30 PenFill ® cartridges, U100, 100 units/mL, 3 mL, (List no. 347718) (5's)

Novolin ® N PenFill ® cartridges, U100, 100 units/mL, 3 mL, (List no. 347418) (5's)

Novolin ® R PenFill ® cartridges, U100, 100 units/mL, 3 mL, (List no. 347318) (5's)



Copyright© 2006 Thomson PDR