Insulin (antidiabetic)
Last reviewed June 2026
Who is this for?
This is a mixture of two types of insulin (a fast-acting and a longer-acting one) that work together to control blood sugar levels throughout the day — the fast-acting part works quickly after meals while the longer-acting part keeps working between meals.
Binds to insulin receptors on muscle, adipose, and hepatic cells, promoting glucose uptake and glycogen synthesis while inhibiting hepatic glucose production and lipolysis. Insulin aspart provides rapid-acting glycemic control, while the protamine component extends duration of action through delayed absorption.
Prescription Required
You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.
Explore this drug
This medicine is injected under the skin (not into a vein) using the NovoMix 30 FlexPen. It is usually injected once or twice daily, right before meals or immediately after eating. Your doctor will tell you exactly how many units to inject based on your blood sugar readings. Always roll the pen gently between your palms to mix it before injecting — it should look evenly milky white.
If you miss a dose, check your blood sugar level and take the dose as soon as you can with your next meal. Do not inject double the amount to make up for a missed dose — this can cause dangerously low blood sugar. If you are unsure, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Always buy your insulin from a licensed pharmacy — roadside or market sellers may have stored it in the heat, which destroys the insulin and makes it useless. Learn to recognise the signs of low blood sugar (shakiness, sweating, confusion) and always carry sugar, sweets, or a sugary drink with you. Do not share your FlexPen with anyone, even if you change the needle — this can spread infections.
Some medicines like blood pressure tablets (beta-blockers such as atenolol) can hide the warning signs of low blood sugar, making it harder to know when your sugar drops. Drinking alcohol can cause your blood sugar to drop dangerously low or rise unpredictably — avoid or limit alcohol. Steroids like prednisolone and some malaria medicines can raise blood sugar and may require your insulin dose to be adjusted.
Check your specific combination
Is it safe to take Insulin with your other drugs?
Insulin aspart can be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding, but your doctor must closely monitor and adjust your dose throughout pregnancy as your insulin needs will change.
Store unopened pens in the refrigerator (2–8°C) — do not freeze them. Once you start using a pen, keep it at room temperature (below 30°C) for up to 4 weeks — do not put it back in the fridge. Protect from direct sunlight and extreme heat, which is very important in Nigerian weather. Keep the cap on the pen when not in use and always keep out of reach of children.
For information only — not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.
Names this drug is sold under — especially in Nigerian and West African pharmacies
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Counterfeit Drug Warning
Fake drugs are a serious problem in Nigeria. Always buy from a registered pharmacy. If the packaging looks different from what is described above, do not use it.