NovoRapid® (100iu) - Fast-acting Insulin

NovoRapid is a prescription drug (Insulin) that helps manage blood sugar levels and is fast-acting insulin. NovoRapid® will start to lower your blood sugar 10–20 minutes after you inject it, a maximum effect occurs between 1 and 3 hours after the injection and the effect lasts for 3–5 hours

Insulin and bodybuilding

Anabolism, the metabolic process of building up, is essential to packing on muscle. Bodybuilders often try to maximize this process. Considering that it promotes nutrient storage and helps prevent cell breakdown, insulin is considered an anabolic hormone. This lends it well to bodybuilding, in which the central purpose is to build up muscle mass through strategic diet and exercise.

While insulin is best known for its role in controlling blood sugar, it has a few other notable effects that make it desirable for bodybuilders. One such effect is its ability to help with muscle protein synthesis, the process through which the body builds muscle. Another important factor to consider is the pairing of insulin with other performance-enhancing drugs, such as anabolic androgenic steroids or growth hormone. While insulin alone may not have a potent effect on muscle protein synthesis, it may have an enhanced effect when paired with anabolic steroids or growth hormone.

How to use NovoRapid®

NovoRapid® is generally taken immediately before a meal. Eat a meal or snack within 10 minutes of the injection to avoid low blood sugar. When necessary, NovoRapid® can be given soon after a meal.

NovoRapid® is for injection under the skin (subcutaneously). You must never inject yourself directly into a vein (intravenously) or muscle (intramuscularly). NovoRapid® FlexPen® is only suitable for injecting under the skin. Speak to your doctor if you need to inject your insulin by another method.

With each injection, change the injection site within the particular area of skin that you use. This may reduce the risk of developing lumps or skin pitting. The best places to give yourself an injection are: the front of your waist (abdomen), the upper arm or the front of your thighs. The insulin will work more quickly if injected into the front of your waist. You should always measure your blood sugar regularly.

Can Insulin cause problems?

• Apart from hypoglycaemia (see above) insulin has very few side-effects. You may feel some lumpiness at the site of the injection but regularly changing the area of skin that you inject will help to prevent this.

How to store?

• Store unopened insulin in a refrigerator until you are ready to use it. -Do not freeze insulin.
• Once your insulin is in use you can keep it for a few weeks at room temperature, as long as you keep it below 25°C and away from direct heat and sunlight. Check the label for details of how long it can be kept unrefrigerated and do not use it after this time.