Fiasp Cartridge (insulin aspart)

This product is a rapid-acting (mealtime) insulin option supplied as a Fiasp Cartridge for use with compatible pen devices. It is used to help reduce blood glucose rises around meals in people with diabetes as part of a broader treatment plan. This page summarizes how the cartridge format works, typical label-aligned use, storage, and safety points, and it explains access steps for cash-pay orders, including for people without insurance.

What Fiasp Cartridge Is and How It Works

US shipping from Canada is available for prescription orders that meet dispensing requirements. CanadianInsulin functions as a prescription referral platform. The medicine inside the cartridge is insulin aspart, a rapid-acting insulin analog (a lab-designed insulin similar to human insulin) that helps move glucose from the bloodstream into muscle and fat cells and reduces glucose release from the liver.

This type of insulin is usually used for prandial (mealtime) coverage and may be paired with a separate basal (background) insulin, depending on the prescribed plan. Because it comes as a Penfill-style cartridge, it is intended for certain reusable pen systems rather than as a vial or a prefilled disposable pen. For related options, browse the Rapid Acting Insulin category list.

Who It’s For

This rapid-acting insulin cartridge format is prescribed for people with diabetes who need mealtime insulin. It may be used in type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes, including as part of combination therapy with other glucose-lowering medicines when a prescriber determines insulin is appropriate. Background information and product groupings are available in the Type 1 Diabetes and Type 2 Diabetes browse pages.

It is not used to treat low blood sugar that is happening right now. A common label-level contraindication for insulin products is hypersensitivity (serious allergy) to insulin aspart or other ingredients in the formulation. Use may also be unsafe during episodes of hypoglycemia (low blood glucose), since rapid-acting insulin can worsen it. A clinician should review suitability if there is a history of severe reactions, recurrent lows, or significant kidney or liver impairment.

Dosage and Usage

Dose selection for rapid-acting insulin is individualized by the prescriber and is typically based on carbohydrate intake, current glucose values, activity level, and overall insulin sensitivity. Many treatment plans use mealtime insulin before food, and some labeling allows dosing at the start of a meal or shortly after beginning a meal. Fiasp Cartridge should be used only as prescribed and with the specific pen or cartridge system listed in the product instructions.

When required, prescriptions are confirmed with the prescriber. People using insulin are generally advised to monitor glucose as directed and to follow sick-day instructions provided by their diabetes care team. Rapid-acting insulin is not interchangeable unit-for-unit across products for every patient, so any switch should be managed by a clinician. For additional context on timing and precautions, see Fiasp Uses And Dosage.

Using a Penfill cartridge device

Cartridges are designed for reusable pen systems that accept a 3 mL cartridge; examples include certain “Penfill cartridge device” formats and some smart pen platforms. If a prescriber recommends use in an InPen system, confirm that the specific model supports this cartridge presentation before first use. Typical steps include inspecting the cartridge for damage or particles, loading it into the compatible pen, attaching a new needle, priming per device instructions, and dialing the prescribed units. Injection is subcutaneous (under the skin) and sites are rotated to reduce lipohypertrophy (thickened fatty tissue that can affect absorption). Needles are single-use and should be disposed of in a sharps container.

Strengths and Forms

This medicine is commonly supplied as an Insulin aspart cartridge 100 units/mL. The usual presentation for Penfill is a 3 mL cartridge (300 units total), such as Fiasp Penfill 3 mL 100 units/mL; availability can vary by dispensing pharmacy and current supply. Fiasp Cartridge is a cartridge presentation and differs from vials and prefilled disposable pens in how it is loaded and used.

The table below summarizes the format at a high level. For a deeper explanation of cartridge types and how they compare with other insulin containers, review Insulin Cartridges Guide.

Storage and Travel Basics

Unopened insulin cartridges are generally stored refrigerated and protected from light, and they should not be frozen. Once a cartridge is in use, labeling commonly allows room-temperature storage for a limited period, with an upper temperature limit; exact in-use time limits and temperature ranges should be taken from the package leaflet for the specific presentation being dispensed. Fiasp Cartridge should be kept away from direct heat sources, such as a car dashboard or heater vents.

Quick tip: For travel, keep insulin in carry-on luggage with the prescription label available.

When transporting insulin, use an insulated bag or cooling pack that avoids direct contact with ice to reduce freezing risk. If a cartridge has been exposed to extreme heat, freezing temperatures, or looks cloudy when it should be clear, it should be set aside and assessed using the manufacturer instructions. If there is uncertainty about storage excursion handling, a pharmacist can advise based on labeling and lot-specific guidance.

Side Effects and Safety

The most important safety risk with rapid-acting insulin is hypoglycemia, which can present as sweating, shakiness, hunger, headache, irritability, confusion, or dizziness. Injection-site reactions (redness, swelling, itching) can occur, and repeated injections into the same area may contribute to lipodystrophy (changes in fat tissue under the skin). Some people may also notice edema (fluid retention) or weight changes over time, especially when glucose control improves.

Why it matters: Severe hypoglycemia can impair thinking and requires urgent treatment.

Serious reactions are less common but can include severe hypoglycemia, systemic allergic reactions (generalized rash, swelling, breathing trouble), and hypokalemia (low potassium), particularly in people with risk factors or when insulin is given in high amounts. Glucose monitoring and having a clear plan for treating lows are core parts of safe use. Any unexplained recurrent lows, loss of hypoglycemia awareness, or suspected allergy should be reviewed promptly by a healthcare professional.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Many medicines can change insulin needs. Drugs that may increase hypoglycemia risk include some antibiotics, ACE inhibitors, and other glucose-lowering agents; alcohol can also contribute to lows, especially when food intake is reduced. Beta-blockers can mask some warning symptoms of hypoglycemia (such as tremor or palpitations), which can make monitoring more important.

Medicines that may raise glucose and increase insulin requirements include corticosteroids, certain diuretics, thyroid hormone, and some antipsychotics. Thiazolidinediones (TZDs) used with insulin may worsen fluid retention and can exacerbate heart failure in susceptible people. Clinicians typically review the full medication list, kidney and liver function, and recent glucose patterns before making changes to a rapid-acting insulin regimen.

Compare With Alternatives

Several rapid-acting insulin analogs are available, and they are not always interchangeable without clinical review. Alternatives may include standard insulin aspart (often sold as NovoRapid), insulin lispro (often sold as Humalog), or insulin glulisine (often sold as Apidra). Device fit can differ by product, so cartridge type and compatibility with the intended pen should be confirmed before dispensing or switching.

For product-format comparisons, see NovoRapid Cartridge and Humalog Cartridge 100 Units/mL. For broader clinical context on choosing among rapid-acting options, the Apidra Vs Humalog Guide summarizes practical differences that prescribers often consider. Fiasp Cartridge is one formulation within this rapid-acting class, and any transition plan should be guided by a prescriber to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia.

Pricing and Access

Out-of-pocket costs for insulin cartridges depend on the quantity dispensed, any needed pen needles or supplies, and the prescribed dosing plan. CanadianInsulin supports a cash-pay pathway that can help with access for people without insurance, but a valid prescription is still required. Dispensing is handled by licensed Canadian pharmacies.

Administrative steps can include prescription submission, prescriber contact when clarification is needed, and pharmacy review before the order is prepared. If a prescriber writes for a specific cartridge format (for example, a Fiasp Penfill Cartridge for a reusable pen system), the pharmacy will match the prescription to an appropriate dispensed presentation when available. For site updates that may affect overall costs, refer to Available Promotions. Ships from Canada to US may be offered based on medication eligibility and destination rules.

Authoritative Sources

For the most reliable and current information, consult official labeling and regulator databases, especially for timing with meals, contraindications, and storage limits. These sources can also help confirm the approved presentation and concentration for insulin aspart cartridges.

The links below are provided as neutral references:

• FDA Drugs@FDA database search tool
• Health Canada Drug Product Database (DPD)

To place a request through CanadianInsulin, add the prescription item and select prompt, express, cold-chain shipping when available.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.