Novomix® Penfill Cartridges for Biphasic Insulin Aspart 30/70

What Novomix® Is and How It Works

Novomix® Penfill Cartridge contains a premixed insulin known as biphasic insulin aspart 30/70. It combines 30% rapid‑acting insulin aspart for mealtime control and 70% protamine‑crystallized insulin aspart for between‑meal and overnight coverage. The Novomix Penfill Cartridge fits compatible reusable pens and supports once or twice daily dosing with meals. If you are comparing options like a novomix cartridge without insurance, this page outlines how it works, dosing basics, safety, and ways to manage costs. CanadianInsulin is a prescription referral service. Prescriptions are verified with your clinic, and orders are filled by licensed Canadian pharmacies.

We partner with vetted pharmacies that supply authentic brand medications and a broad selection at value‑focused pricing. For more background on this mix, see our article Novomix 30 Penfill Uses Side Effects Dosage.

Class: rapid/intermediate‑acting premixed insulin. Indications: diabetes mellitus requiring insulin, including type 1 and type 2. Route: subcutaneous injection via compatible pen device. Dosing cadence: individualized; often once or twice daily with meals.

Dosage and Usage

• Initiation: dosing is individualized by the prescriber. Many patients start once or twice daily with the main meal(s). Titrate based on self‑monitored blood glucose and clinic guidance.
• Adjustment: changes may be needed with meal size, activity, illness, renal/hepatic function, or when switching from other insulins.
• Injection timing: give shortly before the meal. The rapid component addresses post‑meal glucose, while the protamine fraction extends coverage.
• Missed dose: monitor glucose. Do not double the next dose. Follow clinic instructions for late or missed doses.
• Sites: rotate injections in abdomen, thigh, upper arm, or buttock to reduce lipodystrophy. Avoid injecting into areas that are firm, scarred, or tender.
• Device steps: insert the Penfill cartridge into a compatible pen (e.g., Novopen 4 Novo Nordisk). Attach a new pen needle. Prime as directed until a drop appears. Dial the dose, insert the needle subcutaneously, inject, and hold before withdrawing.
• Do not draw insulin out of a Penfill with a syringe. Use pen needles designed for the device.

• Storage (unopened): refrigerate at 2–8°C (36–46°F). Do not freeze. Keep away from the freezer compartment.
• Storage (in‑use cartridge in a pen): keep at room temperature below 30°C (86°F) for up to 28 days. Do not refrigerate an in‑use pen.
• Protect from heat and sunlight. Keep the cap on the pen between doses.
• Travel: carry insulin and supplies in hand luggage with a cold pack, not directly touching ice. Keep original packaging for security screening.
• Do not use if the insulin looks clumpy, unusually cloudy, or has particles after gentle mixing.

Benefits and Savings

The 30/70 mix offers two actions in one injection. The rapid portion covers meals, and the protamine portion extends control between meals. Many patients find fewer daily injections compared with separate mealtime and basal insulins. Cartridges allow dose flexibility and less packaging waste when paired with a reusable pen.

Many customers save 60–80% vs typical U.S. prices. CanadianInsulin offers a broad selection of strengths with prompt, express, cold‑chain shipping. We support those paying novomix 30 without insurance with clear options and documentation for personal import.

See our novomix penfill coupon mention on the promotions page for current offers if available.

Side Effects and Safety

• Common: hypoglycemia (shakiness, sweating, fast heartbeat, hunger, headache), injection site redness or itching, mild swelling, or weight gain.
• Local effects: lipodystrophy or skin thickening at frequent injection sites.
• Allergy: rash or itching may occur.

Serious risks include severe hypoglycemia, hypokalemia, and rare systemic hypersensitivity reactions. Fluid retention and heart failure can occur when combined with thiazolidinediones. The risk of hypoglycemia increases with missed meals, alcohol intake, exercise changes, renal/hepatic impairment, or when used with other glucose‑lowering drugs such as insulin or sulfonylureas. Seek urgent care for severe reactions.

Onset Time

The rapid component starts working within about 10–20 minutes, peaks in 1–4 hours, and the protamine component can last up to 24 hours, though duration varies. Glucose patterns often improve within days as dosing stabilizes. A full assessment of A1C impact typically requires several weeks of consistent dosing and monitoring.

Compare With Alternatives

Other premixed insulins provide similar convenience with different ratios. Humalog Mix 75/25® contains lispro 25% rapid and 75% protamine‑lispro, often dosed with meals. Humulin 70/30® contains human regular insulin and NPH, with a slower onset than insulin aspart mixes. Novolog Mix 70/30® is the U.S. brand name for the same aspart 30/70 mix.

Some patients use a basal‑bolus regimen with separate basal and mealtime insulin. For example, regular insulin remains an option for meals in certain plans; see Humulin R 100u Ml 10ml. Vial‑and‑syringe regimens require supplies such as Bd Ultrafine Ii Syringes. Discuss which approach fits your targets, schedule, and comfort with injections.

Combination Therapy

• Metformin is commonly continued with premixed insulin to support A1C reduction and weight neutrality.
• Sulfonylureas may require dose reduction or discontinuation to reduce hypoglycemia risk.
• SGLT2 inhibitors or DPP‑4 inhibitors may be used adjunctively based on individualized goals and tolerability.
• When switching to or from basal‑bolus therapy, careful titration helps limit hypoglycemia.

Patient Suitability and Cost‑Saving Tips

Premixed insulin can suit adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes who prefer fewer daily injections and a fixed ratio of mealtime and intermediate action. It may not fit those needing highly flexible meal dosing, variable shift work schedules, or advanced carbohydrate counting with frequent adjustments.

Do not use during episodes of hypoglycemia. Avoid use if there is a known hypersensitivity to insulin aspart or excipients. Dose changes and closer monitoring are important in renal or hepatic impairment, during illness, or when moving between human insulin and analogs. Older adults may be more sensitive to hypoglycemia.

Tips to stretch your budget include ordering multi‑month supplies when appropriate, comparing cartridges versus disposable pens, and setting gentle reminders to reorder before travel. Review your pen compatibility to avoid duplicate devices and supplies. For safe handling guidance, see our article Insulin Storage 101 Best Practices For Keeping Your Insulin Safe And Effective.

Authoritative Sources

Novo Nordisk product information for NovoMix 30

Health Canada Drug Product Database: NovoMix 30 Penfill

FDA Prescribing Information: NovoLog Mix 70/30

Order Novomix® from CanadianInsulin: add to cart, upload your prescription, and we ship with prompt, express, cold‑chain handling.

This page is educational and does not replace advice from your healthcare professional. Always follow the guidance of your prescriber and care team.