Can I switch from basal-bolus insulin to this premix?

A premixed insulin can simplify dosing for people with regular meal patterns. However, it is not automatically interchangeable with separate basal and rapid-acting insulins. Timing, flexibility, and glucose targets can differ. Your prescriber will consider your current doses, glucose logs, and risk of low blood sugar before recommending a change. If a switch is made, close monitoring and follow-up are important during the transition to optimize control and reduce hypoglycemia risk.

How should I time doses with meals?

Premixed insulin is typically injected around mealtime, often just before eating. If you are unsure how much you will eat, some clinicians allow dosing immediately after the meal. Keep your timing consistent from day to day with similar meals. Record your readings to see how timing affects results. Always follow your prescriber’s specific plan and the product label, as timing guidance may vary by patient and clinical context.

What if I experience frequent low blood sugar?

Frequent hypoglycemia may mean your doses or timing need review, or that meals are not aligned with injections. Carry fast-acting carbohydrates and monitor glucose as recommended. Speak with your clinician to evaluate patterns, injection technique, and site rotation. Certain medicines, alcohol, and activity changes can also affect your risk. Never change your dose on your own; your healthcare professional can adjust your plan safely if needed.

Can I travel with my insulin cartridges?

Yes. Keep unopened cartridges refrigerated per label guidance and never freeze them. During travel, store them in an insulated pouch and avoid direct heat. Carry supplies in your hand luggage with a letter from your prescriber for security. Once a cartridge is in use, many premixed insulins have an in-use room temperature window; check your product insert. Protect from light, and pack extra needles and a sharps container or travel-safe alternative.

Do I need a specific pen device?

These cartridges are designed for compatible Novo Nordisk reusable pens. Using the wrong device can result in incorrect dosing or leakage. Check the device instructions for compatibility and priming steps. If you are unsure which pen you own, bring it to your pharmacy or clinic for confirmation. Use a new needle for every injection. If the pen is damaged or not working, replace it before continuing your therapy.

How long can an opened cartridge be used?

Most premixed insulin cartridges have a labeled in-use period at room temperature, often around 28 days, though exact guidance varies by product. Always check the package insert for your specific cartridge. Mark the date when you first use a cartridge and discard it after the in-use window, even if insulin remains. Do not expose in-use cartridges to extreme heat or sunlight. Never use insulin that was frozen or appears clumped or discolored.

Are there interactions I should know about?

Yes. Some medicines can raise glucose and increase insulin needs, such as corticosteroids and certain diuretics. Others may enhance insulin effects, including alcohol or ACE inhibitors. Beta-blockers can mask low blood sugar warning signs. Thiazolidinediones with insulin may increase fluid retention. Provide your clinician with a complete list of medicines, vitamins, and supplements so they can monitor for interactions and adjust your care plan if necessary.

Promotion

Novomix Penfill Cartridge

Novomix® Penfill Cartridge for Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes, Type 2 Diabetes

Stock up and Save - Get 20% off when you buy 3 or more of any one product. Use code SAVE20 at checkout.

Coupon code cannot be combined with other offers. Sale applies to all products originating from Canada. Maximum allowable quantity equal to a 90 day supply per single order.

Price:

$138.99

Secure Encrypted Payments

This premixed insulin cartridge helps manage blood glucose in diabetes. It fits Novo Nordisk reusable pens for consistent, convenient dosing. This page explains uses, dosing basics, storage, and safety so you can plan your refill with confidence.

What Novomix Is and How It Works

Novomix® is a biphasic insulin that combines rapid-acting insulin aspart with intermediate-acting insulin aspart protamine. It is designed for both mealtime coverage and background control in a single injection. Many people compare insulin aspart 70/30 Penfill cartridges with separate basal and bolus regimens, as this mix simplifies a schedule. YouDrugstore is a licensed Canadian pharmacy in Manitoba. Pharmacists review prescriptions before dispensing. We provide US delivery from Canada, which may help those paying cash or managing costs without insurance.

After injection, the rapid component starts to act around mealtime, while the protamine-bound fraction absorbs slower to extend activity. This medicine’s effect can vary with dose, injection site, activity, and meal size. Check your glucose regularly, and follow the plan set by your prescriber.

Who It’s For

This treatment is indicated for adults and children with diabetes mellitus who need insulin therapy. It can be used in type 1 or type 2 diabetes when a premixed option is appropriate. People with known hypersensitivity to insulin aspart or any ingredient should avoid it. Use extra caution if you have frequent hypoglycemia, variable meal patterns, or significant kidney or liver impairment.

Discuss suitability if you have vision problems affecting dose reading, or if you have conditions that change insulin needs, such as infections, fever, thyroid issues, or major stress. For more on conditions, see our pages on Type 1 Diabetes and Diabetes Care.

Dosage and Usage

Dosing is individualized. Many patients start with one or two daily injections with main meals, then adjust based on glucose logs and guidance from a healthcare professional. Your clinician may advise injecting just before a meal; in some cases, dosing right after eating is considered if intake is uncertain. Never change your dose without medical advice.

Use the cartridge only with compatible Novo Nordisk pens. Attach a new needle for each dose. Prime the pen before each injection until a drop appears, as noted in the device instructions. Rotate injection sites within the same region to reduce lipodystrophy. In typical label use, premix regimens accompany consistent meals and carbohydrate intake. For clarity on the formulation, some users ask about insulin aspart protamine/insulin aspart 70/30 cartridges; this describes the same biphasic mix.

Strengths and Forms

The most common presentation is 3 mL Penfill cartridges for reusable pens. Many packs include five cartridges for multi-week supply planning. Availability can vary by jurisdiction; your exact options may depend on stock and prescription details.

We list published strengths when possible, such as Novomix cartridge 100 units/mL, and standard pack sizes like 5 x 3 mL cartridges. Specific brand presentations can change; please review the product options shown at checkout.

Missed Dose and Timing

If you miss a scheduled injection with a meal, check your blood glucose and follow your prescriber’s plan. If you remember soon and food is available, you may be instructed to take the dose and eat. If it has been a while, avoid stacking doses. Do not double your next dose to make up for a missed one. Keep fast-acting carbohydrates available to treat low blood sugar if needed.

Storage and Travel Basics

Unopened cartridges are commonly stored in a refrigerator per label guidance. Do not freeze. Once in use, many premixed insulin cartridges can be kept at room temperature up to an indicated in-use period, often about 28 days; confirm your product’s insert for the exact period and limits. Protect from heat and direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children.

While traveling, carry spares in hand luggage and consider a letter from your prescriber for security checks. Use an insulated case if you expect temperature extremes. Do not use an insulin product if it has been frozen or shows clumping, particles, or discoloration. For identification, note details such as Novomix Penfill 3 mL cartridges on your supply list.

Pen Handling and Sharps Disposal

Use a compatible pen device. Inspect the cartridge. Attach a new needle securely. Prime until a drop appears. Dial your dose, inject into recommended subcutaneous sites, and hold the needle in place for the instructed seconds before removing. Replace the cap after the dose.

Dispose of used needles in an approved sharps container. Do not throw loose needles in household garbage. When the cartridge is empty or past its in-use timeframe, follow local rules for pharmaceutical waste. For a quick refresher on injection technique, see our step guide: Injection Steps.

Benefits

This premix can reduce the number of daily injections compared with separate basal and bolus plans. The rapid component targets mealtime rises, while the protamine fraction extends background coverage. Many find this schedule easier to remember. Using one cartridge format simplifies pen setup and travel packing. Some patients prefer 30/70 Penfill cartridges because dosing can fit routine meals.

Side Effects and Safety

Low blood sugar: shakiness, sweating, headache, dizziness, hunger
Injection site reactions: redness, itching, mild pain
Weight gain: may occur with insulin therapy
Edema: fluid retention in some individuals

Serious risks include severe hypoglycemia, hypersensitivity reactions, and hypokalemia. Seek urgent care for confusion, seizures, loss of consciousness, widespread rash, difficulty breathing, or severe swelling. Talk with your clinician if you notice skin changes at injection sites. Insulin may require closer monitoring when combined with sulfonylureas or if you are at risk for frequent lows.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Some medicines can raise or lower insulin needs. Corticosteroids, some diuretics, and certain antipsychotics may increase glucose. Alcohol, ACE inhibitors, or salicylates may enhance insulin effects. Beta-blockers can mask low blood sugar symptoms. Thiazolidinediones used with insulin may increase fluid retention; report new shortness of breath or rapid weight gain. Always share a full medication and supplement list with your healthcare professional.

What to Expect Over Time

Your response depends on meals, activity, injection technique, and dose adjustments. Many people work toward stable premeal and postmeal glucose targets with periodic titration by their prescriber. Keeping a simple log can help reveal patterns. Use reminders for timing with meals, rotate sites, and ensure pen priming before each dose. For community learning and seasonal tips, you may appreciate our feature: Diabetes Month 2025.

Compare With Alternatives

Other premixed insulins may be appropriate if your prescriber prefers a different profile or brand. Options include lispro premix and human insulin mix products. You can compare packaging, pen compatibility, and counsel with your clinician regarding timing and meal patterns.

Two alternatives we carry include Humalog® Mix Cartridges and Humulin® 30 70 Cartridges. If a prescriber notes you are on a US brand, the term Novolog Mix 70/30 cartridge alternative may be used to discuss comparable premix options in your region. Always confirm interchangeability with your clinician before switching.

Pricing and Access

We list transparent pricing for cartridges and compatible devices when available. Canadian pricing helps many cash-pay patients compare options. If you are budgeting, review the Novomix cartridge price shown on this page and consider multi-pack supply planning. We offer US delivery from Canada so you can receive your refill through our cross-border service. You can also explore category pages for related supplies under Diabetes Care.

Availability and Substitutions

Stock varies based on manufacturer supply and prescriptions. If a specific pack size is unavailable, your prescriber may recommend a comparable premixed insulin or a different format. Do not substitute products without professional guidance, as devices, concentration, and schedules can differ.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

This therapy may suit people who prefer a simpler schedule tied to regular meals. It may not be ideal for those with highly variable eating patterns or frequent hypoglycemia. If you and your clinician decide a premix is right, consider filling a multi-month supply to reduce per-shipment fees and ensure continuity. Set refill reminders aligned to your in-use period. If your glucose targets remain out of range, ask your prescriber about dose review, injection technique, or alternate regimens.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

Is a premixed insulin the best option for my meal routine?
How should I time doses around irregular meals or exercise?
What hypoglycemia symptoms should I watch for and treat?
How often should I adjust doses, and based on which readings?
Which pen devices and needles are compatible with my cartridges?
How long can an opened cartridge remain in use at room temperature?

Authoritative Sources

Novo Nordisk (Manufacturer)

DailyMed: Insulin Aspart 70/30

Health Canada Drug Product Database

Ready to refill through YouDrugstore? Choose your quantity and complete checkout for US delivery from Canada with express, cold-chain shipping. This information is educational and does not replace the advice of your healthcare professional.

Express Shipping - from $25.00

Shipping with this method takes 3-5 days

Prices:

Dry-Packed Products $25.00
Cold-Packed Products $35.00

Shipping Countries:

United States (all contiguous states**)
Worldwide (excludes some countries***)

Standard Shipping - $15.00

Shipping with this method takes 5-10 days

Prices:

Dry-Packed Products $15.00
Not available for Cold-Packed products

Shipping Countries:

United States (all contiguous states**)
Worldwide (excludes some countries***)

View All FAQs

Can I switch from basal-bolus insulin to this premix?
A premixed insulin can simplify dosing for people with regular meal patterns. However, it is not automatically interchangeable with separate basal and rapid-acting insulins. Timing, flexibility, and glucose targets can differ. Your prescriber will consider your current doses, glucose logs, and risk of low blood sugar before recommending a change. If a switch is made, close monitoring and follow-up are important during the transition to optimize control and reduce hypoglycemia risk.
How should I time doses with meals?
Premixed insulin is typically injected around mealtime, often just before eating. If you are unsure how much you will eat, some clinicians allow dosing immediately after the meal. Keep your timing consistent from day to day with similar meals. Record your readings to see how timing affects results. Always follow your prescriber’s specific plan and the product label, as timing guidance may vary by patient and clinical context.
What if I experience frequent low blood sugar?
Frequent hypoglycemia may mean your doses or timing need review, or that meals are not aligned with injections. Carry fast-acting carbohydrates and monitor glucose as recommended. Speak with your clinician to evaluate patterns, injection technique, and site rotation. Certain medicines, alcohol, and activity changes can also affect your risk. Never change your dose on your own; your healthcare professional can adjust your plan safely if needed.
Can I travel with my insulin cartridges?
Yes. Keep unopened cartridges refrigerated per label guidance and never freeze them. During travel, store them in an insulated pouch and avoid direct heat. Carry supplies in your hand luggage with a letter from your prescriber for security. Once a cartridge is in use, many premixed insulins have an in-use room temperature window; check your product insert. Protect from light, and pack extra needles and a sharps container or travel-safe alternative.
Do I need a specific pen device?
These cartridges are designed for compatible Novo Nordisk reusable pens. Using the wrong device can result in incorrect dosing or leakage. Check the device instructions for compatibility and priming steps. If you are unsure which pen you own, bring it to your pharmacy or clinic for confirmation. Use a new needle for every injection. If the pen is damaged or not working, replace it before continuing your therapy.
How long can an opened cartridge be used?
Most premixed insulin cartridges have a labeled in-use period at room temperature, often around 28 days, though exact guidance varies by product. Always check the package insert for your specific cartridge. Mark the date when you first use a cartridge and discard it after the in-use window, even if insulin remains. Do not expose in-use cartridges to extreme heat or sunlight. Never use insulin that was frozen or appears clumped or discolored.
Are there interactions I should know about?
Yes. Some medicines can raise glucose and increase insulin needs, such as corticosteroids and certain diuretics. Others may enhance insulin effects, including alcohol or ACE inhibitors. Beta-blockers can mask low blood sugar warning signs. Thiazolidinediones with insulin may increase fluid retention. Provide your clinician with a complete list of medicines, vitamins, and supplements so they can monitor for interactions and adjust your care plan if necessary.