INSULIN BIOSIMILAR
Overview
Merilog is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a rapid-acting insulin analog to improve blood sugar control in adults and children with diabetes mellitus, including type 2 diabetes. Merilog is a biosimilar to Novolog (insulin aspart), which means it is highly similar to the FDA-approved reference product with no clinically meaningful differences in terms of safety, purity, and potency. Merilog is also known by its drug name, insulin aspart-szjj.
Insulin biosimilars like Merilog work the same way as natural insulin. They help lower blood sugar by allowing glucose to enter cells, providing energy and preventing hyperglycemia (high blood sugar).
How do I take it?
Merilog is injected under the skin (subcutaneously) within five to 10 minutes before eating. It can be injected into the stomach, thigh, buttocks, or upper arm. To avoid skin problems like fat buildup or thickening, it's important to rotate injection sites within the same area. This insulin is usually used along with an intermediate- or long-acting insulin. The dose is adjusted based on blood sugar levels and treatment goals. Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for use.
Side effects
Common side effects of Merilog include hypoglycemia, allergic reactions, local injection site reactions, lipodystrophy, rash, and pruritus (itching).
Rare but serious side effects may include severe allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis (a life-threatening allergic reaction), hypokalemia (low potassium levels), fluid retention, and heart failure when used with thiazolidinediones (a class of diabetes medications). Changes in insulin regimen can also cause significant blood sugar fluctuations, requiring close monitoring.
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Prescribing Information: Merilog (Insulin Aspart-Szjj) Injection, for Subcutaneous Use — Sanofi