Fiasp Insulin

Fiasp is a faster-acting form of insulin aspart from Novo Nordisk. It is designed to help minimise the rise in blood glucose after a meal, and to bring glucose levels down faster than rapid-acting insulins such as Humalog, NovoRapid and Apidra.

Fiasp is a variation of insulin aspart, a rapid-acting insulin. Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is added so the insulin is absorbed more quickly from the injection site, and L-arginine is added to stabilise the molecule. Fiasp appears in the bloodstream about twice as fast as NovoRapid, at roughly 4 minutes compared with roughly 9 minutes.

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Fiasp peaks between 1 and 3 hours and continues working for 3 to 5 hours, which is similar to other rapid-acting insulins.

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The product information allows Fiasp to be given up to 2 minutes before the start of a meal, and up to 20 minutes after starting a meal, without compromising overall glycaemic control. That flexibility is the main practical difference from NovoRapid, which is given immediately before a meal.

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Which Fiasp presentations are still available in Australia

Novo Nordisk has discontinued two Fiasp presentations in Australia. Fiasp vials were deleted from the market from around December 2024, and Fiasp FlexTouch pens from around March 2025. Fiasp Penfill, the 3 mL cartridge used in a reusable pen, remains on the PBS as item 13651L and is expected to stay available. Novo Nordisk has stated that these changes are not the result of any safety, efficacy or quality concerns.

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If you use a presentation that has been discontinued, or you are considering Fiasp, speak with your diabetes team or your pharmacist about which option suits you. Our Credentialled Diabetes Educators and pharmacists can review your insulin, your injection technique and your pump settings with you.

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Last reviewed November 2026. Sources: Therapeutic Goods Administration, about the changes to the supply of insulin products; PBS Schedule item 13651L; Novo Nordisk Australia product information for Fiasp.