Apidra (see Insulin Glulisine (By injection))

Insulin Glulisine (By injection)

IN-su-lin GLOO-lis-een

Drug classes

Antidiabetic (About this – PubMed Health)

Uses

Uses of This Medicine

Insulin glulisine is a fast-acting type of insulin. Insulin is one of many hormones that help the body turn the food we eat into energy. This is done by using the glucose (sugar) in the blood as quick energy. Also, insulin helps us store energy that we can use later. When you have diabetes mellitus (sugar diabetes), your body cannot make enough insulin or does not use insulin properly. So, you must take additional insulin to regulate your blood sugar and keep your body healthy. This is very important as too much sugar in the blood can be harmful to your health.

Insulin glulisine starts to work faster than some other types of insulin, and its effects do not last as long. It should act more like the insulin your body would normally produce. Because the effects of insulin glulisine are short-acting, your doctor may also prescribe a longer-acting insulin for you to use.

This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.

Other uses (PubMed Health)

How To Use

Injectable

Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin using a syringe or an insulin pump. It may also be given through a needle placed into a vein by a healthcare professional.

You will be taught how to give yourself this medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions. Take your medicine as directed.

Use only syringes that are made for insulin. Some insulin must be used with a specific type of syringe or needle. Ask your pharmacist if you are not sure which one to use.

When you get a new supply of insulin, check the label to be sure it is the correct type. Do not change brands unless your doctor tells you to.

Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

The medicine should look clear and colorless before you use it. Do not use this medicine if it is cloudy or has particles in it.

You will be shown the body areas where this shot can be given. Use a different body area each time you give yourself a shot. Keep track of where you give each shot to make sure you rotate body areas.

Use a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine.

Always remove the needle after each injection. Do not store the pen with a needle attached.

Insulin pump: Change the insulin and the infusion set at least every 48 hours, or any time that the insulin is over 98.6 degrees. Do not mix this insulin with any other insulin. Always follow the pump instructions for your specific brand of insulin.

Missed dose: Call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.

Unopened medicine: Store the unused insulin vials or SoloStar® pen in the refrigerator. Protect from light. Do not freeze.

Opened medicine:

Vials: Store in the refrigerator or at room temperature in a cool place, away from sunlight and heat. Use within 28 days. SoloStar® prefilled pen: Store at room temperature, away from direct heat and light. Do not refrigerate. Throw away any opened prefilled pen after 28 days.

Throw away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Some medicines can affect how insulin glulisine works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:

Albuterol, aspirin, clonidine, danazol, disopyramide, fluoxetine, glucagon, guanethidine, isoniazid, lithium, niacin, pentamidine, pentoxifylline, pramlintide, propoxyphene, reserpine, somatropin, or terbutaline Other diabetes medicine that you take by mouth, a diuretic (water pill), medicine to treat HIV/AIDS, a sulfa antibiotic, a steroid, a phenothiazine medicine, a beta-blocker or ACE inhibitor medicine (for blood pressure or heart problems), a fibrate medicine to lower cholesterol, an MAO inhibitor (MAOI), thyroid medicine, estrogen, or birth control pills

When Not To Use

This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to insulin glulisine or while your blood sugar level is low.

Warnings

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or heart disease. Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol.

This medicine may cause the following problems:

Low blood sugar Low potassium levels in the blood Fluid retention or heart failure (when used with a thiazolidinedione medicine)

Never share insulin pens with anyone. Shared needles or pens can pass viruses or other illnesses from one person to another.

Your doctor may change your insulin dose for diet or activity changes, illness, pregnancy, or other conditions that stress your body.

Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible side effects

Summary More details

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

Dry mouth, increased thirst, muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting, uneven heartbeat

Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet

Shaking, trembling, sweating, fast or pounding heartbeat, lightheadedness, hunger, confusion

Vision changes, numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Cough, stuffy or runny nose, sore throat

Redness, itching, swelling, or any changes in your skin where the shot was given

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

More side effects of this drug

Brand names include

Apidra, Apidra Solostar

There may be other brand names for this medicine.