Apidra is an inhection that contains insulin glulisine. Insulin is a hormone that works by lowering levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood. Insulin glulisine is a faster-acting form of insulin than regular human insulin.
Apidra is used to treat diabetes in adults and children who are at least 4 years old. Apidra is usually given together with a long-acting insulin.
Important information
Apidra is a fast-acting insulin that begins to work very quickly. You should use it within 15 minutes before or 20 minutes after you start eating a meal.
You should not use Apidra if you are having an episode of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
Apidra is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include diet, exercise, weight control, foot care, eye care, dental care, and testing your blood sugar. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely. Changing any of these factors can affect your blood sugar levels.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Apidra if you are allergic to insulin, or if you are having an episode of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
To make sure Apidra is safe for you, tell your doctor if:
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you have liver or kidney disease; or
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if you also take certain oral diabetes medicine (pioglitazone, rosiglitazone, Actos, Avandia).
Apidra is only part of a treatment program that may also include diet, exercise, weight control, blood sugar testing, and special medical care. Follow your doctor"s instructions very closely.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether Apidra is harmful to an unborn baby. Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
See also: Pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)
It is not known whether insulin glulisine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I use Apidra?
Use Apidra exactly as it was prescribed for you. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Apidra is a fast-acting insulin that begins to work very quickly. You should use it within 15 minutes before or 20 minutes after you start eating a meal.
Apidra is injected under the skin using a needle and syringe, an injection pen, or an insulin pump. It may also be given through a needle placed into a vein. You will be shown how to use injections at home. Do not self-inject Apidra if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of used needles and syringes.
Use a different place on your stomach, thigh, or upper arm each time you give the injection. Your care provider will show you the best places on your body to inject the medicine. Do not inject into the same place two times in a row.
Infusion pump tubing, catheters, and the needle location on your skin should be changed every 48 hours.
Use a disposable needle and syringe only once. Follow any state or local laws about throwing away used needles and syringes. Use a puncture-proof "sharps" disposal container (ask your pharmacist where to get one and how to throw it away). Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.
Never share an injection pen or cartridge with another person. Sharing injection pens or cartridges can allow disease such as hepatitis or HIV to pass from one person to another.
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can happen to everyone who has diabetes. Symptoms include headache, hunger, sweating, confusion, irritability, dizziness, or feeling shaky. Always keep a source of sugar with you in case you have low blood sugar. Sugar sources include fruit juice, hard candy, crackers, raisins, and non-diet soda. Be sure your family and close friends know how to help you in an emergency.
If you have severe hypoglycemia and cannot eat or drink, use a glucagon injection. Your doctor can prescribe a glucagon emergency injection kit and tell you how to use it.
Also watch for signs of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) such as increased thirst, increased urination, hunger, dry mouth, fruity breath odor, drowsiness, dry skin, blurred vision, and weight loss.
Check your blood sugar carefully during times of stress, travel, illness, surgery or medical emergency, vigorous exercise, or if you drink alcohol or skip meals. These things can affect your glucose levels and your dose needs may also change. Do not change your dose of Apidra or dosing schedule without your doctor"s advice.
Storing unopened vials, cartridges, or injection pens: Keep in the carton and store in a refrigerator, protected from light. Throw away any insulin not used before the expiration date on the medicine label. Do not freeze Apidra, and throw away the medication if it has become frozen.
Unopened vials, cartridges, or injection pens may also be stored at room temperature for up to 28 days, away from heat and bright light. Throw away any insulin not used within 28 days.
Storing after your first use: You may keep "in-use" vials in the refrigerator or at room temperature, protected from light. Use within 28 days.
In-use cartridges or injection pens must be stored at room temperature, away from heat and bright light. Do not refrigerate an in-use cartridge or injection pen. Keep it at room temperature and use within 28 days.
An infusion set should be stored at room temperature and used within 48 hours.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Since Apidra is used before meals, you may not be on a timed dosing schedule. Whenever you use Apidra, be sure to eat a meal within 15 minutes. Do not use extra insulin to make up a missed dose.
Use Apidra regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An insulin overdose can cause life-threatening hypoglycemia.
Symptoms of severe hypoglycemia include extreme weakness, blurred vision, sweating, trouble speaking, tremors, stomach pain, confusion, seizure (convulsions), or coma.
What should I avoid while using Apidra?
Avoid drinking alcohol. It can affect your blood sugar levels.
Apidra side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of insulin allergy: itching skin rash over the entire body, wheezing, trouble breathing, fast heart rate, sweating, or feeling like you might pass out.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
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itching, swelling, redness, or thickening of the skin where you inject Apidra; or
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low potassium--confusion, uneven heart rate, extreme thirst, increased urination, leg discomfort, muscle weakness or limp feeling.
Common Apidra side effects may include:
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low blood sugar--headache, hunger, weakness, sweating, confusion, irritability, dizziness, fast heart rate, or feeling jittery.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
What other drugs will affect Apidra?
Many other medicines can increase or decrease the effects of Apidra on lowering your blood sugar. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.
