COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Apidra
GENERIC NAME(S): INSULIN GLULISINE
Description: Insulin glulisine is a rapid acting human insulin analog produced by recombinant DNA technology using a non-pathogenic laboratory strain of Escherichia coli (K12). Insulin glulisine has a more rapid onset and shorter duration of action compared with insulin human after subcutaneous admin.
Insulin glulisine is used to control high blood sugar in people with diabetes with a proper diet and exercise program. Insulin glulisine is a man-made product that is similar to human insulin. Insulin glulisine starts working faster and lasts for a shorter time than regular insulin. It works by helping blood sugar (glucose) get into cells so your body can use it for energy. This medication is usually used with a medium- or long-acting insulin product.
How to use insulin glulisine subcutaneous
Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using this medication and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor, diabetes educator, or pharmacist.
Learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional and the product package.
Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the insulin. Insulin glulisine should be clear and colorless.
Before injecting each dose, clean the injection site with rubbing alcohol. Change the injection site each time to lessen injury under the skin and to avoid developing problems under the skin (lipodystrophy). Insulin glulisine may be injected in the stomach area, the thigh, or the back of the upper arm. Do not inject into skin that is red, swollen, or itchy. Do not inject cold insulin because this can be painful. The insulin container you are currently using can be kept at room temperature (see also Storage section).
Inject this medication under the skin as directed by your doctor, usually within 15 minutes before eating a meal or within 20 minutes after starting the meal. Do not inject into a vein or muscle because very low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) may occur. Because this insulin is fast-acting, do not use the insulin if you are unable to eat within 15 minutes of injection or if you have low blood sugar. Not eating right after a dose of insulin may lead to low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Do not rub the area after the injection.
Giving insulin glulisine into a vein should only be done by a health care professional. Very low blood sugar may result.
If you are directed to inject this insulin with an infusion pump, read the instruction manual and directions that come with the infusion pump. If you have any questions, ask your health care professional. Avoid exposing the pump or its tubing to direct sunlight or other heat sources. Do not dilute insulin if you are using an insulin pump.
This product may be mixed only with certain other insulin products such as NPH insulin. Always draw the insulin glulisine into the syringe first, then follow with the longer-acting insulin. Never inject a mixture of different insulins into a vein. Consult your health care professional about which products may be mixed, the proper method for mixing insulin, and the proper way to inject mixtures of insulin. Do not mix insulins if you are using an insulin pump.
If you are directed to add a mixing liquid to insulin glulisine before use (dilute), ask your health care professional about the correct way to dilute insulin.
Do not change brands or types of insulin without directions on how to do so from your doctor.
Do not share your pen device with another person, even if the needle is changed. You may give other people a serious infection, or get a serious infection from them. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Measure each dose very carefully because even small changes in the amount of insulin may have a large effect on your blood sugar levels.
Check your blood sugar regularly as directed by your doctor. Keep track of your results and share them with your doctor. This is very important in order to determine the correct insulin dose.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens (your blood sugar levels are too high or too low).
Tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly if injection site reactions (such as pain, redness, irritation) persist or worsen.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any signs of low potassium level in the blood (such as muscle cramps, weakness, irregular heartbeat).
This medication can cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
Your dosage may need to be increased if symptoms of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) occur. Tell your doctor immediately if these symptoms occur:
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
Consult your doctor regarding the precaution mentioned above.
Interactions
Rosiglitazone may interact with this drug.
Beta-blocker medications (such as metoprolol, propranolol, glaucoma eye drops such as timolol) may prevent the fast/pounding heartbeat you would usually feel when your blood sugar level falls too low (hypoglycemia).
Many drugs can affect your blood sugar levels, making it more difficult to control your blood sugar. Before you start, stop, or change any medication, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about how the medication may affect your blood sugar.
Overdose & Brands
If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include: signs of low blood sugar such as sweating, shakiness, loss of consciousness, fast heartbeat.
Notes
Do not share this medication, needles, or syringes with others.
Attend a diabetes education program to learn more about diabetes and the important aspects of its treatment, including medications, diet, exercise, and getting regular eye/foot/medical exams.
Learn the symptoms of high and low blood sugar and how to treat low blood sugar. Check your blood sugar levels regularly as directed.
Keep all regular medical and laboratory appointments. Laboratory and/or medical tests (such as liver and kidney function tests, fasting blood glucose, hemoglobin A1c, complete blood counts) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects.
Keep extra supplies of insulin, syringes, and needles on hand.
Missed Dose
It is very important to follow your insulin regimen exactly. Ask your doctor ahead of time what you should do if you miss a dose of insulin.
Storage
It is best to refrigerate all unopened insulin products. Unopened insulin aspart may also be stored at room temperature, but it must be thrown away after 28 days. Opened insulin aspart vials may be stored in the refrigerator or at room temperature. Opened insulin aspart cartridges and prefilled pens can only be stored at room temperature and should not be refrigerated. Throw away all insulin aspart in use after 28 days, even if there is insulin left. Also throw away all insulin products after the expiration date on the package. Do not freeze and do not use insulin that has been frozen.
If using this drug in an insulin pump, do not store this drug in the pump for more than 6 days. Doing so may lead to ineffective treatment and high blood sugar. Do not expose the insulin in your pump to direct sunlight or temperatures above 98.6 degrees F (37 degrees C).
Protect insulin from light and heat. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
Brands
Available Brands:
| Apidra [ sanofi-aventis ] | Apidra Solostar [ sanofi-aventis ] |
UsesWarningsSide EffectsPrecautionsOverdose & BrandsUses Ultravist is used in the following conditions: Radiographic Imaging: Iopromide injection is utilized to enhance the [...]
UsesWarningsSide EffectsPrecautionsOverdose & BrandsUses Ultramox is used in the following conditions: Respiratory Infections: Amoxicillin is often used to treat respiratory [...]
UsesWarningsSide EffectsPrecautionsOverdose & BrandsUses Ultraliv is used in the following conditions: Carnitine Orotate: Carnitine orotate is a combination of L-carnitine [...]
