Topics
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Fast Facts
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| Generic name |
- insulin glulisine (pronounced IN soo lin gloo LIS een) (no generic available)
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| Common brand names |
- Apidra, Apidra SoloSTAR (prefilled pen)
- Apidra cartridges are used with OptiClik pens
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| Type of insulin, onset, duration |
- Rapid-acting; begins working in 12 to 30 minutes and lasts 3 to 4 hours
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| Uses |
- Treatment of type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus to improve control of blood glucose
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| When to take the insulin |
- Inject Apidra under the skin within 15 minutes before or 20 minutes after starting a meal
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| Usual dose |
- The frequency and dose of insulin are unique to each individual
- Daily doses of insulin are based upon body weight, diet, activity level, age, individual sensitivity to insulin, type of diabetes (1 or 2)
- Multiple daily doses according to blood glucose levels are typical
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| Injecting the insulin |
- See safety tip #2 to determine if Apidra can be mixed with another insulin before injection
- If you have questions, ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to show you how to draw your dose of insulin into a syringe and inject it, select the dose on a pen device and inject the insulin, or use an insulin pump
- If using an OptiClik pen, be sure you are not holding the pen upside down when viewing the dose in the window (see pictures)
- Before injecting a dose, take the chill off refrigerated insulin by gently rolling the vial, pen, or cartridge between the palm of both hands (do not shake the insulin vigorously
- Inject the insulin below the skin (not in the muscle) in the upper thighs, upper arms, buttocks, or abdomen; the injection site should be changed (rotated) with each dose
- Don't use Apidra if the insulin appears cloudy instead of clear and colorless
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| Special instructions and precautions |
- Inject Apidra within 15 minutes before or 20 minutes after starting a meal
- Follow the diet prescribed by your doctor; keep your eating habits and exercise regular
- Tell the doctor who prescribes insulin about any new medicines you are taking
- Do not share insulin pens, cartridges, or syringes/needles with others
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| Safety during pregnancy/breastfeeding |
- Talk to your doctor about managing your diabetes during pregnancy and breastfeeding
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| Storage and disposal |
- Store unopened vials, cartridges, and pens in the refrigerator until first use (do not freeze)
- After first use, store vials in the refrigerator or at room temperature; discard after 28 days
- After first use, store cartridges and insulin pens at room temperature (do not refrigerate); discard after 28 days
- Safely dispose of used syringes/needles, pens, and lancets (safety tip #3)
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| Most common side effects |
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar); see signs and treatment of hypoglycemia above
- Low potassium blood levels, fast heart rate, fatigue, headache, hunger, weight gain
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| Other conditions to report to your doctor |
- Chest pain or palpitations, persistent fatigue, confusion, numbness of mouth, lips, or tongue, muscle weakness or tremors, vision changes, swelling of feet, flu-like symptoms
- Swelling, itching, redness, warmth, or pain at the injection site
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| Herbals that should not be taken with Apidra |
- These herbals can lower your blood glucose: chromium, garlic, gymnema
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| Prescription medicines that should not be taken with Apidra |
- Many prescription medicines can affect your blood sugar levels and insulin needs
- Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, particularly new medicines
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| Special tests your doctor may prescribe |
- Patients are often asked to test their own blood glucose using home testing equipment, test their urine for sugar and acetone, and take their blood pressure regularly
- To monitor your diabetes, your doctor may periodically test your blood levels for hemoglobin A1c, potassium, cholesterol, and substances that measure kidney function
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