Apidra (Insulin Glulisine)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Apidra Used For?
Apidra contains insulin glulisine, a modified insulin that is very similar to human insulin. It works as a substitute for the insulin produced by your pancreas to help control your blood sugar levels.
Primary Uses
Apidra is used to reduce high blood sugar (glucose) levels in people with diabetes mellitus. It is a short-acting insulin that your doctor may prescribe along with a long-acting insulin.
How It Works
Apidra contains a modified insulin that is very similar to human insulin. It acts as a substitute for the insulin produced by the pancreas, helping to lower blood sugar levels quickly after meals.
Good to know: Apidra is not addictive.
How to Take Apidra
Your doctor will determine how much Apidra you need each day and may adjust your dose based on your blood sugar levels. Apidra should be injected under the skin, not into a vein or muscle.
Dosage Instructions
Use Apidra within 15 minutes before or immediately after a meal. Your doctor will tell you the exact amount and timing. Any changes to your dose should only be made under medical supervision. Inject into your abdomen, thighs, or upper arms, rotating injection sites daily to prevent skin problems.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you forget your insulin dose, check your blood sugar level as soon as possible. Do not take an extra dose later just because you missed one. Taking a dose at an unscheduled time can increase your risk of low blood sugar. Contact your doctor for specific advice if you’re unsure what to do.
Important: Do NOT use a double dose of your insulin. This may cause dangerously low blood sugar levels.
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia)
- Injection site reactions (redness, swelling, rash, itching)
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Severe hypoglycemia symptoms (disorientation, seizures, fits, convulsions, loss of consciousness)
- Serious allergic reactions (rash, itching, hives, shortness of breath, wheezing, difficulty breathing, swelling of face/lips/tongue)
- Skin changes at injection sites (lumps, pits, thickening)
Important Warnings
There are several important safety considerations before using Apidra. Make sure to discuss your complete medical history with your doctor.
Who Should Not Take Apidra
Do not use Apidra if you are allergic to insulin glulisine, insulin, or any ingredients in the product. Do not use if you are experiencing low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia). Do not use after the expiry date or if the product appears cloudy, discolored, contains particles, or if the packaging is damaged. Do not give to children less than 4 years of age.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver problems, take other medicines, have allergies to medicines/foods/preservatives/dyes, drink alcohol, don’t eat regular meals, exercise a lot, or are ill or feeling unwell. Alcohol, diet, exercise, and your general health all affect diabetes control.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Check with your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant, as pregnancy may make managing your diabetes more difficult. Talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Apidra and affect how it works. Always tell your doctor about all medicines you’re taking, including over-the-counter products.
- Oral antidiabetic medicines for type 2 diabetes
- Blood pressure, blood flow, cholesterol and heart medications
- Pain and inflammation medications
- Some antidepressants
- Sulfonamide antibiotics
- Corticosteroids, glucagon and other hormonal therapies
- Oral contraceptives and gynecological medicines
- Fluid and glaucoma medicines
- Tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS treatments
- Some psychiatric medications
- Adrenaline (epinephrine) and asthma medications such as salbutamol, terbutaline
- Beta-blockers (may mask symptoms of hypoglycemia)
Alcohol & Driving
Both alcohol consumption and driving require special precautions when using Apidra due to the risk of low blood sugar.
Alcohol
Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol. Alcohol may mask the symptoms of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), making it harder to recognize when your blood sugar is dangerously low.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful driving or operating machinery until you know how Apidra affects you. Be especially careful not to let your blood sugar levels fall too low, as this can impair your ability to drive safely.
Storage
Keep unopened pens, cartridges, and vials of Apidra in a refrigerator at temperatures between 2°C and 8°C. Do not allow it to freeze – discard if frozen. Pens, cartridges, and vials should be discarded 28 days after first use. Keep injection pens at room temperature for 1-2 hours before use, as cold insulin is more painful to inject.
Overdose Information
If you accidentally use too much Apidra, your blood sugar may become dangerously low (hypoglycemia) and you may need urgent medical attention. Immediately phone the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26 in Australia or 0800 764 766 in New Zealand), contact your doctor, or go to the nearest Emergency Department. Early symptoms include cold sweat, fatigue, nervousness, confusion, excessive hunger, vision changes, and headache. Always carry sugary food or drink and take 5-7 jelly beans, 3 teaspoons of sugar/honey, 1/2 can of regular soft drink, or 2-3 glucose tablets if symptoms occur.
Frequently Asked Questions
Apidra is a short-acting insulin that should be used within 15 minutes before or immediately after a meal, indicating it works relatively quickly to control blood sugar spikes from food.
Yes, Apidra should be taken within 15 minutes before or immediately after a meal. Your doctor will tell you the specific timing that works best for your meal schedule.
No, Apidra is not addictive. It is a necessary medication for managing diabetes and replacing the insulin your pancreas cannot produce adequately.
Check your blood sugar level as soon as possible. Do not take an extra dose later just because you missed one, as this can increase your risk of low blood sugar. Contact your doctor for specific advice about what to do.
Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol. Alcohol may mask the symptoms of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), making it harder to recognize when your blood sugar is dangerously low.
Keep unopened pens, cartridges, and vials in the refrigerator between 2°C and 8°C. Do not freeze. Once opened, discard after 28 days. Let it reach room temperature before injecting as cold insulin is more painful.
Too much Apidra can cause dangerously low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Seek immediate medical attention by calling the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26 in Australia or 0800 764 766 in New Zealand) or going to the emergency department.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.