Pronunciation: IN-su-lin GLOO-lis-een
Generic Name: Insulin Glulisine
Brand Name: Apidra Solostar
Insulin Glulisine Pens are used for:
Treating diabetes mellitus. Insulin Glulisine Pens are usually used with a longer-acting insulin or insulin pump therapy.
Insulin Glulisine Pens are a fast-acting form of the hormone insulin. It works by helping your body to use sugar properly. This lowers the amount of glucose in the blood, which helps to treat diabetes.
Do NOT use Insulin Glulisine Pens if:
- you are allergic to any ingredient in Insulin Glulisine Pens
- you are having an episode of low blood sugar
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Before using Insulin Glulisine Pens:
Some medical conditions may interact with Insulin Glulisine Pens. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
- if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
- if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
- if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
- if you drink alcoholic beverages
- if you have kidney or liver problems; nerve problems; adrenal, pituitary, or thyroid problems; or diabetic ketoacidosis
- if you use 3 or more insulin injections per day
- if you are fasting, have high blood sodium levels, or are on a low-salt diet
- if you have had or will be having heart surgery
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Insulin Glulisine Pens. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
- Beta-blockers (eg, propranolol), clonidine, guanethidine, lithium, or reserpine because they may increase the risk of high or low blood sugar or may hide the signs and symptoms of low blood sugar if it occurs
- Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (eg, enalapril), disopyramide, fenfluramine, fibrates (eg, clofibrate, gemfibrozil), fluoxetine, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) (eg, phenelzine), oral medicines for diabetes (eg, glipizide, metformin, nateglinide), pentamidine, pentoxifylline, pramlintide, propoxyphene, salicylates (eg, aspirin), somatostatin analogs (eg, octreotide), or sulfonamide antibiotics (eg, sulfamethoxazole) because the risk of low blood sugar may be increased
- Atypical antipsychotics (eg, olanzapine), corticosteroids (eg, prednisone), danazol, diazoxide, diuretics (eg, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide), estrogen, HIV protease inhibitors (eg, ritonavir), hormonal contraceptives (eg, birth control pills), isoniazid, niacin, phenothiazines (eg, chlorpromazine), progesterones (eg, medroxyprogesterone), somatropin, sympathomimetics (eg, albuterol, epinephrine, terbutaline), or thyroid hormones (eg, levothyroxine) because they may decrease Insulin Glulisine Pens's effectiveness, resulting in high blood sugar
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Insulin Glulisine Pens may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
How to use Insulin Glulisine Pens:
Use Insulin Glulisine Pens as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
- An Apidra Solostar Instruction Leaflet and an extra patient leaflet are available with Insulin Glulisine Pens. Talk to your pharmacist if you have questions about this information.
- Before the first use of a new pen, remove the pen from the refrigerator 1 to 2 hours before use. Do NOT store used pens in the refrigerator.
- Use Insulin Glulisine Pens within 15 minutes before a meal or within 20 minutes after starting a meal, unless directed otherwise by your doctor.
- A health care provider will teach you how to use Insulin Glulisine Pens. Be sure you understand how to use it. Follow the procedures you are taught when you use a dose. Contact your health care provider if you have any questions.
- Wash your hands before you use Insulin Glulisine Pens. Always attach a new needle and perform the safety test as directed before each use.
- Check the dose window before each use to be sure you have dialed the correct dose of insulin. Using too much or too little insulin may result in serious side effects.
- Insulin Glulisine Pens should be clear and colorless. Do not use Insulin Glulisine Pens if it contains particles, is cloudy or discolored, or if the container is cracked or damaged.
- Do NOT dilute Insulin Glulisine Pens or mix it with other insulin.
- Use the proper technique taught to you by your doctor. Inject deep under the skin, NOT into a vein or muscle.
- Injection sites within an injection area (abdomen, thigh, upper arm) must be rotated from one injection to the next.
- After you have injected your dose, slowly count to 10 before you take the needle out of your skin. This will help make sure that you receive the full dose.
- Protect the insulin pen from dust and dirt. You may clean the pen by wiping it with a damp cloth. Do NOT soak, wash, or lubricate the pen.
- Be sure you have purchased the correct insulin. Insulin comes in a variety of containers, including vials, cartridges, and pens. Make sure that you understand how to properly measure and prepare your dose. If you have any questions about measuring and preparing your dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for information.
- Insulin Glulisine Pens begins lowering blood sugar within minutes after an injection. The peak effect occurs between 30 and 90 minutes after a dose. The effect usually lasts from 1 to 2 hours.
- Keep this product, as well as syringes and needles, out of the reach of children and pets. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials. Ask your health care provider how to dispose of these materials after use. Follow all local rules for disposal.
- It is very important to follow your insulin regimen exactly. Do NOT miss any doses. Ask your doctor for specific instructions to follow in case you ever miss a dose of insulin. Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Insulin Glulisine Pens.
Important safety information:
- Drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, or blurred vision may occur while you use Insulin Glulisine Pens. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Insulin Glulisine Pens with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
- Do not drink alcohol without discussing it with your doctor. Drinking alcohol may increase the risk of developing high or low blood sugar.
- Do NOT use more than the recommended dose, use Insulin Glulisine Pens more often than prescribed, or change the type or dose of insulin you are using without checking with your doctor.
- Any change of insulin should be made cautiously and only under medical supervision. Changes in purity, strength, brand (manufacturer), type (regular, NPH, lente), species (beef, pork, beef-pork, human), and/or method of manufacture may require a change in dose.
- Illness, especially with nausea and vomiting, may cause your insulin requirements to change. Even if you are not eating, you still require insulin. You and your doctor should establish a sick-day plan to use in case of illness. When you are sick, test your blood/urine frequently and call your doctor as instructed.
- Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Insulin Glulisine Pens before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
- If you will be traveling across time zones, consult your doctor concerning adjustments in your insulin schedule.
- Carry an ID card at all times that says you have diabetes. Check your blood sugar levels as directed by your doctor. If they are often higher than they should be and you take Insulin Glulisine Pens exactly as prescribed, tell your doctor.
- An insulin reaction resulting from low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia) may occur if you take too much insulin, skip a meal, or exercise too much. Low blood sugar may make you anxious, sweaty, weak, dizzy, drowsy, or faint. It may also make your heart beat faster; make your vision change; give you a headache, chills, or tremors; or make you more hungry. It is a good idea to carry a reliable source of glucose (eg, tablets or gel) to treat low blood sugar. If this is not available, you should eat or drink a quick source of sugar like table sugar, honey, candy, orange juice, or non-diet soda. This will raise your blood sugar level quickly. Tell your doctor right away if this happens. To prevent low blood sugar, eat meals at the same time each day and do not skip meals.
- Developing a fever or infection, eating significantly more than prescribed, or missing your dose of insulin may cause high blood sugar (hyperglycemia). High blood sugar may make you feel confused, drowsy, or thirsty. It can also make you flush, breathe faster, or have a fruit-like breath odor. If these symptoms occur, tell your doctor right away.
- Check with your doctor if you notice a depression in the skin or skin thickening at the injection site. You may need to change your injection technique.
- Proper diet, regular exercise, and regular testing of blood sugar are important for best results when using Insulin Glulisine Pens
- Lab tests, including fasting blood glucose levels, and hemoglobin A1c, may be performed while you use Insulin Glulisine Pens. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
- Use Insulin Glulisine Pens with caution in the ELDERLY; if low blood sugar occurs, it may be more difficult to recognize in these patients.
- Insulin Glulisine Pens should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN younger than 4 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
- PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Insulin Glulisine Pens while you are pregnant. It is not known if Insulin Glulisine Pens are found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Insulin Glulisine Pens, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.
Possible side effects of Insulin Glulisine Pens:
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
Redness, swelling, itching, or mild pain at the injection site.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; wheezing; muscle pain); changes in vision; chills; confusion; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; loss of consciousness; mood changes; nightmares or trouble sleeping; seizures; severe or persistent dizziness, drowsiness, or lightheadedness; severe or persistent headache; slurred speech; tingling in the hands, feet, lips, or tongue; tremor; trouble breathing; trouble concentrating; trouble walking; unusual hunger; unusual sweating; weakness.
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.
See also: Insulin Glulisine side effects (in more detail)
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include chills; dizziness; drowsiness; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; headache; loss of consciousness; nervousness; seizures; shakiness; sweating; tremor; vision changes; weakness.
Proper storage of Insulin Glulisine Pens:
Store new (unopened) pens in a refrigerator, between 36 and 46 degrees F (2 and 8 degrees C). Do not freeze Insulin Glulisine Pens. Store used (open) pens at room temperature, below 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Do NOT store used (open) pens in the refrigerator. Store away from heat and light. If Insulin Glulisine Pens has been frozen or overheated, throw it away. Throw away unrefrigerated or used pens after 28 days, even if they still contain medicine.
Do not leave Insulin Glulisine Pens in a car on a warm or sunny day. Do not use Insulin Glulisine Pens after the expiration date stamped on the label. Always remove the pen needle after each injection. Store the pen without the needle attached. Keep Insulin Glulisine Pens, as well as syringes and needles, out of the reach of children and away from pets.
General information:
- If you have any questions about Insulin Glulisine Pens, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- Insulin Glulisine Pens are to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
- If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
- Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.
This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Insulin Glulisine Pens. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
More Insulin Glulisine resources
- Insulin Glulisine Side Effects (in more detail)
- Insulin Glulisine Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Insulin Glulisine Drug Interactions
- Insulin Glulisine Support Group
- 1 Review for Insulin Glulisine - Add your own review/rating
Compare Insulin Glulisine with other medications
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- Diabetes, Type 2
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