Drug Notes

Insulin glulisine (By injection)

Insulin Glulisine (IN-su-lin GLOO-lis-een)

Treats diabetes.

Brand Name(s):

Apidra, Apidra Solostar

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your healthcare provider will work with you to personalize your dose and treatment based on your insulin needs and lifestyle. You will be taught how to give yourself the injections or use your insulin pump. Make sure you understand all instructions. Ask the doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have questions.
• Always double-check both the concentration (strength) of your insulin and your dose. Concentration and dose are not the same. The dose is how many units of insulin you will use. The concentration tells how many units of insulin are in each milliliter (mL), such as 100 units/mL (U-100), but this does not mean you will use 100 units at a time.
• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
• You will be shown the body areas where this shot can be given. Use a different body area each time you give yourself a shot. Keep track of where you give each shot to make sure you rotate body areas.
• Use a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine. If you use a syringe, use only the kind that is made for insulin injections. Some insulin must be given with a specific type of syringe or needle. Ask your pharmacist if you are not sure which one to use.
• Check the label before use. Do not change the brand, type, or concentration unless your doctor tells you to. If you use a pump or other device, make sure the insulin is made for that device.
• Always remove the needle after each injection. Do not store the pen with a needle attached.
• The insulin solution should look clear and colorless. Do not use insulin glulisine if it is cloudy or clumpy.
• Insulin pump: Change the insulin and the infusion set at least every 48 hours, or any time that the insulin is over 98.6 degrees. Do not mix this insulin with any other insulin. Always follow the pump instructions for your specific brand of insulin.
• Unopened medicine: Store in the refrigerator. Protect from light. Do not freeze.
• Opened medicine:
  • Vials: Store in the refrigerator or at room temperature in a cool place, away from direct heat and light. Use within 28 days.
  • SoloStar® prefilled pen: Store at room temperature, away from direct heat and light. Do not refrigerate. Throw away any opened pen after 28 days.
• Throw away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can change the amount of insulin you need to use and make it harder for you to control your diabetes. Tell your doctor about all other medicines that you are using.
• Limit how much alcohol you drink.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, or heart failure.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Low blood sugar or low potassium levels in the blood
  • Fluid retention or heart failure (when used with a thiazolidinedione [TZD] medicine)
• Never share insulin pens with anyone. Shared needles or pens can pass hepatitis virus, HIV, and other illnesses from one person to another.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Dry mouth, increased thirst, muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting, uneven heartbeat
• Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet, trouble breathing, tiredness
• Shaking, trembling, sweating, fast or pounding heartbeat, lightheadedness, hunger, confusion

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet
• Redness, itching, swelling, or any changes in your skin where the shot was given
• Vision changes

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 1/27/2017