Apidra Cartridge 100 Units / mL

Apidra Cartridges are used to improve blood glucose levels for people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. This fast-acting insulin helps lower blood sugar levels after meals in order to avoid any complications related to diabetes mellitus.

Apidra 100IU Catridges are typically recommended to be used along with other diabetes medications including long-acting types of insulin.

Your physician or nurse will provide you proper methods to apply the injection subcutaneously (under the skin).

This medication should be taken 15 minutes before or within 20 minutes of beginning your meal. You should continue using it unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

As advised by your physician, Apidra should be used as part of a treatment program in combination a healthy diet, exercise routine and weight loss program.

It’s important to check your blood sugar levels regularly which can be performed using a glucometer. Results should be shared with your doctor so they can adjust your dosage accordingly.

Side effects

Common side effects of this medication include:

• hypoglycemia
• allergic reactions
• lipodystrophy
• itching
• rashes
• weight gain

Skin irritations may occur at the site of injection which include redness, swelling and hard lumps (lipodystrophy). To avoid this from occurring, do not skip meals and monitor your blood sugar levels regularly.

It is not recommended to smoke or drink excessively as these can impact blood sugar levels.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, let your doctor know prior to starting treatment.

Do not use this medication if your blood sugar levels are low (hypoglycemia). Consult with your doctor if you have any problems with your heart, liver or kidney’s prior to starting treatment.

Benefits

Apidra 100IU Cartridge is a fast-acting form of insulin which helps manage blood sugar levels effectively by replacing insulin that is normally produced by the body.

As a result, glucose is able to enter the cells for the body to use as energy. Blood glucose levels are dropped within 10-20 minutes of injection and can last up to 3-5 hours. Speak with your doctor about how to properly administer the injection for effectiveness.

Overdose

You may experience hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) if you have injected too much Apidra. In order to prevent this, you should consume more food and monitor your blood sugar closely.

Hypoglycemia is caused by too much insulin in the blood relative to food consumption, energy expenditure or both.

In more extreme cases, patients may experience seizures, brain disorders (which may be treated with glucagon or glucose) or even diabetic coma.

Regardless of whether you’re showing any symptoms, if you feel you have overdosed on this medication, you should contact a doctor, hospital or poison control center immediately.

Using other medications with Apidra

Other medications may affect blood glucose levels. Be careful when starting or stopping any drugs while using Apidra. You may be required to adjust your insulin dose to avoid any rapid increase or decrease in blood sugar levels.

Alert your pharmacist or doctor if you are starting a new medication. Notify your doctor of any other medications you are taking so they can adjust your dosage and routine.

The following medications are known to lower blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia):

• ACE inhibitors (angiotensin converting enzyme) commonly used to treat high blood pressure or heart conditions
• MAO inhibitors (monoamine oxidase)
• disopyramide
• fibrates
• fluoxetine
• sulphonaide antibiotics
• propxyphene, salicylates, pentoxifylline (this includes aspirin)

Medications known to increase blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia):

• atypical antipsychotic medicines
• corticosteroids
• danazol
• diazoxide
• diuretics
• glucagon
• isoniazid
• progestogens & oestrogens
• phenothiazine derivatives
• protease inhibitors
• symathomimetic medicines
• somatropin
• thyroid hormones

The following may increase/decrease blood sugar levels:

• beta blockers
• clonidine
• lithium salts
• pantamidine

Your doctor should be made aware of any drugs or supplements you are taking.

Storage

• Keep this medicine out of reach from children
• Keep in refrigerator between 2-8°C
• Do not use medication if passed expiry date
• Do not use if medication appears colorless or clear
• Keep inside the cart and away from direct light or heat
• Once opened, can be stored for a maximum of 4 weeks in the outer carton
• Do not freeze (discard if frozen)
• Discard within 28 days of first use
• Spare cartridges should also be discarded after 28 days after being removed from the refrigerator

When disposing cartridges, do not throw away in waste or down wastewater. Speak to your pharmacist about disposing any unused medication. Best practices for disposing medication helps protect the environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a difference between Apidra (insulin glulisine) and Humalog (insulin lispro)?

There aren’t many differences between Apidra (insulin glulisine) and Humalog (insulin lispro). Both are manufactured by Sanofi-Aventis and are rapid-acting insulin medications however Apidra is known to work the fastest.

Is Apidra (insulin glulisine) a fast-acting insulin?

Apidra is known as a flexible mealtime insulin that is fast-acting that is injected. Take this medication 15 minutes before a meal and 20 minutes after starting a meal in the thigh, abdomen or upper arm.

How long does Apidra (insulin glulisine) last in the body?

After injection, this fast-acting insulin can start working within 15 minutes, peaks within an hour and continues to work from 2-4 hours.

Can you mix Apidra with Lantus?

It is not recommended to mix these two medications together. When injecting subcutaneously, only NPH insulin (such as Novolin N or Humulin N) can be mixed with Apidra (insulin glulisine). You can use Lantus while using Apidra to control blood glucose levels throughout the day.

How much should I take?

When taking Apidra (insulin glulisine), dosages should be individualized. It’s important to monitor blood sugar levels regularly. Normally the daily dosage is between 0.5 to 1 unit per kg of body weight.