Apidra Vials

Apidra is people with diabetes use a rapid-acting, safe, and effective diabetes medication to manage high blood sugar. It is commonly used by adults and children (under four years old) with diabetes mellitus.

The Apidra vials are to be used with insulin syringes and insulin pumps with the corresponding unit scale. A ml of insulin glulisine contains 100 units (equivalent to 3.49 mg).

The vials contain 10 ml of solution for injection, equivalent to 1000 units.

Before using a vial, examine it. Use it only if the solution is clear, colourless, and has no visible particles.

Apidra is commonly prescribed when oral medications and diet modifications fail to correct the condition.  It is a fast-acting insulin and is usually used after meal time. The release duration is similar to those of Fiasp products.

This medication is also available in SoloStar Pens and cartridges.

Apidra should be injected subcutaneously or by external insulin pumps.

This insulin medication should be taken before 15 minutes of mealtime or within 20 minutes after starting a meal.

Warnings and Precautions

Insulin pens and needles must never be shared between patients, even if the needle is changed. Do NOT reuse needles, as this can cause severe consequences.

Monitor blood glucose in all patients treated with insulin. Modify insulin regimens only under medical supervision. Changes in insulin regimen, including strength, manufacturer, type, injection site, or method of administration, may result in the need for a change in insulin dose or an adjustment in concomitant oral antidiabetic treatment. Dosing should be individualized based on patient characteristics and lifestyle.

Repeated insulin injections into areas of lipodystrophy or localized cutaneous amyloidosis may result in hyperglycemia; the sudden change in the injection site (to the unaffected area) has been reported to result in hypoglycemia. Advise patients to rotate injection site to unaffected areas and closely monitor for hypoglycemia.

Hypoglycemia is the most common adverse reaction associated with insulins, including Apidra, and maybe life-threatening.

To avoid medication errors between Apidra and other insulins, instruct patients to check the insulin label before each injection.

All insulin products, including Apidra, can cause hypokalemia. Untreated hypokalemia may cause respiratory paralysis, ventricular arrhythmia, and death. Use caution in patients who may be at risk for hypokalemia.

Severe life-threatening, generalized allergy, including anaphylaxis, can occur with insulin products, including Apidra. If hypersensitivity reactions occur, discontinue Apidra, treat per standard of care, and monitor until symptoms and signs resolve.

Fluid retention and heart failure can occur with concomitant use of thiazolidinediones (TZDs) with insulin. Observe for signs and symptoms of heart failure. Consider dosage reduction or discontinuation of TZD if heart failure occurs.

Malfunction of the insulin pump or insulin infusion set or insulin degradation can rapidly lead to hyperglycemia and ketoacidosis. Patients using insulin infusion pump therapy must be trained to administer insulin by injection and have alternate insulin therapy available in case of pump failure.

Side Effects

Common side effects include: low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), dizziness or light-headedness, swelling, sweating, headache, confusion, blurred vision, slurred speech, irritability or mood changes, hunger, shakiness, increase heartbeat, anxiety, weight gain, allergic reactions, skin irritations at the site of injection.

Contact a doctor immediately if you are experiencing any of these severe side effects: heart failure, rash covering the entire body, shortness of breath, fast pulse, sweating, feeling faint.

Your doctor should monitor your health closely, including if you are experiencing hypoglycemia (low potassium levels) or taking TZD’s with Apidra.

Bring a list of your current prescription drugs, herbal remedies, and vitamins you are currently taking when you visit your doctor.