What is Apidra?
Apidra is an infusion containing insulin glulisine. The hormone insulin is one that reduces amounts of glucose (sugar) in the blood. Insulin glulisine is a rapid-acting insulin that begins to function within 15 minutes of injection. Its peak occurs in around one hour, and then it continues functioning for between 2 and 4 hours.Apidra helps improve blood sugar control for children and adults with diabetes mellitus.Apidra is a treatment for the type 1 or 2 form of diabetes that adults suffer from, as well as type 1 diabetes in kids who are at least 4 years old.
Warnings
Apidra is an insulin that acts quickly and starts to work quickly. It is recommended to use it within 15 minutes prior to or 20 minutes after beginning to eat your meal.Do not give an injection pen or needle to anyone else, even in the event that the needle has changed.It is best not to take Apidra in the event that you are experiencing your first episode of hypoglycemia (low glucose levels).Apidra is only one component of a comprehensive regimen of treatment, which may include exercise, diet, and weight management, as well as eye care, foot care, dental treatment, and monitoring the blood sugar levels of your patients. Make sure you follow your diet, medications, and exercise regimens carefully. Changes in any of these variables could affect your blood sugar levels.
Before you take this drug
You shouldn't take Apidra. If you have an allergy to insulin glulisine or if you're suffering from an episode of the condition known as hypoglycemia (low blood sugar),Apidra is not permitted for use by any person who is younger than 4 years old. It is not recommended as a treatment for type 2 diabetes children at any stage.
To be sure Apidra is safe for you, ask your doctor if you have ever experienced:
- Kidney disease or liver failure;
- Reduced levels of potassium (hypokalemia) as well as hyperkalemia may increase risk.
- Diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment).
Inform your physician if you are also taking pioglitazone or rosiglitazone (sometimes included in combination with glimepiride and metformin). The use of certain oral diabetes drugs in conjunction with insulin can increase the chance of developing serious heart issues.Inform your doctor if you are nursing or pregnant.Follow the instructions of your physician about taking insulin when you are pregnant or are planning to be pregnant. Controlling diabetes is essential during pregnancy, and high blood sugar levels can lead to complications for the mother and the child.
How to take Apidra?
Make sure you use Apidra precisely as directed by your physician. Follow the directions on the prescription label and also read the medication guide or instructions sheets.Apidra is injected beneath the skin or as an infusion into veins. Your healthcare professional will administer your first dose and instruct you on how to apply the medication yourself.Be sure to read and adhere to any instructions for use that come with your medication, pen, and insulin pump. Consult your physician or pharmacist to clarify any instructions.Make an injection only when you are prepared to administer it. Avoid using it when the medication appears unclear, has changed colour, or has particles. Contact your pharmacist to inquire about a new medication.Your doctor will inform you of the area where you should inject Apidra. You should use a different spot every time you administer an injection. Do not inject the same area twice consecutively.After you have taken Apidra, take your meal after 15 minutes. If you didn't get an injection prior to eating, take the medication within 20 minutes following the time the meal begins.If you are using this medication using an IV or insulin pump, don't combine or mix Apidra with another insulin.
If you're using the injection pen, you should use only the one that comes with Apidra. Make sure to attach a new needle prior to every use. Don't transfer the insulin pen to a syringe or an infusion pump.Do not share an injection pen with the syringe of another, even in the event that the needle has altered. Sharing these devices could cause infections or diseases to transfer between people.Make use of a needle or the syringe once only and place them into the puncture-proof "sharps" container. Be sure to follow the laws of your state or city on how to dispose of the container. Make sure it is out of reach of pets and children.It is possible that you have lower glucose levels (hypoglycemia) and you feel extremely hungry, dizzy, angry, or anxious. or even shaky. To help treat hypoglycemia quickly, consume or drink quick-acting sources of sugar (fruit juice crackers, hard candy, crackers, raisins, sugar-free soda).Your physician may recommend a glucagon injection kit if you have severe hypoglycemia. Make sure that your family members or friends are aware of how to administer the injection in case of an emergency.Also, look out for symptoms of excessive glucose levels (hyperglycemia), like increased thirst or increased urination.The levels of blood sugar are changed due to stress, illness, surgery, alcohol consumption, or not eating meals. Consult your physician prior to altering your dosage or medication schedule.Apidra is only a part of a programme for treatment that could also comprise exercises, diet, weight control, blood sugar testing, and medical treatment. Follow the instructions of your physician carefully.Keep Apidra in the original container and keep it safe from light and heat. Don't draw insulin from a vial into a needle up to the point where you're able to take an injection. Don't freeze insulin or keep it in the vicinity of the cooling element of the refrigerator. Discard any insulin that is stored in a freezer.
Storing without opening (not used) Apidra:
- Keep in the refrigerator and use up to the time of expiration
- Keep in a cool, dry place (below 77 °F) and utilise in the next 28 days.
Storing open (in usage) Apidra:
- The vial should be kept in a cool, dry place or at room temperature. It can be used within a period of 28 days.
- The injection pen should be kept at temperatures that are cool (do not freeze) and used within 28 days. Don't keep the pen in storage with an attached needle.
- Keep an infusion bag that has been prepared at room temperature, and make use of it within the first 48 hours.
Avoid using the medicine when it is unclear, has changed colour, or contains any particles. Contact your pharmacist to inquire about a new medication.In the event of an emergency, be sure to wear or carry a medical card to alert others that you are diabetic.
What happens if I miss the dose?
Because Apidra is taken prior to meals, you might not be following a scheduled dosing schedule. If you are using Apidra, ensure that you take a break for a meal in 15 minutes.Do not take two doses at the same time.Make sure you have insulin in your pocket all the time. Make sure you refill your prescription before the expiration date of your medication.
What happens if I overdose?
Get medical attention immediately, contact emergency medical attention, or call the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222. A high dose of insulin can lead to fatal hypoglycemia. Symptoms include drowsiness and confusion, blurred vision and tingling or numbness in your mouth, difficulty speaking muscles as well as jerky or awkward motions, seizures (convulsions), or loss of consciousness.
What should be avoided?
Insulin may cause low blood sugar levels. Beware of driving or operating machines until you are aware of what this medication can do to you.Make sure you read the label on your medicine prior to injecting insulin.Do not drink alcohol. It could cause a drop in blood sugar levels and hinder your diabetes treatment.
Side effects of Apidra
Take immediate medical assistance if you show indications that you are experiencing an allergic reaction. Apidra. redness or swelling in the area where the injection was administered; itchy skin all over your body; breathing difficulties or heartbeats that are fast; feeling like you could be passing out; or swelling on the throat or tongue.
Contact your doctor immediately. If you are suffering from:
- Liquid retention weight gain, swelling of your feet or hands or feet, feeling tired; or
- Lower potassium, leg cramps, constipation, irregular heartbeats, fluttering around your chest, and increased thirst or urination tingling or numbness, muscles becoming weak or sluggish
Common apidra side effects include:
- Low blood sugar levels;
- Itching and a mild itching, mild
- The hollowing or thickening of the skin is where you injected the drug.
This isn't a complete list of all the side effects. Others could happen. Consult your physician to seek medical advice on adverse effects. You can report symptoms to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Interaction with other drug
A variety of other medications can alter your blood sugar levels, and certain medications can enhance or reduce your insulin's effects. Certain drugs may result in fewer symptoms of hypoglycemia. This makes it difficult to determine if your blood sugar levels are low. Inform all of your health professionals about any medications you are taking currently and all medicines you stop or start using. This includes over-the-counter and prescription medicine, vitamins, and herbal remedies.
