What is Insulin glulisine?
Insulin works by lowering the levels of sugar in the blood. Insulin glulisine, also known as fast-acting or rapid-acting insulin, starts working 15 minutes after the injection. It reaches its peak in an hour and continues to work for up to four hours.
Insulin glulisine can be used to control blood sugar in children and adults with diabetes mellitus. Insulin glulisine can be used to treat adults with type 1, type 2 diabetes, or type 1 diabetes.This medication guide does not list all possible uses of insulin glulisine.
Side effects of Insulin glulisine
If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should seek emergency medical attention: swelling or redness where an insulin injection was administered; an itchy or swollen skin rash on your entire body; difficulty breathing; rapid heartbeats; feeling as if you may pass out; or swelling in either your tongue or throat.
Insulin glulisine can cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Fluid retention: weight gain, swelling of the hands or feet, or feeling short-breathing;
- Low sodium, leg cramps, constipation, increased thirst and urination, numbness, tingling or numbness, muscle weakness, or a limp feeling
Side effects of insulin glulisine include:
- Low blood sugar
- Mild rash;
- The skin may become thicker or hollower where the medication was injected.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Warnings
Do not share a syringe or injection pen with anyone else, even if the needle has been changed.
Before you take this drug
If you have an episode of hypoglycemia, you should avoid using insulin glulisine.Is not recommended for children younger than four years of age.
Tell your doctor if any of the following apply:
- Liver or kidney disease
- Low levels of potassium (hypokalemia) in the blood
- Diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment).
Inform your doctor if, in addition to insulin, you are taking pioglitazone and rosiglitazone. These medications may be combined with glimepiride and metformin. You may be at greater risk for serious heart problems if you take certain diabetes medications while using insulin.Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or nursing.If you're pregnant or plan to become pregnant, follow your doctor's advice about insulin.
How to take Insulin glulisine?
Read and follow all instructions or guides included with your medication. Follow the directions on the label.Insulin glulisine can be injected into the skin or given in a vein as an injection. Your healthcare provider may give you your first dose and teach you how to use the medication properly.Please read and follow all instructions for use that come with your medication, insulin pump, or injection pen. If you do not understand the instructions, consult with your pharmacist or doctor.
Only prepare an injection when you're ready to administer it. If the medicine is cloudy, has changed color, or contains particles, do not use it. For new medicine, call your pharmacist.Your healthcare provider can show you the best place to inject insulin. Each time you inject, use a new place. Don't inject in the same spot twice.
Eat a meal in 15 minutes after using insulin and glulisine. If you didn't use an injection prior to eating, you should use the medication within 20 minutes of starting to eat.Do not mix insulin glulisine or any other insulin with insulin glulisine if you are using an insulin pump or IV.Use only the insulin-glulisine-filled pen if you are using an injection pen. Attach a fresh needle each time. Transferring insulin from a pen to a syringe, infusion pump, or syringe is not recommended.
Do not share an injection pen, syringe, or other device with anyone else. This is true even if you have changed the needle. It can spread infections and diseases from person to person.Only use a needle or syringe once, and then store them in an "as sharps" container that is puncture-proof. Be sure to follow local or state laws on how to properly dispose of the container. Keep the container out of reach of pets and children.
If you have hypoglycemia, you may feel dizzy, irritable, or confused. You might also be shaky. If you want to treat hypoglycemia quickly, consume or drink something that will provide sugar fast (fruit juices, hard candies, crackers, or raisins).In the event of severe hypoglycemia, your doctor may prescribe a glucagon injectable kit. Make sure that your family and friends are familiar with how to administer this injection in case of an emergency.
Watch for signs such as increased thirst and urination.Stress, illness, surgery, or alcohol consumption can affect blood sugar levels. Consult your doctor before making any changes to your medication or dose schedule.Insulin glulisine may be part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes diet, exercise, and weight management, as well as blood sugar testing and other medical attention. You should follow your doctor's advice.
This medicine should be kept in the original container, away from heat and sunlight. You should not transfer insulin from the vial to a syringe before you are ready for an injection. Store insulin away from the cooling element of a fridge. Do not use any frozen insulin.
Insulin glulisine should be stored unopened and not in use.
- Use within the expiration date.
- Use within 28 days. Store at a cool room temperature below 77 degrees F.
Storing opened (in use) insulin glulisine:
- Use the vial within 28 days. Store in a fridge or at room temperature.
- Use the pen within 28 days. Store at room temperature. Store the pen without the needle.
- Use the infusion bag within 48 hours after storing it at a cool room temperature.
If the medicine is cloudy, looks like it has changed color, or if there are particles in it, do not use it. For new medication, call your pharmacist.Wear or carry medical identification in case of an emergency to alert others that you have diabetes.
What happens if I miss the dose?
You may not have a dosing regimen because insulin glulisine can be used before meals. You should eat within 15 minutes of using insulin glulisine. Never use two doses of insulin at the same time.Always keep insulin handy. Refill your prescription before you run completely out.
What happens if I overdose?
Call the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222 or seek emergency medical attention. An insulin overdose can lead to life-threatening hypoglycemia. The symptoms include drowsiness and confusion.
What should be avoided?
Low blood sugar can be caused by insulin. Do not drive or operate machinery until you are sure how insulin glulisine affects you.Check the label of your medication before you inject it to avoid any mistakes.Avoid alcohol. Alcohol can cause low sugar levels and interfere with diabetes treatment.
Interaction with other drug
Other medicines can also affect your blood glucose, and some can increase or decrease insulin's effects. You may also experience fewer hypoglycemia symptoms if you take certain drugs, making it more difficult to detect low blood sugar. Inform your healthcare providers of all the medicines you are taking and those you plan to take. You can include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
