Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

A nurse or other trained health professional may give you this medicine. You may also be taught how to give your medicine at home. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin or into a vein.

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.

Each package of insulin glulisine contains a patient information leaflet and patient instructions. Read this leaflet carefully and make sure you understand:

  • How to prepare the medicine.
  • How to inject the medicine.
  • How to use disposable insulin delivery device.
  • How to use external insulin pump.
  • How and when to change the infusion set and insulin in the external insulin pump reservoir.
  • How to dispose of syringes, needles, and injection devices.

It is best to use a different place on the body for each injection (eg, under the skin of your abdomen or stomach, thigh, or upper arm). Do not use the exact same spot for each injection. If you have questions about this, contact a member of your health care team.

When used as a mealtime insulin, insulin glulisine should be taken within 15 minutes before a meal or within 20 minutes after starting a meal.

The insulin solution should look clear and colorless. Do not use insulin glulisine if it is cloudy or thickened, discolored, or if there are particles in it. Do not mix this medicine with any other insulin. If you are told to mix glulisine with a longer-acting insulin, draw up insulin glulisine into the syringe first, then the longer-acting insulin. Inject it right away.

When used in an insulin pump: Carefully read and follow the external insulin pump instructions. This insulin should not be mixed with any other insulin or diluted when used in an insulin pump. The insulin glulisine in the pump should be changed at least every 48 hours or any time that the insulin is over 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit (37°C). If you do not understand how you are to use the insulin pump or have concerns, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Use a new needle for the Apidra® SoloStar® pen each time you give yourself an injection. Always remove and throw the needle after each injection. Store the pen without a needle attached. Do not use the pen if it is broken or damaged.

Follow carefully the special meal plan your doctor gave you. This is the most important part of controlling your condition, and is necessary if the medicine is to work properly. Also, exercise regularly and test for sugar in your blood or urine as directed.

Do not change the brand, type, or dose of your insulin unless your doctor tells you to. When you receive a new supply of insulin, check the label to be sure if it is the correct type of insulin.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For injection dosage form:
    • For type 1 diabetes mellitus:
      • Adults and children 4 years of age and older—Dose is based on your blood sugar and must be determined by your doctor.
      • Children younger than 4 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • For type 2 diabetes mellitus:
      • Adults—Dose is based on your blood sugar and must be determined by your doctor.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

Call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.

Storage

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Store unused vials or Apidra® SoloStar® prefilled pens in the refrigerator. Protect from light. Do not freeze. You may also keep the unopened medicine at room temperature for up to 28 days.

The Apidra® SoloStar® prefilled pen that you are currently using should not be refrigerated. You should store the pen at room temperature, away from direct heat and light. Throw away any opened prefilled pen after 28 days.

The vials that you are currently using may be kept in the refrigerator or at room temperature in a cool place, away from sunlight and heat, and must be used within 28 days.

Throw away used syringes and needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.

Portions of this document last updated: May 01, 2024

Copyright: © Merative US L.P. 1973, 2024. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.