Apidra: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use it

Uses

What medicine is Apidra?

Apidra is a drug intended for patients with diabetes mellitus, both type 1 and type 2. This treatment contains insulin glulisine which belongs to the insulin group. long acting or rapid acting insulin . This insulin injection is done at 15 minutes before eating or 20 minutes after eating. Because it contains insulin glulisine, Apidra is an artificial insulin that resembles natural human insulin. One Apidra unit has the same ability to lower blood sugar as natural human insulin.

Apidra is a subcutaneous injection that acts faster and for a shorter duration than human insulin. The need or dose of insulin is tailored to the needs of each individual. The use of this medicine in children is recommended only if they are at least four years old. Apidra's work peaks after one hour of injections and has a working life that lasts 2-4 hours. Its use is balanced with exercise, diet, and regular consumption of medicines to help keep your blood sugar levels within normal levels.

The rules for using Apidra

Do this insulin injection as prescribed by your doctor. Do not reduce or increase the dose beyond what your doctor has recommended. Apidra is insulin that is injected into the subcutaneous layer or blood vessels intravenously. Your health practitioner will show you how to do it independently. Don't give the injection without knowing how to use it.

Perform this insulin injection at a different injection point at each injection to avoid lipodystrophy. Do not give the injection at the same place twice in succession. If you inject using an injection pen, use the built-in Apidra syringe pen.

Always use a new needle every time you want to make an injection. Do not share injections even after the needle has been changed. This will increase the risk of the possibility of transmitting infections or other diseases. Use a disposal needle only for one injection, and do not use it repeatedly even though conditions are still in good shape.

Your doctor may prescribe a glucagon injection as a precaution if you have hypoglycemia so severe that you are unable to eat and drink to get sugar into your body. Make sure your family or those closest to you know its use to help you.

How to store Apidra?

Store this medication in its original container and protected from heat and direct light. Do not take insulin from the vial if you are not already using it. Place unopened insulin in the refrigerator at a temperature of 2-8 degrees Celsius. Do not store this insulin in the refrigerator near the refrigerator. Do not use this insulin and throw it away immediately if it has frozen.

Sealed apidra can be stored in the refrigerator and used until its expiration date (two years average). You can also store it outside the refrigerator, that is, at room temperature below 25 degrees Celsius, but don't use it if it's been more than 28 days.

For used and opened insulin, store the vial in the refrigerator or in a cool room and use it within 28 days. Meanwhile, for the storage of Apidra SoloStar prefilled pen which has been opened, do not store it in the refrigerator but store it in a room temperature below 25 degrees Celsius. Use within 28 days.

Read all instructions and instructions for use on the provided sheet. Do not use this medication if it looks cloudy, changes color, or has other particles in it and immediately contact your doctor to replace it with a new one.

Dose

The information provided below is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting medication.

Apidra dosage for adults

The total requirement of each person for this insulin can vary. Usually the dosage is in the range 0.5 to 1 unit / mL per kilogram of body weight per day. For intravenous use it usually requires 0.05 units to 1 unit / mL per kilogram of body weight per day.

In what preparations is Apidra available?

Apidra 100 units / mL (IU / mL) is available in two packages, namely:

• 100 IU / mL packaged vial bottles
• Apidra SoloStar 100 IU / mL

Side effects

What side effects can occur due to Apidra injection?

The use of insulin glulisine (the active substance contained in Apidra) may have unwanted effects or side effects. Although not necessarily happen to everyone, some side effects need serious handling. Some of the common side effects are:

• Anxiety
• Blurred vision
• Pain in the body
• A cold sweat
• Dazed
• Cough, runny nose, sneezing (flu-like symptoms)
• Hard to breathe
• Headache
• Lost voice
• Increased hunger
• Shaky
• Loss of consciousness
• Sore throat
• Unusual fatigue

Some of the less common side effects include:

• Ears that rippled
• A weak or fast heartbeat

Other side effects may occur that are not listed above. Consult your doctor if you find any discrepancies that occur after doing this insulin injection and discuss any possible side effects that may occur with them.

Warnings and Precautions

What should I pay attention to before doing Apidra injection?

Monitoring blood sugar levels is very important for patients who will receive insulin therapy. You also need to inform your doctor about taking oral diabetes drugs to avoid the possibility of hypoglycemia due to the use of this drug.

Also inform your doctor about any drug allergies you have. Some insulin products, including Apidra, can cause allergic reactions.

Is Apidra safe for pregnant women?

Animal studies have shown no adverse effects on the fetus, but there have not been comprehensive trials in humans. According to the FDA, this drug falls into category C (may be risky). This medicine will only be used in pregnant women if the benefits it provides outweigh the risks to the fetus.

FDA pregnancy risk categories:

A = Not at risk

B = No risk in several studies

C = May be risky

D = There is positive evidence of risk

X = Contraindicated

N = Unknown

Drug Interactions

What medicines may interact with Apidra?

There are quite a number of drugs that interact with this drug, but the most common drug interactions are as follows:

• Amlodipine
• Aspirin
• Atorvastatin
• Gabapentin
• Humalog (insulin lispro)
• Lantus (insulin glargine)
• Levemir (insulin detemir)
• Novolog (insulin aspart)
• Omeprazole
• Potassium chloride
• Simvastatin
• ACE Inhibitor
• Disopyramid
• Salicylates
• Sulfonamides
• Corticosteroids
• Danazol
• Diazoksid
• Diuretic
• Somatropin
• Estrogen

The use of alcohol can also cause interactions. Consult with your doctor regarding the use of all medicines that you are taking.

Overdose

What should I do if I overdose on Apidra?

If you have overdosed on this drug the symptom that appears is hypoglycemia. Overcome by giving sugar drinks to the body. In some cases of hypoglycemia which causes the patient to lose consciousness, treat with glucagon injection through the subcutaneous layer (0.5-1 mg) or intravenous glucose. When the patient is conscious, give extra carbohydrates to prevent fainting again.

What if I forget Apidra injection?

Insulin glulisine should be injected within 15 minutes before eating, or 20 minutes after starting the eating process. If you forget it, follow the instructions given by your doctor. Don't double the dose.