Insulin glulisine may sound like a fancy word, but in essence, it is a short-acting form of insulin that helps in glycemic index control (your sugar levels). One of the most popular brands of insulin glulisine is Apidra.
We’ll discuss the possible side effects, pros and cons, its alternatives, and where to purchase affordable insulin online. It is essential to note that this article will give you a general overview and should not be considered medical advice whatsoever.
What is Insulin Glulisine?
Insulin glulisine is short insulin that acts fast and regulates blood sugar levels for people with diabetes used to treat children over the age of 4. Insulin glulisine commonly gets mistaken for insulin glargine. Apidra produces this insulin.
Apidra comes in the following dosage forms:
Your doctor will recommend the correct dosage for you based on your sugar levels, weight, and responsiveness to insulin. Accordingly, you should purchase the dosage you require.
How do I get Prescribed Apidra?
Apidra (insulin glulisine) requires a prescription from a health care professional or your doctor. Do not order or administer Apidra without your doctor’s approval. If you feel the insulin may work with your regimen, please visit your doctor. Do not avoid engaging in an open dialogue with your doctor, including your medical history, family medical history, diet, and exercise regimen. Be sure to mention any allergies, as Apidra’s components may cause an allergic reaction. Also, provide your doctor with all information about your health, which can include: dietary supplements, prescribed medicine, over-the-counter medicine, vitamins, minerals, herbal replacements, and drugs and alcohol intake. It is encouraged to engage in open conversation about yourself and your lifestyle, as the more information your doctor will have in making the proper recommendations to managing your diabetes.
Apidra Vials
$59.99How Does Apidra Work?
Now that you know what Insulin glulisine is, you might wonder how it works to control your blood sugar levels.
Insulin glulisine is considered a Bolus Insulin, which means it begins showing its effects within 15 minutes after being injected and usually peaks at 1 hour. It injects high levels of insulin in a short period. Moreover, it mimics the properties of endogenous insulin from the pancreas.
Insulin glulisine is biosynthetic insulin that gets produced in a non-pathogenic lab. The main difference between insulin glulisine and human insulin lies in the position of lysine in B3 and Glutamic acid in B29. These structural modifications enable stabilization of insulin glulisine monomers and ensure the increased absorption rate by your body.
Essentially, insulin glulisine works in 15 minutes, and its effects last for 2-5 hours.
10 Tips On Using Apidra
Suppose you got prescribed insulin glulisine to control your blood sugar levels. We will provide you few tips to keep in mind for using it effectively and safely.
- Read the pamphlet provided carefully or go over the insulin with your doctor. If you require further assistance, please call Insulin Outlet and ask to speak to one of our friendly pharmacists.
- It would help if you injected insulin glulisine 15 minutes before or immediately after your meal to level the blood sugar-lowering effects.
- If your insulin glulisine is cloudy or colored, it is contaminated, do not use it. We ship our insulin glulisine products with temperature packaging to ensure your insulin does not get spoiled.
- You should administer insulin glulisine subcutaneously (under the skin).
- Do not share an injection pen or syringe with another individual.
- Do not give the medication to anyone else, even if they have the symptoms as you.
- It gets recommended to rotate your injection site to avoid hard lumps and bruising.
- If your diet is not conducive to insulin glulisine, you will face a low blood sugar level.
- Some of the symptoms of having low blood sugar are shaky feeling, nervousness or anxiousness, racing heartbeat, chills or sweating, sleepy feeling, excessive hunger, weakness, or low energy.
- If your blood sugar levels drop after the insulin glulisine, eat 15g of fast-acting sugar. Fast-acting sugar includes candy, half a can of regular soda or fruit juice.
Ensure you consult your doctor if you have any questions regarding using insulin glulisine. Each person with diabetes has their own set of circumstances, and it is crucial to follow your doctor’s advice, as they are a part of your team in managing your diabetes.
Side Effects of Insulin Glulisine
Give and take is how most things work in life, and it is no different with insulin glulisine. Even when it works well for your body, you may face some unwanted side effects. You must consult or talk to your doctor if you get any of the following side effects. They would be able to give you the proper recommendations.
Some common side effects include severe hypoglycemia, allergic reactions, low levels of potassium, common cold, respiratory tract infection, joint pain, high blood pressure, weight gain, racing, and rapid heartbeat, headache, loss of consciousness, voice loss, or slurred speech, seizures, shakiness, sneezing, sore throat, or stuffy or runny nose and unusual tiredness or weakness.
Some uncommon side effects of insulin glulisine include slow heartbeat and ringing or pounding in the ears.
You may feel some side effects initially as your body adapts to insulin glulisine. It is advised that you do not drive or operate machinery upon initial usage of insulin glulisine. Understand and experience insulin glulisine and how it affects your body before performing any activities that can result in accidents. If they persist, you must consult your medical practitioner to alleviate the side effects or look into the insulin glulisine dosage.
What Form Does Apidra Come in?
Apidra’s insulin glulisine comes in three different forms: SoloStar prefilled pens, cartridges, and vials.
Apidra SoloStar Pens contain 100 units of insulin glulisine. The non-medicinal ingredients of this product are m-cresol, polysorbate 20, sodium chloride, trometamol, and water for injection. The pens may also contain aqueous solutions of hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide to adjust pH levels.
Apidra Vials contain 100 units of insulin glulisine. The non-medicinal ingredients in the vials include m-cresol, polysorbate 20, sodium chloride, trometamol, and water for injection. The vials may contain aqueous solutions of hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide to adjust pH levels.
Apidra Cartridges contain 100 units of insulin glulisine. The non-medicinal ingredients in the cartridges are m-cresol, polysorbate 20, sodium chloride, trometamol, and water for injection. The cartridges may contain aqueous solutions of hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide to adjust pH levels.
How do I Store Apidra?
Please keep unopened Apidra products (pens and vials) refrigerated until you decide to use them. Store the insulin at room temperature that should be below 77 degrees F. Discard any insulin if it has passed the expiration date.
Please keep opened Apidra vials refrigerated or at a cool temperature. Ensure you use the insulin within 28 days.
Please keep injection pens at cool room temperature and do not refrigerate them. Upon initial usage, ensure the insulin is completed after 28 days. Discard the needle attached to the injection pen.
If needed, prepare an infusion bag at cool room temperature and use it within 48 hours.
Missed Doses & Overdose
Unlike most insulin regimens, Apidra may not have to be on a daily timed schedule. Since the insulin is administered before meals and takes 15 minutes to activate, a timed schedule may not be required. However, this is something that should be discussed with your healthcare provider or doctor.
Do not administer two doses at once. If you have overdosed on insulin, please go to your nearest healthcare facility or call emergency services as soon as possible. Overdosing on insulin can lead to life-threatening symptoms, and medical attention needs to be sought immediately.
Pros and Cons of Insulin Glulisine
While your doctor will discuss the pros and cons of insulin glulisine, it would help you read it. If you have been prescribed insulin glulisine for your Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes mellitus, it’s not a bad idea to ponder these pros and cons.
Cons
Needs to get administered several times a day
Your kidney and liver would need monitoring if you have any issues
Quite expensive in the United States but much more affordable through Insulin Outlet
Only one type of syringe can get used while administering insulin glulisine
Is Apidra Expensive?
Apidra prices have skyrocketed over the years in the United States. Thousands of American diabetics have been affected by the rising costs and have looked for alternatives. One of the better substitutes is buying insulin online from Canada. Insulin Outlet provides this service by allowing American diabetics to upload their prescriptions and gain access to life-saving prices.
Endnotes
Insulin glulisine is rapid-action insulin that helps control your glycemic index if you have diabetes mellitus Type 1 or Type 2. Your doctor will prescribe the correct dosage according to your body weight, sugar levels, and responsiveness to insulin.
This article provides a brief overview of Apidra and insulin glulisine and should be considered as medical advice whatsoever. As mentioned above, please visit your doctor or healthcare provider, so they can properly assess you and provide recommendations based on your lifestyle and condition. Do not take insulin without advice from your doctor.
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