Apidra Vials

Apidra is a rapid-acting mealtime insulin used by people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes to help control blood sugar spikes after meals. Many patients choose to order Apidra from Canada because costs are often much lower than U.S. pharmacy prices with savings of up to 80%. A valid prescription is required. Insulin Outlet partners only with licensed Canadian pharmacies to ensure patients receive authentic Apidra that is safely handled and delivered at an affordable price. Join thousands of other patients in ordering from Insulin Outlet today.

Apidra is a type of fast-acting insulin that is designed to be taken around the time of the patient’s meals. The insulin can be taken within a 15-minute timeframe directly before a patient’s meal. It may also be taken within 20 minutes after they have already begun eating their meal. This medication may be prescribed to both child and adult patients who are struggling with diabetes in order to help them control their blood sugar levels after their meals.

• Apidra has a fast onset time (within 15 minutes of taking the medication)
• Proven to be effective for glycemic control for both adults and pediatric patients.
• Apidra can be used for treating either type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus.
• This medication is Health Canada-approved.

This medication is given in a formulation of U-100. It may be found in the form of a 10 mL multiple-dose vial or a 3 mL disposable SoloStar pen that is designed for single-patient-use. This medication is also compatible for use inside of an insulin pump. Each dose should be taken at mealtime. This is often within 15 minutes before eating. It may also be taken within 20 minutes after the patient has already begun eating their meal. This is because this medication starts working within about 5-15 minutes after it is taken. It then peaks about an hour after the injection was made and lasts a total of about 3-5 hours.

Exact doses for each meal may vary by patient. Patients should follow the dose their clinician prescribes to them. Adjustments may be needed based on changes during glucose monitoring. It may also be changed based on the patient’s intake of carbohydrates and activity level. Patients should also not change from one insulin to another without medical advisement for doing so – as dosing may vary.

The safety of this medication is not known for pediatric patients with type 2 diabetes or those who are under four years of age with type 1 diabetes. Patients should never use this medication without approval and oversight from a doctor.

Administration for the medication varies depending on the exact device being used to give the medication to the patient. SoloStar pen users can give themselves this medication by doing the following:

1. Prepare the pen by confirming that they are using the correct insulin and attaching a new needle
2. Dial two units for a safety test and prime the pen to remove air bubbles (repeat if needed until insulin appears at the needle tip)
3. Make sure that the dose window shows “0” and then dial the prescribed dose (up to 80 units per injection)
4. Inject the medication into the correct area (in the thigh, upper arm, or stomach)
5. Press the button fully and hold for 10 seconds before removing the needle
6. Remove and discard the needle in a sharps container after the injection is made
7. Cap the pen (use one pen per person only)

Patients using a syringe and vial will have to follow a slightly different set of directions.

1. Prepare the dose by removing the vial cap and cleaning the stopper
2. Draw air into the syringe equal to the prescribed dose
3. Push the needle through the stopper to inject air inside
4. Withdraw the correct dose
5. Tap the syringe to release bubbles and adjust to the correct dose
6. Inject the medication into the correct area (in the thigh, upper arm, or stomach)
7. Push the plunger fully and leave the needle in place for 10 seconds
8. Withdraw the needle and apply gentle pressure
9. Properly dispose of the syringe and needle

Patients using this medication in a pump should replace the Apidra reservoir no less than every 48 hours to help minimize the risk of insulin pump blockages. It is also best for patients to make sure they receive insulin administration education. This includes learning about the correct needle length for them and the injection depth. It also includes education on correct site preparation.

Patients using this medication should keep some possible precautions in mind.

• Do not share Apidra SoloStar pens (even if the needle is changed)
• Insulin changes require medical supervision
• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can be serious or life-threatening and glucose levels should be monitored more often when doses change, meals or activity levels change, or if the patient has kidney or liver problems.
• Medication mix-ups can cause hypoglycemia (insulin labels should always be checked before injecting)
• Low potassium levels (hypokalemia) can be dangerous and patients at risk may need potassium monitoring and treatment.
• Severe allergic reactions are possible (stop Apidra and seek medical care if symptoms of a serious allergy occur)
• Fluid retention and heart failure may occur when Apidra is used with TZD medications
• Pump malfunctions can lead to high blood sugar or ketoacidosis (monitor blood glucose closely when using an insulin pump)
• Do not inject the medication into lipohypertrophy areas (this causes absorption to become unpredictable)
• Patients with renal or hepatic impairment will need extra monitoring of blood glucose and possible dose reductions (since they are at increased risk of hypoglycemia development)

Hypoglycemia usually means blood glucose below 70 mg/dL. Some other signs that a patient has hypoglycemia are:

• Hunger or nausea
• Shakiness or trembling
• Sweating, chills, or cold/clammy skin
• Nervousness/anxiety or restlessness
• Irritability
• Rapid/pounding heartbeat
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Fatigue
• Weakness/ lack of energy
• Drowsiness
• Pale or washed-out skin tone
• Headache
• Blurred or impaired vision
• Tingling or numb sensations around the face or mouth
• Trouble with coordination or increased clumsiness
• Difficulty thinking clearly or confusion
• Disturbed sleep
• Seizures (in rare/severe cases)

A patient suffering from hypoglycemia should use the “15-15 rule.” This rule tells patients to:

1. Check blood glucose levels
2. Consume 15 fast-acting carbohydrates
3. Wait 15 minutes before rechecking blood glucose levels
4. (Only if levels remain low) Those without blood glucose levels that are going up should consume an additional 15 grams of fast-acting carbs
5. Have a snack made of protein and carbohydrates once blood glucose levels reach the correct levels and another meal is not coming up soon

Patients having a sick day should test their blood sugar levels more frequently – about every four hours – and otherwise take their medications as normal. It is extra important for these patients to also make sure they are staying hydrated and try to maintain their usual food intake. Patients should also continue checking their weight – as weight loss may be a sign of high blood sugar – and their temperature to make sure they do not develop a fever.

There is an especially high risk for pump users if the delivery of their medication becomes interrupted. Patients using a pump should make sure they do not develop an occlusion – a blockage in the pump or tubing that prevents the delivery of their insulin – or infusion site failure (which is more common if sites are not properly rotated). Frequent monitoring is required to make sure the pump is working properly.

Patients without enough insulin may develop ketones when the body starts to break down their fat. The production of these happening too fast may cause patients to develop diabetic ketoacidosis. This can have serious outcomes like death or coma. Over-the-counter urine testing equipment may be used to detect this in patients. Patients with this issue should immediately go to the hospital to be treated.

Drug Interactions

Apidra also has some drug interactions with other medications and substances. This medication should not be used with other medications that have an impact on glucose metabolism without any necessary adjustments by a doctor being made first. Beta-blockers and other antiadrenergics may also lead to masked symptoms of hypoglycemia and the use of steroids may raise glucose. Alcohol use may also lead to an increased risk of hypoglycemia while taking this medication.

Common Side Effects

The most commonly experienced side effects for those taking this medication are:

• Reactions at the site of the injection
• Skin thickening or pits where injections are made
• Weight gain
• Low blood sugar
• Rash/itching
• Swelling

Severe Side Effects

Some patients taking this medication may also develop some more serious side effects – although these are much less likely to occur. This includes side effects such as:

• Hypoglycemia
• Hypokalemia (low potassium)
• Heart failure
• Severe allergic reactions

Each of these side effects is serious and requires immediate medical attention.

A healthcare provider or emergency services/poison control should be contacted immediately – even if no symptoms are present – if too much Apidra is taken. Missing a dose or taking too little Apidra may cause high blood sugar. Blood sugar should be checked often. A double dose should not be taken to make up for a missed dose.

Store Apidra vials that have not been opened in a refrigerator maintained at 2°C-8°C (36°F-46°F). Keep them away from heat and light and discard any vial that freezes or overheats. Opened Apidra vials may be kept in the refrigerator or at room temperature up to 25°C (77°F) for no more than 28 days. Opened vials should also be protected from heat and direct light. Discard opened vials after 28 days even if insulin remains. Do not freeze opened vials. Throw away the vial if it freezes or gets too hot. Do not use Apidra after the expiration date or if the vial or if the insulin looks cloudy or contains particles.

Infusion sets and Apidra in the pump reservoir must be replaced within 48 hours. Throw away any insulin exposed to temperatures above 37°C.

Patients buying their medication from Insulin Outlet experience:

• Up to 80% savings on their medication’s U.S. prices
• Real medications from licensed Canadian pharmacies
• Flat $14.99 cold shipping
• Medications and services with a 4.9-star average rating from more than 4,000 users

Buy Apidra vials and other forms from Canada today.