You need a Flash Player in order to view some content. You are about to be directed to Macromedia Flash Player Download Center.

Click the CONTINUE button below to go to the Macromedia Flash Player Download Center, or the CANCEL button to return to the previous page.

NOTE: After installation is complete, please restart your browser.

Cancel
Continue
For U.S. Residents Only
SITE MAP  |  IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION  |  PRESCRIBING INFORMATION
Apidra® Is Fast - What type of Insulin Is Apidra®
 
FONT +   FONT -
divider
What type of
Insulin Is Apidra®
Apidra® and Your
Other Diabetes
Medications
divider
Apidra® Coupon Callout

What Type of Insulin Is Apidra®?

Line

Apidra® is a rapid-acting insulin that works fast

There are a few different types of insulin, as you'll see below. Apidra® is a rapid-acting insulin, also known as mealtime insulin. That means Apidra® works fast to manage mealtime blood sugar spikes. Apidra® works like the insulin the body makes at mealtime in people without diabetes. Adding Apidra® to your overall diabetes treatment plan, which may include diet, exercise, and other diabetes medications, can help your body control your mealtime blood sugar. And blood sugar control is essential to good health.

Types of insulin:

  • Rapid-acting (mealtime) insulin - begins to work about 5 minutes after injection and continues to work for 2 to 4 hours. Apidra® is a rapid-acting (or mealtime) insulin.
  • Regular or short-acting insulin - usually reaches the bloodstream within 30 minutes after injection and is effective for 3 to 6 hours
  • Intermediate-acting insulin - reaches the bloodstream about 2 to 4 hours after it is injected and is effective for 12 to 18 hours
  • Long-acting insulin - reaches the bloodstream 6 to 10 hours after injection and is effective for 20 to 24 hours. One type of long-acting insulin is Lantus® (insulin glargine [rDNA origin] injection). It starts to lower blood glucose levels about an hour after injection and works for up to 24 hours. Please see Important Safety Information for Lantus® below.


IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION FOR APIDRA®

Apidra® is for adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes for the control of high blood sugar. Apidra® should normally be used with a longer-acting insulin. Do not use Apidra® during a low blood sugar reaction (hypoglycemia) or if you are allergic to insulin glulisine.

Apidra® differs from regular human insulin by its rapid onset and shorter duration of action. When used as a mealtime insulin, Apidra® should be given within 15 minutes before or within 20 minutes after starting a meal. Due to the short duration of action of Apidra®, patients also require a longer-acting insulin or insulin infusion pump therapy. Any change of insulin should be made cautiously and only under medical supervision. Tell your doctor about all other medicines and supplements you are taking. Glucose monitoring is recommended for all patients with diabetes.

Possible side effects may include low blood sugar; injection site reactions, such as changes in fat tissue at the injection site; and allergic reactions, such as itching and rash. Less common, but potentially more serious or life-threatening, is generalized allergy to insulin, including anaphylactic reactions.

When used in a pump, do not mix Apidra® with any other insulin or liquid. If the pump or infusion set does not work right, you may not receive the right amount of insulin. Hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, or ketosis can happen. Problems should be identified and corrected as quickly as possible.

Exercise or activity level may change the way your body uses insulin. Check with your healthcare provider before you start an exercise program because your dose may need to be changed.

Click here for additional important information for Apidra®.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION FOR LANTUS®

Prescription Lantus® is for adults with type 2 diabetes or adults and children (6 years and older) with type 1 diabetes who require long-acting insulin for the control of high blood sugar.

DO NOT DILUTE OR MIX LANTUS® WITH ANY OTHER INSULIN OR SOLUTION. It will not work as intended, and you may lose blood sugar control, which could be serious. Do not change your insulin without talking with your doctor. The syringe must not contain any other medication or residue. You should not use Lantus® if you are allergic to insulin. Lantus® is a long-acting insulin you inject just once a day, at the same time each day. You must test your blood sugar levels while using an insulin such as Lantus®.

The most common side effect of insulin, including Lantus®, is hypoglycemia, which may be serious. Other possible side effects may include injection site reactions, including changes in fat tissue at the injection site, and allergic reactions, including itching and rash. In rare cases, some allergic reactions may be life threatening. Tell your doctor about other medicines and supplements you are taking because they can change the way insulin works.

Click here for additional important information for Lantus®.
     Last Update: July 2007

Sanofi-Aventis
Prescription Apidra® is available in pharmacies.

© 2002-2008 sanofi-aventis U.S. LLC. All rights reserved.
Legal Disclaimer Information and Privacy Policy
Questions or Comments? Click here to contact us.
This site intended for use by US residents only.

US.GLU.07.07.005