Whether you're just starting your Apidra® insulin regimen as part of your overall diabetes treatment plan, or are looking for a quick refresher, this section will show you simple, step-by-step instructions for using rapid-acting Apidra®. Watch the instructional video or read the guide below to learn proper injection techniques for Apidra®. For information regarding Apidra® use with the OptiClik® pen, visit www.OptiClik.com.
Click here to view the full transcript for the Apidra® Injection Video
A guide to getting started with Apidra®
Always start by washing your hands.
Check Apidra® to make sure it is clear and colorless. Do not use it if it is cloudy or if you see particles. Throw the vial away and get a new one.
DO NOT MIX APIDRA® WITH ANY OTHER TYPE OF INSULIN THAN NPH. If you are mixing Apidra® with NPH human insulin, draw Apidra® into the syringe first, inject the mixture right away. The syringe must be new and must not contain any other medicine or residue. You do not need to shake the vial before use.
Always use a new needle and syringe every time you dose.
Preparing the dose
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Remove the cap
If you are using a new vial, remove the protective cap. DO NOT remove the
stopper.
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Sterilize top
Wipe the top of the vial with an alcohol swab.
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Inject air into vial
Draw air into the syringe equal to your insulin dose. Put the needle through the
rubber top of the vial and push the plunger to inject the air into the vial.
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Draw up dose
Leave the syringe in the vial and turn both upside down. Hold the syringe and vial
firmly in one hand. Make sure the tip of the needle is in the insulin. With your
free hand, pull the plunger to withdraw the correct dose into the syringe.
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Check for bubbles
Before you take the needle out of the vial, check the syringe for air bubbles.
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Tap to release
If bubbles are in the medicine, hold the syringe straight up and tap the side of
the syringe until the bubbles float to the top.
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Eject air
Push the bubbles out with the plunger and draw the insulin back in until you have
the correct dose. If you are mixing Apidra® with NPH check with your
healthcare provider on how to inject.
Remove needle
Remove the needle from the vial. Do not let the needle touch anything. You are now
ready to inject.
Injecting Apidra®
Inject Apidra® under your skin. Take Apidra® as prescribed
by your healthcare provider.
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Pick your spot: upper arm, thigh, or abdomen
Decide on an injection area—upper arm, thigh, or abdomen. Injection sites within
an injection area must be different from one injection to the next.
(see
Rotating injection sites).
Clean skin with alcohol
Use alcohol to clean the skin where you are going to inject.
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Pinch a fold of skin
Pinch the skin and hold it. Insert the needle in the way your healthcare professional
has shown you.
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Complete the injection
Administer Apidra®:
Slowly push in the plunger of the syringe all the way.
Make sure you have injected all the insulin.
Leave the needle in the skin for about 10 seconds.
Pull the needle straight out.
For several seconds, gently press on the spot where you injected yourself.
Do not rub the area.
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Discard material safely
Do not recap the used needle.
Follow your healthcare professional's instructions for throwing away the needle
and syringe.
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Apidra®is taken within 15 minutes before or within 20 minutes after
the start of a meal. Because of how the body absorbs insulin, Apidra®
is injected into the less-sensitive layer of fatty tissue just under the skin—not
into the muscle.
The 3 most common areas to inject insulin are:
1. The abdomen, except for a 2-inch circle around the navel.
2. The top and outer thighs. Avoid injecting too close to the bony area above
the knee.
3. The outer, upper arms. Use the outer back area of the upper arm where
there is fatty tissue.
With Apidra®, injection sites may be easily rotated because whether
you inject into your abdomen, thigh, or upper arm, the rate of absorption is the
same for all 3 areas.
Once you've picked your area (upper arm, thigh, or abdomen), remember that sites
within those areas must be different from one injection to the next.
Never inject Apidra® into muscle or too close to moles or scars.
Also, be sure to rotate your injection sites as instructed by your healthcare team.
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.
OptiClik® is a reusable insulin delivery device (insulin pen) for use with a
3-mL Apidra® cartridge (U-100). Needles and the OptiClik® pen must not
be shared.
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®.
