How to Take Apidra®
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 Apidra® SoloSTAR®
pen,
click here.
This is a Flash movie with step-by-step instructions on how to inject APIDRA®. You need a Flash Player in order to view this video. Please download the latest version of Flash Plug-in from the Macromedia Flash Player Download Center.
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
Apidra® after the expiration date stamped on the label, or 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. Throw them away properly.
Never share needles and syringes.
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. You do not have to shake the vial
of Apidra® before use.
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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 mix.
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—either 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 or soap and water to clean the injection site. The injection site should
be dry before you 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.
