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Apidra® SoloSTAR® Pen
Save up to $100 on Apidra® Prescriptions Apidra® SoloSTAR® Pen

Step-by-Step Instruction Guide

Follow these straightforward steps EVERY TIME you use the Apidra® SoloSTAR® pen:


Step 1: PREPARE FOR AN INJECTION

Before beginning, check the label on the insulin pen to ensure you are using the correct insulin.
Attaching needle to pen


Step 2: ATTACH A NEW NEEDLE

  1. Keep the needle straight as you attach it. Apidra® SoloSTAR® uses push-on or screw-on needles.
Attaching needle to pen


Step 3: PERFORM A SAFETY TEST

This removes air bubbles and ensures that the pen and needle are working properly. Select a dose of 2 units.

Always perform the safety test before each injection.
Attaching needle to pen
  1. Take off the outer needle cap and keep it to remove the used needle after your injection.
  2. Then take off the inner needle cap and discard it.
  3. Hold the pen with the needle pointing upward.
  4. Tap the reservoir gently so any air bubbles rise up to the needle.
  5. Press the injection button all the way in.
  6. Check if insulin comes out of the needle.
Attaching needle to pen


If insulin does not come out, check for air bubbles and repeat the test 2 more times to remove them. If no insulin comes out after the third time, try again with a new needle.

Step 4: SELECT YOUR DOSE

Be sure the dose window shows "0" following the safety test. Select your required dose in 1-unit steps. If you need a dose larger than 80 units, use 2 or more injections. (This example shows 30 units.)

Attaching needle to pen

Step 5: INJECT YOUR DOSE

  1. Using the method your healthcare professional showed you, insert the needle into the skin in either your upper arm, abdomen (stomach area), or thigh (upper leg).
  2. Press the injection button in all the way. Hold the button in that position.
  3. Slowly count to 10, then withdraw the needle.


Step 6: REMOVE THE NEEDLE

Always remove the needle after each injection. Put the outer needle cap back on the needle and use it to unscrew the needle from the pen. Dispose of the needle safely, as instructed by your healthcare provider (eg, in a sharps container). Put the cap on the pen.

If you can't dial to the dose you want, check to see if you have enough insulin in the reservoir.
If you have any other problems with the pen, first try changing the needle and repeating the safety test.
Each Apidra® SoloSTAR® is for use by one person only.

You should carefully read the instruction leaflet that comes with your pen for additional important information.
Caring for Your Apidra® SoloSTAR® Pen

Important Safety Information for Apidra®

Do not use Apidra® during a low blood sugar reaction (hypoglycemia) or if you are allergic to any of the ingredients in Apidra®.

You must test your blood sugar levels while using insulin, such as Apidra®. Do not make any changes to your dose or type of insulin without talking to your healthcare provider. Any change of insulin should be made cautiously and only under medical supervision. Apidra® must only be used if the solution is clear and colorless with no particles visible. Do not share needles, insulin pens or syringes with others.

Apidra®, when given by injection under the skin, should not be mixed with insulins other than NPH. Do not mix Apidra® with any insulin when used in the pump or for intravenous administration.

The most common side effect of insulin, including Apidra®, is low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), which may be serious. Some people may experience symptoms such as shaking, sweating, fast heartbeat, and blurred vision. Severe hypoglycemia can be dangerous and can cause harm to your heart or brain. It may cause unconsciousness, seizures, or death. Other possible side effects may include low blood potassium, 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.

Tell your doctor about other medicines and supplements you are taking because they can change the way insulin works. Before starting Apidra®, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions including if you have liver or kidney problems, are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding or planning to breast-feed.

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. Change the Apidra® in the pump reservoir every 48 hours.

Indications and Usage

Prescription Apidra® is for adults with type 2 diabetes or adults and children (4 years and older) with type 1 diabetes to improve blood sugar control. Apidra® is usually used with a longer-acting insulin. When used as a mealtime insulin, Apidra® should be given within 15 minutes before or within 20 minutes after starting a meal.

Apidra® may be infused subcutaneously by external insulin infusion pumps.

Apidra® SoloSTAR® is a disposable prefilled insulin pen.

Click here for additional important information for Apidra®.

Important Safety Information for Lantus® (insulin glargine [rDNA origin] injection)

Do not take Lantus® if you are allergic to insulin or any of the inactive ingredients in Lantus®.

You must test your blood sugar levels while using insulin, such as Lantus®. Do not make any changes to your dose or type of insulin without talking to your healthcare provider. Any change of insulin should be made cautiously and only under medical supervision.

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. Lantus® must only be used if the solution is clear and colorless with no particles visible. Do not share needles, insulin pens or syringes with others.

The most common side effect of insulin, including Lantus®, is low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), which may be serious. Some people may experience symptoms such as shaking, sweating, fast heartbeat, and blurred vision. Severe hypoglycemia can be dangerous and can cause harm to your heart or brain. It may cause unconsciousness, seizures, or death. 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. Before starting Lantus®, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions including if you have liver or kidney problems, are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding or planning to breast-feed.

Indications and Usage

Prescription Lantus® is a long-acting insulin used to treat adults with type 2 diabetes and adults and children (6 years and older) with type 1 diabetes for the control of high blood sugar. It should be taken once a day at the same time each day to lower blood glucose.

Do not use Lantus® to treat diabetic ketoacidosis.

Click here for additional important information for Lantus®.

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• Offer is not valid for patients participating in Medicare, Medicaid, or any other federal- or state funded benefit programs. Offer not valid in MA (except for cash-paying patients). Void where prohibited by law.

The health information contained herein is provided for general educational purposes only. Your healthcare professional is the single best source of information regarding your health. Please consult your healthcare professional if you have any questions about your health or treatment.

     Last Update: November 2009


Prescription Apidra® is available in pharmacies.
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