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For U.S. Residents Only

Step-by-Step Instructions for Injecting Apidra®

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  1. First, get a new vial of Apidra®.
  2. Take off the cap and leave the stopper in place. Wipe off the top of the vial with a clean swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
  3. Now take the syringe and draw air into it equal to the dose of Apidra® you’ll be giving yourself.
  4. Then push the syringe through the stopper and inject the air into the vial. That makes it easier to pull out the full amount of Apidra®. Keep the syringe in the vial and turn both upside down, making sure the tip of the needle is well within the Apidra®.
  5. Then pull the plunger until you have the right dose. Take a look inside the syringe. If you see any air bubbles, hold the syringe straight up and tap it gently until they rise to the top.
  6. Then gently push the air bubbles and insulin all the way out with the plunger.
  7. Then draw the correct dose back into the syringe.
  8. Then, pull the needle out of the vial, and don’t let it touch anything. Pick an area of your skin to be injected, like your upper arm, thigh, or stomach area.
  9. Clean the area with rubbing alcohol. Alcohol can sometimes sting if it’s not completely dry when you inject, so wait a few seconds for it to evaporate or pat the area dry with a sterile cotton ball.
  10. Then lightly pinch a fold of skin, and insert the needle straight into the pinched skin the way your healthcare provider, nurse, or diabetes educator showed you.
  11. Push the plunger slowly to inject the full dose of Apidra®, then wait ten seconds before pulling the needle straight out.
  12. Press down lightly on the area with a cotton ball or gauze. Don’t rub it.
  13. And that's it. Then follow your healthcare team’s instructions for throwing away the needle.

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.

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