APIDRA® (insulin glulisine [rDNA origin] injection) is a rapid-acting human insulin analog used to lower blood glucose. Insulin glulisine is produced by recombinant DNA technology utilizing a non-pathogenic laboratory strain of Escherichia coli (K12). Insulin glulisine differs from human insulin in that the amino acid asparagine at position B3 is replaced by lysine and the lysine in position B29 is replaced by glutamic acid. Chemically, insulin glulisine is 3^B-lysine- 29^B-glutamic acid-human insulin, has the empirical formula C₂₅₈H₃₈₄N₆₄O₇₈S₆ and a molecular weight of 5823 and has the following structural formula:

APIDRA is a sterile, aqueous, clear, and colorless solution. Each milliliter of APIDRA contains 100 units (3.49 mg) insulin glulisine, 3.15 mg metacresol, 6 mg tromethamine, 5 mg sodium chloride, 0.01 mg polysorbate 20, and water for injection. APIDRA has a pH of approximately 7.3. The pH is adjusted by addition of aqueous solutions of hydrochloric acid and/or sodium hydroxide.

Last updated on RxList: 12/9/2008

APIDRA is indicated to improve glycemic control in adults and children with diabetes mellitus.

Dosage considerations

APIDRA is a recombinant insulin analog that is equipotent to human insulin (i.e. one unit of APIDRA has the same glucose-lowering effect as one unit of regular human insulin) when given intravenously. When given subcutaneously, APIDRA has a more rapid onset of action and a shorter duration of action than regular human insulin.

The dosage of APIDRA must be individualized. Blood glucose monitoring is essential in all patients receiving insulin therapy.

The total daily insulin requirement may vary and is usually between 0.5 to 1 Unit/kg/day. Insulin requirements may be altered during stress, major illness, or with changes in exercise, meal patterns, or coadministered drugs.

Subcutaneous administration

APIDRA should be given within 15 minutes before a meal or within 20 minutes after starting a meal.

APIDRA given by subcutaneous injection should generally be used in regimens with an intermediate or long-acting insulin.

APIDRA should be administered by subcutaneous injection in the abdominal wall, thigh, or upper arm. Injection sites should be rotated within the same region (abdomen, thigh or upper arm) from one injection to the next to reduce the risk of lipodystrophy [See ADVERSE REACTIONS].

Continuous subcutaneous infusion (insulin pump)

APIDRA may be administered by continuous subcutaneous infusion in the abdominal wall. Do not use diluted or mixed insulins in external insulin pumps. Infusion sites should be rotated within the same region to reduce the risk of lipodystrophy [See ADVERSE REACTIONS]. The initial programming of the external insulin infusion pump should be based on the total daily insulin dose of the previous regimen.

The following insulin pumps^† have been used in APIDRA clinical trials conducted by sanofi-aventis, the manufacturer of APIDRA:

• Disetronic® H-Tron® plus V100 and D-Tron® with Disetronic catheters (Rapid™, Rapid C™, Rapid D™, and Tender™)
• MiniMed® Models 506, 507, 507c and 508 with MiniMed catheters (Sof-set Ultimate QR™, and Quick-set™).

Before using a different insulin pump with APIDRA, read the pump label to make sure the pump has been evaluated with APIDRA.

Physicians and patients should carefully evaluate information on pump use in the APIDRA prescribing information, Patient Information Leaflet, and the pump manufacturer's manual. APIDRA-specific information should be followed for in-use time, frequency of changing infusion sets, or other details specific to APIDRA usage, because APIDRA-specific information may differ from general pump manual instructions.

Based on in vitro studies which have shown loss of the preservative, metacresol and insulin degradation, APIDRA in the reservoir should be changed at least every 48 hours. APIDRA in clinical use should not be exposed to temperatures greater than 98.6° F (37° C). [See WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and HOW SUPPLIED/Storage and Handling].

Intravenous administration

APIDRA can be administered intravenously under medical supervision for glycemic control with close monitoring of blood glucose and serum potassium to avoid hypoglycemia and hypokalemia. For intravenous use, APIDRA should be used at concentrations of 0.05 Units/mL to 1 Unit/mL insulin glulisine in infusion systems using polyvinyl chloride (PVC) bags. APIDRA has been shown to be stable only in normal saline solution (0.9% sodium chloride). Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit. Do not administer insulin mixtures intravenously.

Dosage Forms And Strengths

APIDRA 100 units per mL (U-100) is available as:

• 10 mL vials
• 3 mL cartridges for use in the OptiClik® Insulin Delivery Device

APIDRA 100 units per mL (U-100) is available as:

10 mL vials..........................NDC 0088-2500-33

3 mL cartridge system*, package of 5..................NDC 0088-2500-52

* Cartridge systems are for use only in OptiClik® (Insulin Delivery Device)

Storage

Do not use after the expiration date.

Unopened Vial/Cartridge System

Unopened APIDRA vials and cartridge systems should be stored in a refrigerator, 36°F-46°F (2°C-8°C). Protect from light. APIDRA should not be stored in the freezer and it should not be allowed to freeze. Discard if it has been frozen.

Unopened vials/cartridge systems not stored in a refrigerator must be used within 28 days.

Open (In-Use) Vial:

Opened vials, whether or not refrigerated, must be used within 28 days. If refrigeration is not possible, the open vial in use can be kept unrefrigerated for up to 28 days away from direct heat and light, as long as the temperature is not greater than 77°F (25°C).

Open (In-Use) Cartridge System

The opened (in-use) cartridge system inserted in OptiClik® should NOT be refrigerated but should be kept below 77°F (25°C) away from direct heat and light. The opened (in-use) cartridge system must be discarded after 28 days. Do not store OptiClik®, with or without cartridge system, in a refrigerator at any time.

Infusion sets

Infusion sets (reservoirs, tubing, and catheters) and the APIDRA in the reservoir should be discarded after 48 hours of use or after exposure to temperatures that exceed 98.6°F (37°C).

Intravenous use

Infusion bags prepared as indicated under DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION are stable at room temperature for 48 hours.

Preparation and Handling

After dilution for intravenous use, the solution should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration. Do not use the solution if it has become cloudy or contains particles; use only if it is clear and colorless. APIDRA is not compatible with Dextrose solution and Ringers solution and, therefore, cannot be used with these solution fluids. The use of APIDRA with other solutions has not been studied and is, therefore, not recommended.

Cartridge system: If OptiClik® (the Insulin Delivery Device for APIDRA) malfunctions, APIDRA may be drawn from the cartridge system into a U-100 syringe and injected.

Sanofi-Aventis U.S. LLC Bridgewater, NJ 08807. FDA rev date: 10/24/2008

Last updated on RxList: 12/9/2008

The following adverse reactions are discussed elsewhere:

Hypoglycemia [See WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]

Hypokalemia [See WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]

Clinical trial experience

Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying designs, the adverse reaction rates reported in one clinical trial may not be easily compared to those rates reported in another clinical trial, and may not reflect the rates actually observed in clinical practice.

The frequencies of adverse drug reactions during APIDRA clinical trials in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus and type 2 diabetes mellitus are listed in the tables below.

Table 1: Treatment –emergent adverse events in pooled studies of adults with type 1 diabetes (adverse events with frequency ≥ 5%)

	APIDRA, % (n=950)	All comparatorsa, % (n=641)
Nasopharyngitis	10.6	12.9
Hypoglycemiab	6.8	6.7
Upper respiratory tract infection	6.6	5.6
Influenza	4.0	5.0
a Insulin lispro, regular human insulin, insulin aspart b Only severe symptomatic hypoglycemia

Table 2: Treatment –emergent adverse events in pooled studies of adults with type 2 diabetes (adverse events with frequency ≥ 5%)

	APIDRA, % (n=883)	Regular human insulin, % (n=883)
Upper respiratory tract infection	10.5	7.7
Nasopharyngitis	7.6	8.2
Edema peripheral	7.5	7.8
Influenza	6.2	4.2
Arthralgia	5.9	6.3
Hypertension	3.9	5.3

• Pediatrics

Table 3 summarizes the adverse reactions occurring with frequency higher than 5% in a clinical study in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes treated with APIDRA (n=277) or insulin lispro (n=295).

Table 3: Treatment –emergent adverse events in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes (adverse reactions with frequency ≥5%)

	APIDRA, % (n=277)	Lispro, % (n=295)
Nasopharyngitis	9.0	9.5
Upper respiratory tract infection	8.3	10.8
Headache	6.9	11.2
Hypoglycemic seizure	6.1	4.7

• Severe symptomatic hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia is the most commonly observed adverse reaction in patients using insulin, including APIDRA [See WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. The rates and incidence of severe symptomatic hypoglycemia, defined as hypoglycemia requiring intervention from a third party, were comparable for all treatment regimens (see Table 4). In the phase 3 clinical trial, children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes had a higher incidence of severe symptomatic hypoglycemia in the two treatment groups compared to adults with type 1 diabetes. (see Table 4) [See Clinical Studies].

Table 4: Severe Symptomatic Hypoglycemia*

	Type 1 Diabetes Adults 12 weeks wit insulin glargine			Type 1 Diabetes Adults 26 weeks with insulin glargine		Type 2 Diabetes Adults 26 weeks with NPH human insulin		Type 1 Diabetes Pediatrics 26 weeks
	APIDRA Pre-meal	APIDRA Post-meal	Regular Human Insulin	APIDRA	Insulin Lispro	APIDRA	Regular Human Insulin	APIDRA	Insulin Lispro
Events per month per patient	0.05	0.05	0.13	0.02	0.02	0.00	0.00	0.09	0.08
Percent of patients (n/total N)	8.4% (24/286)	8.4% (25/296)	10.1% (28/278)	4.8% (16/339)	4.0% (13/333)	1.4% (6/416)	1.2% (5/420)	16.2% (45/277)	19.3% (57/295)
* Severe symptomatic hypoglycemia defined as a hypoglycemic event requiring the assistance of another person that met one of the following criteria: the event was associated with a whole blood referenced blood glucose < 36mg/dL or the event was associated with prompt recovery after oral carbohydrate, intravenous glucose or glucagon administration.

• Insulin initiation and intensification of glucose control

Intensification or rapid improvement in glucose control has been associated with a transitory, reversible ophthalmologic refraction disorder, worsening of diabetic retinopathy, and acute painful peripheral neuropathy. However, long-term glycemic control decreases the risk of diabetic retinopathy and neuropathy.

• Lipodystrophy

Long-term use of insulin, including APIDRA, can cause lipodystrophy at the site of repeated insulin injections or infusion. Lipodystrophy includes lipohypertrophy (thickening of adipose tissue) and lipoatrophy (thinning of adipose tissue), and may affect insulin absorption. Rotate insulin injection or infusion sites within the same region to reduce the risk of lipodystrophy. [See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].

• Weight gain

Weight gain can occur with insulin therapy, including APIDRA, and has been attributed to the anabolic effects of insulin and the decrease in glucosuria.

• Peripheral Edema

Insulin, including APIDRA, may cause sodium retention and edema, particularly if previously poor metabolic control is improved by intensified insulin therapy.

• Adverse Reactions with Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion (CSII)

In a 12-week randomized study in patients with type 1 diabetes (n=59), the rates of catheter occlusions and infusion site reactions were similar for APIDRA and insulin aspart treated patients (Table 5).

Table 5: Catheter Occlusions and Infusion Site Reactions.

	APIDRA (n=29)	insulin aspart (n=30)
Catheter occlusions/month	0.08	0.15
Infusion site reactions	10.3% (3/29)	13.3% (4/30)

• Allergic Reactions

Local Allergy

As with any insulin therapy, patients taking APIDRA may experience redness, swelling, or itching at the site of injection. These minor reactions usually resolve in a few days to a few weeks, but in some occasions may require discontinuation of APIDRA. In some instances, these reactions may be related to factors other than insulin, such as irritants in a skin cleansing agent or poor injection technique.

Systemic Allergy

Severe, life-threatening, generalized allergy, including anaphylaxis, may occur with any insulin, including APIDRA. Generalized allergy to insulin may cause whole body rash (including pruritus), dyspnea, wheezing, hypotension, tachycardia, or diaphoresis.

In controlled clinical trials up to 12 months duration, potential systemic allergic reactions were reported in 79 of 1833 patients (4.3%) who received APIDRA and 58 of 1524 patients (3.8%) who received the comparator short-acting insulins. During these trials treatment with APIDRA was permanently discontinued in 1 of 1833 patients due to a potential systemic allergic reaction.

Localized reactions and generalized myalgias have been reported with the use of metacresol, which is an excipient of APIDRA.

Antibody Production

In a study in patients with type 1 diabetes (n=333), the concentrations of insulin antibodies that react with both human insulin and insulin glulisine (cross-reactive insulin antibodies) remained near baseline during the first 6 months of the study in the patients treated with APIDRA. A decrease in antibody concentration was observed during the following 6 months of the study. In a study in patients with type 2 diabetes (n=411), a similar increase in cross-reactive insulin antibody concentration was observed in the patients treated with APIDRA and in the patients treated with human insulin during the first 9 months of the study. Thereafter the concentration of antibodies decreased in the APIDRA patients and remained stable in the human insulin patients. There was no correlation between cross-reactive insulin antibody concentration and changes in HbA1c, insulin doses, or incidence of hypoglycemia. The clinical significance of these antibodies is not known.

APIDRA did not elicit a significant antibody response in a study of children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes.

Postmarketing experience

The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of APIDRA. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to estimate reliably their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.

Medication errors have been reported in which other insulins, particularly long-acting insulins, have been accidentally administered instead of APIDRA [See Patient Counseling Information].

A number of drugs affect glucose metabolism and may necessitate insulin dose adjustment and particularly close monitoring.

Drugs that may increase the blood glucose-lowering effect of insulins including APIDRA, and therefore increase the risk of hypoglycemia, include oral antidiabetic products, pramlintide, ACE inhibitors, disopyramide, fibrates, fluoxetine, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, propoxyphene, pentoxifylline, salicylates, somatostatin analogs, and sulfonamide antibiotics.

Drugs that may reduce the blood-glucose-lowering effect of APIDRA include corticosteroids, niacin, danazol, diuretics, sympathomimetic agents (e.g., epinephrine, albuterol, terbutaline), glucagon, isoniazid, phenothiazine derivatives, somatropin, thyroid hormones, estrogens, progestogens (e.g., in oral contraceptives), protease inhibitors, and atypical antipsychotics.

Beta-blockers, clonidine, lithium salts, and alcohol may either increase or decrease the blood-glucose-lowering effect of insulin.

Pentamidine may cause hypoglycemia, which may sometimes be followed by hyperglycemia.

The signs of hypoglycemia may be reduced or absent in patients taking anti-adrenergic drugs such as beta-blockers, clonidine, guanethidine, and reserpine.

Last updated on RxList: 12/9/2008

Included as part of the PRECAUTIONS section.

Dosage adjustment and monitoring

Glucose monitoring is essential for patients receiving insulin therapy. Changes to an insulin regimen should be made cautiously and only under medical supervision. Changes in insulin strength, manufacturer, type, or method of administration may result in the need for a change in insulin dose. Concomitant oral antidiabetic treatment may need to be adjusted.

As with all insulin preparations, the time course of action for APIDRA may vary in different individuals or at different times in the same individual and is dependent on many conditions, including the site of injection, local blood supply, or local temperature. Patients who change their level of physical activity or meal plan may require adjustment of insulin dosages.

Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia is the most common adverse reaction of insulin therapy, including APIDRA. The risk of hypoglycemia increases with tighter glycemic control. Patients must be educated to recognize and manage hypoglycemia. Severe hypoglycemia may lead to unconsciousness and/or convulsions and may result in temporary or permanent impairment of brain function or death. Severe hypoglycemia requiring the assistance of another person and/or parenteral glucose infusion or glucagon administration has been observed in clinical trials with insulin, including trials with APIDRA.

The timing of hypoglycemia usually reflects the time-action profile of the administered insulin formulations. Other factors such as changes in food intake (e.g., amount of food or timing of meals), injection site, exercise, and concomitant medications may also alter the risk of hypoglycemia [See DRUG INTERACTIONS].

As with all insulins, use caution in patients with hypoglycemia unawareness and in patients who may be predisposed to hypoglycemia (e.g., the pediatric population and patients who fast or have erratic food intake). The patient's ability to concentrate and react may be impaired as a result of hypoglycemia. This may present a risk in situations where these abilities are especially important, such as driving or operating other machinery.

Rapid changes in serum glucose levels may induce symptoms similar to hypoglycemia in persons with diabetes, regardless of the glucose value. Early warning symptoms of hypoglycemia may be different or less pronounced under certain conditions, such as longstanding diabetes, diabetic nerve disease, use of medications such as beta-blockers [See DRUG INTERACTIONS], or intensified diabetes control. These situations may result in severe hypoglycemia (and, possibly, loss of consciousness) prior to the patient's awareness of hypoglycemia.

Intravenously administered insulin has a more rapid onset of action than subcutaneously administered insulin, requiring closer monitoring for hypoglycemia.

Hypersensitivity and allergic reactions

Severe, life-threatening, generalized allergy, including anaphylaxis, can occur with insulin products, including APIDRA [See ADVERSE REACTIONS].

Hypokalemia

All insulin products, including APIDRA, cause a shift in potassium from the extracellular to intracellular space, possibly leading to hypokalemia. Untreated hypokalemia may cause respiratory paralysis, ventricular arrhythmia, and death. Use caution in patients who may be at risk for hypokalemia (e.g., patients using potassium-lowering medications, patients taking medications sensitive to serum potassium concentrations). Monitor glucose and potassium frequently when APIDRA is administered intravenously.

Renal or hepatic impairment

Frequent glucose monitoring and insulin dose reduction may be required in patients with renal or hepatic impairment [See CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].

Mixing of insulins

APIDRA for subcutaneous injection should not be mixed with insulin preparations other than NPH insulin. If APIDRA is mixed with NPH insulin, APIDRA should be drawn into the syringe first. Injection should occur immediately after mixing.

Do not mix APIDRA with other insulins for intravenous administration or for use in a continuous subcutaneous infusion pump.

APIDRA for intravenous administration should not be diluted with solutions other than 0.9% sodium chloride (normal saline). The efficacy and safety of mixing APIDRA with diluents or other insulins for use in external subcutaneous infusion pumps have not been established.

Subcutaneous insulin infusion pumps

When used in an external insulin pump for subcutaneous infusion, APIDRA should not be diluted or mixed with any other insulin. APIDRA in the reservoir should be changed at least every 48 hours. APIDRA should not be exposed to temperatures greater than 98.6° F (37° C).

Malfunction of the insulin pump or infusion set or insulin degradation can rapidly lead to hyperglycemia and ketosis. Prompt identification and correction of the cause of hyperglycemia or ketosis is necessary. Interim subcutaneous injections with APIDRA may be required. Patients using continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion pump therapy must be trained to administer insulin by injection and have alternate insulin therapy available in case of pump failure. [See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION, HOW SUPPLIED/Storage and Handling, and Patient Counseling Information].

Intravenous administration

When APIDRA is administered intravenously, glucose and potassium levels must be closely monitored to avoid potentially fatal hypoglycemia and hypokalemia.

Do not mix APIDRA with other insulins for intravenous administration. APIDRA may be diluted only in normal saline solution.

Drug interactions

Some medications may alter insulin requirements and the risk for hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia [See DRUG INTERACTIONS].

Nonclinical Toxicology

Carcinogenesis, mutagenesis, impairment of fertility

Standard 2-year carcinogenicity studies in animals have not been performed. In Sprague Dawley rats, a 12-month repeat dose toxicity study was conducted with insulin glulisine at subcutaneous doses of 2.5, 5, 20 or 50 Units/kg twice daily (dose resulting in an exposure 1, 2, 8, and 20 times the average human dose, based on body surface area comparison).

There was a non-dose dependent higher incidence of mammary gland tumors in female rats administered insulin glulisine compared to untreated controls. The incidence of mammary tumors for insulin glulisine and regular human insulin was similar. The relevance of these findings to humans is not known. Insulin glulisine was not mutagenic in the following tests: Ames test, in vitro mammalian chromosome aberration test in V79 Chinese hamster cells, and in vivo mammalian erythrocyte micronucleus test in rats.

In fertility studies in male and female rats at subcutaneous doses up to 10 Units/kg once daily (dose resulting in an exposure 2 times the average human dose, based on body surface area comparison), no clear adverse effects on male and female fertility, or general reproductive performance of animals were observed.

Use In Specific Populations

Pregnancy

Pregnancy Category C: Reproduction and teratology studies have been performed with insulin glulisine in rats and rabbits using regular human insulin as a comparator. Insulin glulisine was given to female rats throughout pregnancy at subcutaneous doses up to 10 U/kg once daily (dose resulting in an exposure 2 times the average human dose, based on body surface area comparison) and did not have any remarkable toxic effects on embryo-fetal development.

Insulin glulisine was given to female rabbits throughout pregnancy at subcutaneous doses up to 1.5 Units/kg/day (dose resulting in an exposure 0.5 times the average human dose, based on body surface area comparison). Adverse effects on embryo-fetal development were only seen at maternal toxic dose levels inducing hypoglycemia. Increased incidence of post-implantation losses and skeletal defects were observed at a dose level of 1.5 Units/kg once daily (dose resulting in an exposure 0.5 times the average human dose, based on body surface area comparison) that also caused mortality in dams. A slight increased incidence of post-implantation losses was seen at the next lower dose level of 0.5 Units/kg once daily (dose resulting in an exposure 0.2 times the average human dose, based on body surface area comparison) which was also associated with severe hypoglycemia but there were no defects at that dose. No effects were observed in rabbits at a dose of 0.25 Units/kg once daily (dose resulting in an exposure 0.1 times the average human dose, based on body surface area comparison). The effects of insulin glulisine did not differ from those observed with subcutaneous regular human insulin at the same doses and were attributed to secondary effects of maternal hypoglycemia.

There are no well-controlled clinical studies of the use of APIDRA in pregnant women. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. It is essential for patients with diabetes or a history of gestational diabetes to maintain good metabolic control before conception and throughout pregnancy. Insulin requirements may decrease during the first trimester, generally increase during the second and third trimesters, and rapidly decline after delivery. Careful monitoring of glucose control is essential in these patients.

Nursing mothers

It is unknown whether insulin glulisine is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when APIDRA is administered to a nursing woman. Use of APIDRA is compatible with breastfeeding, but women with diabetes who are lactating may require adjustments of their insulin doses.

Pediatric use

The safety and effectiveness of subcutaneous injections of APIDRA have been established in pediatric patients (age 4 to 17 years) with type 1 diabetes [See Clinical Studies]. APIDRA has not been studied in pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes younger than 4 years of age and in pediatric patients with type 2 diabetes.

As in adults, the dosage of APIDRA must be individualized in pediatric patients based on metabolic needs and frequent monitoring of blood glucose.

Geriatric use

In clinical trials (n=2408), APIDRA was administered to 147 patients ≥ 65 years of age and 27 patients ≥ 75 years of age. The majority of this small subset of elderly patients had type 2 diabetes. The change in HbA1c values and hypoglycemia frequencies did not differ by age. Nevertheless, caution should be exercised when APIDRA is administered to geriatric patients.

Last updated on RxList: 12/9/2008

Excess insulin may cause hypoglycemia and, particularly when given intravenously, hypokalemia. Mild episodes of hypoglycemia usually can be treated with oral glucose.

Adjustments in drug dosage, meal patterns, or exercise may be needed. More severe episodes of hypoglycemia with coma, seizure, or neurologic impairment may be treated with intramuscular/subcutaneous glucagon or concentrated intravenous glucose. Sustained carbohydrate intake and observation may be necessary because hypoglycemia may recur after apparent clinical recovery. Hypokalemia must be corrected appropriately.

APIDRA is contraindicated:

• during episodes of hypoglycemia
• in patients who are hypersensitive to APIDRA or to any of its excipients When used in patients with known hypersensitivity to APIDRA or its excipients, patients may develop localized or generalized hypersensitivity reactions [See ADVERSE REACTIONS].

Last updated on RxList: 12/9/2008

Mechanism of action

Regulation of glucose metabolism is the primary activity of insulins and insulin analogs, including insulin glulisine. Insulins lower blood glucose by stimulating peripheral glucose uptake by skeletal muscle and fat, and by inhibiting hepatic glucose production. Insulins inhibit lipolysis and proteolysis, and enhance protein synthesis.

The glucose lowering activities of APIDRA and of regular human insulin are equipotent when administered by the intravenous route. After subcutaneous administration, the effect of APIDRA is more rapid in onset and of shorter duration compared to regular human insulin. [See Pharmacodynamics].

Pharmacodynamics

Studies in healthy volunteers and patients with diabetes demonstrated that APIDRA has a more rapid onset of action and a shorter duration of activity than regular human insulin when given subcutaneously.

In a study in patients with type 1 diabetes (n= 20), the glucose-lowering profiles of APIDRA and regular human insulin were assessed at various times in relation to a standard meal at a dose of 0.15 Units/kg. (Figure 1.)

The maximum blood glucose excursion (Δ GLUmax; baseline subtracted glucose concentration) for APIDRA injected 2 minutes before a meal was 65 mg/dL compared to 64 mg/dL for regular human insulin injected 30 minutes before a meal (see Figure 1A), and 84 mg/dL for regular human insulin injected 2 minutes before a meal (see Figure 1B). The maximum blood glucose excursion for APIDRA injected 15 minutes after the start of a meal was 85 mg/dL compared to 84 mg/dL for regular human insulin injected 2 minutes before a meal (see Figure 1C).

Figure 1. Serial mean blood glucose collected up to 6 hours following a single dose of APIDRA and regular human insulin. APIDRA given 2 minutes (APIDRA - pre) before the start of a meal compared to regular human insulin given 30 minutes (Regular - 30 min) before start of the meal (Figure 1A) and compared to regular human insulin (Regular - pre) given 2 minutes before a meal (Figure 1B). APIDRA given 15 minutes (APIDRA - post) after start of a meal compared to regular human insulin (Regular - pre) given 2 minutes before a meal (Figure 1C). On the x-axis zero (0) is the start of a 15-minute meal.

Arrow ↑ indicates start of a 15-minute meal

In a randomized, open-label, two-way crossover study, 16 healthy male subjects received an intravenous infusion of APIDRA or regular human insulin with saline diluent at a rate of 0.8 milliUnits/kg/min for two hours. Infusion of the same dose of APIDRA or regular human insulin produced equivalent glucose disposal at steady state.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption and bioavailability

Pharmacokinetic profiles in healthy volunteers and patients with diabetes (type 1 or type 2) demonstrated that absorption of insulin glulisine was faster than that of regular human insulin.

In a study in patients with type 1 diabetes (n=20) after subcutaneous administration of 0.15 Units/kg, the median time to maximum concentration (Tmax) was 60 minutes (range 40 to 120 minutes) and the peak concentration (Cmax) was 83 microUnits/mL (range 40 to 131 microUnits/mL) for insulin glulisine compared to a median Tmax of 120 minutes (range 60 to 239 minutes) and a Cmax of 50 microUnits/mL (range 35 to 71 microUnits/mL) for regular human insulin. (Figure 2)

Figure 2. Pharmacokinetic profiles of insulin glulisine and regular human insulin in patients with type 1 diabetes after a dose of 0.15 Units/kg.

Insulin glulisine and regular human insulin were administered subcutaneously at a dose of 0.2 Units/kg in an euglycemic clamp study in patients with type 2 diabetes (n=24) and a body mass index (BMI) between 20 and 36 kg/m². The median time to maximum concentration (Tmax) was 100 minutes (range 40 to 120 minutes) and the median peak concentration (Cmax) was 84 microUnits/mL (range 53 to 165 microUnits/mL) for insulin glulisine compared to a median Tmax of 240 minutes (range 80 to 360 minutes) and a median Cmax of 41 microUnits/mL (range 33 to 61 microUnits/mL) for regular human insulin. (Figure 3.)

Figure 3. Pharmacokinetic profiles of insulin glulisine and regular human insulin in patients with type 2 diabetes after a subcutaneous dose of 0.2 Units/kg.

When APIDRA was injected subcutaneously into different areas of the body, the time-concentration profiles were similar. The absolute bioavailability of insulin glulisine after subcutaneous administration is approximately 70%, regardless of injection area (abdomen 73%, deltoid 71%, thigh 68%).

In a clinical study in healthy volunteers (n=32) the total insulin glulisine bioavailability was similar after subcutaneous injection of insulin glulisine and NPH insulin (premixed in the syringe) and following separate simultaneous subcutaneous injections. There was 27% attenuation of the maximum concentration (Cmax) of APIDRA after premixing; however, the time to maximum concentration (Tmax) was not affected. No data are available on mixing APIDRA with insulin preparations other than NPH insulin. [See Clinical Studies].

Distribution and elimination

The distribution and elimination of insulin glulisine and regular human insulin after intravenous administration are similar with volumes of distribution of 13 and 21 L and half-lives of 13 and 17 minutes, respectively. After subcutaneous administration, insulin glulisine is eliminated more rapidly than regular human insulin with an apparent half-life of 42 minutes compared to 86 minutes.

Clinical pharmacology in specific populations

Pediatric patients

The pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of APIDRA and regular human insulin were assessed in a study conducted in children 7 to 11 years old (n=10) and adolescents 12 to 16 years old (n=10) with type 1 diabetes. The relative differences in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics between APIDRA and regular human insulin in these patients with type 1 diabetes were similar to those in healthy adult subjects and adults with type 1 diabetes.

Race

A study in 24 healthy Caucasians and Japanese subjects compared the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics after subcutaneous injection of insulin glulisine, insulin lispro, and regular human insulin. With subcutaneous injection of insulin glulisine, Japanese subjects had a greater initial exposure (33%) for the ratio of AUC_(0-1h) to AUC_{(0-clamp end)} than Caucasians (21%) although the total exposures were similar. There were similar findings with insulin lispro and regular human insulin.

Obesity

Insulin glulisine and regular human insulin were administered subcutaneously at a dose of 0.3 Units/kg in a euglycemic clamp study in obese, non-diabetic subjects (n=18) with a body mass index (BMI) between 30 and 40 kg/m². The median time to maximum concentration (Tmax) was 85 minutes (range 49 to 150 minutes) and the median peak concentration (Cmax) was 192 microUnits/mL (range 98 to 380 microUnits/mL) for insulin glulisine compared to a median Tmax of 150 minutes (range 90 to 240 minutes) and a median Cmax of 86 microUnits/mL (range 43 to 175 microUnits/mL) for regular human insulin.

The more rapid onset of action and shorter duration of activity of APIDRA and insulin lispro compared to regular human insulin were maintained in an obese non-diabetic population (n= 18). (Figure 4.)

Figure 4. Glucose infusion rates (GIR) in a euglycemic clamp study after subcutaneous injection of 0.3 Units/kg of APIDRA, insulin lispro or regular human insulin in an obese population.

Renal impairment

Studies with human insulin have shown increased circulating levels of insulin in patients with renal failure. In a study performed in 24 non-diabetic subjects with normal renal function (Cl_Cr > 80 mL/min), moderate renal impairment (30-50 mL/min) and severe renal impairment ( < 30 mL/min), the subjects with moderate and severe renal impairment had increased exposure to insulin glulisine by 29% to 40% and reduced clearance of insulin glulisine by 20% to 25% compared to subjects with normal renal function. [See WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

Hepatic impairment

The effect of hepatic impairment on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of APIDRA has not been studied. Some studies with human insulin have shown increased circulating levels of insulin in patients with liver failure. [See WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

Gender

The effect of gender on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of APIDRA has not been studied.

Pregnancy

The effect of pregnancy on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of APIDRA has not been studied.

Smoking

The effect of smoking on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of APIDRA has not been studied.

Clinical Studies

The safety and efficacy of APIDRA was studied in adult patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes (n =1833) and in children and adolescent patients (4 to 17 years) with type 1 diabetes (n=572). The primary efficacy parameter in these trials was glycemic control, assessed using glycated hemoglobin (GHb reported as HbA1c equivalent).

Type 1 Diabetes-Adults

A 26-week, randomized, open-label, active-controlled, non-inferiority study was conducted in patients with type 1 diabetes to assess the safety and efficacy of APIDRA (n= 339) compared to insulin lispro (n= 333) when administered subcutaneously within 15 minutes before a meal. Insulin glargine was administered once daily in the evening as the basal insulin. There was a 4-week run-in period with insulin lispro and insulin glargine prior to randomization. Most patients were Caucasian (97%). Fifty eight percent of the patients were men. The mean age was 39 years (range 18 to 74 years). Glycemic control, the number of daily short-acting insulin injections and the total daily doses of APIDRA and insulin lispro were similar in the two treatment groups (Table 6).

Table 6: Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus–Adult

Treatment duration Treatment in combination with:	26 weeks Insulin glargine
	APIDRA	Insulin Lispro
Glycated hemoglobin (GHb)* (%)
Number of patients	331	322
Baseline mean	7.6	7.6
Adjusted mean change from baseline	-0.1	-0.1
Treatment difference: APIDRA – Insulin Lispro 95% CI for treatment difference	0.0 (-0.1; 0.1)
Basal insulin dose (Units/day)
Baseline mean	24	24
Adjusted mean change from baseline	0	2
Short-acting insulin dose (Units/day)
Baseline mean	30	31
Adjusted mean change from baseline	-1	-1
Mean number of short-acting insulin injections per day	3	3
Body weight (kg)
Baseline mean	73.9	74.1
Mean change from baseline	0.6	0.3
*GHb reported as HbA1c equivalent

Type 2 Diabetes-Adults

A 26-week, randomized, open-label, active-controlled, non-inferiority study was conducted in insulin-treated patients with type 2 diabetes to assess the safety and efficacy of APIDRA (n= 435) given within 15 minutes before a meal compared to regular human insulin (n=441) administered 30 to 45 minutes prior to a meal. NPH human insulin was given twice a day as the basal insulin. All patients participated in a 4-week run-in period with regular human insulin and NPH human insulin. Eighty-five percent of patients were Caucasian and 11% were Black. The mean age was 58 years (range 26 to 84 years). The average body mass index (BMI) was 34.6 kg/m². At randomization, 58% of the patients were taking an oral antidiabetic agent. These patients were instructed to continue use of their oral antidiabetic agent at the same dose throughout the trial. The majority of patients (79%) mixed their short-acting insulin with NPH human insulin immediately prior to injection. The reductions from baseline in GHb were similar between the 2 treatment groups (see Table 7). No differences between APIDRA and regular human insulin groups were seen in the number of daily short-acting insulin injections or basal or short-acting insulin doses. (See Table 7.)

Table 7: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus–Adult

Treatment duration Treatment in combination with:	26 weeksNPH human insulin
	APIDRA	Regular Human Insulin
Glycated hemoglobin (GHb)* (%)
Number of patients	404	403
Baseline mean	7.6	7.5
Adjusted mean change from baseline	-0.5	-0.3
Treatment difference: APIDRA – Regular Human Insulin 95% CI for treatment difference	-0.2 (-0.3; -0.1)
Basal insulin dose (Units/day)
Baseline mean	59	57
Adjusted mean change from baseline	6	6
Short-acting insulin dose (Units/day)
Baseline mean	32	31
Adjusted mean change from baseline	4	5
Mean number of short-acting insulin injections per day	2	2
Body weight (kg)
Baseline mean	100.5	99.2
Mean change from baseline	1.8	2.0
*GHb reported as HbA1c equivalent

Type 1 Diabetes-Adults: Pre- and post-meal administration

A 12-week, randomized, open-label, active-controlled, non-inferiority study was conducted in patients with type 1 diabetes to assess the safety and efficacy of APIDRA administered at different times with respect to a meal. APIDRA was administered subcutaneously either within 15 minutes before a meal (n=286) or immediately after a meal (n=296) and regular human insulin (n= 278) was administered subcutaneously 30 to 45 minutes prior to a meal. Insulin glargine was administered once daily at bedtime as the basal insulin. There was a 4-week run-in period with regular human insulin and insulin glargine followed by randomization. Most patients were Caucasian (94%). The mean age was 40 years (range 18 to 73 years). Glycemic control (see Table 8) was comparable for the 3 treatment regimens. No changes from baseline between the treatments were seen in the total daily number of short-acting insulin injections. (See Table 8.)

Table 8: Pre- and Post-Meal Administration in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus–Adult

Treatment duration Treatment in combination with:	12 weeks insulin glargine APIDRA pre meal	12 weeks insulin glargine APIDRA post meal	12 weeks insulin glargine Regular Human Insulin
Glycated hemoglobin (GHb)* (%)
Number of patients	268	276	257
Baseline mean	7.7	7.7	7.6
Adjusted mean change from baseline**	-0.3	-0.1	-0.1
Basal insulin dose (Units/day)
Baseline mean	29	29	28
Adjusted mean change from baseline	1	0	1
Short-acting insulin dose (Units/day)
Baseline mean	29	29	27
Adjusted mean change from baseline	-1	-1	2
Mean number of short-acting insulin injections per day	3	3	3
Body weight (kg)
Baseline mean	79.2	80.3	78.9
Mean change from baseline	0.3	-0.3	0.3
*GHb reported as HbA1c equivalent **Adjusted mean change from baseline treatment difference (98.33% CI for treatment difference): APIDRA pre meal vs. Regular Human Insulin - 0.1 (-0.3; 0.0) APIDRA post meal vs. Regular Human Insulin 0.0 (-0.1; 0.2) APIDRA post meal vs. pre meal 0.2 (0.0; 0.3)

Type 1 Diabetes-Pediatric patients

A 26-week, randomized, open-label, active-controlled, non-inferiority study was conducted in children and adolescents older than 4 years of age with type 1 diabetes mellitus to assess the safety and efficacy of APIDRA (n= 277) compared to insulin lispro (n= 295) when administered subcutaneously within 15 minutes before a meal. Patients also received insulin glargine (administered once daily in the evening) or NPH insulin (administered once in the morning and once in the evening). There was a 4-week run-in period with insulin lispro and insulin glargine or NPH prior to randomization. Most patients were Caucasian (91%). Fifty percent of the patients were male. The mean age was 12.5 years (range 4 to 17 years). Mean BMI was 20.6 kg/m². Glycemic control (see Table 9) was comparable for the two treatment regimens.

Table 9: Results from a 26-week study in pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus

Number of patients Basal Insulin	APIDRA 271 NPH or insulin glargine	Lispro 291 NPH or insulin glargine
Glycated hemoglobin (GHb)* (%)
Baseline mean	8.2	8.2
Adjusted mean change from Baseline	0.1	0.2
Treatment Difference: Mean (95% confidence interval)	-0.1(-0.2, 0.1)
Basal insulin dose (Units/kg/day)
Baseline mean	0.5	0.5
Mean change from baseline	0.0	0.0
Short-acting insulin dose (Units/kg/day)
Baseline mean	0.5	0.5
Mean change from baseline	0.0	0.0
Mean number of short-acting insulin injections per day	3	3
Baseline mean body weight (kg)	51.5	50.8
Mean weight change from baseline (kg)	2.2	2.2
*GHb reported as HbA1c equivalent

Type 1 Diabetes-Adults: Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion

A 12-week randomized, active control study (APIDRA versus insulin aspart) conducted in adults with type 1 diabetes (APIDRA n= 29, insulin aspart n=30) evaluated the use of APIDRA in an external continuous subcutaneous insulin pump. All patients were Caucasian. The mean age was 46 years (range 21 to 73 years). The mean GHb increased from baseline to endpoint in both treatment groups (from 6.8% to 7.0% for APIDRA; from 7.1% to 7.2% for insulin aspart).

Last updated on RxList: 12/9/2008

See FDA-approved patient labeling.

Instructions for all patients

Patients should be instructed on self-management procedures including glucose monitoring, proper injection technique, and management of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia. Patients must be instructed on handling of special situations such as intercurrent conditions (illness, stress, or emotional disturbances), an inadequate or skipped insulin dose, inadvertent administration of an increased insulin dose, inadequate food intake, and skipped meals. Refer patients to the APIDRA Patient Information Leaflet for additional information.

Women with diabetes should be advised to inform their doctor if they are pregnant or are contemplating pregnancy.

Accidental mix-ups between APIDRA and other insulins, particularly long-acting insulins, have been reported. To avoid medication errors between APIDRA and other insulins, patients should be instructed to always check the insulin label before each injection.

For patients using continuous subcutaneous insulin pumps

Patients using external pump infusion therapy should be trained appropriately.

The following insulin pumps^† have been used in APIDRA clinical trials conducted by sanofi-aventis, the manufacturer of APIDRA:

• Disetronic® H-Tron® plus V100 and D-Tron® with Disetronic catheters (Rapid™, Rapid C™, Rapid D™, and Tender™)
• MiniMed® Models 506, 507, 507c and 508 with MiniMed catheters (Sof-set Ultimate QR™, and Quick-set™).

Before using a different insulin pump with APIDRA, read the pump label to make sure the pump has been evaluated with APIDRA.

To minimize insulin degradation, infusion set occlusion, and loss of the preservative (metacresol), the infusion sets (reservoir, tubing, and catheter) and the APIDRA in the reservoir should be replaced every 48 hours and a new infusion site should be selected. The temperature of the insulin may exceed ambient temperature when the pump housing, cover, tubing or sport case is exposed to sunlight or radiant heat. Insulin exposed to temperatures higher than 98.6°F (37°C) should be discarded. Infusion sites that are erythematous, pruritic, or thickened should be reported to the healthcare professional, and a new site selected because continued infusion may increase the skin reaction or alter the absorption of APIDRA.

Pump or infusion set malfunctions or insulin degradation can lead to rapid hyperglycemia and ketosis. This is especially pertinent for rapid-acting insulin analogs that are more rapidly absorbed through skin and have a shorter duration of action. Prompt identification and correction of the cause of hyperglycemia or ketosis is necessary. Problems include pump malfunction, infusion set occlusion, leakage, disconnection or kinking, and degraded insulin. Less commonly, hypoglycemia from pump malfunction may occur. If these problems cannot be promptly corrected, patients should resume therapy with subcutaneous insulin injection and contact their healthcare professional. [See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION, WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, and HOW SUPPLIED/Storage and Handling].

Last updated on RxList: 12/9/2008

IMPORTANT NOTE: This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your health care professional. Always seek the advice of your health care professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your health care professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you.

INSULIN GLULISINE - INJECTION

(IN-sue-lin GLUE-lih-seen)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Apidra

USES: Insulin glulisine is a man-made product almost identical to human insulin. It is used to treat diabetes mellitus. Like other insulin products, it works by helping sugar (glucose) get into cells. It starts working faster and lasts for a shorter time than regular insulin.

Insulin glulisine is usually used in combination with a medium- or long-acting insulin product to control high blood sugar.

Controlling high blood sugar helps prevent heart disease, strokes, kidney disease, circulation problems, blindness, and sexual function problems.

HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using insulin glulisine and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions regarding the information, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Learn all preparation and usage instructions, including how to inject this medication properly and how to self-manage your diabetes (e.g., monitoring blood glucose, recognizing and treating high/low blood sugar). For additional information, consult your doctor, diabetic educator, or pharmacist.

Before using, inspect this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the insulin.

Before injecting each dose, clean the injection site with rubbing alcohol. It is important to change the location of the injection site daily to avoid developing problem areas under the skin (lipodystrophy). Insulin glulisine may be injected in the abdominal wall, the thigh, or the back of the upper arm.

Inject this medication under the skin within 15 minutes before eating a meal or within 20 minutes after starting the meal as directed by your doctor. Because this insulin is fast-acting, not eating immediately after giving a dose of this insulin may lead to low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Measure each dose very carefully because even small changes in the amount of insulin may have a large effect on your blood sugar levels.

Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time(s) each day.

Giving insulin glulisine into a vein is not recommended. Severe low blood sugar may result. Also, it should not be injected into a muscle.

If you are directed to inject this insulin with an infusion pump, read the instruction manual and directions that come with the infusion pump. If you have any questions regarding the information, consult your doctor, diabetic educator, or pharmacist. Avoid exposing the pump or its tubing to direct sunlight or other heat sources.

This product may be mixed only with certain other insulin products such as NPH insulin. Consult your pharmacist about which products may be mixed and the proper method for mixing insulin. Never inject a mixture of different insulins into a vein. Do not mix insulins if you are using an insulin pump.

Do not change brands or types of insulin without directions on how to do so from your doctor.

Learn how to store and discard needles and medical supplies safely. Consult your pharmacist.

SIDE EFFECTS: Injection site reactions (e.g., pain, redness, irritation) may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if this unlikely but serious side effect occurs: muscle pain.

This medication can cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). This effect may occur if you do not consume enough calories (from food, juices, fruit, etc.) or you have taken too much insulin glulisine. The symptoms include chills, cold sweat, blurred vision, dizziness, drowsiness, shaking, rapid heart rate, weakness, headache, fainting, tingling of the hands or feet, or hunger. It is a good habit to carry glucose tablets or gel to treat low blood sugar. If you are in a situation where you don't have these reliable forms of glucose, eat a quick source of sugar such as table sugar, honey, or candy, or drink a glass of orange juice or non-diet soda to quickly raise your blood sugar level. Tell your doctor immediately about the reaction. To help prevent hypoglycemia, eat meals on a regular schedule and do not skip meals. Check with your doctor or pharmacist about what you should do if you miss a meal.

Too little insulin glulisine can cause symptoms of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia). Symptoms include thirst, increased urination, confusion, drowsiness, flushing, rapid breathing, or fruity breath odor. If these symptoms occur, tell your doctor immediately. Your dosage may need to be increased.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, fast heartbeat, sweating, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Contact your doctor for medical advice about side effects. The following numbers do not provide medical advice, but in the US you may report side effects to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you may call Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking insulin glulisine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other insulins; or to cresol; or if you have any other allergies.

Do not use this medication when you have low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, liver disease, thyroid problems.

You may experience blurred vision, dizziness, or drowsiness due to extremely low or high blood sugar levels; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery.

Limit alcohol while taking this medication because it can increase the risk of developing hypoglycemia.

During times of stress, such as fever, infection, injury or surgery, it may be more difficult to control your blood sugar. Consult your doctor because a change in your medication or how often you test your blood sugar may be required.

If traveling across time zones, ask your doctor about how to adjust your insulin schedule. Take extra insulin and supplies with you.

The elderly may be more sensitive to the effects of this drug, especially hypoglycemia.

Children may be more sensitive to the effects of this drug, especially hypoglycemia.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this medication. If you are planning pregnancy, discuss a plan for managing your blood sugars with your doctor before you become pregnant. Your doctor may switch the type of insulin you use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor for more details.

It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Your healthcare professionals (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for it. Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: other insulin products (e.g., regular, NPH), oral diabetes medicine (e.g., glyburide, pioglitazone), ACE inhibitors (e.g., enalapril, lisinopril), clonidine, corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone), danazol, disopyramide, estrogens and progestins (including birth control pills), fibrates (e.g., clofibrate, gemfibrozil), fluoxetine, guanethidine, isoniazid, lithium, MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, isocarboxazid, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, selegiline, tranylcypromine), niacin, pentamidine, pentoxifylline, propoxyphene, protease inhibitors (e.g., indinavir, ritonavir), anti-psychotic drugs (e.g., phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine or atypical anti-psychotics such as clozapine, olanzapine), quinolone antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin), reserpine, salicylates (e.g., aspirin), somatropin, sulfa antibiotics (e.g., sulfamethoxazole), sympathomimetic drugs (e.g., albuterol, epinephrine), thyroid medicine, "water pills" (diuretics such as furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide).

Beta-blocker medications (e.g., metoprolol, propranolol, glaucoma eye drops such as timolol) may prevent the fast/pounding heartbeat you would usually feel when your blood sugar level falls too low (hypoglycemia). Other symptoms of low blood sugar such as dizziness, hunger, or sweating are unaffected by these drugs.

Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that could affect your blood sugar. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of those products.

This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. Symptoms of overdose may include: shakiness, rapid heartbeat, unexplained sweating, loss of consciousness.

NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.

It is recommended you attend a diabetes education program to understand diabetes and all the important aspects of its treatment, including meals/diet, exercise, personal hygiene, medications, and getting regular eye, foot and medical exams.

Keep all medical appointments. Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., liver and kidney function tests, fasting blood glucose, hemoglobin A1c, complete blood counts) should be performed periodically to monitor for side effects and response to therapy. Check your blood sugar levels regularly as directed by your doctor or pharmacist.

Wear or carry identification stating that you have diabetes and are using this drug. See Medical Alert section.

MISSED DOSE: It is very important to follow your insulin regimen exactly. Do not miss any doses of insulin. Discuss specific instructions with your doctor now in case you miss a dose of insulin in the future.

STORAGE: It is best to refrigerate the unopened vial/cartridge between 36-46 degrees F (2-8 degrees C). Unopened insulin may also be stored at room temperature below 77 degrees F (25 degrees C), but in that case it must be discarded after 28 days. Once opened, this medication may be stored in the refrigerator or at room temperature below 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Discard 28 days after opening. Do not freeze. Discard the insulin if it has been frozen.

If using this drug in an insulin pump, do not store this drug in the pump for more than 48 hours. Doing so may lead to ineffective therapy and high blood sugars. Do not expose the insulin in your pump to direct sunlight or temperatures above 98.6 degrees F (37 degrees C).

Protect insulin from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).

Information last revised July 2008 Copyright(c) 2008 First DataBank, Inc.