Apidra (Insulin Glulisine [rDNA origin] Inj) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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February 10, 2012

Apidra

Diabetes Prescription Insulin Medications »

What is the diabetes medication insulin and how does it work?

Insulin is a hormone that is produced by certain cells in the pancreas called beta cells. Insulin helps the body use blood glucose (a type of sugar) for energy. When we eat and absorb food, glucose levels rise and insulin is released.

Some people can't make insulin; those people are said to have type 1 diabetes. A person with type 2 diabetes can make insulin, but the body doesn't respond well to insulin; they are said to have â€œinsulin resistance.â€

For what conditions is the diabetes medication insulin used?

Insulin is always necessary for type 1 diabetes because the body has no internal source of insulin. People with type 2 diabetes may also need insulin, particularly those who have difficulty controlling their diabetes with oral medications.

Are there differences among types of insulin?

Insulins differ based on three ...

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APIDRA (insulin glulisine rdna origin inj)
(insulin glulisine [rDNA origin]) Injection Solution for Injection

DRUG DESCRIPTION

APIDRA (insulin glulisine rdna origin inj) ® (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 (insulin glulisine [rDNA origin]) Structural Formula Illustration

APIDRA (insulin glulisine rdna origin inj) is a sterile, aqueous, clear, and colorless solution. Each milliliter of APIDRA (insulin glulisine rdna origin inj) 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 (insulin glulisine rdna origin inj) has a pH of approximately 7.3. The pH is adjusted by addition of aqueous solutions of hydrochloric acid and/or sodium hydroxide.

What are the possible side effects of insulin glulisine (Apidra, Apidra OptiClik Cartridge, Apidra SoloStar Pen)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of insulin allergy: itching skin rash over the entire body, wheezing, trouble breathing, fast heart rate, sweating, or feeling like you might pass out.

Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, is the most common side effect of insulin glulisine. Symptoms of low blood sugar may include headache, nausea, hunger, confusion, drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, blurred vision, fast heartbeat, sweating, tremor, trouble concentrating,...

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What are the precautions when taking insulin glulisine [rdna origin] inj (Apidra)?

Before using insulin glulisine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other insulins; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as cresol), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

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. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness or clear vision until you are sure you can perform such activities...

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Last reviewed on RxList: 12/9/2008
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.