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IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

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 kidney damage, blindness, nerve problems, loss of limbs, and sexual function problems. Proper control of diabetes may also lessen your risk of a heart attack or stroke.

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.

Do not inject this medication into a muscle. Also, insulin glulisine must not be given into a vein unless you are in the hospital where you can be closely monitored because severely low blood sugar may result.

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.