Insulin Glulisine
Description
Insulin Glulisine is a fast-acting variant of insulin. Insulin is a natural substance produced by the pancreas which helps in utilizing glucose (body's sugar) for energy production. It is used in the treatment of Diabetes mellitus (a group of conditions resulting in increased blood sugar levels in the body) in children and adults. Insulin Glulisine provides consistent sugar control by improving the utilization of sugar by muscles and fat cells and by decreasing the production of sugar in the liver.
Insulin Glulisine has side effects like itching, skin rash, weight gain, swelling and pain at the site of injection. This medicine can occasionally cause hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar levels), the signs of which are sweating, dizziness, and shaking. To avoid the symptoms of low blood sugar levels, eat your meals on time and carry a fast-acting sugar source (sweet candy or fruit juice).
Insulin Glulisine is a prescription medicine. Your doctor or the supporting nurse will explain how to administer this injection and the precautions to be taken while administering it. This medicine should be taken 30 minutes before a meal. Do not stop taking this injection without consulting your doctor, even if your sugar levels are normal.
Insulin Glulisine is mostly given in combination with oral anti-diabetic medicines. Inform your doctor if you have liver, kidney, heart problems and also about your ongoing medicines, before taking this medicine. Also, before taking this injection, inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or are breastfeeding.
QUICK LINKS:
Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Insulin Glulisine
- Decreased blood glucose levels
- Headache
- Fast heartbeat
- Blurred vision
- Dizziness
- Sore throat
- Unusual tiredness and weakness
Uses of Insulin Glulisine
What is it prescribed for?
- Type I Diabetes mellitus
- Type II Diabetes Mellitus
Read More
Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe effect of Insulin Glulisine can be observed within 30 minutes of administration.
- Duration of effectThe effect of Insulin Glulisine lasts for an average duration of 5 hours.
- Safe with alcohol?Consumption of alcohol is not recommended during treatment with Insulin Glulisine as it may increase the risk of lactic acidosis (increased blood lactic acid levels). It may also affect the ability of this medicine to control your blood sugar levels.
- Is it habit forming?No habit-forming tendency has been reported for Insulin Glulisine.
- Usage in pregnancy?Insulin Glulisine is generally safe during pregnancy. However, if you are pregnant, consult your doctor before using this medicine.
- Usage while breast-feeding?Insulin Glulisine is considered safe during breastfeeding. However, if you are breastfeeding, consult your doctor before using this medicine.
Allergy
Avoid using Insulin Glulisine if you are allergic to it. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms such as skin rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, breathing difficulty, etc.
Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia is a condition of decreased blood sugar levels in the body. Insulin Glulisine is not recommended for use if you have decreased blood sugar levels, as this may worsen your health condition leading to serious side effects.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
Insulin Glulisine is generally safe during pregnancy. However, if you are pregnant, consult your doctor before using this medicine.
Breast-feeding
Insulin Glulisine is considered safe during breastfeeding. However, if you are breastfeeding, consult your doctor before using this medicine.
General warnings
Driving and operating machines
Insulin Glulisine may cause low blood sugar levels and dizziness which may affect your concentration. Avoid driving vehicles or operating machines if you experience these symptoms after taking this medicine.
Liver/Kidney diseases
Insulin Glulisine should be used with caution if you have any history of liver/kidney problems as it may lead to worsening of your health condition. Your doctor may suggest tests to monitor your kidney/liver functioning while on treatment with this medicine.
Use in Children
Insulin Glulisine is not recommended for use in children below 18 years of age for treating type II diabetes. It is not recommended for use in children below four years of age for treating type I diabetes as the safety and efficacy data are not available.
Single Person Use
Insulin Glulisine (pen) should not be shared with others even if the needle is changed. Sharing insulin pens, syringes and needles with another person, who are using vials is strictly not advised.
Route of Administration
In specific circumstances, some formulations of Insulin Glulisine can also be administered intravenously in infusion systems using polypropylene infusion bags strictly under the medical supervision of a qualified healthcare professional.
Missed Dose
Insulin Glulisine is administered before food. Administer the missed dose of this medicine as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double your dose to make up for the missed one.
Overdose
Seek immediate medical attention if an overdose of Insulin Glulisine is suspected.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
N/A
Instructions
Consumption of alcohol is not recommended during treatment with Insulin Glulisine as it may increase the risk of lactic acidosis (increased blood lactic acid levels). It may also affect the ability of this medicine to control your blood sugar levels.
Interaction with Medicine
Corticosteroids
Beta blockers
ACE inhibitors
Fluoroquinolones
Disease interactions
Hypokalemia
Insulin Glulisine should be used with caution if you have an increased risk of developing hypokalemia (decreased blood potassium levels) as it may worsen your health condition.
Heart diseases
Insulin Glulisine should be used with caution if you have pre-existing heart problems due to the increased risk of worsening your condition.
Hypoglycaemia
Hypoglycemia is a condition characterized by a decrease in your blood glucose levels. Insulin Glulisine is not recommended for use if you have low blood sugar levels. Monitor your blood glucose level regularly. Always carry a fast-acting sugar source (like sugar candy or fruit juice) to overcome the symptoms of hypoglycemia.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Carefully follow all the instructions given by your doctor while administering Insulin Glulisine.
Never administer more or less than the prescribed dose. Do not stop the use of this medicine without consulting your doctor.
Consult your doctor if you experience any undesirable side effects while using this medicine.
Frequent follow-up visits with your doctor and monthly blood tests may be required based on your health condition.
Never share an injection pen, cartridge, or syringe with another person, even if the needle has been changed.
Maintain a proper diet and do regular exercise to get maximum benefits. You should always carry a sugar candy to counteract unexpected lowering of blood sugar levels.
Store in a refrigerator. Do not freeze. Keep away from the reach of children and pets.
Miscelleneous
How it works
Insulin Glulisine is a replacement insulin that works by improving the utilization of sugar by muscles and fat cells and by decreasing the production of sugar in the liver.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Insulin, Antidiabetic agents
Schedule
Schedule H
Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2021. DailyMed - APIDRA- insulin glulisine injection, solutionAPIDRA SOLOSTAR- insulin glulisine injection, solution. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 30 November 2021].
Medicines.org.uk. 2021. Apidra 100 Units/ml solution for injection in a vial - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (emc). [online] Available at: < [Accessed 30 November 2021].
Ebs.tga.gov.au. 2021. TGA eBS - Product and Consumer Medicine Information Licence. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 30 November 2021].
Pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. 2021. Insulin glulisine. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 30 November 2021].
Information on this page was last updated on 28 Dec 2021
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.