Insulin Glulisine

Generic Name: insulin glulisine

Insulin Analog [EPC]Over-the-Counter (OTC)

Brand Names:

Apidra, Apidra Solostar

11 DESCRIPTION Insulin glulisine 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. Insulin glulisine has a molecular weight of 5.823 kDa.

Overview

11 DESCRIPTION Insulin glulisine 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. Insulin glulisine has a molecular weight of 5.823 kDa.

Uses

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE APIDRA is indicated to improve glycemic control in adult and pediatric patients with diabetes mellitus. APIDRA is a rapid-acting human insulin analog indicated to improve glycemic control in adult and pediatric patients with diabetes mellitus. ( 1 )

Dosage

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION See Full Prescribing Information for important administration instructions. ( 2.1 , 2.2 ) Individualize and adjust the dosage of APIDRA based on route of administration, individual's metabolic needs, blood glucose monitoring results, and glycemic control goal. ( 2.3 ) Dosage adjustments may be needed when switching from another insulin, with changes in physical activity, changes in concomitant medications, changes in meal patterns, changes in renal or hepatic function or during acute illness. ( 2.3 ) Subcutaneous Injection: ( 2.2 ) Inject within 15 minutes before a meal or within 20 minutes after starting a meal into the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.

Side Effects

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following adverse reactions are discussed elsewhere: Hypoglycemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Hypoglycemia Due to Medication Errors [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Hypokalemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] Adverse reactions commonly associated with APIDRA include hypoglycemia, allergic reactions, injection site reactions, lipodystrophy, pruritus, rash, and weight gain. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact sanofi-aventis at 1-800-633-1610 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Interactions

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Table 6: Clinically Significant Drug Interactions with APIDRA Drugs that May Increase the Risk of Hypoglycemia Drugs: Antidiabetic agents, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blocking agents, disopyramide, fibrates, fluoxetine, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, pentoxifylline, pramlintide, salicylates, somatostatin analog (e.g., octreotide), and sulfonamide antibiotics. Intervention: Dose adjustment and increased frequency of glucose monitoring may be required when APIDRA is coadministered with these drugs.

Warnings

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Never share an APIDRA SoloStar pen between patients, even if the needle is changed. ( 5.1 ) Hyperglycemia or Hypoglycemia with Changes in Insulin Regimen: Make changes to a patient's insulin regimen (e.g., insulin strength, manufacturer, type, injection site or method of administration) under close medical supervision with increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring. ( 5.2 ) Hypoglycemia: May be life-threatening. Increase frequency of glucose monitoring with changes to: insulin dosage, coadministered glucose lowering medications, meal pattern, physical activity; and in patients with renal impairment or hepatic impairment or hypoglycemia unawareness. ( 5.3 ) Hypoglycemia Due to Medication Errors: Accidental mix-ups between insulin products can occur. 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS APIDRA is contraindicated: during episodes of hypoglycemia in patients with known hypersensitivity to insulin glulisine or to any of the excipients in APIDRA; systemic allergic reactions have occurred with APIDRA [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . Do not use during episodes of hypoglycemia.

Pregnancy

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Available pharmacovigilance data have not established an association with insulin glulisine use during pregnancy and major birth defects, miscarriage or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. There are risks to the mother and fetus associated with poorly controlled diabetes in pregnancy (see Clinical Considerations ) . Animal reproduction studies have been conducted with insulin glulisine in rats and rabbits using regular human insulin as a comparator.

Storage

16.2 Storage Dispense in the original sealed carton with the enclosed Instructions for Use. Do not freeze. Do not use after the expiration date (see carton and container). Storage conditions are summarized in the following table: Not in-use (unopened) Refrigerated (36°F-46°F [2°C-8°C]).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Insulin Glulisine used for?

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE APIDRA is indicated to improve glycemic control in adult and pediatric patients with diabetes mellitus. APIDRA is a rapid-acting human insulin analog indicated to improve glycemic control in adult and pediatric patients with diabetes mellitus. ( 1 )

What are the side effects of Insulin Glulisine?

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following adverse reactions are discussed elsewhere: Hypoglycemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Hypoglycemia Due to Medication Errors [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Hypokalemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] Adverse reactions commonly associated with APIDRA include hypoglycemia, allergic reactions, injection site reactions, lipodystrophy, pruritus, rash, and weight gain. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact sanofi-aventis at 1-800-633-1610 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Can I take Insulin Glulisine during pregnancy?

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Available pharmacovigilance data have not established an association with insulin glulisine use during pregnancy and major birth defects, miscarriage or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. There are risks to the mother and fetus associated with poorly controlled diabetes in pregnancy (see Clinical Considerations ) . Animal reproduction studies have been conducted with insulin glulisine in rats and rabbits using regular human insulin as a comparator.

What are the important warnings for Insulin Glulisine?

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Never share an APIDRA SoloStar pen between patients, even if the needle is changed. ( 5.1 ) Hyperglycemia or Hypoglycemia with Changes in Insulin Regimen: Make changes to a patient's insulin regimen (e.g., insulin strength, manufacturer, type, injection site or method of administration) under close medical supervision with increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring. ( 5.2 ) Hypoglycemia: May be life-threatening. Increase frequency of glucose monitoring with changes to: insulin dosage, coadministered glucose lowering medications, meal pattern, physical activity; and in patients with renal impairment or hepatic impairment or hypoglycemia unawareness. ( 5.3 ) Hypoglycemia Due to Medication Errors: Accidental mix-ups between insulin products can occur. 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS APIDRA is contraindicated: during episodes of hypoglycemia in patients with known hypersensitivity to insulin glulisine or to any of the excipients in APIDRA; systemic allergic reactions have occurred with APIDRA [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . Do not use during episodes of hypoglycemia.

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Medical Disclaimer

This drug information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Drug information is sourced from the FDA National Drug Code Directory and Structured Product Labeling. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.