Patient leaflet - Apidra
1. What Apidra is and what it is used for
Apidra is an antidiabetic agent, used to reduce high blood sugar in patients with diabetes mellitus; it may be given to adults, adolescents and children, 6 years of age and older. Diabetes mellitus is a disease where your body does not produce enough insulin to control the level of blood sugar.
It is made by biotechnology. It has a rapid onset within 10–20 minutes and a short duration, about 4 hours.
2. What you need to know before you use Apidra
Do not use Apidra
-
– If you are allergic to insulin glulisine or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in
-
section 6).
-
– If your blood sugar is too low (hypoglycaemia), follow the guidance for hypoglycaemia (see
box at the end of this leaflet).
Warnings and precautions
Talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse before using Apidra.
Follow closely the instructions for dose, monitoring (blood tests), diet and physical activity (physical work and exercise) as discussed with your doctor.
Special patient groups
If you have liver or kidney problems, speak to your doctor as you may need a lower dose.
There is insufficient clinical information on the use of Apidra in children younger than the age of
6 years.
Skin changes at the injection site
The injection site should be rotated to prevent skin changes such as lumps under the skin. The insulin may not work very well if you inject into a lumpy area (see How to use Apidra). Contact your doctor if you are currently injecting into a lumpy area before you start injecting in a different area. Your doctor may tell you to check your blood sugar more closely, and to adjust your insulin or your other antidiabetic medications dose.
Travel
Before travelling consult your doctor. You may need to talk about
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– the availability of your insulin in the country you are visiting,
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– supplies of insulin, injection syringes etc,
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– correct storage of your insulin while travelling,
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– timing of meals and insulin administration while travelling,
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– the possible effects of changing to different time zones,
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– possible new health risks in the countries to be visited,
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– what you should do in emergency situations when you feel unwell or become ill.
Illnesses and injuries
In the following situations, the management of your diabetes may require extra care:
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– If you are ill or have a major injury then your blood sugar level may increase (hyperglycaemia).
-
– If you are not eating enough your blood sugar level may become too low (hypoglycaemia).
In most cases you will need a doctor. Make sure that you contact a doctor early.
If you have type 1 diabetes (insulin dependent diabetes mellitus), do not stop your insulin and continue to get enough carbohydrates. Always tell people who are caring for you or treating you that you require insulin.
Some patients with long-standing type 2 diabetes mellitus and heart disease or previous stroke who were treated with pioglitazone and insulin experienced the development of heart failure. Inform your doctor as soon as possible if you experience signs of heart failure such as unusual shortness of breath or rapid increase in weight or localised swelling (oedema).
Other medicines and Apidra
Some medicines cause changes in the blood sugar level (decrease, increase or both depending on the situation). In each case, it may be necessary to adjust your insulin dose to avoid blood sugar levels that are either too low or too high. Be careful when you start or stop taking another medicine.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines. Before taking a medicine ask your doctor if it can affect your blood sugar level and what action, if any, you need to take.
Medicines that may cause your blood sugar level to fall (hypoglycaemia) include:
-
– all other medicines to treat diabetes,
-
– angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (used to treat certain heart conditions or high
blood pressure),
-
– disopyramide (used to treat certain heart conditions),
-
– fluoxetine (used to treat depression),
-
– fibrates (used to lower high levels of blood lipids),
-
– monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors (used to treat depression),
-
– pentoxifylline, propoxyphene, salicylates (such as aspirin, used to relieve pain and lower fever),
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– sulphonamide antibiotics.
Medicines that may cause your blood sugar level to rise (hyperglycaemia) include:
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– corticosteroids (such as „cortisone“ used to treat inflammation),
-
– danazol (medicine acting on ovulation),
-
– diazoxide (used to treat high blood pressure),
-
– diuretics (used to treat high blood pressure or excessive fluid retention),
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– glucagon (pancreas hormone used to treat severe hypoglycaemia),
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– isoniazid (used to treat tuberculosis),
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– oestrogens and progestogens (such as in the contraceptive pill used for birth control),
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– phenothiazine derivatives (used to treat psychiatric disorders),
-
– somatropin (growth hormone),
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– sympathomimetic medicines (such as epinephrine [adrenaline], salbutamol, terbutaline used to
treat asthma),
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– thyroid hormones (used to treat thyroid gland disorders),
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– protease inhibitors (used to treat HIV),
-
– atypical antipsychotic medicines (such as olanzapine and clozapine).
Your blood sugar level may either rise or fall if you take:
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– beta-blockers (used to treat high blood pressure),
-
– clonidine (used to treat high blood pressure),
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– lithium salts (used to treat psychiatric disorders).
Pentamidine (used to treat some infections caused by parasites) may cause hypoglycaemia which may sometimes be followed by hyperglycaemia.
Beta-blockers like other sympatholytic medicines (such as clonidine, guanethidine and reserpine) may weaken or suppress entirely the first warning symptoms which help you to recognise a hypoglycaemia.
If you are not sure whether you are taking one of those medicines ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Apidra with alcohol
Your blood sugar levels may either rise or fall if you drink alcohol.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding
If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine.
Inform your doctor if you are planning to become pregnant, or if you are already pregnant. Your insulin dose may need to be changed during pregnancy and after giving birth. Careful control of your diabetes, and prevention of hypoglycaemia, is important for the health of your baby.
There are no or limited data on the use of Apidra in pregnant women.
If you are breast-feeding consult your doctor as you may require adjustments in your insulin doses and your diet.
Driving and using machines
Your ability to concentrate or react may be reduced if:
-
– you have hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar levels), – you have hyperglycaemia (high blood sugar levels).
Keep this possible problem in mind in all situations where you might put yourself and others at risk (such as driving a car or using machines).
You should contact your doctor for advice on driving if:
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– you have frequent episodes of hypoglycaemia,
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– the first warning symptoms which help you to recognise hypoglycaemia are reduced or absent.
Important information about some of the ingredients of Apidra
This medicine contains less than 1 mmol (23 mg) sodium per dose, i.e. it is essentially ‘sodium-free’.
Apidra contains metacresol
Apidra contains metacresol, which may cause allergic reactions.
3. How to use Apidra
Dose
Always use this medicine exactly as your doctor has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.
Based on your life-style and the results of your blood sugar (glucose) tests and your previous insulin usage, your doctor will determine how much Apidra you will need.
Apidra is a short-acting insulin. Your doctor may tell you to use it in combination with an intermediate, long-acting insulin, a basal insulin or with tablets used to treat high blood sugar levels.
If you switch from another insulin to insulin glulisine, your dosage may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
Many factors may influence your blood sugar level. You should know these factors so that you are able to react correctly to changes in your blood sugar level and to prevent it from becoming too high or too low. See the box at the end of this leaflet for further information.
Method of administration
Apidra is injected under the skin (subcutaneously). It may also be given intravenously by healthcare professionals under close supervision by a doctor.
Your doctor will show you in which area of the skin you should inject Apidra. Apidra can be injected in the abdominal wall, the thigh or upper arm or by continuous infusion in the abdominal wall. The effect will be slightly quicker if the insulin is injected into your abdomen. As for all insulins, injection sites and infusion sites within an-injection area (abdomen, thigh or upper arm) must be rotated from one injection to the next.
Frequency of administration
Apidra should be taken shortly (0–15 minutes) before or soon after meals.
Instructions for proper use
How to handle the vials
Apidra vials are for use with insulin syringes with the corresponding unit scale and for use with an insulin pump system.
Look at the vial before you use it. Only use it if the solution is clear, colourless and has no visible particles in it.
Do not shake or mix it before use.
Always use a new vial if you notice that your blood sugar control is unexpectedly getting worse. This is because the insulin may have lost some of its effectiveness. If you think you may have a problem with Apidra, have it checked by your doctor or pharmacist.
If you have to mix two types of insulin
Apidra must not be mixed with any preparation other than NPH human insulin.
If Apidra is mixed with NPH human insulin, Apidra should be drawn into the syringe first. Injection should be given immediately after mixing.
How to handle an infusion pump system
Before using Apidra in the pump system you should have been given detailed instructions on how to use the pump system. In addition, you should have been provided with information about what to do if you become ill or if your blood sugar levels get too high or too low, or if the pump system fails. Use the pump system recommended by your doctor. Read and follow the instructions that come with your insulin infusion pump. Follow your doctor’s instructions about the basal infusion rate and the mealtime insulin boluses to be taken. Measure your blood sugar level regularly to make sure you get the benefit of the insulin infusion and to make sure that the pump is working properly.
Change the infusion set and reservoir at least every 48 hours using aseptic technique. These instructions may differ from the instructions that come with your insulin infusion pump. When you use Apidra in the pump system, it is important that you always follow these specific instructions. Failure to follow these specific instructions may lead to serious adverse events.
Apidra must never be mixed with diluents or any other insulin when used in a pump.
What to do if the pump system fails or when the pump is used incorrectly
Pump or infusion set problems or using the pump incorrectly can result in you not getting enough insulin. This can quickly cause you to have high blood sugar and diabetic ketoacidosis (build-up of acid in the blood because the body is breaking down fat instead of sugar).
If your blood sugar level starts to rise, contact your doctor, pharmacist or nurse as soon as possible. They will tell you what needs to be done.
You may need to use Apidra with syringes or pens. You should always have an alternative insulin delivery system available for injection under the skin in case the pump system fails.
If you use more Apidra than you should
-
– If you have injected too much Apidra , your blood sugar level may become too low (hypoglycaemia). Check your blood sugar frequently. In general, to prevent hypoglycaemia you must eat more food and monitor your blood sugar. For information on the treatment of hypoglycaemia, see box at the end of this leaflet.
If you forget to use Apidra
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– If you have missed a dose of Apidra or if you have not injected enough insulin, your blood sugar level may become too high (hyperglycaemia). Check your blood sugar frequently. For information on the treatment of hyperglycaemia, see box at the end of this leaflet.
-
– Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.
If you stop using Apidra
This could lead to severe hyperglycaemia (very high blood sugar) and ketoacidosis (build-up of acid in the blood because the body is breaking down fat instead of sugar). Do not stop Apidra without speaking to a doctor, who will tell you what needs to be done.
If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor, pharmacist or nurse.
Insulin Mix-ups
You must always check the insulin label before each injection to avoid mix-ups between Apidra and other insulins.
4. Possible side effects
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
Serious side effects
Hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) can be very serious. Hypoglycaemia is a very commonly reported side effect (may affect more than 1 in 10 people). Hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) means that there is not enough sugar in the blood. If your blood sugar level falls too much you may become unconscious. Serious hypoglycaemia may cause brain damage and may be life-threatening. If you have symptoms of low blood sugar, take actions to increase your blood sugar level immediately. See the box at the end of this leaflet for important further information about hypoglycaemia and its treatment.
If you experience the following symptoms, contact your doctor immediately:
Systemic allergic reactions are side effects reported uncommonly (may affect up to 1 in 100 people) Generalised allergy to insulin : Associated symptoms may include large-scale skin reactions (rash and itching all over the body), severe swelling of skin or mucous membranes (angioedema), shortness of breath, a fall in blood pressure with rapid heartbeat and sweating. These could be symptoms of severe cases of generalised allergy to insulin, including anaphylactic reaction, which may be life-threatening.
Hyperglycaemia (high blood sugar) means that there is too much sugar in the blood. The frequency of hyperglycaemia cannot be estimated. If your blood sugar level is too high, this tells you that you may need more insulin than you have injected.
Hyperglycaemia can cause diabetic ketoacidosis (build-up of acid in the blood because the body is breaking down fat instead of sugar).
These are serious side effects.
These conditions can happen when there are problems with the infusion pump or when the pump system is used incorrectly.
This means you may not always get enough insulin to treat your diabetes.
If this happens you must seek urgent medical help.
Always have available an alternative insulin delivery system for injection under the skin (see section 3 under “How to handle an infusion pump system” and “What to do if the pump system fails or when the pump is used incorrectly”).
For more information on signs and symptoms of hyperglycaemia refer to the box at the end of this leaflet.
Other side effects
- Skin changes at the injection site:
If you inject insulin too often at the same place, the fatty tissue may either shrink (lipoatrophy) or thicken (lipohypertrophy) (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people ). Lumps under the skin may also be caused by build-up of a protein called amyloid (cutaneous amyloidosis; how often this occurs is not known). The insulin may not work very well if you inject into a lumpy area. Change the injection site with each injection to help prevent these skin changes.
Common reported side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people)
- Skin and allergic reactions at the injection site
Reactions at the injection site may occur (such as reddening, unusually intense pain on injection, itching, hives, swelling or inflammation). They can also spread around the injection site. Most minor reactions to insulins usually resolve in a few days to a few weeks.
Side effects where the frequency cannot be estimated from the available data
- Eye reactions
A marked change (improvement or worsening) in your blood sugar control can disturb your vision temporarily. If you have proliferative retinopathy (an eye disease related to diabetes) severe hypoglycaemic attacks may cause temporary loss of vision.
Reporting of side effects
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the national reporting system listed in By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
5. How to store Apidra
Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
Do not use this medicine after the expiry date, which is stated on the carton and on the label of the vial after “EXP”. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
Unopened vials
Store in a refrigerator (2°C – –8°C).
Do not freeze.
Do not put Apidra next to the freezer compartment or a freezer pack.
Keep the vial in the outer carton in order to protect from light.
Opened vials
Once in use, the vial may be stored for a maximum of 4 weeks in the outer carton below 25°C away from direct heat or direct light. Do not use the vial after this time period.
It is recommended that the date of the first use be noted on the label.
Do not use this medicine if it does not appear clear and colourless.
Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment.
6. Contents of the pack and other information
What Apidra contains
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– The active substance is insulin glulisine. Each ml of the solution contains 100 Units of insulin
glulisine (equivalent to 3.49 mg). Each vial contains 10 ml of solution for injection, equivalent to 1000 Units.
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– The other ingredients are: metacresol (see section 2 under “Apidra contains metacresol”),
sodium chloride (see section 2 under “Important information about some of the ingredients of Apidra”), trometamol, polysorbate 20, concentrated hydrochloric acid, sodium hydroxide, water for injections.
What Apidra looks like and contents of the pack
Apidra 100 Units/ml solution for injection in a vial is a clear, colourless, aqueous solution with no particles visible.
Each vial contains 10 ml solution (1000 Units). Packs of 1, 2, 4 and 5 vials are available. Not all pack sizes may be marketed.
Marketing Authorisation Holder and Manufacturer
Marketing Authorisation Holder:
Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH
D-65926 Frankfurt am Main
Germany
Manufacturer:
Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH
Industriepark Höchst, D-65926 Frankfurt
Germany
For any information about this medicine, please contact the local representative of the Marketing Authorisation Holder.
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This leaflet was last revised in
Other source of information
Detailed information on this medicine is available on the European Medicines Agency web site:
HYPERGLYCAEMIA AND HYPOGLYCAEMIA
Always carry some sugar (at least 20 grams) with you.
Carry some information with you to show you are a person with diabetes.
HYPERGLYCAEMIA (high blood sugar levels)
If your blood sugar is too high (hyperglycaemia), you may not have injected enough insulin.
Why does hyperglycaemia occur?
Examples include:
– you have not injected your insulin or not injected enough, or if it has become less effective, for
example through incorrect storage,
– you are doing less exercise than usual, you are under stress (emotional distress, excitement), or
you have an injury, operation, infection or fever,
-
– you are taking or have taken certain other medicines (see section 2, "Other medicines and
Apidra").
Warning symptoms of hyperglycaemia
Thirst, increased need to urinate, tiredness, dry skin, reddening of the face, loss of appetite, low blood pressure, fast heart beat, and glucose and ketone bodies in urine. Stomach pain, fast and deep breathing, sleepiness or even loss of consciousness may be signs of a serious condition (ketoacidosis) resulting from lack of insulin.
What should you do if you experience hyperglycaemia?
Test your blood sugar level and your urine for ketones as soon as any of the above symptoms occur. Severe hyperglycaemia or ketoacidosis must always be treated by a doctor, normally in a hospital.
HYPOGLYCAEMIA (low blood sugar levels)
If your blood sugar level falls too much you may become unconscious. Serious hypoglycaemia may cause a heart attack or brain damage and may be life-threatening. You normally should be able to recognise when your blood sugar is falling too much so that you can take the right actions.
Why does hypoglycaemia occur?
Examples include:
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– you inject too much insulin,
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– you miss meals or delay them,
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– you do not eat enough, or eat food containing less carbohydrate than normal (sugar and substances similar to sugar are called carbohydrates; however, artificial sweeteners are NOT carbohydrates),
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– you lose carbohydrates due to vomiting or diarrhoea,
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– you drink alcohol, particularly if you are not eating much,
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– you are doing more exercise than usual or a different type of physical activity,
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– you are recovering from an injury or operation or other stress,
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– you are recovering from an illness or from fever,
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– you are taking or have stopped taking certain other medicines (see section 2, „Other medicines and Apidra“).
Hypoglycaemia is also more likely to occur if:
-
– you have just begun insulin treatment or changed to another insulin preparation,
-
– your blood sugar levels are almost normal or are unstable,
-
– you change the area of skin where you inject insulin (for example from the thigh to the upper
arm),
-
– you suffer from severe kidney or liver disease, or some other disease such as hypothyroidism.
Warning symptoms of hypoglycaemia
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– In your body
Examples of symptoms that tell you that your blood sugar level is falling too much or too fast: sweating, clammy skin, anxiety, fast heart beat, high blood pressure, palpitations and irregular heartbeat. These symptoms often develop before the symptoms of a low sugar level in the brain.
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– In your brain
Examples of symptoms that indicate a low sugar level in the brain: headaches, intense hunger, nausea, vomiting, tiredness, sleepiness, sleep disturbances, restlessness, aggressive behaviour, lapses in concentration, impaired reactions, depression, confusion, speech disturbances (sometimes total loss of speech), visual disorders, trembling, paralysis, tingling sensations (paraesthesia), numbness and tingling sensations in the area of the mouth, dizziness, loss of self-control, inability to look after yourself, convulsions and loss of consciousness.
The first symptoms which alert you to hypoglycaemia („warning symptoms“) may change, be weaker or may be missing altogether if: – you are elderly,
-
– you have had diabetes for a long time,
-
– you suffer from a certain type of nervous disease (diabetic autonomic neuropathy),
-
– you have recently suffered hypoglycaemia (for example the day before) or if it develops slowly,
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– you have almost normal or, at least, greatly improved blood sugar levels,
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– you are taking or have taken certain other medicines (see section 2, "Other medicines and
Apidra).
In such a case, you may develop severe hypoglycaemia (and even faint) before you are aware of the problem. Be familiar with your warning symptoms. If necessary, more frequent blood sugar testing can help to identify mild hypoglycaemic episodes that may otherwise be overlooked. If you are not confident about recognising your warning symptoms, avoid situations (such as driving a car) in which you or others would be put at risk by hypoglycaemia.
What should you do if you experience hypoglycaemia?
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1. Do not inject insulin. Immediately take about 10 to 20 g sugar, such as glucose, sugar cubes or a sugar-sweetened beverage. Caution: Artificial sweeteners and foods with artificial sweeteners (such as diet drinks) are of no help in treating hypoglycaemia.
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2. Then eat something that has a long-acting effect in raising your blood sugar (such as bread or pasta). Your doctor or nurse should have discussed this with you previously.
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3. If the hypoglycaemia comes back again take another 10 to 20 g sugar.
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4. Speak to a doctor immediately if you are not able to control the hypoglycaemia or if it recurs.