Apidra (Insulin Glulisine)

What is a Generic Drug?

A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, consumption method, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name drug and works in the same way and in the same amount of time in the body.

The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is that generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (eg. different shape or color), as trademarks laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.

Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to develop a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name and sell it at a substantial discount.

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  • Product Details

    Description

    APIDRA is an insulin product prescribed to treat high blood sugar in patients with diabetes mellitus.

    APIDRA and other insulins can be used for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus.

    Patients with diabetes have trouble maintaining normal blood sugar levels. The body naturally produces insulin, but patients with diabetes either do not create insulin or their insulin is not effective. APIDRA helps to regulate blood sugar in these patients.

    Directions

    APIDRA insulin is a meal-time insulin that should be administered 15 minutes before or within 20 minutes after starting the meal. Do not skip meals if you are using meal-time insulin, as it may cause low blood sugar.

    APIDRA cannot be mixed with most other types of insulins. It can be mixed with NPH insulin, but only do so under the direction of your doctor.

    Ingredients

    The active ingredient in APIDRA is insulin glulisine.

    Insulin glulisine is a rapid-acting insulin. It should be used as part of a regimen with long-acting insulin.

    Interactions

    Some medications can change blood sugar and affect treatment. These medications include: 

    • Atypical Antipsychotics
    • Corticosteroids
    • Disopyramide
    • Diuretics
    • Estrogens/Progesterones
    • Fibrates
    • Fluoxetine
    • Isoniazid
    • Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)
    • Niacin
    • Oral antidiabetic agents
    • Pentoxifylline
    • Phenothiazine derivatives
    • Pramlintide
    • Propoxyphene
    • Protease inhibitors
    • Salicylates
    • Somatostatin Analogues
    • Somatropin
    • Sulfonamide Antibiotics
    • Sympathomimetic agents
    • Thyroid replacement medication

    The above medications may increase or decrease blood sugar, requiring that the dose of insulin is adjusted.

    Cautions

    The most common adverse reaction to APIDRA and other insulin products is low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). The signs of hypoglycemia include:

    • Anxiety
    • Confusion
    • Dizziness
    • Fatigue
    • Hunger
    • Irritability
    • Pale skin
    • Sweating
    • Tremor

    Insulin products can low potassium to dangerous levels if taken inappropriately. Tell your doctor if you have a history of potassium that has been too high or too low.

    If you have reduced kidney or liver function, your insulin dose may need to be reduced.

    Side Effects

    The most common side effects of APIDRA insulin can include:

    • Allergic reactions
    • Hypoglycemia
    • Injection site reactions
    • Lipodystrophy
    • Pruritis
    • Rash

    References

    1. Apidra [package insert].Bridgewater, NJ: Sanofi-Aventis; 2008.


    IMPORTANT NOTE: The above information is intended to increase awareness of health information and does not suggest treatment or diagnosis. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.

    Product Code : 13357

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