Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
The electronic medicines compendium (emc) no longer publishes a Summary of Product Characteristics for this product, which usually means it is no longer marketed in the UK. The patient leaflet below is kept for reference, but the product may not be available.
If you were prescribed this medicine, other products containing Insulin glulisine may still be available. Do not stop your treatment — ask your pharmacist or GP what to use instead.
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.
e Apidra Do not use Apidra
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
Medicines that may cause your blood sugar level to fall (hypoglycaemia) include:
Legende / Legend SAP-Nr. / Plant PM code: Sprachvariante / Country code: Version: Datum / Date: DMC-Inhalt / DMC content:
958648 028 3 15.04.2026 DR07 <MAT>958648
Abmessungen / Dimensions: Schriftgröße / Font size: Zeilenabstand / Line spacing: Seite / Page:
296 × 420 mm 9 Pt 9,5 Pt 1/2
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:
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 shortacting 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). 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 cartridges Apidra in cartridges is only suitable for injecting just under the skin using a reusable pen. Speak to your doctor if you need to inject your insulin by another method.
Druckbare Farben / Printing colours
Technische Information / Technical information
PANTONE Black C
Kontur / Outline
To ensure you get the accurate dose, the Apidra cartridges are to be used only with the following pens:
<MAT>958648
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. This can be serious if your blood glucose level becomes very high. For more information on signs and symptoms of hyperglycaemia refer to the box at the end of this leaflet. Other side effects Tell your doctor, pharmacist or nurse if you notice any of the following side effects:
958648-R
Side effects where the frequency cannot be estimated from the available data
What Apidra looks like and contents of the pack Apidra 100 Units/ml solution for injection in a cartridge is a clear, colourless, aqueous solution with no particles visible. Each cartridge contains 3 ml solution (300 Units). Packs of 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 and 10 cartridges are available. Not all pack sizes may be marketed.
Reporting of side effects If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any
not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.
Marketing Authorisation Holder and Manufacturer Marketing Authorisation Holder Sanofi 410 Thames Valley Park Drive Reading Berkshire RG6 1PT UK Tel: 0800 035 2525 Email: [email protected]
By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
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 cartridge after "EXP". The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. Unopened cartridges 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 cartridge in the outer carton in order to protect from light.
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:
Manufacturer Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH Industriepark Höchst, D-65926 Frankfurt Germany
Warning symptoms of hyperglycaemia Thirst, increased need to urinate, tiredness, dry skin, reddening of the face, loss of appetite, low blood pressure, fast heartbeat, 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.
This leaflet does not contain all the information about your medicine. If you have any questions or are not sure about anything, ask your doctor or pharmacist. This leaflet was last revised in April 2026
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.
In use cartridges Cartridges in use (in the insulin pen) may be stored for a maximum of 4 weeks below 25 °C, away from direct heat or direct light and must not be stored in a refrigerator. Do not use it after this time period. Do not use this medicine if it does not appear clear and colourless.
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.
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.
Why does hypoglycaemia occur? Examples include:
What Apidra contains
Legende / Legend SAP-Nr. / Plant PM code: Sprachvariante / Country code: Version: Datum / Date:
958648 028 3 15.04.2026 DR07
Abmessungen / Dimensions: Schriftgröße / Font size: Zeilenabstand / Line spacing: Seite / Page:
296 × 420 mm 9 Pt 9,5 Pt 2/2
Druckbare Farben / Printing colours
Technische Information / Technical information
PANTONE Black C
Kontur / Outline
Hypoglycaemia is also more likely to occur if:
What should you do if you experience hypoglycaemia? 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. 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. 3. If the hypoglycaemia comes back again take another 10 to 20 g sugar. 4. Speak to a doctor immediately if you are not able to control the hypoglycaemia or if it recurs. Tell your relatives, friends and close colleagues the following: If you are not able to swallow or if you are unconscious, you will require glucagon (a medicine which increases blood sugar) or an injection of glucose. These treatments are justified even if it is not certain that you have hypoglycaemia. It is advisable to test your blood sugar immediately after taking glucose to check that you really have hypoglycaemia
Apidra 100 Units/ml solution for injection in a cartridge comes as injection containing 100iu. Always follow the dose your doctor or pharmacist has given you, and read the leaflet that comes with the medicine.
The active substance in Apidra 100 Units/ml solution for injection in a cartridge is insulin glulisine.
Medicines with the same active substance, strength and form include: Apidra 100 Units/ml solution for injection in a vial, Apidra SoloStar 100 Units/ml solution for injection in a pre-filled pen. They are interchangeable only if your prescriber or pharmacist says so.
This leaflet reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for Apidra 100 Units/ml solution for injection in a cartridge, as published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). The version printed inside your medicine’s packaging is the one that applies to you.
Whether a medicine is available over the counter or on prescription only depends on its licence. Check the leaflet, or ask your pharmacist — they can tell you straight away.
The text above reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for this medicine, restructured for easier reading.
Treatment of adults, adolescents and children 6 years or older, with diabetes mellitus, where treatment with insulin is required.
Posology
The potency of this preparation is stated in units. These units are exclusive to Apidra and are not the same as IU or the units used to express the potency of other insulin analogues (see section 5.1).
Apidra should be used in regimens that include an intermediate or long acting insulin or basal insulin analogue and can be used with oral hypoglycaemic agents.
The dose of Apidra should be individually adjusted.
Special populations
Renal impairment
The pharmacokinetic properties of insulin glulisine are generally maintained in patients with renal impairment. However, insulin requirements may be reduced in the presence of renal impairment (see section 5.2).
Hepatic impairment
The pharmacokinetic properties of insulin glulisine have not been investigated in patients with decreased liver function. In patients with hepatic impairment, insulin requirements may be diminished due to reduced capacity for gluconeogenesis and reduced insulin metabolism.
Elderly
Limited pharmacokinetic data are available in elderly patients with diabetes mellitus. Deterioration of renal function may lead to a decrease in insulin requirements.
Paediatric population
There is insufficient clinical information on the use of Apidra in children younger than the age of 6 years.
Method of administration
Apidra 100 Units/ml in cartridges is only suitable for subcutaneous injections from a reusable pen. If administration by syringe, intravenous injection or infusion pump is necessary, a vial should be used (see section 4.4). For further details on handling, see section 6.6.
Subcutaneous use
Apidra should be given by subcutaneous injection shortly (0‑15 min) before or soon after meals or by continuous subcutaneous pump infusion.
Apidra should be administered subcutaneously in the abdominal wall, thigh or deltoid or by continuous infusion in the abdominal wall. Injection sites and infusion sites within an injection area (abdomen, thigh or deltoid) should be rotated from one injection to the next in order to reduce the risk of lipodystrophy and cutaneous amyloidosis (see section 4.4 and 4.8).
The rate of absorption, and consequently the onset and duration of action, may be affected by the injection site, exercise and other variables. Subcutaneous injection in the abdominal wall ensures a slightly faster absorption than other injection sites (see section 5.2).
Care should be taken to ensure that a blood vessel has not been entered. After injection, the site of injection should not be massaged. Patients must be educated to use proper injection techniques.
Mixing with insulins
When administered as a subcutaneous injection, Apidra must not be mixed with other medicinal products except NPH human insulin.
For further details on handling, see section 6.6.
Before using SoloStar, the Instructions for use included in the Package leaflet must be read carefully (see section 6.6).
Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.
Hypoglycaemia.
Traceability
In order to improve the traceability of biological medicinal products, the name and the batch number of the administered product should be clearly recorded.
Transferring a patient to another type or brand of insulin should be done under strict medical supervision. Changes in strength, brand (manufacturer), type (regular, neutral protamine Hagedorn [NPH], lente, long-acting, etc.), origin (animal, human, human insulin analogue) and/or method of manufacture may result in the need for a change in dose. Concomitant oral antidiabetic treatment may need to be adjusted.
Patients must be instructed to perform continuous rotation of the injection site to reduce the risk of developing lipodystrophy and cutaneous amyloidosis. There is a potential risk of delayed insulin absorption and worsened glycaemic control following insulin injections at sites with these reactions. A sudden change in the injection site to an unaffected area has been reported to result in hypoglycaemia. Blood glucose monitoring is recommended after the change in the injection site, and dose adjustment of antidiabetic medications may be considered.
Hyperglycaemia
The use of inadequate doses or discontinuation of treatment, especially in insulin‑dependent diabetic, may lead to hyperglycaemia and diabetic ketoacidosis; conditions which are potentially lethal.
Hypoglycaemia
The time of occurrence of hypoglycaemia depends on the action profile of the insulins used and may, therefore, change when the treatment regimen is changed.
Conditions which may make the early warning symptoms of hypoglycaemia different or less pronounced include long duration of diabetes, intensified insulin therapy, diabetic nerve disease, medicinal products such as beta blockers or after transfer from animal‑source insulin to human insulin.
Adjustment of dose may be also necessary if patients undertake increased physical activity or change their usual meal plan. Exercise taken immediately after a meal may increase the risk of hypoglycaemia.
When compared with soluble human insulin, if hypoglycaemia occurs after an injection with rapid acting analogues, it may occur earlier.
Uncorrected hypoglycaemic or hyperglycaemic reactions can cause loss of consciousness, coma, or death.
Insulin requirements may be altered during illness or emotional disturbances.
Pens to be used with Apidra 100 units/ml solution for injection in a cartridge
Apidra 100 units/ml in cartridges is only suitable for subcutaneous injections from a reusable pen. If administration by syringe, intravenous injection or infusion pump is necessary, a vial should be used.
The Apidra cartridges should only be used with the following pens:
− JuniorSTAR which delivers Apidra in 0.5 unit dose increments
− AllStar PRO which delivers Apidra in 1 unit dose increments.
These cartridges should not be used with any other reusable pen as the dosing accuracy has only been established with the listed pens (see section 4.2 and 6.6).
Not all of these pens may be marketed in your country.
Medication errors
Medication errors have been reported in which other insulins, particularly long-acting insulins, have been accidentally administered instead of insulin glulisine. Insulin label must always be checked before each injection to avoid medication errors between insulin glulisine and other insulins.
Excipients
This medicinal product contains less than 1 mmol (23 mg) sodium per dose, i.e. it is essentially 'sodium‑free'.
Apidra contains metacresol, which may cause allergic reactions.
Combination of Apidra with pioglitazone
Cases of cardiac failure have been reported when pioglitazone was used in combination with insulin, especially in patients with risk factors for development of cardiac heart failure. This should be kept in mind if treatment with the combination of pioglitazone and Apidra is considered. If the combination is used, patients should be observed for signs and symptoms of heart failure, weight gain and oedema.
Pioglitazone should be discontinued if any deterioration in cardiac symptoms occurs.
Studies on pharmacokinetic interactions have not been performed. Based on empirical knowledge from similar medicinal products, clinically relevant pharmacokinetic interactions are unlikely to occur.
A number of substances affect glucose metabolism and may require dose adjustment of insulin glulisine and particularly close monitoring.
Substances that may enhance the blood‑glucose‑lowering activity and increase susceptibility to hypoglycaemia include oral antidiabetic medicinal products, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, disopyramide, fibrates, fluoxetine, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), pentoxifylline, propoxyphene, salicylates and sulphonamide antibiotics.
Substances that may reduce the blood‑glucose‑lowering activity include corticosteroids, danazol, diazoxide, diuretics, glucagon, isoniazid, phenothiazine derivatives, somatropin, sympathomimetic medicinal products (e.g. epinephrine [adrenaline], salbutamol, terbutaline), thyroid hormones, oestrogens, progestins (e.g. in oral contraceptives), protease inhibitors and atypical antipsychotic medicinal products (e.g. olanzapine and clozapine).
Beta‑blockers, clonidine, lithium salts or alcohol may either potentiate or weaken the blood‑glucose‑lowering activity of insulin. Pentamidine may cause hypoglycaemia, which may sometimes be followed by hyperglycaemia.
In addition, under the influence of sympatholytic medicinal products such as beta‑blockers, clonidine, guanethidine and reserpine, the signs of adrenergic counter-regulation may be reduced or absent.
Pregnancy
There are no or limited amount of data (less than 300 pregnancy outcomes) from the use of insulin glulisine in pregnant women.
Animal reproduction studies have not revealed any differences between insulin glulisine and human insulin regarding pregnancy, embryonal/foetal development, parturition or postnatal development (see section 5.3).
Caution should be exercised when prescribing to pregnant women. Careful monitoring of glucose control is essential.
It is essential for patients with pre‑existing or gestational diabetes to maintain good metabolic control throughout pregnancy. Insulin requirements may decrease during the first trimester and generally increase during the second and third trimesters. Immediately after delivery, insulin requirements decline rapidly.
Breast-feeding
It is unknown whether insulin glulisine is excreted in human milk, but in general insulin does not pass into breast milk and is not absorbed after oral administration.
Breast‑feeding mothers may require adjustments in insulin dose and diet.
Fertility
Animal reproduction studies with insulin glulisine have not revealed any adverse effects on fertility.
The patient's ability to concentrate and react may be impaired as a result of hypoglycaemia or hyperglycaemia or, for example, as a result of visual impairment. This may constitute a risk in situations where these abilities are of special importance (e.g. driving a car or operating machines).
Patients should be advised to take precautions to avoid hypoglycaemia whilst driving. This is particularly important in those who have reduced or absent awareness of the warning symptoms of hypoglycaemia or have frequent episodes of hypoglycaemia. The advisability of driving should be considered in these circumstances.
Summary of the safety profile
Hypoglycaemia, the most frequent adverse reaction of insulin therapy, may occur if the insulin dose is too high in relation to the insulin requirement.
Tabulated list of adverse reactions
The following related adverse reactions from clinical studies were listed below by system organ class and in order of decreasing incidence (very common: ≥1/10; common: ≥1/100 to <1/10; uncommon: ≥1/1,000 to <1/100; rare: ≥1/10,000 to <1/1,000; very rare: <1/10,000), not known (cannot be estimated from the available data).
Within each frequency grouping, adverse reactions are presented in order of decreasing seriousness.
MedDRA Organ system classes
Very common
Common
Uncommon
Rare
Not known
Metabolism and nutrition disorders
Hypoglycaemia
Hyperglycaemia (potentially leading to Diabetic ketoacidosis(1))
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
Injection site reactions
Local hypersensitivity reactions
Lipodystrophy
Cutaneous amyloidosis
General disorders and administration site conditions
Systemic hypersensitivity reactions
(1) Apidra 100 Units/ml solution for injection in a vial: Most of the cases were related to handling errors or pump system failure when Apidra was used with CSII.
Description of selected adverse reactions
• Metabolism and nutrition disorders
Symptoms of hypoglycaemia usually occur suddenly. They may include cold sweats, cool pale skin, fatigue, nervousness or tremor, anxiousness, unusual tiredness or weakness, confusion, difficulty in concentration, drowsiness, excessive hunger, vision changes, headache, nausea and palpitation. Hypoglycaemia can become severe and may lead to unconsciousness and/or convulsions and may result in temporary or permanent impairment of brain function or even death.
• Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
Local hypersensitivity reactions (redness, swelling and itching at the injection site) may occur during treatment with insulin. These reactions are usually transitory and normally they disappear during continued treatment.
Lipodystrophy and cutaneous amyloidosis may occur at the injection site and delay local insulin absorption. Continuous rotation of the injection site within the given injection area may help to reduce or prevent these reactions (see section 4.4).
• General disorders and administration site conditions
Systemic hypersensitivity reactions may include urticaria, chest tightness, dyspnoea, allergic dermatitis and pruritus. Severe cases of generalized allergy, including anaphylactic reaction, may be life‑threatening.
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.
Symptoms
Hypoglycaemia may occur as a result of an excess of insulin activity relative to food intake and energy expenditure.
There are no specific data available concerning overdoses with insulin glulisine. However, hypoglycaemia may develop over sequential stages.
Management
Mild hypoglycaemic episodes can be treated by oral administration of glucose or sugary products. It is therefore recommended that the diabetic patient constantly carries some sugar lumps, sweets, biscuits or sugary fruit juice.
Severe hypoglycaemic episodes, where the patient has become unconscious, can be treated by glucagon or by glucose given intravenously by a healthcare professional. Glucose must also be given intravenously, if the patient does not respond to glucagon within 10 to 15 minutes.
Upon regaining consciousness, administration of oral carbohydrate is recommended for the patient in order to prevent relapse.
After treatment with glucagon, the patient should be monitored in a hospital in order to find the reason for this severe hypoglycaemia and prevent other similar episodes.
Ask anything about Apidra 100 Units/ml solution for injection in a cartridge. The assistant answers only from this leaflet — if the leaflet does not cover it, it will say so. It does not give medical advice.
Answers come from the patient leaflet published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). They are not medical advice. Ask a pharmacist or your GP if you are unsure. For urgent help call NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency.
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