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
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:
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 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.
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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 forget to use Apidra
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 lifethreatening. 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.
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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
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. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
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
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:
What Apidra contains
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.
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.
Why does hypoglycaemia occur? Examples include:
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]
Instruction for intravenous administration
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Warning symptoms of hypoglycaemia
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 should be used at a concentration of 1 Unit/ml insulin glulisine in infusion systems with sodium chloride 9 mg/ml (0.9%) solution for infusion with or without 40 mmol/l potassium chloride using coextruded polyolefin/polyamide plastic infusion bags with a dedicated infusion line. Insulin glulisine for intravenous use at a concentration of 1 Unit/ml is stable at room temperature for 48 hours. After dilution for intravenous use, the solution should be inspected visually for particulate matter prior to administration. Never use the solution if it has become cloudy or contains particles; use it only if it is clear and colourless. Apidra was found to be incompatible with Glucose 5% solution and Ringer's solution and, therefore, must not be used with these solution fluids. The use of other solutions has not been studied.
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Hypoglycaemia is also more likely to occur if:
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS INTENDED FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS ONLY: Apidra can be administered intravenously, which should be carried out by healthcare professionals.
Manufacturer Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH Industriepark Höchst, D-65926 Frankfurt Germany
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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.
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.
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.
Other side effects Tell your doctor, pharmacist or nurse if you notice any of the following side effects:
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.
Common reported side effects (may affect
up to 1 in 10 people)
Side effects where the frequency cannot be
estimated from the available data
Reporting of side effects If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any
Apidra 100 Units/ml solution for injection in a vial 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 vial is insulin glulisine.
Medicines with the same active substance, strength and form include: Apidra 100 Units/ml solution for injection in a cartridge, 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 vial, 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
Intravenous use
Apidra can be administered intravenously. This should be carried out by healthcare professionals.
Apidra must not be mixed with glucose or Ringer's solution or with any other insulin.
Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion
Apidra may be used for Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion (CSII) in pump systems suitable for insulin infusion with the appropriate catheters and reservoirs. Patients using CSII should be comprehensively instructed on the use of the pump system.
The infusion set and reservoir used with Apidra must be changed at least every 48 hours using aseptic technique. These instructions may differ from general pump manual instructions. It is important that patients follow the Apidra specific instructions when using Apidra. Failure to follow Apidra specific instructions may lead to serious adverse events.
When used with a subcutaneous insulin infusion pump, Apidra must not be mixed with diluents or any other insulin.
Patients administering Apidra by CSII must have an alternative insulin delivery system available in case of pump system failure (see section 4.4 and 4.8).
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.
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.
Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion
Malfunction of the insulin pump or infusion set or handling errors can rapidly lead to hyperglycaemia, ketosis and diabetic ketoacidosis. Prompt identification and correction of the cause of hyperglycaemia or ketosis or diabetic ketoacidosis is necessary.
Cases of diabetic ketoacidosis have been reported when Apidra has been given in continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion in pump systems. Most of the cases were related to handling errors or pump system failure.
Interim subcutaneous injections with Apidra may be required. Patients using continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion pump therapy must be trained to administer insulin by injection and have alternative insulin delivery system available in case of pump system failure (see section 4.2 and 4.8).
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.
Cases of hyperglycaemia have been reported with Apidra when used with CSII (see section 4.4) that has led to Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA); most of the cases were related to handling errors or pump system failure. The patient should always follow the Apidra specific instructions and always have access to alternative insulin delivery system in case of pump system failure.
• 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 vial. 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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