Description
Description
The Apidra SoloStar Pen 100IU/ml injectable pen is a rapid-acting insulin (similar to Fiasp) that begins working 10 to 20 minutes after application. Like insulin produced in the body, it allows glucose into fat cells and muscles to have energy. In addition, it will block glucose from being released from the liver.
The Apidra SoloStar 100IU/ml injectable pen is used to improve blood sugar levels in individuals who have been diagnosed with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. This fast-acting insulin effectively lowers blood sugar levels after a meal and can reduce the chances of developing severe diabetes conditions.
Apidra is also available in vials and cartridges. Solostar pens and similar cartridges are available through the Apidra brand.
This medication is typically prescribed with long-acting type insulin medications or other diabetes medications. Your nurse or doctor will demonstrate the correct way to inject this insulin subcutaneously (under the skin). Part of your diabetes regimen should include regular exercise, a healthy diet, and weight loss.
Track your blood sugar levels regularly, and be sure to share them with your doctor so they can adjust your dosage accordingly. Your doctor may add other medications to your regimen such as Novolin and Ozempic to help better your diabetes management.
Warning and Precautions
Warning and Precautions
To avoid transmission of disease, do not share injection pens, cartridges, needles, or syringes. This injection pen is for single patient use. Do not share it with anyone, including other family members, even if the needle on the injection pen is changed. Do not use it on multiple patients.
Permanently attach a new needle before each use. Hands are available in different lengths and gauges. Only use needles that have been approved for use with SoloStar. It is important to do your homework on Apidra but this medication must be prescribed by your doctor. Contact your health professional for further information.
Do not select a dose and press the injection button without a needle attached.
Always perform the safety test before each injection.
If another person gives your injection, this person must take particular caution to avoid accidental needle injury and transmission of infection.
Never use SoloStar if it is damaged or if you are not sure that it is working correctly.
Always have a spare SoloStar in case your SoloStar is lost or damaged.
Common Side Effects
Common Side Effects
Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in regular doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent. The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes Apidra Solostar (Insulin-glulisine-rapid). If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Apidra Solostar (Insulin-glulisine-rapid) with your doctor.
The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking Apidra Solostar (Insulin-glulisine-rapid): redness, itching, swelling, or bleeding at the place of injection, thickening of the skin at the injection site, anxiety, blurred vision, confusion, difficulty concentrating, difficulty speaking, dizziness, drowsiness, fast heartbeat, headache, hunger, nausea, nervousness, numbness or tingling of the lips, fingers, or tongue, sweating, tiredness, trembling, weakness.
Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time. Although most of the side effects listed above don’t happen very often, they could lead to severe problems if you do not seek medical attention.
Severe Side Effects
Severe Side Effects
Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur: rash or blisters all over the body, seizures, symptoms of Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction) (e.g., Hives, difficulty breathing, wheezing, fast heart rate, sweating, swelling of the face and throat) and unconsciousness.
Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptoms that worry you while taking Apidra Solostar (Insulin-glulisine-rapid).
Drug Interactions
Drug Interactions
Several drugs affect glucose metabolism and may necessitate insulin dose adjustment and particularly close monitoring.
Drugs that may increase the blood-glucose-lowering effect of insulins, including Apidra, and therefore increase the risk of hypoglycemia include oral antidiabetic products, pramlintide, ACE inhibitors, disopyramide, fibrates, fluoxetine, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, propoxyphene, pentoxifylline, salicylates, somatostatin analogs, and sulfonamide antibiotics.
Drugs that may reduce the blood-glucose-lowering effect of Apidra include corticosteroids, niacin, danazol, diuretics, sympathomimetic agents (e.g., epinephrine, albuterol, terbutaline), glucagon, isoniazid, phenothiazine derivatives, somatropin, thyroid hormones, estrogens, progestogens (e.g., in oral contraceptives), protease inhibitors, and atypical antipsychotics.
Beta-blockers, clonidine, lithium salts, and alcohol may either increase or decrease the blood-glucose-lowering effect of insulin.
Pentamidine may cause hypoglycemia, which may sometimes be followed by hyperglycemia.
The signs of hypoglycemia may be reduced or absent in patients taking anti-adrenergic drugs such as beta-blockers, clonidine, guanethidine, and reserpine.
Missed Dose
Missed Dose
Since this medication contains insulin glulisine, it needs to be consumed within 15 minutes of having a meal. You may not be on a regular eating or dosing schedule. If you miss a dose, do not use two at the same time.
Overdose
Overdose
Excess insulin may cause hypoglycemia and, particularly when given intravenously, hypokalemia. Mild episodes of hypoglycemia usually can be treated with oral glucose. Adjustments in drug dosage, meal patterns, or exercise may be needed. More severe episodes of hypoglycemia with coma, seizure or neurologic impairment may be treated with intramuscular/subcutaneous glucagon or concentrated intravenous glucose. Sustained carbohydrate intake and observation may be necessary because hypoglycemia may recur after apparent clinical recovery. Hypokalemia must be corrected appropriately.
Contact the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222 or seek medical attention immediately as it can lead to life-threatening hypoglycemia. If you are experiencing symptoms such as drowsiness, confusion, numbness, tingling in your mouth, trouble speaking, blurred vision, muscle weakness, seizures, or loss of consciousness – seek medical help.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy
There are no well-controlled clinical studies of the use of Apidra in pregnant women. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. It is essential for patients with diabetes or a history of gestational diabetes to maintain good metabolic control before conception and throughout pregnancy. Insulin requirements may decrease during the first trimester, generally increase during the second and third trimesters, and rapidly decline after delivery. Careful monitoring of glucose control is essential in these patients.
Seek the guidance of your doctor before you take the Apidra SoloStar pen if you are (or plan on becoming) pregnant.
Maintenance
Maintenance
Protect your SoloStar from dust and dirt. You can clean the outside of your SoloStar by wiping it with a damp cloth. Do not soak, wash or lubricate the pen as this may damage it.
Your SoloStar is designed to work accurately and safely. It should be handled with care. Avoid situations where SoloStar might be damaged.
If you are concerned that your SoloStar may be damaged, use a new one.
Storage
Storage
Keep SoloStar out of the reach and sight of children.
Keep your SoloStar in cool storage (2°C – 8°C) until first use. Please do not allow it to freeze. Please do not put it next to the freezer compartment of your refrigerator or next to a freezer pack. If your SoloStar is in cool storage, take it out 1 to 2 hours before you inject it to allow it to warm up. Cold insulin is more painful to inject.
Once you take your SoloStar out of cool storage, for use or as a spare, you can use it for up to 28 days. During this time, it should be kept at room temperature (15 – 25°C) and must not be stored in the refrigerator. If there is any remaining insulin after 28 days, discard it.
Do not use SoloStar after the expiration date printed on the pen’s label or cloudy, colored, or if you see particles. Protect SoloStar from light. Discard your used SoloStar as required by your local authorities.
