6 Insulin Side Effects You Should Know About
General insulin use may cause a few common side effects. Typical insulin side effects include irritation at the injection site, weight gain, and headaches.
Apidra
Used for Diabetes Type 1, Diabetes Type 2, Gestational Diabetes
Used for Diabetes Type 1, Diabetes Type 2, Gestational Diabetes
Apidra (insulin glulisine) is a fast-acting (or rapid-acting) insulin. It's used to control blood sugar from meals for people with either Type 1 diabetes (T1D) or Type 2 diabetes (T2D). This insulin comes in vials (Apidra) and prefilled pens (Apidra Solostar). It's injected under the skin within 15 minutes before or within 20 minutes after starting a meal. It can also be given continuously under the skin through an insulin pump. And in the hospital, it can be given as an infusion into a vein (IV). Side effects include low blood sugar and cold symptoms.
What is Apidra (insulin glulisine)?
What is Apidra (insulin glulisine) used for?
- Type 1 diabetes (T1D)
- Type 2 diabetes (T2D)
How Apidra (insulin glulisine) works
Apidra (insulin glulisine) is a rapid-acting insulin. Insulin is a natural hormone your body makes to control blood sugar levels. It helps move sugar from your blood into your cells for energy. It also helps stop your liver from making too much sugar.
As a rapid-acting insulin, Apidra (insulin glulisine) works quickly to help lower blood sugar after meals.
When does Apidra (insulin glulisine) start working?Time passed since treatment started:
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Apidra, Apidra SoloStar |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Insulin |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | No lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
More on Apidra (insulin glulisine) essentials
Side effects of Apidra (insulin glulisine)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
Type 1 diabetes:
- Common cold (11%)
- Low blood sugar (7%)
- Upper respiratory tract infection (7%)
- Flu (4%)
Type 2 diabetes:
- Upper respiratory tract infection (11%)
- Common cold (8%)
- Swelling in the hands, ankles, or legs (8%)
- Flu (6%)
- Joint pain (6%)
- High blood pressure (4%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Weight gain
- Injection-site reaction (e.g., pain, swelling, redness, itching)
Note: Side effects were from adults. Side effects might be slightly different for children with Type 1 diabetes.
Apidra (insulin glulisine) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Very low blood sugar: dizziness, shakiness, feeling confused, feeling irritable or anxious, feeling faint, sweating, extreme hunger, can't think clearly
- Ketoacidosis (high ketone levels in the blood): nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, tiredness, feeling very thirsty, dry mouth, fruity breath, rapid breathing, feeling confused
- Low potassium levels: weakness, muscle cramps or twitches, constipation, abnormal heartbeat, tiredness, trouble breathing
- Severe allergic reactions: rash; hives; swelling of face, tongue, and throat; trouble breathing
When do Apidra (insulin glulisine) possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
M
H
D
W
M
Injection-site reaction
Risk of low blood sugar
Seek immediate medical care if you experience this side effect.
If a line continues to the right, you'll likely keep experiencing this side effect once it starts.
More on Apidra (insulin glulisine) side effects
The following Apidra (insulin glulisine) side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
More common
blurred vision
body aches or pain
chills
cold sweats
confusion
cool, pale skin
difficulty with breathing
dizziness
ear congestion
fast heartbeat
headache
increased hunger
loss of consciousness
loss of voice
nightmares
runny or stuffy nose
seizures
shakiness
slurred speech
unusual tiredness or weakness
Less common
Pounding in the ears
slow heartbeat
Incidence not known
Bloating or swelling of face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet
difficulty with swallowing
dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse
increased sweating
puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips or tongue
rapid weight gain
tightness in the chest
tingling of the hands or feet
unusual weight gain or loss
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
Difficulty with moving
dry, red, hot, or irritated skin
ear congestion
loss of voice
muscle aches
muscle pain or stiffness
pain in the joints
Less common
Bleeding, blistering, burning, coldness, discoloration of the skin, feeling of pressure, hives, infection, inflammation, itching, lumps, numbness, pain, rash, redness, scarring, soreness, stinging, swelling, tenderness, tingling, ulceration, or warmth at the injection site
redistribution or accumulation of body fat
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Get your GoodRx coupon
$132.69
GoodRx discount
$92.44
Pros and cons of Apidra (insulin glulisine)
Pros
- Works within 15 minutes to lower blood sugar
- Available as a prefilled pen, which might be easier to use than the vial
- Can be used with some insulin pumps
Cons
- Given as an injection
- Might need to inject multiple times a day because it's used at mealtimes
- Has a risk of low blood sugar and weight gain
Pharmacist tips for Apidra (insulin glulisine)
- Don't share Apidra (insulin glulisine) pens, vials, or your other insulin supplies with anyone. Sharing can spread germs and put you and others at risk of serious infections.
- If you're injecting Apidra (insulin glulisine) under the skin using the vial or SoloStar pen: Inject Apidra (insulin glulisine) within 15 minutes before or within 20 minutes after starting a meal. Don't use Apidra (insulin glulisine) if you plan to skip a meal unless your prescriber tells you to. Using this insulin without eating can cause dangerously low blood sugar.
- Ask your prescriber how often to check your blood sugar. Keep a blood sugar log and share it with your diabetes care team. This helps them decide if your Apidra (insulin glulisine) dose needs to be adjusted.
- Be sure you and your loved ones can spot signs of low blood sugar and treat it. Signs can include feeling shaky, anxious, hungry, or sweaty. Always carry fast-acting sugar, like glucose tablets, to treat low blood sugar right away. And know when to call for extra help.
- Eat a balanced diet and get regular exercise while using Apidra (insulin glulisine). These healthy habits can help you control your blood sugar. Talk with your diabetes care team about a meal plan and exercise routine that's right for you.
- Talk to your diabetes care team about how much you usually drink alcohol. They can discuss how much might be safe for you while using Apidra (insulin glulisine). Alcohol can sometimes cause low blood sugar.
- Tell your care team about all the medications you take. Apidra (insulin glulisine) can interact with many medications. For example, beta blockers, can hide signs of low blood sugar like shaking or a fast heartbeat. And some water pills and steroids can raise your blood sugar. Your care team can help make sure your medications are safe to take together.
- How to store Apidra (insulin glulisine): Store unopened vials and pens in the refrigerator up until the expiration date, or at room temperature for up to 28 days. Opened pens should be stored at room temperature for up to 28 days. Opened vials can be stored in the refrigerator or at room temperature for up to 28 days.
How to use Apidra (insulin glulisine):
- Your diabetes care team will show you how to use Apidra (insulin glulisine). Read the instructions for use for the vial or SoloStar pen. Ask your care team if you have any questions.
- Before each Apidra (insulin glulisine) injection: Check the label to make sure you have the right insulin. Also make sure the insulin is clear, colorless, and doesn't have any particles (solid chunks) in it.
- Only mix Apidra (insulin glulisine) with NPH insulin (Novolin N or Humulin N) in the same syringe if your prescriber tells you to. Draw up Apidra (insulin glulisine) first, then inject the insulin right after mixing. Never mix Apidra (insulin glulisine) with any other insulin.
- Injecting Apidra (insulin glulisine) using the vials or SoloStar pens: Inject the medication under the skin of your stomach, thigh, or upper arm. Pick a different spot each time. Also avoid skin that's tender, bruised, scaly, hard, scarred, or damaged skin. This helps prevent skin irritation and skin damage.
- Using Apidra (insulin glulisine) in a continuous infusion pump: Infuse into an area of the body recommended by the manufacturer of the pump. Choose a different injection site each time to prevent skin irritation. Don't mix Apidra (insulin glulisine) with other insulins in your pump. Change out the insulin in the pump at least every 2 days or according to the user manual, whichever is sooner. Also, replace any Apidra (insulin glulisine) in the pump that's been at temperatures above 98.6°F.
- After each Apidra (insulin glulisine) injection: Throw away used pens, syringes, and needles in a sharps container. You can also use a heavy-duty plastic container, such as an empty milk carton or laundry detergent bottle. Don't throw them away in your trash can. This helps keep you and others safe from needle sticks.
Risks and warnings for Apidra (insulin glulisine)
Apidra (insulin glulisine) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Don't share Apidra SoloStar pens, syringes, or needles
Never share Apidra SoloStar (insulin glulisine) pens with anyone, even if you use a new needle. Also, never share Apidra (insulin glulisine) vials, syringes, or needles with other people. Sharing insulin and injection supplies can spread germs and cause infection. This can be harmful for you and the people who've used the same pen, syringe, or needle.
Risk of too high or too low blood sugar with changes to your insulin regimen
Changing your insulin routine can affect your blood sugar levels. These changes include where you inject Apidra (insulin glulisine). It can also happen if you switch to a different insulin. Depending on the change, it can make your blood sugar get too high or too low.
Also, if you inject Apidra (insulin glulisine) into thick or pitted skin too often, your body might not absorb as much insulin. This can make the medication not work as well to control your blood sugar. Then when you suddenly inject into healthier skin, it can put you at risk of low blood sugar.
Always talk to your diabetes care team before making any changes to your Apidra (insulin glulisine) dose or routine. If they say it's okay, be sure to check your blood sugar more often. This helps you see how the changes affect your blood sugar.
Low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia)
- Risk factors: Changes to diet, meal patterns, or exercise routine | Drinking alcohol | Taking other medications for diabetes together with Apidra (insulin glulisine) | Changes in other medications | Liver or kidney problems
Apidra (insulin glulisine) can cause hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar. This can be serious if it isn't treated right away.
Check your blood sugar regularly to make sure it stays in a safe range. If you make any changes to your diet, meal patterns, exercise routine, or other medications, check your blood sugar more often. These changes can affect your blood sugar. Also let your care team know so they can see if they need to adjust your Apidra (insulin glulisine) dose.
Be familiar with the signs of low blood sugar. You might feel shaky, nervous, sweaty, dizzy, or very hungry. Always carry a fast source of sugar, like glucose tablets, to treat low blood sugar. Get medical help right away if your blood sugar doesn't improve after treatment.
Allergic reaction
In some rare cases, Apidra (insulin glulisine) can cause a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction. This can include anaphylaxis. Get medical help right away if you have trouble breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat; or a rash. These can be signs of a serious allergic reaction that needs medical attention.
Low potassium levels
- Risk factors: Taking other medications that lower potassium
Apidra (insulin glulisine) can cause low potassium levels, which can sometimes be dangerous. The risk can be greater if you also take other medications that lower potassium, like certain diuretics (water pills). If needed, your prescriber might check your potassium levels withh blood tests.
Look out for signs of low potassium while using Apidra (insulin glulisine). This can include weakness, muscle cramps or twitches, constipation, or an uneven heartbeat. If you notice these signs, tell your care team right away.
Fluid buildup and risk of heart failure when used with certain diabetes medications
- Risk factors: Taking glitazones together with Apidra (insulin glulisine) | History of heart failure
Be careful when using Apidra (insulin glulisine) with diabetes medications called glitazones, like pioglitazone (Actos). It can cause your body to hold onto extra fluid. This can put stress on your heart and lead to or worsen heart failure.
Before starting Apidra (insulin glulisine), tell your prescriber if you have heart failure. Also let them know about all your diabetes medications. Your prescriber can make sure Apidra (insulin glulisine) is safe for you.
If you're taking Apidra (insulin glulisine) with a glitazone, watch for signs of fluid buildup or heart failure. Call your care team right away if you notice swelling, sudden weight gain, tiredness, or trouble breathing.
High blood sugar or buildup of ketones if insulin pump isn't working properly
If you use an insulin pump with Apidra (insulin glulisine), make sure your insulin isn't expired and your pump is working properly. If your pump stops working, your blood sugar can get very high. This can sometimes lead to a serious condition called ketoacidosis.
Before you start Apidra (insulin glulisine), talk to your care team about what to do if your pump stops working. Your prescriber might tell you to use Apidra (insulin glulisine) another way until you can fix your pump. Call your care team if you can't fix your pump quickly or if you're not sure what to do.
Get medical help right away if you have symptoms of ketoacidosis. This can include weakness, dry mouth, fruity-smelling breath, rapid breathing, vomiting, or confusion. This can be very dangerous and needs treatment right away.
Apidra (insulin glulisine) dosage
The average cost for 1 carton of 5 solostar pens of 3ml of Apidra (insulin glulisine) is $35.00 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 90.14% off the average retail price of $355.03. 
Carton
Cartridge
Solostar pen
Vial
Carton| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 solostar pens of 3ml | 1 carton | $35.00 | $35.00 |
| 5 cartridges of 3ml | 1 carton | $35.00 | $35.00 |
Cartridge| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3ml of 100 units/ml | 5 cartridges | $35.00 | $7.00 |
Solostar pen| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3ml of 100 units/ml | 5 solostar pens | $35.00 | $7.00 |
Vial| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10ml of 100 units/ml | 1 vial | $35.00 | $35.00 |
Interactions between Apidra (insulin glulisine) and other drugs
Apidra (insulin glulisine) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Apidra (insulin glulisine). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.
More on Apidra (insulin glulisine) interactions
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Balofloxacin
- Besifloxacin
- Chloroquine
- Ciprofloxacin
- Enoxacin
- Fleroxacin
- Flumequine
- Gatifloxacin
- Gemifloxacin
- Hydroxychloroquine
- Lanreotide
- Levofloxacin
- Liraglutide
- Lomefloxacin
- Macimorelin
- Metoclopramide
- Metreleptin
- Moxifloxacin
- Nadifloxacin
- Norfloxacin
- Octreotide
- Ofloxacin
- Pasireotide
- Pazufloxacin
- Pefloxacin
- Pioglitazone
- Pramlintide
- Prulifloxacin
- Rosiglitazone
- Rufloxacin
- Sparfloxacin
- Thioctic Acid
- Tosufloxacin
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Acebutolol
- Albiglutide
- Atenolol
- Betaxolol
- Bisoprolol
- Bitter Melon
- Carteolol
- Carvedilol
- Celiprolol
- Dulaglutide
- Esmolol
- Exenatide
- Fenugreek
- Furazolidone
- Glucomannan
- Guar Gum
- Iproniazid
- Isocarboxazid
- Labetalol
- Levobunolol
- Linezolid
- Lixisenatide
- Methylene Blue
- Metipranolol
- Metoprolol
- Moclobemide
- Nadolol
- Nebivolol
- Nialamide
- Oxprenolol
- Penbutolol
- Phenelzine
- Pindolol
- Practolol
- Procarbazine
- Propranolol
- Psyllium
- Rasagiline
- Safinamide
- Saxagliptin
- Selegiline
- Sotalol
- Timolol
- Tranylcypromine
How much does Apidra (insulin glulisine) cost?
To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
Apidra (brand)
$35.00
Apidra (insulin glulisine) contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Apidra (insulin glulisine) will not be safe for you to take.
- Currently have low blood sugar
What are alternatives to Apidra (insulin glulisine)?
There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Apidra (insulin glulisine). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
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Apidra (insulin glulisine) images
