Apidra Solostar

Composition of Apidra Solostar

Apidra Solostar contains Insulin Glulisine (100IU/ml). It belongs to the Rapid-acting insulin analogue class of medicines.

Uses of Apidra Solostar

Treatment of diabetes mellitus (Type 1 and Type 2) to improve glycaemic control; used as prandial (mealtime) insulin as part of a basal-bolus regimen.

Key benefits

• Rapid control of post-meal blood sugar
• Flexible mealtime dosing (before or shortly after meals)
• Helps achieve overall glycaemic targets with basal insulin
• Suitable for Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes requiring insulin

How Apidra Solostar works

Insulin glulisine is a rapid-acting insulin analogue that lowers blood glucose by increasing glucose uptake in muscle and fat and reducing hepatic glucose production. It also inhibits lipolysis and proteolysis and promotes protein synthesis.

How to take Apidra Solostar

Subcutaneous injection using the prefilled pen. Inject within 15 minutes before a meal or within 20 minutes after starting a meal, as prescribed. Rotate injection sites (abdomen, thigh, upper arm); do not inject into veins or muscles unless specifically instructed. Do not share the pen; use a new needle for each injection.

Take it exactly as your doctor prescribed. Do not change the dose or stop early on your own.

Missed dose and overdose

If you miss a dose

If you have missed a dose of Apidra Solostar 100IU/ml Injection, contact your doctor.

If you take too much

An overdose of this medicine can cause severe low blood sugar, leading to fits or unconsciousness — this is a medical emergency. Do not wait for symptoms to appear — go to the nearest emergency department and take the pack or strip with you.

Side effects of Apidra Solostar

Most side effects of Apidra Solostar are mild and settle as the body adjusts. Reported side effects include:

• Hypoglycaemia
• injection site reactions (redness/pain/swelling/itching)
• lipodystrophy at injection site
• weight gain
• allergic reactions
• oedema

Stop the medicine and seek help immediately for a rash, swelling of the face or lips, wheezing or difficulty breathing. Tell your doctor about any side effect that persists or worries you.

Safety advice for Apidra Solostar

Warnings and precautions

Risk of severe hypoglycaemia—monitor blood glucose regularly and carry fast-acting sugar. Dose adjustments may be needed with changes in diet/exercise, illness, stress, or switching insulin. Use caution in renal or hepatic impairment (may need lower dose). Do not use if solution is cloudy/colored or pen is damaged; do not freeze. Allergy to insulin glulisine/excipients is a contraindication. Use caution while driving/operating machinery due to hypoglycaemia risk.

Do not take Apidra Solostar if

Not for anyone with a known allergy to this medicine or to any ingredient in the pack. Not to be used during an episode of low blood sugar.

Interactions with other medicines

Other antidiabetic drugs may increase hypoglycaemia risk; beta-blockers may mask hypoglycaemia symptoms; corticosteroids, thiazide diuretics, thyroid hormones, sympathomimetics and some antipsychotics may raise glucose and increase insulin needs; ACE inhibitors, salicylates and alcohol may increase hypoglycaemia risk.

How to store Apidra Solostar

Unopened pens: store refrigerated at 2–8°C; do not freeze; keep away from freezer compartment and protect from light. In-use pen: keep at room temperature (generally below 25°C) as per label and use within the recommended in-use period; keep cap on; do not refrigerate in-use pen if label advises otherwise.

Expert advice for Apidra Solostar

Apidra Solostar 100IU/ml Injection helps to control blood sugar level and avoid long-term complications. You should continue to exercise regularly, eat a healthy diet and take your other diabetes medicines along with Apidra Solostar 100IU/ml Injection. Take it 15 minutes before a meal or within 20 minutes after starting a meal. Injection sites must be rotated to prevent hard lumps from developing at one site. Injection below the skin of the abdomen results in faster absorption than other injection sites. Do not use it if the preparation is no longer clear and colorless or if it contains particles. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar level) is a common side effect. Monitor your blood sugar level regularly. Always carry some sugary food or fruit juice with you in case you experience hypoglycemia symptoms such as cold sweats, cool pale skin, tremors, weakness, and anxiety. Opened vials/cartridges stay good at room temperature for up to 4 weeks, while unopened vials must be placed in the refrigerator (2°C–8°C).

Manufacturer and class

Manufacturer:

SANOFI INDIA LTD

Therapeutic class:

Antidiabetic

Drug class:

Rapid-acting insulin analogue

Chemical class:

Peptides