How to use Apidra Solostar 300IU/ml Injection

Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. Kindly do not self administer.

How Medicine Works

Apidra Solostar 300IU/ml Injection is fast-acting insulin which starts working within 10-20 minutes after injecting. It works similar to the insulin produced by the body. Insulin facilitates reuptake of glucose in muscle and fat cells and also blocks the release of glucose from the liver.

Expert Advice

• Apidra Solostar 300IU/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 300IU/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).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• I am taking pioglitazone for diabetes. Can I take Apidra Solostar 300IU/ml Injection with it?

  You have to be extra careful if you are planning to take both pioglitazone and Apidra Solostar 300IU/ml Injection. Consult your doctor first before taking any other medicine. The doctor will suggest if you can safely take Apidra with pioglitazone and if you would need regular follow-up. This is because Pioglitazone can cause fluid retention in your body, especially when used in combination with insulin. You may develop symptoms of heart failure like edema, swelling of hands and feet, weight gain, breathlessness, etc. Also if you already have heart failure, it may get aggravated.

• I started using Apidra Solostar 300IU/ml Injection recently and was told to not inject into the same spot over and over again. Why?

  It is correct that you should not use the same spot again, as it can cause changes in the fatty tissue just under the skin. It can either cause lipodystrophy or lipohypertrophy. Lipodystrophy means abnormal changes in the distribution of body fat. It includes lipohypertrophy (thickening of adipose tissue) and lipoatrophy (thinning of adipose tissue), and may affect insulin absorption. Rotate insulin injection or infusion sites within the same region to reduce the risk of lipodystrophy.

• What if I accidentally inject Apidra Solostar 300IU/ml Injection into a muscle?

  Apidra Solostar 300IU/ml Injection contains a fast-acting insulin. Injecting Apidra into a muscle would make its absorption even more rapid. As a result, the chance of having a serious episode of hypoglycemia or low blood sugar would increase. Therefore, you should inject the insulin just beneath the skin by pinching up some skin and fat.
  

• I have been taking metoprolol for high blood pressure for a long time. Do I need to be careful about anything if I have started glulisine now?

  Yes, you need to be careful because symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) like increased heart rate may not be noticed by you. Keep a regular check on your blood sugar and consult your doctor if the problem persists.

• Can Apidra Solostar 300IU/ml Injection be stopped once started?

  It depends on whether you have type I diabetes mellitus (body does not produce insulin) or type II (body does not respond to insulin). For patients with type I external source of insulin is the only treatment available which cannot be stopped, as your body does not produce sufficient insulin. But for patients with type II diabetes mellitus, the doctor may stop Apidra if your blood sugar levels are well controlled with exercise, healthy diet and other diabetes pills. However, do not stop taking it on your own without consulting your doctor as it may worsen your condition.

• Can Apidra Solostar 300IU/ml Injection cause hypoglycemia?

  Yes, Apidra Solostar 300IU/ml Injection can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels). Symptoms of hypoglycemia include nausea, headache, irritability, hunger, sweating, dizziness, fast heart rate and feeling anxious or shaky. It happens more often if you miss or delay your food, drink alcohol, over-exercise or take other antidiabetic medicine along with it. So, regular monitoring of the blood sugar level is important. Always carry some sugary candies, glucose, glucon-D or fruit juice with you.

• What class of drug is Apidra Solostar 300IU/ml Injection?

  Apidra Solostar 300IU/ml Injection belongs to the class of antidiabetic medications. It is a man-made version of insulin which is prescribed in diabetic adults and children of age 1 year and above. This medicine is used to help improve blood sugar levels and glycemic control.