What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking insulin glulisine?
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to insulin, or if you are having an episode of
hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
Before using insulin glulisine, tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease.
Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including any oral (taken by mouth)
diabetes medications.
Insulin glulisine is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include diet,
exercise, weight control, foot care, eye care, dental care, and testing your blood sugar. Follow your
diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely. Changing any of these factors can affect your
blood sugar levels.
Your doctor will need to check your progress on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled
appointments.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether insulin glulisine is harmful to an
unborn baby. Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become
pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether insulin glulisine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing
baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take insulin glulisine?
Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use it in larger amounts or for
longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Insulin glulisine is given as an injection (shot) under your skin using a needle and syringe, an
injection pen, or an insulin pump. It may also be given through a needle placed into a vein. Your
doctor, nurse, or pharmacist will give you specific instructions on how and where to inject this medicine.
Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly
dispose of used needles and syringes.
Insulin glulisine is a fast-acting insulin that begins to work very quickly. You should use it within
15 minutes before or 20 minutes after you start eating a meal.
Insulin glulisine should be thin, clear, and colorless. Do not use the medication if it has changed
colors or has any particles in it. Call your doctor for a new prescription.
Choose a different place in your injection skin area each time you use this medication. Do not
inject into the same place two times in a row.
If you use this medication with an insulin pump, do not mix or dilute insulin glulisine with any
other insulin. Call your doctor at once if you think your infusion pump is not working properly.
Use each disposable needle only one time. Throw away used needles in a puncture-proof
container (ask your pharmacist where you can get one and how to dispose of it). Keep this container
out of the reach of children and pets.
Some insulin needles can be used more than once, depending on needle brand and type. But a
reused needle must be properly cleaned, recapped, and inspected for bending or breakage. Reusing
needles also increases your risk of infection. Ask your doctor or pharmacist whether you are able to
reuse your insulin needles.
Infusion pump tubing, catheters, and the needle location on your skin should be changed every
48 hours.
Never share an injection pen or cartridge with another person. Sharing injection pens or
cartridges can allow disease such as hepatitis or HIV to pass from one person to another.
Check your blood sugar carefully during a time of stress or illness, if you travel, exercise more
than usual, or skip meals. These things can affect your glucose levels and your insulin dose needs may
also change.
Watch for signs of blood sugar that is too high (
hyperglycemia
). These
symptoms include increased thirst, loss of appetite, increased urination, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness,
dry skin, and dry mouth. Check your blood sugar levels and ask your doctor how to adjust your insulin
doses if needed.
Ask your doctor how to adjust your insulin glulisine dose if needed.
Do not
change your dose without first talking to your doctor.
Carry an ID card or wear a medical alert bracelet stating that you have diabetes, in case of
emergency. Any doctor, dentist, or emergency medical care provider who treats you should know that
you are diabetic.
Storing unopened vials, cartridges, or injection pens:
Keep in the
carton and store in a refrigerator, protected from light. Throw away any insulin not used before the
expiration date on the medicine label.
Unopened vials, cartridges, or injection pens
may also be stored at room
temperature for up to 28 days,
away from heat and bright light. Throw away any insulin not
used within 28 days.
Storing after your first use:
You may keep "in-use" vials in the refrigerator
or at room temperature, protected from light. Use within 28 days.
In-use cartridges or injection pens
must be stored at room temperature,
away from heat and bright light.
Do not refrigerate an in-use cartridge or injection pen.
Keep it at
room temperature and use within 28 days.
An
infusion set
should be stored at room temperature and used within
48 hours.
Do not freeze insulin glulisine
, and throw away the medication if it has
become frozen.
