Insulin Glulisine

Insulin glulisine is a prescription drug used to help control blood sugar levels after meals in people with diabetes. The medication is a rapid-acting insulin that is injected just under the skin (subcutaneously) within 15 minutes before, or up to 20 minutes after, starting a meal. Side effects with insulin glulisine include reactions at the injection site and low blood sugar levels.

 

What Is Insulin Glulisine?

Insulin glulisine (Apidra®) is a prescription form of insulin used to treat type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes in adults. It is a rapid-acting insulin used to help control the spike in blood sugar levels that occurs after meals. It is typically used in combination with a long-acting insulin. Insulin glulisine can also be used in an insulin pump.
 
(Click What Is Insulin Glulisine Used For? for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Insulin Glulisine Side Effects

Just as any medicine, insulin glulisine can cause side effects. However, not everyone who uses the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or are easily treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
 
Possible side effects of insulin glulisine include but are not limited to
 
  • Low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia)
  • A skin reaction at the injection site
  • Thickening or pitting of the skin at the injection site.
     
(Click Side Effects of Insulin Glulisine to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
 
(Insulin Glulisine Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;