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Drugs A–Z

Insulin Glulisine

Insulin Glulisine is a prescription medicine (Insulin Analog). The sections below reproduce one FDA label for it, named under "Label". Products in other forms, strengths or from other makers have their own labels, which can differ.

Type
Prescription only (Rx)
Brand names
Apidra, Apidra SoloStar
Drug class
Insulin Analog
Taken
Intravenous, Subcutaneous
Label
sanofi-aventis U.S. LLC, revised November 25, 2025 · full label on DailyMed
Biosimilars
None approved · details

What it is used for

APIDRA is indicated to improve glycemic control in adult and pediatric patients with diabetes mellitus. APIDRA is a rapid-acting human insulin analog indicated to improve glycemic control in adult and pediatric patients with diabetes mellitus. ( 1 )

Forms and strengths

Injection: 100 units per mL (U-100), a clear and colorless solution available as: 10 mL multiple-dose vial 3 mL single-patient-use APIDRA SoloStar prefilled pen Injection 100 units/mL (U-100) is available as: ( 3 ) 10 mL multiple-dose vial 3 mL single-patient-use SoloStar ® prefilled pen

Who should not take it (contraindications)

APIDRA is contraindicated: during episodes of hypoglycemia in patients with known hypersensitivity to insulin glulisine or to any of the excipients in APIDRA; systemic allergic reactions have occurred with APIDRA [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . Do not use during episodes of hypoglycemia. ( 4 ) Do not use in patients with hypersensitivity to insulin glulisine or any excipients in APIDRA ( 4 )

Warnings and precautions

Never share an APIDRA SoloStar pen between patients, even if the needle is changed. ( 5.1 ) Hyperglycemia or Hypoglycemia with Changes in Insulin Regimen: Make changes to a patient's insulin regimen (e.g., insulin strength, manufacturer, type, injection site or method of administration) under close medical supervision with increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring. ( 5.2 ) Hypoglycemia: May be life-threatening. Increase frequency of glucose monitoring with changes to: insulin dosage, coadministered glucose lowering medications, meal pattern, physical activity; and in patients with renal impairment or hepatic impairment or hypoglycemia unawareness. ( 5.3 ) Hypoglycemia Due to Medication Errors: Accidental mix-ups between insulin products can occur. Instruct patients to check insulin labels before injection. ( 5.4 ) Hypokalemia: May be life-threatening. Monitor potassium levels in patients at risk for hypokalemia and treat if indicated. ( 5.5 ) Hypersensitivity Reactions: Severe, life-threatening, generalized allergy, including anaphylaxis, can occur. Discontinue APIDRA, monitor and treat if indicated. ( 5.6 ) Fluid Retention and Heart Failure Can Occur with Concomitant Use of Thiazolidinediones (TZDs): Observe for signs and symptoms of heart failure; consider dosage reduction or discontinuation of TZD if heart failure occurs. ( 5.7 ) Hyperglycemia and Ketoacidosis Due to Insulin Pump Device Malfunction: Monitor glucose and administer APIDRA by subcutaneous injection if pump malfunction occurs. ( 5.8 )

5.1 Never Share an APIDRA SoloStar Pen or Syringe or Needle between Patients APIDRA SoloStar pens must never be shared between patients, even if the needle is changed. Patients using APIDRA vials must never reuse or share needles or syringes with another person. Sharing poses a risk for transmission of blood-borne pathogens.

5.2 Hyperglycemia or Hypoglycemia with Changes in Insulin Regimen Changes in an insulin regimen (e.g., insulin, insulin strength, manufacturer, type, injection site or method of administration) may affect glycemic control and predispose to hypoglycemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] or hyperglycemia. Repeated insulin injections into areas of lipodystrophy or localized cutaneous amyloidosis have been reported to result in hyperglycemia; a sudden change in the injection site (to unaffected area) has been reported to result in hypoglycemia [see Adverse Reactions (6) ] . Make any changes to a patient's insulin regimen under close medical supervision with increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring. Advise patients who have repeatedly injected into areas of lipodystrophy or localized cutaneous amyloidosis to change the injection site to unaffected areas and closely monitor for hypoglycemia. For patients with type 2 diabetes, dosage adjustments in concomitant oral antidiabetic treatment may be needed.

5.3 Hypoglycemia Hypoglycemia is the most common adverse reaction of all insulins, including APIDRA [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . Severe hypoglycemia can cause seizures, may lead to unconsciousness, may be life-threatening, or cause death. Hypoglycemia can impair concentration ability and reaction time; this may place the patient and others at risk in situations where these abilities are important (e.g., driving or operating other machinery). APIDRA, or any insulin, should not be used during episodes of hypoglycemia [see Contraindications (4) ] . Hypoglycemia can happen suddenly, and symptoms may differ in each patient and change over time in the same patient. Symptomatic awareness of hypoglycemia may be less pronounced in patients with longstanding diabetes, in patients with diabetic neuropathy, in patients using medications that block the sympathetic nervous system (e.g., beta-blockers) [see Drug Interactions (7) ] , or in patients who experience recurrent hypoglycemia. Risk Factors for Hypoglycemia The risk of hypoglycemia after an injection is related to the duration of action of the insulin and, in general, is highest when the glucose lowering effect of the insulin is maximal. The timing of hypoglycemia usually reflects the time-action profile of the administered insulin formulation. As with all insulins, the glucose lowering effect time course of APIDRA may vary in different individuals or at different times in the same individual and depends on many conditions, including the area of injection as well as the injection site blood supply and temperature [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2) ] . Other factors which may increase the risk of hypoglycemia include changes in meal pattern (e.g., macronutrient content or timing of meals), changes in level of physical activity, or changes to concomitant drugs [see Drug Interactions (7) ] . Patients with renal or hepatic impairment may be at higher risk of hypoglycemia [see Use in Specific Populations (8.6 , 8.7) ] . Risk Mitigation Strategies for Hypoglycemia Patients and caregivers must be educated to recognize and manage hypoglycemia. Self-monitoring of blood glucose plays an essential role in the prevention and management of hypoglycemia. In patients at higher risk for hypoglycemia and patients who have reduced symptomatic awareness of hypoglycemia, increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring is recommended.

5.4 Hypoglycemia Due to Medication Errors Accidental mix-ups between insulin products have been reported. To avoid medication errors between APIDRA and other insulins, instruct patients to always check the insulin label before each injection [see Adverse Reactions (6.3) ] .

5.5 Hypokalemia All insulins, including APIDRA, cause a shift in potassium from the extracellular to intracellular space, possibly leading to hypokalemia. Untreated hypokalemia may cause respiratory paralysis, ventricular arrhythmia, and death. Use caution in patients who may be at risk for hypokalemia (e.g., patients using potassium-lowering medications, patients taking medications sensitive to serum potassium concentrations).

5.6 Hypersensitivity Reactions Severe, life-threatening, generalized allergy, including anaphylaxis, can occur with insulins, including APIDRA [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . If hypersensitivity reactions occur, discontinue APIDRA; treat per standard of care and monitor until symptoms and signs resolve. APIDRA is contraindicated in patients who have had a hypersensitivity reaction to insulin glulisine or any of its excipients.

5.7 Fluid Retention and Heart Failure with Concomitant Use of PPAR-Gamma Agonists Thiazolidinediones (TZDs), which are peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) gamma agonists, can cause dose-related fluid retention, when used in combination with insulin. Fluid retention may lead to or exacerbate heart failure. Patients treated with insulin, including APIDRA and a PPAR-gamma agonist should be observed for signs and symptoms of heart failure. If heart failure develops, it should be managed according to current standards of care, and discontinuation or dose reduction of the PPAR-gamma agonist must be considered.

5.8 Hyperglycemia and Ketoacidosis Due to Insulin Pump Device Malfunction Malfunction of the insulin pump or insulin infusion set or insulin degradation can rapidly lead to hyperglycemia and ketoacidosis. Prompt identification and correction of the cause of hyperglycemia or ketosis is necessary. Interim subcutaneous injections with APIDRA may be required. Patients using continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion pump therapy must be trained to administer insulin by injection and have alternate insulin therapy available in case of pump failure [see How Supplied/Storage and Handling (16.2) ] .

Side effects (adverse reactions)

The following adverse reactions are discussed elsewhere: Hypoglycemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Hypoglycemia Due to Medication Errors [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Hypokalemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] Adverse reactions commonly associated with APIDRA include hypoglycemia, allergic reactions, injection site reactions, lipodystrophy, pruritus, rash, and weight gain. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact sanofi-aventis at 1-800-633-1610 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying designs, the adverse reaction rates reported in one clinical trial may not be easily compared to those rates reported in another clinical trial and may not reflect the rates actually observed in clinical practice. The data in Table 1 reflect the exposure of 1591 patients with type 1 diabetes to APIDRA or comparators [see Clinical Studies (14.1) ] . The type 1 diabetes population had the following characteristics: Mean age was 39.74 years. 54.5 % were male, 95.5% were Caucasian, 1.5% were Black or African American. The data in Table 2 reflect the exposure of 1766 patients with type 2 diabetes to APIDRA or comparators [see Clinical Studies (14.2) ] . The type 2 diabetes population had the following characteristics: Mean age was 59.08 years. 51.2% were male, 88.5% were Caucasian, 7.2% were Black or African American. The frequencies of adverse drug reactions during APIDRA clinical trials in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus and type 2 diabetes mellitus are listed in the tables below. Table 1: Adverse Reactions Occurring ≥5% in Pooled Studies of Adults with Type 1 Diabetes APIDRA, % (n=950) All Comparators Insulin lispro, regular human insulin, insulin aspart , % (n=641) Nasopharyngitis 10.6

12.9 Hypoglycemia Only severe symptomatic hypoglycemia 6.8

6.7 Upper respiratory tract infection 6.6

5.6 Influenza 4.0

5.0 Table 2: Adverse Reactions Occurring ≥5% in Pooled Studies of Adults with Type 2 Diabetes APIDRA, % (n=883) Regular Human Insulin, % (n=883) Upper respiratory tract infection 10.5

7.7 Nasopharyngitis 7.6

8.2 Edema peripheral 7.5

7.8 Influenza 6.2

4.2 Arthralgia 5.9

6.3 Hypertension 3.9

5.3 Pediatrics Table 3 summarizes the adverse reactions occurring with frequency higher than 5% in a clinical study in pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes treated with APIDRA (n=277) or insulin lispro (n=295). Table 3: Adverse Reactions Occurring ≥5% in Pediatric Patients with Type 1 Diabetes APIDRA, % (n=277) Insulin Lispro, % (n=295) Nasopharyngitis 9.0

9.5 Upper respiratory tract infection 8.3

10.8 Headache 6.9

11.2 Hypoglycemic seizure 6.1

4.7 Severe Symptomatic Hypoglycemia Hypoglycemia was the most commonly observed adverse reaction in patients treated with insulin, including APIDRA. The rates of reported hypoglycemia depend on the definition of hypoglycemia used, diabetes type, insulin dose, intensity of glucose control, background therapies, and other intrinsic and extrinsic patient factors. For these reasons, comparing rates of hypoglycemia in clinical trials for APIDRA with the incidence of hypoglycemia for other products may be misleading and also, may not be representative of hypoglycemia rates that occur in clinical practice. The rates and incidence of severe symptomatic hypoglycemia, defined as hypoglycemia requiring intervention from a third party are presented in Table 4. In the clinical trials, children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes had a higher incidence of severe symptomatic hypoglycemia in the two treatment groups compared to adults with type 1 diabetes (see Table 4 ) [see Clinical Studies (14) ] . Table 4: Severe Symptomatic Hypoglycemia Severe symptomatic hypoglycemia defined as a hypoglycemic event requiring the assistance of another person that met one of the following criteria: the event was associated with a whole blood referenced blood glucose <36 mg/dL or the event was associated with prompt recovery after oral carbohydrate, intravenous glucose, or glucagon administration. Type 1 Diabetes Adults 12 weeks with insulin glargine Type 1 Diabetes Adults 26 weeks with insulin glargine Type 2 Diabetes Adults 26 weeks with NPH human insulin Type 1 Diabetes Pediatrics 26 weeks APIDRA Pre meal APIDRA Post meal Regular Human Insulin APIDRA Insulin Lispro APIDRA Regular Human Insulin APIDRA Insulin Lispro Events per month per patient 0.05 0.05 0.13 0.02 0.02 0.00 0.00 0.09

0.08 Percent of patients (n/total N) 8.4% (24/286) 8.4% (25/296) 10.1% (28/278) 4.8% (16/339) 4.0% (13/333) 1.4% (6/416) 1.2% (5/420) 16.2% (45/277) 19.3% (57/295) Adverse Reactions with Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion (CSII) In a 12-week randomized study in patients with type 1 diabetes (n=59), the rates of catheter occlusions and infusion site reactions were similar for APIDRA and insulin aspart–treated patients (see Table 5 ). Table 5: Catheter Occlusions and Infusion Site Reactions APIDRA (n=29) Insulin Aspart (n=30) Catheter occlusions/month 0.08

0.15 Infusion site reactions 10.3% (3/29) 13.3% (4/30) Allergic Reactions Severe, life-threatening, generalized allergy, including anaphylaxis, may occur with any insulin, including APIDRA. Generalized allergy to insulin may cause whole body rash (including pruritus), dyspnea, wheezing, hypotension, tachycardia, or diaphoresis. In controlled clinical trials up to 12 months duration, potential systemic allergic reactions were reported in 79 of 1833 patients (4.3%) who received APIDRA and 58 of 1524 patients (3.8%) who received the comparator short-acting insulins. During these trials, treatment with APIDRA was permanently discontinued in 1 of 1833 patients due to a potential systemic allergic reaction. Injection Site Reactions As with any insulin, patients taking APIDRA may experience redness, swelling, or itching at the site of injection. These minor reactions usually resolve in a few days to a few weeks, but on some occasions may require discontinuation of APIDRA. In some instances, these reactions may be related to factors other than insulin, such as irritants in a skin cleansing agent or poor injection technique. Insulin Initiation and Intensification of Glucose Control Intensification or rapid improvement in glucose control has been associated with a transitory, reversible ophthalmologic refraction disorder, worsening of diabetic retinopathy, and acute painful peripheral neuropathy. However, long-term glycemic control decreases the risk of diabetic retinopathy and neuropathy. Lipodystrophy Long-term use of insulin, including APIDRA, can cause lipodystrophy at the site of repeated insulin injections or infusion. Lipodystrophy includes lipohypertrophy (thickening of adipose tissue) and lipoatrophy (thinning of adipose tissue) and may affect insulin absorption [see Dosage and Administration (2.2) ] . Peripheral Edema Insulins, including APIDRA, may cause sodium retention and edema, particularly if previously poor metabolic control is improved by intensified insulin therapy. Weight Gain Weight gain can occur with insulins, including APIDRA, and has been attributed to the anabolic effects of insulin and the decrease in glucosuria.

6.2 Immunogenicity As with all therapeutic proteins, there is potential for immunogenicity. The detection of antibody formation is highly dependent on the sensitivity and specificity of the assay. Additionally, the observed incidence of antibody (including neutralizing antibody) positivity in an assay may be influenced by several factors including assay methodology, sample handling, timing of sample collection, concomitant medication, and underlying disease. For these reasons, comparison of the incidence of antibodies to APIDRA in the studies described below with the incidence of antibodies in other studies or to other insulin products may be misleading. […]

Drug interactions

Table 6: Clinically Significant Drug Interactions with APIDRA Drugs that May Increase the Risk of Hypoglycemia Drugs: Antidiabetic agents, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blocking agents, disopyramide, fibrates, fluoxetine, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, pentoxifylline, pramlintide, salicylates, somatostatin analog (e.g., octreotide), and sulfonamide antibiotics. Intervention: Dose adjustment and increased frequency of glucose monitoring may be required when APIDRA is coadministered with these drugs. Drugs that May Decrease the Blood Glucose Lowering Effect of APIDRA Drugs: Atypical antipsychotics, corticosteroids, danazol, diuretics, estrogens, glucagon, isoniazid, niacin, phenothiazine derivatives, progestogens (e.g., in oral contraceptives), protease inhibitors, somatropin, sympathomimetic agents (e.g., albuterol, epinephrine, terbutaline), and thyroid hormones. Intervention: Dose adjustment and increased frequency of glucose monitoring may be required when APIDRA is coadministered with these drugs. Drugs that May Increase or Decrease the Blood Glucose Lowering Effect of APIDRA Drugs: Alcohol, beta-blockers, clonidine, and lithium salts. Pentamidine may cause hypoglycemia, which may sometimes be followed by hyperglycemia. Intervention: Dose adjustment and increased frequency of glucose monitoring may be required when APIDRA is coadministered with these drugs. Drugs that May Blunt Signs and Symptoms of Hypoglycemia Drugs: Beta-blockers, clonidine, guanethidine, and reserpine. Intervention: Increased frequency of glucose monitoring may be required when APIDRA is coadministered with these drugs. Drugs that Affect Glucose Metabolism: Adjustment of insulin dosage may be needed. ( 7 ) Antiadrenergic Drugs (e.g., beta-blockers, clonidine, guanethidine, and reserpine): Signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia may be reduced or absent. ( 5.3 , 7 )

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, children and older adults

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Available pharmacovigilance data have not established an association with insulin glulisine use during pregnancy and major birth defects, miscarriage or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. There are risks to the mother and fetus associated with poorly controlled diabetes in pregnancy (see Clinical Considerations ) . Animal reproduction studies have been conducted with insulin glulisine in rats and rabbits using regular human insulin as a comparator. Insulin glulisine was given to female rats throughout pregnancy at subcutaneous doses up to 10 units/kg/day (2 times the average human dose, based on body surface area comparison) and to rabbits during organogenesis at subcutaneous doses up to 1.5 units/kg/day (0.5 times the average human dose, based on body surface area comparison). The effects did not differ from those observed with subcutaneous regular human insulin (see Data ) . In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively. The estimated background risk of major birth defects is 6% to 10% in women with pre-gestational diabetes with a peri-conceptional HbA1c >7 and has been reported to be as high as 20% to 25% in women with a peri-conceptional HbA1c >10. The estimated background risk of miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. Clinical Considerations Disease-associated maternal and/or embryo-fetal risk Hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia occur more frequently during pregnancy in patients with pre-gestational diabetes. Poorly controlled diabetes in pregnancy increases the maternal risk for diabetic ketoacidosis, pre-eclampsia, spontaneous abortions, preterm delivery, and delivery complications. Poorly controlled diabetes increases the fetal risk for major birth defects, still birth, and macrosomia-related morbidity. Data Animal data Insulin glulisine was given to pregnant female rabbits during gestation at doses up to 1.5 units/kg/day, resulting in an exposure 0.5 times the average human dose, based on body surface area. Adverse effects on embryo-fetal development, including postimplantation loss and skeletal defects, were observed at dose levels that caused maternal hypoglycemia and mortality. Insulin glulisine given to pregnant female rats during gestation at doses up to 10 units/kg/day, resulting in an exposure 2 times the average human dose based on body surface area, resulted in maternal toxicity indicative of hypoglycemia but did not adversely affect embryo-fetal development. Postnatal development was not adversely affected following administration of insulin glulisine to pregnant female rats during gestation and throughout lactation at doses up to 8 units/kg/day. The effects of insulin glulisine did not differ from those observed with regular human insulin used as a comparator in the same studies and administered at the same doses.

8.2 Lactation Risk Summary Available data from published literature suggest that human insulin products, including APIDRA, are transferred into human milk. There are no adverse reactions reported in the breastfed infants in the literature. There are no data on the effects of exogenous human insulin products, including APIDRA, on milk production. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother's clinical need for APIDRA and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from APIDRA or from the underlying maternal condition.

8.4 Pediatric Use The safety and effectiveness of APIDRA to improve glycemic control have been established in pediatric patients. Use of APIDRA for this indication is supported by evidence from an active-controlled non-inferiority study in pediatric patients 4 years of age and older with type 1 diabetes mellitus treated with APIDRA (n=271) and from studies in adults with diabetes mellitus [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) , and Clinical Studies (14) ] . In the clinical trials, pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus had a higher incidence of severe symptomatic hypoglycemia in the two treatment groups compared to adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] .

8.5 Geriatric Use In clinical trials, APIDRA was administered to 147 patients ≥65 years of age and 27 patients ≥75 years of age. The majority of this small subset of geriatric patients had type 2 diabetes. The change in HbA1c values and hypoglycemia frequencies did not differ by age. Nevertheless, caution should be exercised when APIDRA is administered to geriatric patients. In geriatric patients with diabetes, the initial dosing, dose increments, and maintenance dosage should be conservative to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] .

8.6 Renal Impairment Patients with renal impairment may be at increased risk of hypoglycemia and may require more frequent APIDRA dose adjustment and more frequent blood glucose monitoring [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] .

8.7 Hepatic Impairment Patients with hepatic impairment may be at increased risk of hypoglycemia and may require more frequent APIDRA dose adjustment and more frequent blood glucose monitoring [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] .

How it works

Regulation of glucose metabolism is the primary activity of insulins and insulin analogs, including insulin glulisine. Insulins lower blood glucose by stimulating peripheral glucose uptake by skeletal muscle and fat, and by inhibiting hepatic glucose production. Insulins inhibit lipolysis and proteolysis and enhance protein synthesis.

Are there biosimilars to Insulin Glulisine?

No. The FDA has not approved a biosimilar yet.

Biologics have biosimilars rather than generics: highly similar versions with no clinically meaningful differences. Only biosimilars the FDA designates as interchangeable can be swapped at the pharmacy without asking the prescriber, where state law allows; the FDA Purple Book lists which ones are.

Brand-name versions

  • Apidra Sanofi Aventis Us, approved 2004

Source: Drugs@FDA (via openFDA), checked October 29, 2026. Marketing status is what companies report to the FDA; whether a pharmacy stocks a product, and what your insurance covers, can differ.

Dosage:
we do not reproduce dosing instructions. The right dose depends on the person and the condition and is set by the prescriber or pharmacist. Dosage section of the full label.

Insulin glulisine in the news

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Source: FDA structured product labeling, retrieved through openFDA. Label text is shown as published by the FDA, without editing; long sections are shortened, marked […]. openFDA data are not validated for clinical use — always check the current label and ask a doctor or pharmacist about your own treatment. Set ID e7af6a7a-8046-4fb4-9979-4ec4230b23aa.


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Important: this content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice, a prescribing instruction, or a recommendation to act. Consult a licensed healthcare professional before taking any medication.

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