Apidra Side Effects
Generic name: insulin glulisine
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Nov 22, 2022.
Note: This document contains side effect information about insulin glulisine. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Apidra.
Applies to insulin glulisine: parenteral injection.
Side effects include:
Hypoglycemia, systemic hypersensitivity, injection site reaction.
For Healthcare Professionals
Applies to insulin glulisine: injectable solution, subcutaneous solution.
General
The most common adverse reactions reported include hypoglycemia, allergic reactions, injection site reactions, lipodystrophy, pruritus, and rash.[Ref]
Metabolic
Common (1% to 10%): Hypoglycemia, hypoglycemic seizure
Frequency not reported: Weight gain[Ref]
Hypersensitivity
Common (1% to 10%): Local hypersensitivity reactions (redness, swelling, and itching at injection site) Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Systemic allergic reactions including urticaria, chest tightness, dyspnea, allergic dermatitis, and pruritus
Frequency not reported: Anaphylaxis[Ref]
In clinical trials of ups to 12 months duration, potential systemic allergic reactions were reported in 4.3% (79 of 1833) patients receiving insulin glulisine compared with 3.8% (58 of 1524) patients receiving comparator short-acting insulins. Permanent discontinuation occurred in 1 patient receiving insulin glulisine.[Ref]
Local
Among patients using continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion pumps, the rates of catheter occlusions and infusion site reactions were similar with insulin glulisine (the active ingredient contained in Apidra) compared with insulin aspart.[Ref]
Common (1% to 10%): Infusion site reactions
Very rare (less than 0.01%): Catheter occlusions[Ref]
Cardiovascular
Common (1% to 10%): Peripheral edema, hypertension[Ref]
Gastrointestinal
Common (1% to 10%): Diarrhea, pharyngitis, vomiting, nausea[Ref]
Dermatologic
Rare (less than 0.1%): Lipodystrophy[Ref]
Immunologic
Common (1% to 10%): Influenza[Ref]
Respiratory
Common (1% to 10%): Nasopharyngitis, upper respiratory tract infection, sinusitis, bronchitis[Ref]
Musculoskeletal
Common (1% to 10%): Arthralgia, back pain[Ref]
Nervous system
Common (1% to 10%): Headache[Ref]
Genitourinary
Common (1% to 10%): Urinary tract infection[Ref]
More about Apidra (insulin glulisine)
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- Reviews (3)
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- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- FDA approval history
- Drug class: insulin
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Patient resources
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Related treatment guides
References
1. "Product Information. Apidra (insulin glulisine)." Aventis Pharmaceuticals (2004):
2. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics." O 0
3. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information." O 0
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.
