There are different types of insulin available to treat diabetes. Short-acting insulin is a common one that peaks 2 to 6 hours after injection. On the other hand, long-acting insulin lasts in the body for up to 24 hours. There is another kind of diabetes medication called mealtime or bolus insulin. Mealtime insulin is designed to affect blood sugar levels during a meal quickly. It starts working just 15 minutes after injection. Bolus insulin lasts up to 3 hours in the body. Mealtime insulin has its benefits. It closely mimics natural insulin released by your body. It also allows mealtimes to be more flexible.
Who is mealtime insulin for?
Doctors typically prescribe long-acting insulin for newly diagnosed diabetes patients. But sometimes, this isn’t enough to manage your glucose levels. After eating, glucose levels can rise rapidly. If long-acting insulin isn’t enough to control this spike, you may be prescribed mealtime insulin. Your doctor will work with you to determine if mealtime insulin is right for you. They may ask you to monitor your glucose levels daily. If they see that your blood sugar is still too high after eating, they may prescribe Apidra.
What is Apidra?
Apidra is approved as a fast-acting mealtime insulin. It is injected either 15 minutes before a meal or 20 minutes after. Apidra is prescribed to children and adults with type 1 and 2 diabetes. It works by helping the body process sugar so that it can be used for energy. Apidra replaces the insulin that the body normally makes. It may be prescribed together with regular or long-acting insulin. Along with proper diet and exercise, patients can effectively manage their diabetes with Apidra.
How to Use Apidra
Before starting on Apidra, make sure to inform your doctor of your medical history. It is important to tell them of any conditions you may have. These include kidney, liver, and heart problems. Remember to take Apidra precisely as instructed. Apidra is usually injected 15 minutes before eating or 20 minutes after. The dosing will depend on your condition and response to treatment. Make sure to clean the injection site. Inject Apidra either in the stomach area, arm, or upper thigh. Remember to inject only if you have been properly educated by your doctor.
Side Effects of Apidra
The more common side effects of Apidra can include:
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Headache
- Low blood sugar
- Stomach pain
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Dizziness
- Pain in the injection site
These side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If they’re more severe or don’t go away, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
People in the United States may buy prescription medicines online with USA Script Helpers through our easy-to-use website. Simply search for Apidra, then proceed to the checkout process, and send your prescription to us.
