Insulin glulisine (Apidra) is the third ultra-short-acting insulin analogue listed on the PBS, the others being insulin lispro and insulin aspart (see Table 1). The PBAC agreed that insulin glulisine was no less effective than insulin lispro at reducing HbA1c levels in people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.1

The safety and efficacy of insulin glulisine has not been established in children (≤ 12 years) or in pregnant women.2 As such, prescribers should continue to use other rapid-acting insulin analogues for these patients.

Like other ultra-short-acting insulins, insulin glulisine is a clear solution injected subcutaneously immediately before meals. One unit of insulin glulisine is equivalent to one unit of insulin lispro. Carefully monitor blood glucose levels and concomitant medication if switching a patient between different types or brands of insulin.

Table 1 Pharmacokinetic profiles of non-mixed insulins available in Australia*
Insulin type Onset of action Peak action Duration of action
Ultra-short acting
insulin lispro (Humalog)
aspart (Novorapid) 		15 minutes 1 hour 4–5 hours
insulin glulisine (Apidra)†
 15 minutes
 ~ 1 hour
 4 hours
Short acting
neutral (Actrapid/Humulin R/Hypurin Neutral) 30 minutes 2–3 hours 6–8 hours
Long acting
non-mixed (Humulin NPH/Protaphane/Hypurin Isophane) 1–2.5 hours 4–12 hours 16–24 hours
insulin detemir (Levemir) 3–4 hours 9 hours 12–20 hours
insulin glargine (Lantus) 1–2 hours No peak 24 hours
* Adapted from Australian Medicines Handbook3
† Source: Dailey G (2006)4

References

  1. Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee. March 2007 PBAC outcomes — positive recommendations. Canberra: Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing, 2007. http://www.health.gov.au/internet/wcms/publishing.nsf/Content/pbacrec-mar07-positive (accessed 13 June 2007).
  2. Sanofi-Aventis Australia Pty Ltd. Apidra product information. 31 January 2007.
  3. Rossi S, ed. Australian Medicines Handbook 2007. Adelaide: Australian Medicines Handbook Pty Ltd, 2007.
  4. Dailey G. Rapid acting insulin glulisine: a new tool for postprandial glucose control. Expert Rev Endocrinol Metab 2006;1:469-78.