Rapid-acting insulin (antidiabetic)
Last reviewed June 2026
Who is this for?
Insulin glulisine (sold as Apidra in Nigeria) is a fast-acting insulin injection that helps your body use sugar from food quickly, lowering your blood sugar level almost immediately after you eat.
Binds to insulin receptors on muscle, fat, and liver cells, activating tyrosine kinase signaling pathways that promote glucose uptake and glycogen synthesis while inhibiting hepatic glucose production and lipolysis.
Prescription Required
You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.
Explore this drug
Inject it under the skin (belly, upper arm, or thigh) within 15 minutes before eating or within 20 minutes after starting a meal. Your doctor will tell you exactly how many units to inject based on your blood sugar readings. Never take it by mouth — it must be injected.
If you forget to take your dose before or shortly after a meal, check your blood sugar level. If it is high, take your dose as soon as you remember, but be careful not to double up. Contact your doctor or diabetes nurse if you are unsure what to do.
Always buy Apidra from a reputable pharmacy — never buy insulin from roadside vendors or unregistered sellers, as improper storage can make it dangerous or useless. Learn to recognize signs of low blood sugar (shakiness, sweating, confusion) and always carry sugar, sweets, or a sugary drink with you. Do not share your insulin pen or needles with anyone, even family members with diabetes.
Some drugs like metformin or glimepiride (other diabetes medicines) can increase the risk of very low blood sugar when combined with insulin glulisine — your doctor will adjust doses. Alcohol can dangerously lower your blood sugar, so avoid drinking or be very careful. Steroids and some blood pressure drugs (like propranolol) can affect how insulin works in your body.
Check your specific combination
Is it safe to take Insulin with your other drugs?
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, consult your doctor before using insulin glulisine — your insulin needs may change during pregnancy and your doctor will need to closely monitor and adjust your dose.
Store unopened vials in a refrigerator (2–8°C) — not in the freezer. Once opened, Apidra can be kept at room temperature (below 25°C) for up to 28 days, but keep it away from direct sunlight and heat. In Nigeria's hot climate, avoid leaving it in a car or near a window. Always keep out of reach of children.
For information only — not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.
Names this drug is sold under — especially in Nigerian and West African pharmacies
No brand names recorded for Insulin glulisine yet.
Counterfeit Drug Warning
Fake drugs are a serious problem in Nigeria. Always buy from a registered pharmacy. If the packaging looks different from what is described above, do not use it.