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APIDRA™ (insulin glulisine [rDNA origin]) is a human insulin analog that is a rapid-acting, parenteral blood glucose lowering agent. Insulin glulisine is produced by recombinant DNA technology utilizing a non-pathogenic laboratory strain of Escherichia coli (K12). Insulin glulisine differs from human insulin in that the amino acid asparagine at position B3 is replaced by lysine and the lysine in position B29 is replaced by glutamic acid. Chemically, it is 3B-lysine-29B-glutamic acid-human insulin, has the empirical formula C258H384N64O78S6 and a molecular weight of 5823. It has the following structural formula:
APIDRA is a sterile, aqueous, clear, and colorless solution. Each milliliter of APIDRA (insulin glulisine injection) contains 100 IU (3.49 mg) insulin glulisine, 3.15 mg m-cresol, 6 mg tromethamine, 5 mg sodium chloride, 0.01 mg polysorbate 20, and water for injection. APIDRA has a pH of approximately 7.3. The pH is adjusted by addition of aqueous solutions of hydrochloric acid and/or sodium hydroxide.
Mechanism of Action
The primary activity of insulins and insulin analogs, including
insulin glulisine, is regulation of glucose metabolism. Insulins
lower blood glucose levels by stimulating peripheral glucose uptake
by skeletal muscle and fat, and by inhibiting hepatic glucose
production. Insulins inhibit lipolysis in the adipocyte, inhibit
proteolysis, and enhance protein synthesis.
The glucose lowering activities of APIDRA and of regular human insulin are equipotent when administered by the intravenous route. After subcutaneous administration, the effect of APIDRA is more rapid in onset and of shorter duration compared to regular human insulin.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption and Bioavailability
Pharmacokinetic profiles in healthy volunteers and patients with
diabetes (type 1 or type 2) demonstrated that absorption of insulin
glulisine was faster than regular human insulin.
In a study in patients with type 1 diabetes (n=20) after subcutaneous administration of 0.15 IU/kg, the median time to maximum concentration (Tmax) was 55 minutes (range 34 to 91 minutes) and the peak concentration (Cmax) was 82 µIU/mL (range 42 to 134 µIU/mL) for insulin glulisine compared to a median Tmax of 82 minutes (range 52 to 308 minutes) and a Cmax of 46 µIU/mL (range 32 to 70 µIU/mL) for regular human insulin. The mean residence time of insulin glulisine was shorter (median: 98 minutes, range 55 to 149 minutes) than for regular human insulin (median: 161 minutes, range 133 to 193 minutes). (See Figure 1.)
Figure 1. Pharmacokinetic
profile of insulin glulisine and regular human insulin in patients
with type 1 diabetes after a dose of 0.15 IU/kg.
In a euglycemic clamp study in patients with type 2 diabetes (n=24) with a body mass index (BMI) between 20 to 36 kg/m2 after subcutaneous administration of 0.2 IU/kg, the median time to maximum concentration (Tmax) was 89 minutes (range 74 to 103 minutes) and the median peak concentration (Cmax) was 81µIU/mL (range 75 to 112 µIU/mL) for insulin glulisine compared to a median Tmax of 94 minutes (range 55 to 140 minutes) and a median Cmax of 39 µIU/mL (range 30 to 56 µIU/mL) for regular human insulin. The mean residence time of insulin glulisine was shorter (median: 154 minutes, range 122 to 174 minutes) than for regular human insulin (median: 280 minutes, range 227 to 294 minutes).
Figure 2. Pharmacokinetic profile of insulin glulisine and regular human insulin in patients with type 2 diabetes after a dose of 0.2 IU/kg.
In a euglycemic clamp study in obese, non-diabetic subjects (n=18) with a body mass index (BMI) between 30 to 40 kg/m2 after subcutaneous administration of 0.3 IU/kg, the median time to maximum concentration (Tmax) was 76 minutes (range 51 to 118 minutes) and the median peak concentration (Cmax) was 199 µIU/mL (range 99 to 387 µIU/mL) for insulin glulisine compared to a median Tmax of 144 minutes (range 110 to 207 minutes) and a median Cmax of 79 µIU/mL (range 39 to 166 µIU/mL) for regular human insulin. The mean residence time of insulin glulisine was shorter (median: 141 minutes, range 105 to 210 minutes) than for regular human insulin (median: 226 minutes, range 188 to 293 minutes).
When APIDRA was injected subcutaneously into different areas of the body, the time-concentration profiles were similar. The absolute bioavailability of insulin glulisine after subcutaneous administration is about 70%, regardless of injection area (abdomen 73%, deltoid 71%, thigh 68%).
Distribution and Elimination
The distribution and elimination of insulin glulisine and regular
human insulin after intravenous administration are similar with
volumes of distribution of 13 L and 21 L and half-lives of 13
and 17 minutes, respectively. After subcutaneous administration,
insulin glulisine is eliminated more rapidly than regular human
insulin with an apparent half-life of 42 minutes compared to 86
minutes.
Pharmacodynamics
Studies in healthy volunteers and patients with diabetes demonstrated
that APIDRA has a more rapid onset of action and a shorter duration
of activity than regular human insulin when given subcutaneously.
In a study in patients with type 1 diabetes (n=20), the glucose-lowering profiles of APIDRA and regular human insulin were assessed at various times in relation to a standard meal at a dose of 0.15 IU/kg. (See Figure 3.)
Figure 3. Serial mean blood glucose collected up to 6 hours following single dose of APIDRA and regular human insulin. APIDRA given 2 minutes (APIDRA - pre) before the start of a meal compared to regular human insulin given 30 minutes (Regular - 30 min) before start of the meal (Figure 3A) and compared to regular human insulin (Regular - pre) given 2 minutes before a meal (Figure 3B). APIDRA given 15 minutes (APIDRA - post) after start of a meal compared to regular human insulin (Regular - pre) given 2 minutes before a meal (Figure 3C). On the x-axis zero (0) is the start of a 15-minute meal.
The maximum blood glucose excursion
(
GLUmax;
baseline subtracted glucose concentration) for APIDRA injected
2 minutes before meal was 65 mg/dL compared to 64 mg/dL for regular
human insulin injected 30 minutes before meal (see Figure 3A),
and 84 mg.h/dL for regular human insulin injected 2 minutes before
meal (see Figure 3B). The maximum blood glucose excursion for
APIDRA injected 15 minutes after the start of a meal was 85 mg/dL
compared to 84 mg.h/dL for regular human insulin injected 2 minutes
before meal (see Figure 3C).
Special
Populations
Pediatric Patients
The pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of APIDRA and
regular human insulin were assessed in a study conducted in pediatric
patients with type 1 diabetes (children [7 to 11 years, n = 10]
and adolescents [12 to 16 years, n = 10]). The relative differences
in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics between APIDRA and regular
human insulin in pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes were
similar to those in healthy adult subjects and adults with type
1 diabetes.
Gender
Information on the effect of gender on the pharmacokinetics of
APIDRA is not available.
Race
A study was performed in 24 healthy Caucasians and Japanese to
compare the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters after
subcutaneous injection of insulin glulisine, insulin lispro, and
regular human insulin. With subcutaneous injection of insulin
glulisine, Japanese subjects had a greater initial exposure (33%)
for the ratio of AUC(0-1hr) to AUC(0-clamp end) than that in Caucasians
(21%) though the total exposures were similar. Similar findings
were observed with insulin lispro and regular human insulin for
the racial difference.
Obesity
The more rapid onset of action and shorter duration of activity
of APIDRA and insulin lispro compared to regular human insulin
were maintained in an obese non-diabetic population (n=18). (See
Figure 4.)
Figure 4. Glucose infusion rates (GIR) in a euglycemic clamp study after subcutaneous injection of 0.3 IU/kg of APIDRA, insulin lispro or regular human insulin in an obese population.
Renal Impairment
Studies with human insulin have shown increased circulating levels
of insulin in patients with renal failure. In a study performed
in 24 non-diabetic subjects covering a wide range of renal function
(ClCr >80 mL/min; 30-50 mL/min; <30 mL/min),
the subjects with moderate and severe renal impairment showed
increased exposure of insulin glulisine by 29% to 40% and reduced
clearance of insulin glulisine by 20 to 25% compared to normal
subjects. Careful glucose monitoring and dose adjustments of insulin,
including APIDRA, may be necessary in patients with renal dysfunction.
(See PRECAUTIONS, Renal Impairment.)
Hepatic Impairment
The effect of hepatic impairment on the pharmacokinetics of APIDRA
has not been studied. Some studies with human insulin have shown
increased circulating levels of insulin in patients with liver
failure. Careful glucose monitoring and dose adjustments of insulin,
including APIDRA, may be necessary in patients with hepatic dysfunction.
(See PRECAUTIONS, Hepatic Impairment.)
Pregnancy
The effect of pregnancy on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics
of APIDRA has not been studied. (See PRECAUTIONS, Pregnancy.)
Smoking
The effect of smoking on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics
of APIDRA has not been studied.
CLINICAL STUDIES
The safety and efficacy of APIDRA was studied in adult patients
with type 1 and type 2 diabetes (n=1833). The primary efficacy
parameter was glycemic control, as measured by glycated hemoglobin
(GHb), and expressed as hemoglobin A1c equivalents (HbA1c).
Type 1 Diabetes:
A 26-week, randomized, open-label, active-control study was conducted
in patients with type 1 diabetes to assess the safety and efficacy
of APIDRA (n=339) compared to insulin lispro (n=333) when administered
subcutaneously within 15 minutes before a meal. Lantus®
(insulin glargine)† was administered once daily in the evening
as the basal insulin. There was a 4-week run-in period combining
insulin lispro and Lantus followed by randomization. Most patients
were Caucasian (97%). Fifty eight percent of the patients were
male. The mean age was 38.5 years (range 18 to 74 years). Glycemic
control (see Table 1) and the rates of hypoglycemia requiring
intervention from a third party (see Adverse Reactions), were
comparable for the two treatment regimens. The number of daily
short-acting insulin injections and the total daily doses of APIDRA
and insulin lispro were similar. (See Table 1.)
Table 1: Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus–Adult
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Type 2 Diabetes:
A 26-week, randomized, open-label, active-control study was conducted
in insulin-treated patients with type 2 diabetes to assess the
safety and efficacy of APIDRA (n=435) given within 15 minutes
before a meal compared to regular human insulin (n=441) administered
30 to 45 minutes prior to a meal. NPH human insulin was given
twice a day as the basal insulin. All patients participated in
a 4-week run-in period combining regular human insulin and NPH
human insulin. Eighty-five percent of patients were Caucasian
and 11% were Black. The mean age was 58.3 years (range 26 to 84
years). The average body mass index (BMI) was 34.55 kg/m2.
At randomization, 58% of the patients were on an oral antidiabetic
agent and were instructed to continue use of their oral antidiabetic
agent at the same dose. The majority of patients (79%) mixed their
short-acting insulin with NPH human insulin immediately prior
to injection. The reductions from baseline in HbA1c were similar
between treatment groups (see Table 2). The rates of hypoglycemia,
requiring intervention from a third party, were comparable for
the two treatment regimens (see ADVERSE REACTIONS). No differences
between APIDRA and regular human insulin groups were seen in the
number of daily short-acting insulin injections or basal or short-acting
insulin doses. (See Table 2.)
Table 2: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus–Adult
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Pre- and Post-Meal Administration (Type 1 Diabetes):
A 12-week, randomized, open-label, active-control study was conducted
in patients with type 1 diabetes to assess the safety and efficacy
of APIDRA administered at different times with respect to a meal.
APIDRA was administered subcutaneously either within 15 minutes
before a meal (n=286) or immediately after a meal (n=296) and
regular human insulin (n=278) was administered subcutaneously
30 to 45 minutes prior to a meal. Lantus® was administered
once daily at bedtime as the basal insulin. There was a 4-week
run-in period combining regular human insulin and Lantus followed
by randomization. Most patients were Caucasian (94%). The mean
age was 40.3 years (range 18 to 73 years). Glycemic control (see
Table 3) and the rates of hypoglycemia requiring intervention
from a third party (see ADVERSE REACTIONS) were comparable for
the treatment regimens. No changes from baseline between the treatments
were seen in the total daily number of short-acting insulin injections.
(See Table 3.)
Table 3: Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus–Adult
|
|
| * | Adj. mean change from baseline treatment difference
(98.33% CI for treatment difference): APIDRA pre meal vs.
Regular Human Insulin - 0.13 (-0.26; 0.01); APIDRA post meal
vs. Regular Human Insulin 0.02 (-0.11; 0.16); APIDRA post meal vs. pre meal 0.15 (0.02; 0.29). |
Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion (CSII)
(Type 1 Diabetes):
To evaluate the use of APIDRA for administration using an external
pump, a 12-week randomized, active control study (APIDRA versus
insulin aspart) was conducted in patients with type 1 diabetes
(APIDRA n=29, insulin aspart n=30). All patients were Caucasian.
The mean age was 45.8 (range 21-73 years). Glycemic control (mean
HbA1c value at endpoint 6.98% with APIDRA and 7.18% with insulin
aspart) and the rates of hypoglycemia requiring intervention from
a third party were comparable for the two treatment regimens.
APIDRA is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with diabetes mellitus for the control of hyperglycemia.
APIDRA has a more rapid onset of action and a shorter duration of action than regular human insulin. APIDRA should normally be used in regimens that include a longer-acting insulin or basal insulin analog. (See WARNINGS and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION.)
APIDRA may also be infused subcutaneously by external insulin infusion pumps. (See WARNINGS, PRECAUTIONS, Usage in Pumps, Information for Patients, Mixing of Insulins, DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION, RECOMMENDED STORAGE.)
APIDRA is contraindicated during episodes of hypoglycemia and in patients hypersensitive to APIDRA or one of its excipients.
APIDRA differs from regular human insulin by its rapid onset of action and shorter duration of action. When used as a meal time insulin, the dose of APIDRA should be given within 15 minutes before or immediately after a meal.
Because of the short duration of action of APIDRA, patients with diabetes also require a longer-acting insulin or insulin infusion pump therapy to maintain adequate glucose control.
Any change of insulin should be
made cautiously and only under medical supervision. Changes in
insulin strength, manufacturer, type (e.g., regular, NPH, analogs),
or species (animal, human) may result in the need for a change
in dose. Concomitant oral antidiabetic treatment may need to be
adjusted.
Glucose monitoring is recommended for all patients with diabetes.
Hypoglycemia is the most common adverse effect of insulin therapy, including APIDRA. The timing of hypoglycemia may differ among various insulin formulations.
Insulin Pumps: When used in an external insulin pump for subcutaneous infusion, APIDRA should not be diluted or mixed with any other insulin. Physicians and patients should carefully evaluate information on pump use in the APIDRA prescribing information, Patient Information Leaflet, and the pump manufacturer’s manual. APIDRA-specific information should be followed for in-use time, frequency of changing infusion sets, or other details specific to APIDRA usage, because APIDRA-specific information may differ from general pump manual instructions. Pump or infusion set malfunctions or insulin degradation can lead to hyperglycemia and ketosis in a short time. This is especially pertinent for rapid-acting insulin analogs that are more rapidly absorbed through skin and have a shorter duration of action. Prompt identification and correction of the cause of hyperglycemia or ketosis is necessary. Interim therapy with subcutaneous injection may be required. (See PRECAUTIONS, Usage in Pumps, Information for Patients, Mixing of Insulins, DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION, and RECOMMENDED STORAGE.)
General
As with all insulin preparations, the time course of APIDRA action
may vary in different individuals or at different times in the
same individual and is dependent on site of injection, blood supply,
temperature, and physical activity.
Adjustment of dosage of any insulin may be necessary if patients change their physical activity or their usual meal plan.
Insulin requirements may be altered during intercurrent conditions such as illness, emotional disturbances, or stress.
Hypoglycemia
As with all insulin preparations, hypoglycemic reactions may be
associated with the administration of APIDRA. Rapid changes in
serum glucose levels may induce symptoms similar to hypoglycemia
in persons with diabetes, regardless of the glucose value. Early
warning symptoms of hypoglycemia may be different or less pronounced
under certain conditions, such as long duration of diabetes, diabetic
nerve disease, use of medications such as beta-blockers, or intensified
diabetes control. (See PRECAUTIONS, Drug Interactions.)
Such situations may result in severe hypoglycemia (and, possibly, loss of consciousness) prior to patients’ awareness of hypoglycemia.
Renal
Impairment
The requirements for APIDRA may be reduced in patients with renal
impairment. (See CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Special Populations.)
Hepatic
Impairment
Studies have not been performed in patients with hepatic impairment.
APIDRA requirements may be diminished due to reduced capacity
for gluconeogenesis and reduced insulin metabolism, similar to
observations found with other insulins. (See CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Special Populations.)
Allergy
Local Allergy
As with other insulin therapy, patients may experience redness,
swelling, or itching at the site of injection. These minor reactions
usually resolve in a few days to a few weeks. 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.
Systemic Allergy
Less common, but potentially more serious, is generalized allergy
to insulin, which may cause rash (including pruritus) over the
whole body, shortness of breath, wheezing, reduction in blood
pressure, rapid pulse, or sweating. Severe cases of generalized
allergy, including anaphylactic reactions, may be life threatening.
In controlled clinical trials up to 12 months, 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.
Localized reactions and generalized myalgias have been reported with the use of cresol as an injectable excipient.
As with any insulin therapy, lipodystrophy may occur at the injection site and delay insulin absorption.
Antibody Production
In a study in patients with type 1 diabetes (n=333), the concentrations
of insulin antibodies that react with both human insulin and insulin
glulisine (cross-reactive insulin antibodies) remained near baseline
during the first 6 months of the study in the patients treated
with APIDRA. A decrease in antibody concentration was observed
during the following 6 months of the study. In a study in patients
with type 2 diabetes (n=411), a similar increase in cross-reactive
insulin antibody concentration was observed in the patients treated
with APIDRA and in the patients treated with human insulin during
the first 9 months of the study. Thereafter the concentration
of antibodies decreased in the APIDRA patients and remained stable
in the human insulin patients. There was no correlation between
cross-reactive insulin antibody concentration and changes in HbA1c,
insulin doses, or incidences of hypoglycemia.
Usage
in Pumps
APIDRA has been studied in the following pumps and infusion sets:
Disetronic® H-Tron® plus V100 and
D-Tron® with Disetronic catheters (Rapid™,
Rapid C™, Rapid D™, and Tender™); MiniMed®
Models 506, 507, 507c and 508 with MiniMed catheters (Sof-set
Ultimate QR™, and Quick-set™)‡.
Based on in vitro studies which have shown loss of m-cresol, and insulin degradation, APIDRA should not be used beyond 48 hours at 98.6°F (37°C) in infusion sets and reservoirs. APIDRA in clinical use should not be exposed to temperatures greater than 98.6°F (37°C). APIDRA should not be mixed with other insulins or with a diluent when used in the pump. (See WARNINGS, PRECAUTIONS, Information for Patients, Mixing of Insulins, DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION, and RECOMMENDED STORAGE.)
Information
for Patients
For all patients
Patients should be instructed on self-management procedures including
glucose monitoring, proper injection technique, and hypoglycemia
and hyperglycemia management.
Patients must be instructed on handling of special situations such as intercurrent conditions (illness, stress, or emotional disturbances), an inadequate or skipped insulin dose, inadvertent administration of an increased insulin dose, inadequate food intake, or skipped meals.
Refer patients to the APIDRA Patient Information Leaflet for additional information.
Women with diabetes should be advised to inform their doctor if they are pregnant or are contemplating pregnancy.
For patients using pumps
Patients using external pump infusion therapy should be trained
appropriately. APIDRA has been studied in the following pumps
and infusion sets: Disetronic H-Tron plus V100 and D-Tron with
Disetronic catheters (Rapid, Rapid C, Rapid D, and Tender); MiniMed
Models 506, 507, 507c and 508 with MiniMed catheters (Sof-set
Ultimate QR, and Quick-set).
To minimize insulin degradation, infusion set occlusion, and loss of the preservative (m-cresol), the infusion sets (reservoir, tubing, and catheter) and the APIDRA in the reservoir should be replaced every 48 hours or less and a new infusion site should be selected. The temperature of the insulin may exceed ambient temperature when the pump housing, cover, tubing or sport case is exposed to sunlight or radiant heat. Insulin exposed to temperatures higher than 98.6°F (37°C) should be discarded. Infusion sites that are erythematous, pruritic, or thickened should be reported to the healthcare professional, and a new site selected because continued infusion may increase the skin reaction and/or alter the absorption of APIDRA.
Pump or infusion set malfunctions or insulin degradation can lead to hyperglycemia and ketosis in a short time. This is especially pertinent for rapid-acting insulin analogs that are more rapidly absorbed through skin and have a shorter duration of action. Prompt identification and correction of the cause of hyperglycemia or ketosis is necessary. Problems include pump malfunction, infusion set occlusion, leakage, disconnection or kinking, and degraded insulin. Less commonly, hypoglycemia from pump malfunction may occur. If these problems cannot be promptly corrected, patients should resume therapy with subcutaneous insulin injection and contact their healthcare professional. (See WARNINGS, PRECAUTIONS, Usage in Pumps, Mixing of Insulins, DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION, and RECOMMENDED STORAGE.)
Drug
Interactions
A number of substances affect glucose metabolism and may require
insulin dose adjustment and particularly close monitoring.
The following are examples of substances that may reduce the blood-glucose-lowering effect of insulin: corticosteroids, danazol, diazoxide, diuretics, sympathomimetic agents (e.g., epinephrine, albuterol, terbutaline), glucagon, isoniazid, phenothiazine derivatives, somatropin, thyroid hormones, estrogens, progestogens (e.g., in oral contraceptives), protease inhibitors, and atypical antipsychotic medications (e.g., olanzepine and clozapine).
The following are examples of substances that may increase the blood-glucose-lowering effect and susceptibility to hypoglycemia: oral antidiabetic products, ACE inhibitors, disopyramide, fibrates, fluoxetine, MAO inhibitors, pentoxifylline, propoxyphene, salicylates, sulfonamide antibiotics.
Beta-blockers, clonidine, lithium salts, and alcohol may either potentiate or weaken the blood-glucose-lowering effect of insulin. Pentamidine may cause hypoglycemia, which may sometimes be followed by hyperglycemia.
In addition, under the influence of sympatholytic medicinal products such as beta-blockers, clonidine, guanethidine, and reserpine, the signs of hypoglycemia may be reduced or absent.
Mixing
of Insulins
In a clinical study in healthy volunteers (n=32) the total insulin
glulisine bioavailability was similar after subcutaneous injection
of insulin glulisine and NPH insulin (premixed in the syringe)
and following separate simultaneous subcutaneous injections. There
was some attenuation (27%) of the maximum concentration (Cmax)
after premixing, however the time to maximum concentration (Tmax)
was not affected.
If APIDRA is mixed with NPH human insulin, APIDRA should be drawn into the syringe first. Injection should be made immediately after mixing.
No data are available on mixing APIDRA with insulin preparations other than NPH. (See CLINICAL STUDIES.) APIDRA should not be mixed with insulin preparations other than NPH.
Mixtures should not be administered intravenously.
The effects of mixing APIDRA with diluents or other insulins when used in external subcutaneous infusion pumps for insulin have not been studied. Therefore, APIDRA should not be mixed in these instances.
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment
of Fertility
Standard 2-year carcinogenicity studies in animals have not been
performed. In Sprague Dawley rats, a 12-month repeat dose toxicity
study was conducted with insulin glulisine at subcutaneous doses
of 2.5, 5, 20 or 50 IU/kg twice daily (dose resulting in an exposure
1, 2, 8, and 20 times
the average human dose, based on body surface area comparison).
There was a non-dose dependent higher incidence of mammary gland tumors in female rats administered insulin glulisine compared to untreated controls. The incidence of mammary tumors for insulin glulisine and regular human insulin was similar. The relevance of these findings to humans is not known.
Insulin glulisine was not mutagenic in the following tests: Ames test, in vitro mammalian chromosome aberration test in V79 Chinese hamster cells, and in vivo mammalian erythrocyte micronucleus test in rats.
In fertility studies in male and female rats at subcutaneous doses up to 10 IU/kg once daily (dose resulting in an exposure 2 times the average human dose, based on body surface area comparison), no clear adverse effects on male and female fertility, or general reproductive performance of animals were observed.
Pregnancy
- Teratogenic Effects - Pregnancy Category C
Reproduction and teratology studies have been performed with insulin
glulisine in rats and rabbits using regular human insulin as a
comparator.
The drug was given to female rats throughout pregnancy at subcutaneous doses up to 10 IU/kg once daily (dose resulting in an exposure 2 times the average human dose, based on body surface area comparison). Insulin glulisine did not have any remarkable toxic effects on the embryo-fetal development in rats.
The drug was given to female rabbits throughout pregnancy at subcutaneous doses up to 1.5 IU/kg/day (dose resulting in an exposure 0.5 times the average human dose, based on body surface area comparison). Adverse effects on embryo-fetal development were only seen at maternal toxic dose levels inducing hypoglycemia. Increased incidence of post-implantation losses and skeletal defects were observed at a dose level of 1.5 IU/kg once daily (dose resulting in an exposure 0.5 times the average human dose, based on body surface area comparison) that also caused mortality in dams. A slight increased incidence of post-implantation losses was seen at the next lower dose level of 0.5 IU/kg once daily (dose resulting in an exposure 0.2 times the average human dose, based on body surface area comparison) which was also associated with severe hypoglycemia but there were no defects at that dose. No effects were observed in rabbits at a dose of 0.25 IU/kg once daily (dose resulting in an exposure 0.1 times the average human dose, based on body surface area comparison). The effects of insulin glulisine did not differ from those observed with subcutaneous regular human insulin at the same doses and were attributed to secondary effects of maternal hypoglycemia.
There are no well-controlled clinical studies of the use of insulin glulisine in pregnant women. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. It is essential for patients with diabetes or a history of gestational diabetes to maintain good metabolic control before conception and throughout pregnancy. Insulin requirements may decrease during the first trimester, generally increase during the second and third trimesters, and rapidly decline after delivery. Careful monitoring of glucose control is essential in such patients.
Nursing Mothers
It is unknown whether insulin glulisine is excreted in human milk.
Many drugs, including human insulin, are excreted in human milk.
For this reason, caution should be exercised when APIDRA is administered
to a nursing woman. Patients with diabetes who are lactating may
require adjustments in APIDRA dose, meal plan, or both.
Pediatric Use
Safety and effectiveness of APIDRA in pediatric patients have
not been established.
Geriatric Use
In Phase III clinical trials (n=2408), APIDRA was administered
to 147 patients >65 years of age and 27 patients >75
years of age. The majority of these were patients with type 2
diabetes. The change in HbA1c values and hypoglycemia frequencies
did not differ by age, but greater sensitivity of some older individuals
cannot be ruled out.
Overall, clinical studies comparing APIDRA with short-acting insulins did not demonstrate a difference in frequency of adverse events.
Adverse events commonly associated with human insulin therapy include the following:
Body as a whole: allergic reactions. (See PRECAUTIONS.)
Skin and appendages: injection site reaction, lipodystrophy, pruritus, rash. (See PRECAUTIONS.)
Other: hypoglycemia. (See WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS.)
The rates and incidence of severe symptomatic hypoglycemia, defined as hypoglycemia requiring intervention from a third party, were comparable for all treatment regimens (see Table 4).
Table 4: Severe Symptomatic Hypoglycemia
| Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus – Adult 12 weeks in combination with Lantus®* |
Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus – Adult 26 weeks in combination with Lantus®** |
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus – Adult 26 weeks in combination with NPH human insulin** |
|||||
| APIDRA Pre- meal |
APIDRA Post- meal |
Regular Human Insulin |
APIDRA | Insulin Lispro |
APIDRA | Regular Human Insulin |
|
| Severe symptomatic hypoglycemia (events/month/ patient) |
0.05 | 0.05 | 0.13 | 0.02 | 0.02 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Severe symptomatic hypoglycemia Percent of patients (n/total N) |
8.4% (24/286) |
8.4% (25/296) |
10.1% (28/278) |
4.8% (16/335) |
4.0% (13/326) |
1.4% (6/416) |
1.2% (5/420) |
|
*
|
Entire treatment phase (3 months) has been included. |
|
**
|
Last three months of treatment have been considered. |
Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion (CSII) (Type 1 Diabetes): The rates of catheter occlusions and infusion site reactions were similar for APIDRA and insulin aspart (see Table 5).
Table 5: Catheter Occlusions and
Infusion Site Reactions.
| APIDRA | Insulin aspart | |
| Catheter occlusions/ month |
0.08 | 0.15 |
| Infusion site reactions | 10.3% (3/29) | 13.3% (4/30) |
Hypoglycemia may occur as a result of an excess of insulin relative to food intake, energy expenditure, or both.
Mild/Moderate episodes of hypoglycemia usually can be treated with oral glucose. Adjustments in drug dosage, meal patterns, or exercise may be needed.
Severe episodes with coma, seizure, or neurologic impairment may be treated with intramuscular/subcutaneous glucagon or concentrated intravenous glucose. Sustained carbohydrate intake and observation may be necessary because hypoglycemia may recur after apparent clinical recovery.
APIDRA is a recombinant insulin analog that has been shown to be equipotent to human insulin. One unit of APIDRA has the same glucose-lowering effect as one unit of regular human insulin. After subcutaneous administration, it has a more rapid onset and shorter duration of action.
APIDRA should be given within 15 minutes before a meal or within 20 minutes after starting a meal.
APIDRA is intended for subcutaneous administration and for use by external infusion pump.
The dosage of APIDRA should be individualized and determined based on the physician’s advice in accordance with the needs of the patient. APIDRA should normally be used in regimens that include a longer-acting insulin or basal insulin analog.
APIDRA should be administered by subcutaneous injection in the abdominal wall, the thigh or the deltoid or by continuous subcutaneous infusion in the abdominal wall. As with all insulins, injection sites and infusion sites within an injection area (abdomen, thigh or deltoid) should be rotated from one injection to the next.
As for all insulins, the rate of absorption, and consequently the onset and duration of action, may be affected by injection site, exercise and other variables. Blood glucose monitoring is recommended for all patients with diabetes.
Preparation and Handling
Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually prior to
administration whenever the solution and the container permit.
APIDRA must only be used if the solution is clear and colorless
with no particles visible.
When it is used in a pump, APIDRA should not be mixed with other insulins or with a diluent.
APIDRA 100 units per mL (U-100) is available in
the following package size:
|
10 mL vials |
NDC 0088-2500-33 |
Storage:
Unopened Vial:
Unopened APIDRA vials should be stored in a refrigerator, 36°F
to 46°F (2°C to 8°C). Protect from light. APIDRA should
not be stored in the freezer and it should not be allowed to freeze.
Discard vial if frozen.
Open (In-Use) Vial:
Opened vials, whether or not refrigerated, must be used within
28 days. They must be discarded if not used within 28 days. If
refrigeration is not possible, the open vial in use can be kept
unrefrigerated for up to 28 days away from direct heat and light,
as long as the temperature is not greater than 77°F (25°C).
|
Not in-use
(unopened) Refrigerated |
Not in-use
(unopened) Room Temperature, below 77°F (25°C) |
In-use (opened)
Room Temperature, below 77°F (25°C) |
|
| 10 mL Vial |
Until expiration date
|
28 days
|
28 days,
refrigerated/ room temperature |
Infusion sets:
Infusion sets (reservoirs, tubing, and catheters) and the APIDRA
in the reservoir should be discarded after no more than 48 hours
of use or after exposure to temperatures that exceed 98.6°F
(37°C).
Rx only
Rev. April 2004a
Manufactured by:
Aventis Pharma Deutschland GmbH
D-65926 Frankfurt am Main
Frankfurt, Germany
Manufactured for:
Aventis Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Kansas City, MO 64137 USA
US Patent Number 6,221,633
www.aventis-us.com
©2004 Aventis Pharmaceuticals Inc.
† Lantus® is a registered trademark of Aventis
Pharmaceuticals Inc.
‡ The brands listed are the registered trademarks of their
respective owners and are not trademarks of Aventis Pharmaceuticals
Inc.
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