Short answer: The Apidra label gives each dose under the skin within 15 minutes before a meal or within 20 minutes after starting a meal, usually alongside an intermediate or long-acting insulin. The dose is individualized by metabolic needs, glucose monitoring and goals, and the label gives no fixed starting dose. In a pump, Apidra is changed at least every 48 hours. The label has no missed-dose rule.
This is what the FDA label says. Follow your prescriber. Your prescriber may use a different dose or pace than the label's standard schedule.
What Apidra is approved for: Apidra is a rapid-acting mealtime insulin approved to improve blood sugar control in adults and children with diabetes (section 1).
Source
APIDRA (insulin glulisine) injection, for subcutaneous or intravenous use, prescribing information and Patient Information. Sanofi-Aventis U.S. LLC. DailyMed, version published November 27, 2025. DailyMed setid e7af6a7a-8046-4fb4-9979-4ec4230b23aa
Apidra is injected under the skin of the abdominal wall, thigh or upper arm within 15 minutes before a meal or within 20 minutes after starting a meal, rotating sites within the same region. By injection it is generally used with an intermediate or long-acting insulin (section 2.2).
It is U-100 (100 units/mL) in a 10 mL multiple-dose vial and a 3 mL SoloStar pen that dials in 1-unit steps. It can also be used in a compatible insulin pump, or given into a vein under medical supervision (sections 2.2 and 3).
The table below is the label's schedule, from the Dosage and Administration section. Numbers are copied exactly; the section is in brackets.
| Situation | What the label says |
|---|---|
| When to inject | Within 15 minutes before a meal or within 20 minutes after starting a meal |
| Dose | Individualized by metabolic needs, glucose monitoring and glucose goal; no fixed starting dose is given |
| Mixing by syringe | With NPH insulin only; Apidra drawn in first; inject immediately |
| In a pump | Not diluted or mixed |
| Pump reservoir | Change at least every 48 hours, or per the pump manual if shorter |
| IV infusion (under medical supervision) | 0.05 to 1 unit/mL in PVC bags; stable 48 hours at room temperature only in normal saline |
| IV fluids not compatible | Dextrose solution and Ringers solution |
| Presentation | Unopened, refrigerated 36-46 F | Unopened, room temp up to 77 F | In use (opened) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 mL multiple-dose vial | Until expiration date | 28 days | 28 days, refrigerated or room temperature |
| 3 mL SoloStar pen | Until expiration date | 28 days | 28 days, room temperature (Do not refrigerate) |
An opened vial lasts 28 days at room temperature up to 77 F, or 48 hours in an insulin pump up to 98.6 F.
Dose changes may be needed when switching from another insulin, with changes in physical activity, other medicines, meal content or timing, kidney or liver function, or during acute illness.
The SoloStar pen is used with caution by people with poor vision who rely on the clicks. Apidra is used only if clear and colorless.
Pump users are trained to inject insulin and keep backup insulin in case of pump failure. Apidra in a pump is not exposed to temperatures above 98.6 F (37 C).
Apidra by vein is given only under medical supervision with close checks of blood sugar and potassium.
Apidra is never frozen and not used after the expiration date. Unopened refrigerated product is protected from light.
Patients are taught how to handle illness, stress, an inadequate or skipped insulin dose, an accidental extra dose, too little food and skipped meals. The label does not spell out what to do in each case.
The Apidra label gives no missed-dose rule. Section 17 says patients are instructed on handling an inadequate or skipped insulin dose, but neither the prescribing information nor the Patient Information says what to do.
Dose adjustments may be needed when switching from another insulin to Apidra.
Any change of insulin, strength, maker, type, site or method is made under close medical supervision with more frequent glucose checks. In type 2 diabetes, oral diabetes medicines may need adjusting.
In Dose Track you set up Apidra as a protocol with the dose and schedule your prescriber gave you. A protocol can hold dose steps, each with its own dose and length in days or weeks, so a step-up plan like the one on the label can be entered once and the app moves to the next step on its own. Reminders follow the schedule, and every dose is logged with the date and time, so you can see which step you are on and when your last dose was. The app follows what you enter; it does not choose or change a dose.
This page is what the FDA label says, in plain words. It is not medical advice. Follow your prescriber, and ask them or your pharmacist about anything here.