Apidra® SoloStar Pens for Mealtime Insulin

What Apidra® Is and How It Works

Apidra® SoloStar pens contain insulin glulisine, a rapid-acting insulin for mealtime blood sugar control. This page helps you compare options, see pricing, and order Apidra SoloStar pens online from Canada with US delivery from Canada. Many people review the cost without insurance against local cash prices before placing an order.

CanadianInsulin connects patients with licensed Canadian pharmacies. Prescriptions are verified with your clinic before dispensing.

Insulin glulisine starts working quickly to cover the rise in blood glucose that occurs with meals. It is usually taken right before a meal or soon after you start eating. Apidra helps reduce post-meal spikes when used as part of a basal-bolus plan. A long-acting insulin often provides background control, while Apidra targets meals and corrections. The SoloStar pen is a prefilled, single-patient device designed for precise dosing in units.

Apidra is injected under the skin of the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Rotate injection sites to reduce skin changes. Do not use the pen for intravenous or intramuscular injection. Apidra is not the right product for treating diabetic ketoacidosis using this pen device. Follow your clinician’s plan and the official label.

For a broader overview of uses and device features, see Apidra® SoloStar Pen Uses.

Who Apidra® Is For

Apidra is indicated to improve glycemic control in adults and children with diabetes mellitus. It is used for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes as a mealtime insulin. In type 1 diabetes, it is combined with a basal insulin. In type 2 diabetes, it may be added when oral medicines and lifestyle changes do not fully control glucose. People with recurrent severe hypoglycemia or hypersensitivity to insulin glulisine should avoid this medicine.

Learn more about the condition in our Type 1 Diabetes resource.

Dosage and Usage

Follow your clinician’s dosing plan. Mealtime dosing is individualized. The label allows dosing within 15 minutes before a meal or shortly after you start eating. Correction doses may be used for high readings according to your plan. When switching from another rapid-acting insulin, unit-for-unit conversion is common, then adjusted by monitoring.

Use Apidra with a basal insulin for background control if prescribed. Some patients pair Apidra with a long-acting insulin such as Lantus® Cartridges, as directed by their clinician. Check your glucose regularly, especially after changes in diet, activity, or other medications.

Injection technique matters. Wash hands. Attach a new needle for each injection. Prime the pen per the Instructions for Use. Dial the dose, insert the needle at the recommended angle, inject, then keep the needle under the skin for several seconds before removing. Do not share pens or needles with anyone, even if the needle is changed.

Strengths and Forms

Common presentations include:

• Apidra SoloStar prefilled pens: 100 units/mL, 3 mL per pen. Pack sizes vary; many boxes contain multiple pens.
• Apidra vials: 100 units/mL, 10 mL vials for syringe use (availability may vary).

Product availability can vary by pharmacy. See our Insulin Products for related options.

Missed Dose and Timing

If a mealtime dose is missed, check blood glucose. Take the mealtime or correction dose as outlined in your plan. Do not double dose to make up for a missed injection. Contact your clinic for advice if readings are persistently high or low.

Storage and Travel Basics

Unopened pens should be stored in a refrigerator at 2–8°C (36–46°F). Do not freeze. Keep away from heat and light. In-use pens can usually be kept at room temperature below 25°C (77°F) for up to 28 days; always follow the product insert. When traveling, keep insulin with you, not in checked baggage. Use an insulated pouch and avoid direct sunlight. Our cold-chain shipping keeps products in the recommended temperature range during transit.

Pen Handling and Sharps Disposal

• Use a new, sterile needle for every injection.
• Prime the pen before dosing as instructed.
• Rotate injection sites to reduce lipodystrophy or skin thickening.
• Never share your pen or needles.
• Do not mix Apidra with other insulins inside the pen.
• Discard used needles in a puncture-resistant sharps container. Follow local rules for disposal.

Benefits

Apidra provides rapid mealtime coverage to help control post-meal spikes. The SoloStar pen allows unit-based dosing with a familiar dial-and-inject design. Many patients value the flexibility to dose shortly before or soon after starting a meal. The compact pen is portable for work, school, or travel. When used with a basal insulin, Apidra supports a structured basal-bolus approach.

For background on naming and options, review Apidra® Generic Name.

Side Effects and Safety

• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), which can be serious
• Injection site redness, itching, or swelling
• Weight gain over time with insulin therapy
• Skin changes at injection sites, including lipodystrophy or localized thickening
• Allergic reactions such as rash or itching

Serious but less common risks include severe allergic reactions, hypokalemia, and severe hypoglycemia that may lead to seizures or loss of consciousness. Hypoglycemia risk increases if meals are skipped, alcohol is consumed, or doses exceed needs. Insulin needs may change with illness, stress, kidney or liver issues, or changes in physical activity. Seek urgent care for signs of severe allergy or very low blood glucose.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Medicines that can increase the glucose-lowering effect of insulin include antidiabetic agents, some antibiotics, ACE inhibitors, and others. Medicines that may reduce insulin effect include corticosteroids, some diuretics, and certain hormonal therapies. Beta blockers can mask signs of low blood sugar such as tremor or palpitations. Alcohol can increase the risk of low blood sugar. Thiazolidinediones, when combined with insulin, may increase risk of fluid retention and heart failure in susceptible patients. SGLT2 inhibitors together with insulin can increase risk of ketoacidosis; clinicians may adjust doses and monitor more closely.

Do not drive or operate machinery if you have frequent hypoglycemia or if warning signs are reduced. Check labels and follow your clinician’s guidance for any changes to other diabetes medicines.

What to Expect Over Time

With appropriate dosing and monitoring, mealtime glucose excursions should improve. Basal insulin, diet, activity, and other medicines all affect results. Clinicians typically review glucose logs or CGM trends and adjust mealtime ratios, correction factors, and basal doses over time. Expectations should be individualized to targets and daily patterns.

Compare With Alternatives

Several rapid-acting insulins are available. Insulin lispro is offered in pen format such as Humalog® KwikPen. Some patients use insulin aspart in devices like Fiasp® FlexTouch. Each option has specific device features, onset profiles, and instructions. Your clinician can help select a product that fits your plan and technique.

Pricing and Access

Canadian pricing helps many patients reduce their Apidra SoloStar 100 units/mL 3 mL pens price. Orders ship from Canada to the US with reliable packaging. You can view the Apidra SoloStar pens cost from Canada, compare your local prescription price, and see the online price before checkout. Many self-pay patients consider the cash price and shipping to the US when planning refills. If you prefer mail order to the US, you can order Apidra SoloStar pens online and track progress from your account. We provide encrypted checkout for security.

To find current pricing and potential savings, start your order and upload your prescription. For occasional deals, visit our Promotions page. US shipping is available with prompt, express, cold-chain shipping where required.

Availability and Substitutions

Availability can change due to supply or manufacturer updates. If the requested product is unavailable, your prescriber may recommend a clinically appropriate alternative. We can help coordinate a substitution only after your clinic approves a change.

Patient Suitability and Cost Saving Tips

Apidra may fit patients who need rapid mealtime coverage, can use a pen device correctly, and are prepared to monitor glucose. It may not suit people with repeated severe hypoglycemia, insulin glulisine allergy, or those unable to recognize low blood sugar symptoms.

• Ask about 90-day quantities if permitted, which may lower per-pen costs and reduce trips.
• Coordinate refills ahead of travel. Keep insulin with you in hand luggage.
• Use refill reminders to avoid last-minute orders.
• Match pen quantities to your dose schedule to reduce waste.
• Review technique regularly to avoid under- or overdosing.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• How should I time Apidra doses with meals and corrections?
• What basal insulin and dose best complements my Apidra plan?
• How do I adjust for exercise, illness, or travel days?
• What signs of low or high blood sugar should prompt action?
• Which injection sites are best for me, and how should I rotate?
• Are any of my medicines changing my insulin needs?

Authoritative Sources

• Apidra Official Site
• FDA DailyMed Search
• Health Canada Drug Product Database

Start your order for Apidra SoloStar pens with US delivery from Canada today.