Apidra® SoloStar Pens for Diabetes

Apidra® SoloStar pens are a rapid-acting insulin used at mealtimes. They help lower post-meal blood sugar in adults and children with diabetes. This page explains safe use, storage, dosing basics, and ways to manage costs, including US shipping from Canada.

What Apidra Is and How It Works

YouDrugstore is a licensed Canadian pharmacy in Manitoba. Pharmacists review prescriptions before dispensing.

This insulin contains insulin glulisine, a rapid-acting analog. It starts working quickly to cover carbohydrate intake and correct high readings. The effect is shorter than basal insulin, so it is typically taken with meals. Insulin glulisine Solostar pens deliver accurate doses for flexible meal timing. If your plan does not cover this medicine, we explain options to save without insurance.

It mimics the body’s normal mealtime insulin response. Onset is typically within minutes, with peak action soon after injection, then it tapers. Follow the official label and your clinician’s directions for timing with food.

Who It’s For

This treatment is indicated for adults and children with type 1 diabetes, and for adults with type 2 diabetes who need a rapid-acting mealtime insulin. People who have had severe allergic reactions to any component should avoid it. If you have frequent hypoglycemia, discuss risks and monitoring with your prescriber. For condition education, see Type 1 Diabetes resources.

Dosage and Usage

Use exactly as prescribed. Typical use is before meals, or shortly after starting a meal if advised on the label. Your total daily dose and meal dose vary by individual factors and may change over time. Rotate injection sites within the allowed areas to reduce skin changes. Do not share pens or needles.

For many people, the dose is counted in units matched to carbohydrate intake and current blood sugar. Check your glucose before injections when recommended. Insulin glulisine 100 units/mL pens are designed for precise unit-by-unit dosing. If unsure about timing with food, defer to the official patient information and your healthcare professional.

If you also take a basal insulin, keep a consistent daily schedule for the long-acting dose. Do not mix this rapid-acting insulin in the same pen or syringe with other products unless the label specifically allows it.

For more on injection technique, see our step guide: How To Inject Mounjaro (general pen injection tips apply).

Strengths and Forms

SoloStar is a prefilled disposable pen containing a clear solution. Common presentations include:

• Apidra Solostar 100 units/mL pens in 3 mL prefilled devices
• Typical retail packaging of multiple pens per box, with pen needles supplied separately

Availability can vary by market and stock. If your prescriber recommends a different presentation, your pharmacist can discuss options. You may also review broader insulin options under our Insulin category.

Missed Dose and Timing

If you forget a mealtime dose, check your blood sugar. Take the missed dose as directed by your clinician if you are still eating, or follow the label’s guidance. If your meal has passed, you may be told to adjust at the next correction interval. Do not double doses. Keep a log to stay on schedule and reduce missed injections.

Storage and Travel Basics

Unopened pens are stored in the refrigerator per the label. In-use pens are typically kept at room temperature for the permitted time window; always confirm the official instructions for your specific product. Keep away from direct heat and light. Do not freeze. Protect from breakage. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

For travel, carry your insulin in original packaging with prescription details. Use an insulated case if you expect temperature extremes. Pack a spare pen, extra needles, and glucose monitoring supplies. Keep medicine in your carry-on, not checked luggage. A written medication list can help during security screening.

Discard pens past the in-use window or expiration date, even if insulin remains. Do not use if the solution looks cloudy, colored, or contains particles.

Pen Handling and Sharps Disposal

Before the first use, read the pen’s user guide. Attach a new needle for each injection. Prime as directed to remove air and ensure flow. Dial the prescribed units. Inject into approved areas such as abdomen, thigh, or upper arm, rotating sites.

After injecting, remove the needle and dispose of it in a puncture-resistant sharps container. Do not recap needles with two hands. Do not reuse needles. When your sharps container is full, follow local rules for disposal or take it to an approved collection site.

Benefits

This rapid-acting insulin can help control post-meal glucose when used with monitoring and a meal plan. Pens offer on-the-go convenience, a discreet profile, and unit-by-unit dosing. Many users appreciate the simplicity of prefilled devices. See more tools and supplies in our Diabetes Care section.

Side Effects and Safety

• Low blood sugar: shakiness, sweating, confusion, fast heartbeat
• Injection site reactions: redness, itching, or swelling
• Weight changes: may occur with improved glucose control
• Allergic symptoms: rash or itching

Serious but less common risks include severe hypoglycemia and allergic reactions. Seek medical help for trouble breathing, swelling of face or throat, or severe rash. Hypoglycemia risk increases if combined with other glucose-lowering agents such as sulfonylureas or when meal intake is reduced. Always carry a rapid source of glucose.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Some medicines can raise or lower your insulin needs. These may include steroids, certain antibiotics, beta blockers, ACE inhibitors, diuretics, and others. Alcohol can increase hypoglycemia risk. Tell your prescriber about all drugs and supplements. Do not change your dose on your own. If you have kidney or liver impairment, your clinician may monitor you more closely.

What to Expect Over Time

When used correctly with meals, this therapy can improve after-meal numbers. Your prescriber may adjust doses based on your glucose logs. Over time, you may learn how different foods and activity affect your bolus amount. Keep routine follow-ups and lab checks as advised. For broader education, visit Type 2 Diabetes resources.

Compare With Alternatives

Other rapid-acting analogs are also used at mealtimes. Options include Humalog® KwikPen (insulin lispro) and NovoRapid® Cartridge (insulin aspart for compatible pens). Your prescriber will choose based on clinical fit, prior use, and insurance coverage.

Pricing and Access

We offer transparent Canadian options and support self-pay orders. Apidra Solostar Canadian pricing is shown on this page when available. You can review current options and compare out-of-pocket costs against your local pharmacy. For occasional coupons, see our Promotions page. Many patients find value in US shipping from Canada with prescription review included.

Availability and Substitutions

Stock can vary. If a size or pack is unavailable, your prescriber may recommend an alternative mealtime insulin or a different presentation. Apidra Solostar box of 5 pens is a common pack; availability depends on supply. We cannot guarantee restock dates.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

This medicine may suit people needing a rapid-acting bolus insulin with flexible timing. It may not suit those with recurrent severe hypoglycemia or allergies to ingredients. Discuss goals, meal patterns, and monitoring needs with your clinician.

• Multi-month fills: fewer refills, potential savings
• Set reminders: reduce missed doses
• Compare plans: ask about coverage or copays
• Travel pack: extra needles, backup pen

Some patients compare options before they buy insulin glulisine pens. Ask your prescriber if a different rapid-acting analog could meet your goals at a lower cash-pay cost. A prescription is required and verified.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Meal timing: how many minutes before eating should I inject?
• Carb ratios: what starting ratio and correction factor should I use?
• Site rotation: which areas should I use and how often should I rotate?
• Hypoglycemia: what are my signs and how should I treat lows?
• Travel: how should I store pens on long trips or flights?
• Combinations: which other diabetes medicines should I keep or change?

Authoritative Sources

FDA Prescribing Information

Health Canada Drug Product Database

Manufacturer Product Information

Ready to proceed? You can place your order with prompt, express, cold-chain shipping. Ships from Canada to US. Always follow your prescriber’s advice; this page is not a substitute for medical guidance.