Lantus (Insulin Glargine)

Additional information

Lantus (Insulin Glargine)'s dosage depends on the condition (usual range: 0.1 units/kg/day - 1 units/kg/day). However, your doctor or pharmacist may have suggested a different schedule that is more appropriate for you. Your required dose of insulin depends on how much natural insulin your pancreas is producing and how well your body is able to use the insulin. It is only injected subcutaneously (under the skin), not intravenously (into the vein) or intramuscularly (into the muscle). Make sure the insulin is at room temperature to minimize local irritation at the injection site. Cleanse the skin with alcohol where the injection is to be made. It is not necessary to shake or rotate the vial before use. Turn the vial and syringe upside down. Hold the vial and syringe firmly in one hand. Make sure the tip of the needle is in the insulin and withdraw the correct dose of insulin into the syringe. Pinch and hold the skin and insert the needle. Slowly count to 10 before removing the needle from the injection site and gently apply pressure for several seconds. Do not rub the area. Important: Follow the instructions on the label. Do not use more of this product, or more often, than prescribed. If you forget a dose, contact your pharmacist.
 
WARNING: use a syringe that is marked for U100 insulin preparations since Lantus contains 100 units/mL. Rotate your injection sites (stomach, thigh, buttock, or upper arm) you choose for each dose. Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) or hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) may result from changes in meal pattern (e.g., type of foods eaten, timing of meals), changes in the level of physical activity, increased work or exercise without eating, or changes to coadministered medications. Use of long-acting insulin preparations such as Lantus may delay recovery from hypoglycemia. Glucose monitoring is recommended for all patients with diabetes. Any change of insulin regimen should be made cautiously and only under medical supervision.
 
In addition to its desired action, Lantus (Insulin Glargine) may cause some side effects, notably:
It may cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), fatigue, tingling of hands or feet, or blurred vision.
It may cause high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) if the dose is too little. 
It may cause a little depression in the skin (lipoatrophy), skin thickening (lipohypertrophy), skin lumps (localized cutaneous amyloidosis). 
It may cause redness, swelling, or itching at injection site, or diarrhea. 
 
Contraindications: Hypersensitivity to insulin glargine or any component of the formulation. Do not use during episodes of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). 
 
Animal reproduction studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. If you're planning a pregnancy or become pregnant or breastfeeding, contact your family doctor. 
 
A treatment with Lantus (Insulin Glargine) requires regular monitoring by a doctor. Be sure to see your doctor for all regularly scheduled appointments.Lantus (Insulin Glargine)