Insulin glargine 

Basaglar

Basaglar is an FDA-approved prescription medicine that improves glycemic control in patients with diabetes type 2 and 1. It contains insulin glargine, a long-acting insulin that provides consistent, all-day sugar control. It is available as a Kwikpen and cartridge with 100 units/ml strength. It is not recommended if a patient has hypersensitivity to Basaglar, insulin glargine, or any inactive ingredient in the medication. For guidance regarding usage, dosage, and storage, contact your healthcare provider, and if you have any concerns about the potential risks and benefits of using a Basaglar injection pen, consult your doctor. 

Product Overview

Basaglar is a long-acting insulin medication containing insulin glargine, a synthetic insulin that helps regulate blood sugar levels. This medication is designed for adults and children with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, providing consistent sugar control over 24 hours and reducing the risk of diabetes complications. Basaglar is available in a 100 unit/mL KwikPen for subcutaneous injection, with a typical dosage range of 1 to 80 units, administered once daily at the same time each day. 

It is essential for patients to adhere to the prescribed dosage and administration schedule for effective diabetes management. Common side effects of Basaglar may include edema, hypoglycemia, injection site reactions, lipohypertrophy, and weight gain. Patients should be aware of these potential side effects and consult with a healthcare provider if they experience any severe reactions. It is crucial to take precautions such as avoiding alcohol consumption, monitoring blood glucose levels regularly, and using Basaglar with caution in patients with kidney, liver, or heart problems. 

In case of a missed dose, it should be taken as soon as remembered unless it is almost time for the next dose. Overdosing may lead to hypoglycemia, requiring immediate medical attention. Store unopened cartridges in the refrigerator when unopened and at room temperature when in use, away from direct heat and light. Proper disposal of used needles and insulin cartridges is essential for safety. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting Basaglar, especially if pregnant, breastfeeding, or allergic to ingredients, and follow their guidance for optimal diabetes management.

What Are the Uses of Basaglar?

Basaglar insulin glargine injection is used for the following purposes:

• Improves glycemic control in individuals with:
  • Children above the age of 6 with type 1 diabetes
  • Adults with type 1 and 2 diabetes.
• Reduces the risk of problems related to diabetes, including heart failure and stroke.

[Note: Do not take Basaglar without consulting your doctor. They will determine whether you need this medication based on your conditions.]

What Are the Forms & Strengths of Basaglar?

This medication comes in the following strengths and forms: 

• KwikPen 100 IU/ml: 3 ml
• Tempo Pen 100 IU/ml: 3 ml
• Cartridges: 3 ml
• Vials: 10 ml 

What Is the Recommended Dosage of Basaglar?

The dosage recommendation of Basaglar depends on various factors, including the following:

• Weight
• Age
• The severity of your condition
• Insulin dosage you have been using before Basaglar

All these factors define the correct dosage of your medication. So, your doctor generally prescribes a low dosage and increases it gradually to find the right amount for your body’s needs. The following information includes the average doses for different patients, so if you have been prescribed a different dosing schedule, do not change it without consulting a medical professional. 

For Patients with Type 1 Diabetes

Initial dose: Around one-third of your total insulin dosage.

Adult dose: 0.4 units/kg to 1 unit/kg daily. 

Pediatric dose:  The total dosage is based on the child’s weight (in kg), ranging from 0.4 units/kg to 1 unit/kg daily.

For Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

Initial dose: 0.2 units of insulin per kg of your body weight

Maximum initial dosage: Ten units of Basaglar daily.

[Note: Remember, these recommendations may vary from person to person. Discuss it with your doctor, and they’ll customize your dosage accordingly.]

How to Use Basaglar?

If you are using Basaglar for type 1 diabetes or type 2, you must know the proper steps of administration to avoid any potential risks. The following are the basic steps on how to use this medication: 

• Properly wash your hands before injecting the insulin.
• Roll the insulin bottle and wipe the bottle up.
• Pull the syringe plunger down to the number of units your doctor prescribes. 
• Push the needle into the bottle and push the syringe plunger down.
• Again, pull the plunger down to the number of units prescribed. 
• Choose the injection spot and clean it with an alcohol swab or soap and water.
• The best injection sites for injecting Basaglar are the stomach area, front thighs, upper arm, and buttocks. 
• Make sure to change the injection spot every time you inject to avoid skin lumps or allergies. 
• Do not inject Basaglar into a vein or muscle. 
• Avoid injecting into areas of your skin that are damaged, bruised, red, tender, stiff, and thickened. 
• Do not inject the medication at the same spot two times in a row.
• Pinch up the skin, push the needle into the skin, and then push the plunger in.
• To make sure that the entire dose has been injected, keep the needle under the skin for at least 6 seconds.
• To maintain consistency, Basaglar must be injected at the same time daily. 
• Do not use the injection if you do not understand how to use it. Ask for help from a medical professional. 
• Do not share your injection with anyone, as the infection can spread and pass on from one to another. 
• Do not use the medication if it appears to have changes in color or appearance. Call your pharmacist and get a new injection.
• After successfully injecting the insulin, dispose of the needle and syringe safely in a sharp disposal container.

[Note: Your doctor will decide the right amount for you based on your condition, following guidelines and studies on the drug. They’ll adjust it as needed over time.]

How Does Basaglar Work?

Basaglar injection pen is a long-acting insulin that provides consistent sugar control and helps reduce the risk of complications associated with diabetes. It starts to work after several hours of injection and works evenly for 24 hours. It contains insulin glargine, a synthetic insulin mimicking the naturally occurring insulin in the body. It inhibits the production of glucose in the liver. It helps glucose get absorbed in the bloodstream so your body can utilize it for energy. 

Important Safety Information for Using Basaglar

What Are the Side Effects of Basaglar?

Common Side Effects: This medication can cause some side effects, mainly temporary ones, lasting from a few days to weeks. These effects occur at the initial stage of the treatment and generally do not require any immediate medical attention. However, if the reactions start to bother you or intensify over time, talk to a medical professional right away. Some of these side effects include:

• Edema: Sodium and fluid accumulation can cause swelling. This side effect is common in patients who take insulin as part of their diabetes treatment. This happens as the insulin affects the kidneys’ functioning, causing them to retain more sodium and water. You may experience swelling, especially around your arms and legs, while taking Basaglar.
• Hypoglycemia: Using more than the prescribed doses of insulin glargine can drop your sugar levels drastically, commonly known as hypoglycemia. Mild hypoglycemia can be treated by eating glucose tablets or any reliable form of sugar. 
• Injection Site Reaction: Administering insulin injections at the same spot can lead to skin irritation and sometimes cause reactions, such as redness, itching, pain, or swelling around the injected area. To avoid this side effect, rotate the injection sites.   
• Weight Gain: Insulin helps the body absorb sugar from the bloodstream into the cells. When cells get more glucose than usual for energy production, they store the excess sugar as fat. This usually happens when the calorie consumption exceeds the calories burned, thus leading to weight gain. 

Adverse Side Effects: Basaglar insulin glargine injections can lead to serious complications in certain patients. These side effects are highly likely to develop when you don’t follow proper administration steps or have certain medical conditions. Therefore, before using this medication, ensure to inform your doctor, and if you notice any unwanted signs or symptoms, contact a medical practitioner. Some of the serious side effects of Basaglar may include:

• Severe Allergy: Certain medications can cause allergic reactions in patients, and Basaglar is one of them. It is not known how often insulin glargine users have allergic reactions to the drug, but knowing its symptoms may avoid potential risks. Its signs may include:
  • Swelling, especially on the eyelids, lips, feet, or hands
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Excessive sweating
  • Itchiness
  • Skin rash
  • Redness 
• Severe Hypoglycemia: If you are using Basaglar, you may experience hypoglycemia. While it is a common side effect, it can cause life-threatening complications when it becomes severe. Children using this medication are at high risk of experiencing this side effect. To avoid risks, contact a doctor as soon as you notice the below symptoms:
  • Anxiety
  • Drowsiness
  • Hunger
  • Sweating
  • Headache
  • Irritability
  • Rapid heartbeats
  • Seizures
  • Coma
• Hypokalemia: Basaglar can cause low potassium levels in certain patients. Its symptoms may include:
  • Muscle cramps
  • Abnormal heart rhythm
  • Respiratory failure
  • Low energy
  • Weakness
  • Paralysis   

[Note: This list may not cover all possible side effects. Always consult with your healthcare giver for medical advice about side effects.]

Are There Any Warnings for Basaglar?

Patients using Basaglar for type 1 diabetes should be aware of the potential warnings this medication may cause. Some of the warnings are mentioned below:

• You should not use Basaglar in a state of diabetic ketoacidosis or during an episode of hypoglycemia.
• It is considered unsafe to consume alcohol while on treatment with Basaglar as it may decrease your blood sugar levels. 
• Do not drive, use heavy machinery, or indulge in activities that require your attention unless you determine how Basaglar affects you. 
• Basaglar can cause severe allergic reactions. If you notice symptoms like wheezing, itching, rashes, and tongue, mouth, or neck swelling, stop using this product and call your doctor immediately. 
• You should never share your Basaglar insulin pen with anyone, even if the needle is changed, as infection may spread from one person to another. 
• Basaglar should be used with caution in patients who have problems related to their kidneys, liver, or heart. 
• Before surgery, including dental surgery, tell your doctor/dentist about the medicines you have used or are currently using. 
• Pediatric and geriatric patients are at an increased risk of hypoglycemia and may need to be carefully monitored for any signs and symptoms of low blood sugar. They may also need a customized dosage based on their condition and needs. 

What Are the Basaglar Precautions?

When considering treatment with this medication, ensure to follow the precautions below. Doing so will prevent potential risks. 

• Before using Basaglar, tell your doctor if you have an allergy to any of its ingredients.
• Share your medical history with your doctor before using Basaglar to determine if this medication is the best for you. 
• Constantly rotate the injection site to avoid getting lumps under your skin. 
• Do not inject the insulin into the skin that is torn, red, damaged, swollen, or has stretch marks. 
• Women who are pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or are breastfeeding a baby may need dosage adjustments of insulin. 
• Before using Basaglar, check the insulin for any change in appearance. Do not use it if the insulin appears cloudy, white or has particles. 
• Monitor your blood glucose levels regularly and share the report with your doctor to help determine the correct dosage.

Are There Any Contraindications for Basaglar?

Basaglar is contraindicated for use in patients:

• During episodes of hypoglycemia
• Who has a known hypersensitivity to Basaglar or any of its ingredients?  
• Who have diabetic coma

What If You Miss a Dose of Basaglar?

• To maintain a good blood sugar level, taking your medications on time is essential. 
• If you missed a dose of Basaglar, check your blood glucose level and take the dose accordingly. 
• If the blood sugar is in the normal range, you may skip the missed dose, but if it is high, then take it immediately. 
• If it is almost time to take the next dose, you may skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. 
• To maintain consistency and get the best results from the treatment, you should take the insulin simultaneously each day. 
• You can set a reminder on your phone to help you remember to take the medicine on time. 
• Do not take two doses of the same medication to compensate for the missed dose. 

[Note: If you have missed a medication dose and are unsure when to take the next one, immediately consult your doctor or pharmacist.]

What Happens If You Take Too Much of Basaglar?

If you have taken Basaglar more than recommended, it may lead to hypoglycemia. If you notice signs and symptoms of low blood sugar levels, such as dizziness, confusion, headache, trembling hands, and sweating, immediately check your blood glucose levels. If it is extremely low, immediately seek medical assistance. If someone has overdosed on the medication and has passed out, has seizures, or can’t be woken up, call 911 or head to the nearest emergency room. 

[Note: If you consumed more than the recommended dose, get medical help right away or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.]

How to Store Basaglar?

To maintain the safety and effectiveness of Basaglar injection pens, you need to adhere to the following storage guidelines:

• Store unopened Basaglar in the refrigerator between 2°C to 8°C. 
• If unused Basaglar is kept in the refrigerator, it is safe until expiration. 
• Do not freeze the medication; do not use this product if it is frozen. Discard it safely and get a new one from your pharmacist. 
• You may store opened Basaglar at average room temperature, away from direct sunlight, excess heat, and moisture. 
• When kept at room temperature, throw away the insulin after 28 days. 
• Do not keep insulin that is outdated or no longer needed. Safely discard it in sharp disposal containers. 
• If you don’t have a sharps container, use a rigid plastic container with a tightly fitting lid. 
• Unless instructed, do not dispose of the medications in wastewater or household garbage bins. 
• For proper guidance on disposal, call your healthcare provider or local waste disposal company. 
• Keep Basaglar in a safe place away from the sight and reach of children.

[Note: Discuss with your healthcare professional the proper disposal of unused medicine and any questions you may have regarding its storage.]

What Are the Basaglar Interactions?

When you take two or more medicines together at the same time, you may experience certain reactions. These are known as drug interactions. Basaglar contains insulin glargine that can interact with several other medications and may alter the functioning of the drug. Moreover, there are certain drugs that can even increase the risk of side effects when taken with insulin-based medications. So, if you use Basaglar for type 1 diabetes or type 2, you need to be aware of the below drugs:

• • Thiazolidinedione: It belongs to a class of diabetes drugs, and when taken along with Basaglar, these medications may increase the chances of heart failure. Patients with existing heart failure should avoid taking these drugs together, as it may exacerbate their condition. Some of the examples of TZDs are:
  • Rosiglitazone (Avandia) 
  • Pioglitazone (Actos)
  • Other Diabetes Medicines: Co-administering Basaglar with other diabetes medications can raise the chances of experiencing severe side effects, especially hypoglycemia. If you combine such drugs, inform your doctor beforehand. They will adjust the dose of the medicines accordingly. Examples are:
  • Pramlintide (Symlin)
  • Metformin (Glumetza, Glucophage)
  • Mealtime insulins, such as Apidra, Fiasp, and Novolog
  • Corticosteroids: These drugs are used to prevent asthma and COPD, and taking them with insulin-based medications may reduce the effectiveness of Basaglar, making it hard for you to lower your blood sugar levels. As a result, you can experience hyperglycemia, causing serious complications. Its examples may include:
  • Prednisolone (Orapred, Prelone)
  • Hydrocortisone (Cortef)
  • Methylprednisolone (Medrol)
  • Blood Pressure Medications: Avoid taking blood pressure medicines with Basaglar insulin glargine injection. Doing so may hide the symptoms of hypoglycemia, causing potential adverse reactions. Some examples of these medications are:
  • Clonidine (Catapres, Kapvay)
  • Metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL)
  • Atenolol (Tenormin)
  • Nadolol (Corgard)

• Other Medications are:

• Anabolic steroids 
• Antipsychotics 
• Basiliximab
• Beta-blockers 
• Birth control Pills
• Bismuth subsalicylate
• Bortezomib
• Buserelin
• Danazol
• Decongestants 
• Disopyramide
• Dolutegravir
• Epinephrine
• Estrogens
• Everolimus
• Fenofibrate
• Gemfibrozil
• Glucagon
• Hepatitis C antivirals 
• HIV protease inhibitors 
• Hydroxychloroquine
• Leuprolide
• Linezolid
• Lithium
• MAO inhibitors 
• Mifepristone
• Niacin
• Pentoxifylline
• Phenytoin
• Progestins 
• Protein kinase inhibitors 
• Quinolone antibiotics 
• Salicylates 
• SSRIs
• Somatropin
• Somatostatin-like medications 
• Sulfa antibiotics 
• Tacrolimus
• Terbutaline
• Thyroid hormone
• Tramadol
• Triptorelin
• Vilazodone

What Are the Other Interactions of Basaglar:

Besides the above drugs, this medication can also interact with various diseases or medical problems:

• Renal/Liver Diseases
• Hypokalemia
• Hypoglycemia

[Note: This isn’t a complete list, and there could be other drugs that interact with Basaglar. Tell your doctor about prescription, over-the-counter medicines, and herbal products.]

What Are the Basaglar Alternatives?

Drug alternatives are important for patients when they do not achieve the desired results or due to certain medical conditions. However, it is important to note that you are consulting a medical professional before using any alternate medicine. Below are some of the drugs that you can take in place of Basaglar:

• Ozempic (semaglutide)
• Lantus (insulin glargine)
• Tresiba (insulin degludec)
• Levemir (insulin detemir)
• Toujeo (insulin glargine)
• Humulin N (insulin NPH)
• Novolin (insulin NPH)
• Fiasp (insulin aspart)
• Novolog (insulin aspart)
• Apidra (insulin glulisine)

[Note: Your doctor will choose what’s best for you. Don’t use any of these alternative medications without consulting your healthcare provider. Taking them by yourself may cause serious side effects.] 

Basaglar Cost & Coupons

Basaglar is an expensive drug that is not affordable for every patient. While health insurance coverage helps people manage the high-end prices of insulin, using these plans for every medication is not feasible. This is because not all drugs are included in medical insurance. Here comes our medical services. We at Polar Bear Meds provide the most affordable Basaglar pen costs, which are delivered to your doorstep directly from Canada. If you reside in America, enjoy an additional 10% off on your first order by using our coupons.  

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Basaglar good for weight loss?

No, this medication is not suitable for weight. In fact, patients using Basaglar for type 1 diabetes may experience weight gain as the insulin helps the body store glucose as fat. Talk to a medical practitioner if you are concerned about your weight management. They will provide you with a diet plan and exercise program along with diabetes treatment.

Can I take Basaglar at night?

Basaglar is a long-acting insulin that lasts about 24 hours, so there are no fixed times for taking this medication. However, ensure that you are using these pens simultaneously each day. Doing so will help maintain consistent glycemic control. For better time management, you can talk to your doctor.  

How can I treat hypoglycemia while using Basaglar?

Here’s an easy way to treat low blood sugar, but remember to follow your healthcare provider’s advice. Use the 15/15 Rule:

• Take 15 grams of carbohydrates to increase your blood sugar.
• Check your blood sugar after 15 minutes.
• If it’s still below 70 mg/dL, have another 15 grams of carbohydrate.
• Keep doing this until your blood sugar is at least 70 mg/dL.
• After that, eat a meal or snack to make sure it doesn’t drop again.

You can use things like glucose tablets, juice, sugar, or candy to get those 15 grams of carbohydrates. Remember to tell your healthcare team if you have low blood sugar episodes. They can help you figure out why it happened and how to avoid it in the future.

Sometimes, when people feel low blood sugar, they want to eat a lot, but that can make their blood sugar go too high. Following the “15/15 Rule” can help you avoid this. Talk to your doctor about low blood glucose and how to handle it.

Can I drink alcohol while taking a Basaglar Insulin Pen?

It is important to keep in mind that drinking alcohol while taking Basaglar Pen can increase the possibility of dangerously low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia). If you experience these symptoms, be sure to get in touch with your doctor immediately:

• Tremors 
• Shaking 
• Anxiety 
• Sweating 
• Cold or clammy skin
• Confusion 
• Dizziness 
• Rapid heartbeat

Our Guarantee

At PolarBearMeds.com, we assure you the most affordable Basaglar pen costs. Rest easy knowing that your order will be dispatched from a reputable Licensed Canada Pharmacy Online, adhering to the highest standards of quality and authenticity. Our discounted medications are shipped directly from Canada to your doorstep, ensuring a swift and secure delivery experience. To conveniently access Basaglar at a substantial cost, call us at 1-888-779-2193 toll-free.