Insulin Glargine 

Lantus

Lantus is an FDA-approved long-acting insulin that improves glycemic control in individuals with type 1 and 2 diabetes. It contains insulin glargine, which is a synthetic form of insulin. Lantus is available in vials and Lantus Solostar pens, with strengths of 100 IU/ml and 3 ml, respectively. You should not take Lantus if you are allergic to any of the ingredients present in the medication or if you are having severe hypoglycemia. The most common adverse side effect of Lantus is hypoglycemia, which may become life-threatening if left untreated. Consult your doctor or healthcare provider for personalized advice and dosage adjustments. 

Product Overview

Lantus Insulin is a long-acting insulin containing insulin glargine, a synthetic form of insulin. It treats both type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus by providing a steady insulin level throughout the day. This helps control blood sugar levels and prevent complications of diabetes. Lantus is available in vials and Lantus Solostar pens, with strengths of 100 IU/ml and 3 ml, respectively.

To take Lantus, inject it subcutaneously (under the skin) once daily at the same time each day. The dosage depends on factors like weight and individual insulin needs, so following your healthcare provider’s instructions is essential. Lantus should be used as part of a comprehensive diabetes treatment plan, which includes a healthy diet, regular exercise, and other diabetes medications if needed.

Common side effects of Lantus include low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia), injection site reactions, and weight gain. Monitoring your blood sugar levels regularly and seeking medical advice if you experience severe side effects is essential. Store unopened Lantus vials in the refrigerator, and once opened, they can be stored at room temperature for up to 28 days. Do not freeze Lantus or use it if it appears discolored or contains particles. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your insulin regimen.

Uses

Targeted Treatment 

It is used to treat type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. 

Benefits

• Type 1 and type 2 diabetes in children (6 years or older)
• Type 1 diabetes in children 
• Gestational diabetes 
• Reduce the risk of heart failure, loss of limbs and eye and nerve problems. 

[Note: Do not take Lantus for treating diabetic ketoacidosis. Your doctor will determine whether you need this medication based on your conditions.]

Lantus Dosage

Forms & Strengths

Lantus comes in the following forms and strengths: 

Form: Vial

Strength: 10 ml

Form: lantus Solostar Pen

Strength: 3 ml

Recommended Dosages

For Type 1 Diabetic Patients

Dosage Range: 0.4 to 1 unit of insulin per kg/weight. 

Initial Dose: 1/3rd of total daily insulin dosage. 

For Type 2 Diabetic Patients

Dosage Range: 0.2 units/kg/day to 0.8 units/kg/day

Initial Dose: Typically 0.2 units of lantus per kg/weight.

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

How to Take It?

• Take this medication as directed by your doctor. 
• Lantus is for subcutaneous use only. Do not inject into a vein or muscle. 
• You should inject lantus once daily, at any time of the day. 
• To get the best results from the medication, it is necessary to maintain consistency and inject it around the same time every day.
• You can inject the insulin under the skin of the abdomen, front thigh and upper arm. 
• Constantly remove the injection site reaction to prevent lumps and pits under your skin. 
• Always ensure that you have the correct type of insulin and dosage before injecting the medication. 
• Check the insulin for any change in appearance. Do not inject it if it is discolored, cloudy, or has particles in it.
• Do not dilute or mix insulin glargine with any other insulin or medication. 
• Properly wash your hands before administering your injection. 
• Clean the injection spot with rubbing alcohol and a cotton swab or soap and water. 
• Pull the skin and inject the medication as instructed by your healthcare provider. 
• Do not remove or try to adjust the dosage while you are injecting the insulin. 
• Wait for six seconds before removing the injection from your skin. 
• Ensure that the medication is completely injected. 
• Replace the cap after use and safely discard the needle. 

[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 Lantus Work?

Lantus is a long-acting insulin that provides a consistent, long-lasting impact and regulates blood sugar levels for several hours during the day. Its mechanism of action is the same as natural human insulin. It helps glucose enter into the cells in your body so that it can be utilized for energy. It inhibits the production of sugar in the liver. 

Important Safety Information

Side Effects

Common side effects of Lantus may include: 

• Hypoglycemia
• Allergic reaction
• Lipodystrophy
• Rash 
• Itching
• Blurred vision
• Headache 
• Weight gain 
• Peripheral edema 

Adverse side effects of Lantus may include:

• Severe hypoglycemia 
• Severe allergic reaction
• Hypokalemia
• Heart failure 

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

Warnings 

• Insulin pens, syringes, and needles should not be shared between patients as they may cause infection to spread from one patient to another. 
• Do not reuse your needles, as they may be contaminated. 
• Do not change your brand, type or dosage of insulin without consulting your doctor. 
• Lantus is for subcutaneous use only. Do not inject into veins or muscles. 
• Do not dilute or mix Lantus with any other insulin or medication. 
• Hypoglycemia is the most common severe side effect of Lantus, which may become life-threatening if left untreated. 
• Lantus may cause hypokalemia, which, if left untreated, can further lead to respiratory paralysis, ventricular arrhythmia, and ultimately death. 
• Lantus, including all insulins, should not be used with thiazolidinediones as it may cause fluid retention, leading to heart failure. 

Precautions

• Before using lantus, tell your doctor if you have an allergy to insulin glargine or any of the ingredients present in lantus. 
• Patients with hepatic or renal impairment may require dosage adjustment. 
• Lantus should be used with caution in patients who have a problem related to their heart, kidney or liver. 
• Before taking Lantus, you should tell your doctor about your medical history and, if you have any condition, what prescription medication, over-the-counter drugs, or natural supplements you are taking to treat your condition. 
• If you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant or if you are breastfeeding a baby, let your doctor know. They may suggest adjustments in your dosage. 
• Insulin may cause temporary blurred vision and create confusion and dizziness, so it is best recommended not to drive, use heavy machinery or indulge in activities that require your concentration unless you determine how this drug affects you.
•  Do not consume alcohol while receiving treatment with Lantus, as it may lower your blood sugar levels. 

Contraindications 

Lantus is contraindicated for use in patients: 

• During episodes of hypoglycemia
• Who have a known hypersensitivity to lantus or any of its excipients. 

Missed Dose

• Lantus can be taken at any time of the day, but for best results, try to take it at the same time every day.
• If you missed a dose of Lantus, you should check your blood sugar levels and decide accordingly. 
• If the blood sugar levels are satisfactory, you may skip the missed dose and take the next dose as scheduled. 
• You should take the prescribed dose immediately if the blood sugar level is high. 
• However, if it is almost time for your next dose, you can skip the dose and take the next dose according to the dosing schedule. 
• 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.]

Overdose

Overdose of any insulin, including Lantus, may lead to hypoglycemia and hypokalemia. Overdose can happen when someone takes more insulin than recommended or has injected a higher strength of the same insulin. Contact your doctor if someone has taken Lantus more than prescribed and is showing signs and symptoms of severe low blood sugar, such as:

• Drowsiness
• Blurred vision
• Confusion
• Headache
• Sweating
• Feeling of passing out

If someone has overdosed on the medication and has passed out, has trouble breathing or can’t be woken up, immediately 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.]

Storage

• Store unopened Lantus vials in the refrigerator at 36°F to 46°F. When kept this way, it can be used until the expiration date. 
• Do not keep medications that are outdated or no longer needed. 
• You may keep unopened lantus vials at average room temperature and use them within 28 days. 
• Do not use the medication after 28 days, even if insulin is left in it. 
• You may store in-use lantus vials in the refrigerator or at room temperature for up to 28 days. 
• Store unopened Lantus pens in the refrigerator. But don’t allow it to freeze. Do not use it if frozen, as frozen insulin can be painful. 
• Keep the opened pens at room temperature, away from direct sunlight, excess heat or moisture. This way, it is suitable for use for up to 28 days. Do not keep it in the refrigerator. 
• Dispose of it safely in a sharps container. If you do not have a sharps container, you can discard the needles, syringes, and other insulin products in a container made of hard plastic with a tightly fitting lid. 
• For more guidance on disposal, you can contact your pharmacist or local waste disposal company. 
• Keep all insulins, including Lantus, 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.]

Lantus Interactions

• Salicylates 
• Certain other antidiabetics
• ACE inhibitors
• Angiotensin II receptor blockers
• Beta-blockers 
• Clonidine  
• Fibrates 
• Antidepressants
• Antipsychotics
• Antibiotics 
• Corticosteroids 
• Diuretics 
• Oral contraceptives
• HIV protease inhibitors 
• Glucagon
• Reserpine 

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

Lantus Alternatives

• Ozempic (semaglutide)
• Tresiba (insulin degludec)
• Levemir (insulin detemir)
• Lantus (insulin glargine)
• Toujeo (insulin glargine)
• Humulin N (insulin NPH)
• Novolin R (insulin regular human)
• Humalog (insulin lispro)
• Fiasp (insulin aspart)
• Novolog (insulin aspart)
• Apidra (insulin glulisine)
• Trulicity (dulaglutide)
• Ozempic (semaglutide)

[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.]

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the reaction time of Lantus SoloStar?

While fast-acting insulin begins working in your body within 30 minutes of injection, Lantus long-acting insulin begins working within 1.5 to 2 hours of being injected. This means that the drug starts to work in your body within 1.5 to 2 hours after you inject it.

2. Should Lantus insulin be taken at night or in the morning?

There is no set time of day when you should take Lantus. It should be used at the same time every day at the same time. As a general rule, pick a time of day convenient to you and when it is most accessible to remember.

3. How should I monitor my Lantus intake?

Using Lantus Insulin may lower potassium levels and potentially lead to hypokalemia (low blood potassium levels), affecting breathing and heart rhythm. If left untreated, it can be fatal. Patients at risk for hypokalemia should have their potassium levels checked regularly during treatment and get treatment if needed.

4. Are there any guidelines regarding the dosage of Lantus insulin?

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients who are not currently taking insulin are recommended to take 0.2 units/kg or ten units of Lantus once daily. People without insulin who are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes are advised to start taking ten units of Lantus once a day as a maximum dose.

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