Insulin Glargine (By injection)

IN-su-lin GLAR-jeen, ree-KOM-bi-nant

Treats diabetes.

Drug classes

Antidiabetic (About this – PubMed Health)

Uses

Uses of This Medicine

Insulin glargine is a long-acting type of insulin that works slowly, over about 24 hours. Insulin is one of many hormones that help the body turn the food we eat into energy. This is done by using the glucose (sugar) in the blood as quick energy. Also, insulin helps us store energy that we can use later. When you have diabetes mellitus, your body cannot make enough insulin or does not use insulin properly. This causes you to have too much sugar in your blood. Like other types of insulin, insulin glargine is used to keep your blood sugar level close to normal. You may have to use insulin glargine in combination with another type of insulin or with a type of oral diabetes medicine to keep your blood sugar under control.

This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.

Other uses (PubMed Health)

How To Use

Injectable

Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin. If you use insulin once a day, it is best to use it at about the same time every day.

You will be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions.

This medicine should look clear before you use it. Do not shake the vial. Do not mix this medicine with any other insulin or with water.

You will be shown the body areas where this shot can be given. Use a different body area each time you give yourself a shot. Keep track of where you give each shot to make sure you rotate body areas.

Use a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine.

Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Use only syringes that are made for insulin. Some types of insulin must be used with a certain type of syringe or needle. Ask your pharmacist if you are not sure which one to use.

When you get a new supply of insulin, check the label to be sure it is the correct type.

Missed dose: Call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.

Unopened medicine: Store the vials, cartridges, and SoloStar® pens in the refrigerator. Protect from light. Do not freeze.

Opened medicine that is currently being used:

Vials: Store in the refrigerator or at room temperature in a cool place, away from sunlight and heat. Use within 28 days. Cartridge or SoloStar® pen: Store at room temperature, away from direct heat and light. Do not refrigerate. Throw away any opened cartridge or Lantus® SoloStar® pen after 28 days. Throw away any opened Toujeo® SoloStar® pen after 42 days.

Throw away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Some medicines can change the amount of insulin you need and make it harder for you to control your diabetes. Make sure your doctor knows about all other medicines you are using, especially pramlintide, somatropin, blood pressure medicine, birth control pills, thyroid medicine, or a protease inhibitor (HIV medicine).

Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

When Not To Use

This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to insulin glargine or other components of this product.

Warnings

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, or heart failure.

This medicine may cause the following problems:

Low blood sugar levels Low potassium levels Fluid retention or heart failure (when used with thiazolidinedione medicine)

Never share insulin pens or cartridges with anyone. Shared needles or pens can pass hepatitis viruses, HIV, or other illnesses from one person to another.

Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible side effects

Summary More details

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

Dry mouth, increased thirst, muscle cramps, nausea or vomiting, uneven heartbeat

Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet

Shaking, trembling, sweating, lightheadedness, hunger, confusion, fast or pounding heartbeat

Trouble breathing, chest pain, unusual tiredness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Redness, pain, itching, burning, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the shot was given

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

More side effects of this drug

Brand names include

Basaglar, Lantus, Lantus SoloStar, Toujeo

There may be other brand names for this medicine.