What is Basaglar?

Basaglar (insulin glargine) is a long-acting insulin analog used to help control high blood sugar in people with diabetes. This diabetes medication is for both adults and children (ages six and older) with type 1 diabetes and for adults with type 2 diabetes.

Basaglar is a brand-name insulin glargine injection without a generic alternative, making it costly. It comes in convenient, pre-filled insulin pens for easy injection under the skin.

After injection, Basaglar begins to work within about 90 minutes and provides blood sugar control for up to 24 hours, gradually releasing insulin throughout the day.

Basaglar works steadily throughout the day to help maintain balanced blood sugar levels. However, it is not for managing diabetic ketoacidosis, a severe condition in which high blood sugar leads to a buildup of acids in the blood.

If you have low blood sugar or an allergy to insulin glargine, avoid using Basaglar.

Always talk to your doctor about any health issues or medications before starting Basaglar.

How Does Basaglar Work?

Basaglar helps manage the blood sugar levels in the body throughout the day.

As a long-acting insulin, Basaglar lowers blood glucose by helping muscles and fat cells absorb glucose and reducing glucose production in the liver.

Once injected, Basaglar gradually releases insulin over 24 hours, providing steady blood sugar control without a sharp peak in activity.

This insulin helps prevent sudden blood sugar spikes or drops, making it an effective choice for daily diabetes management in people with type 1 and 2 diabetes.

Dosage Information and Usage

Dosage Form and Strengths of Basaglar

Basaglar has various forms and strengths, including the Basaglar KwikPen and the Basaglar Tempo Pen. Each pen contains a 3 mL pre-filled solution with 100 units of insulin per mL, for 300 units per pen.

Both pens offer single-patient use and are designed for easy, precise dosing, making them convenient for daily diabetes management.

The KwikPen provides a simple, disposable option, while the Tempo Pen connects to mobile apps, helping patients track doses for better blood sugar control.

Basaglar’s consistent insulin release throughout the day supports stable glucose levels with once-daily dosing.

How to Use Basaglar Insulin?

Always check the Basaglar insulin label before use, ensuring the solution is clear and particles-free.

Inject Basaglar subcutaneously into the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm, and rotate injection sites each time to prevent skin issues.

Use Basaglar once daily, simultaneously daily, as directed by your healthcare provider for consistent blood sugar control.

For those with type 2 diabetes, the typical starting dose is 0.2 units per kilogram of body weight or up to 10 units daily.

For type 1 diabetes, Basaglar is used as part of a treatment plan with fast-acting insulin.

You may need to adjust the dosage but only make these changes under medical supervision.

Monitor your blood glucose regularly when starting Basaglar to see how it affects your blood sugar levels. To ensure safe and effective use, do not mix Basaglar with other insulins or solutions, and avoid injecting it into a vein or using it with an insulin pump.

Side Effects of Basaglar

Basaglar can cause both common and severe side effects. Common side effects include low blood sugar, headaches, and weight gain. Serious but rare side effects include severe low blood sugar, difficulty breathing, severe allergic reactions, heart failure, and more.

It is important to watch out for these effects and get medical help if you notice any severe side effects.

Common Side Effects

  • Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia): dizziness, shakiness, sweating, fast heartbeat, headache
  • Weight gain
  • Mild skin reactions at the injection site, such as redness or swelling
  • Thickening or dimpling of the skin at the injection site (lipodystrophy)

Serious but Rare Side Effects

  • Severe low blood sugar with confusion, slurred speech, or fainting
  • Severe allergic reactions: rash, trouble breathing, swelling of the face, fast heartbeat
  • Low potassium levels (hypokalemia) leading to muscle cramps or weakness
  • Heart failure (especially when used with certain diabetes medications called TZDs): symptoms include shortness of breath, ankle swelling, and sudden weight gain

Warnings and Precautions

Knowing specific warnings and precautions when using Basaglar ensures safety and effectiveness.

These include potential risks of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), medication errors, and allergic reactions.

Basaglar should not be shared between patients, even if the needle is changed, due to the risk of blood-borne pathogen transmission.

  • Do not share Basaglar prefilled pen: Sharing pens can lead to the transmission of blood-borne pathogens.
  • Hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia with changes in insulin regimen: Adjustments can cause fluctuations in blood sugar levels.
  • Hypoglycemia: Low blood sugar is a common risk with insulin, and severe hypoglycemia can be life-threatening. Be aware of symptoms and manage them accordingly.
  • Hypoglycemia because of accidents in using the medications: Accidental insulin mix-ups can occur, so always check the insulin label before use to avoid mistakes.
  • Hypersensitivity reactions: Severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, can happen. Discontinue use and seek medical help if these occur.
  • Hypokalemia: Insulin may cause low potassium levels, which could lead to severe complications like heart issues. Monitor potassium levels in at-risk patients.
  • Fluid retention and heart failure with thiazolidinediones: Combining Basaglar with thiazolidinediones (TZDs) may lead to fluid retention and worsen heart failure. Monitor for any symptoms of heart failure.

Drug Interactions With Other Medications

Basaglar can interact with several medications, affecting its effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects.

Some drugs can lower blood sugar, while others may reduce Basaglar’s glucose-lowering effects. It is essential to manage these interactions carefully.

Here are some drugs that can interact with Basaglar:

  • Anabolic steroids
  • Antipsychotics medications
  • Antivirals for hepatitis C (Voxilaprevir)
  • Beta-blockers
  • Birth control pills
  • Bismuth subsalicylate
  • Buserelin
  • Clarithromycin (Biaxin)
  • Corticosteroids
  • Decongestants
  • Diabetes medications (insulin, metformin)
  • Diuretics (Furosemide)
  • Estrogens
  • Fenofibrate
  • Lithium
  • MAO inhibitors
  • Mifepristone
  • Niacin
  • Progestins
  • Protease inhibitors for HIV (Ritonavir, Atazanavir)
  • Quinolone antibiotics (Ciprofloxacin)
  • Sulfa antibiotics
  • Thyroid replacement therapy
  • Tramadol

Alternative Medications

If Basaglar is not the right fit for you, several alternative long-acting insulin medications may better manage your blood sugar levels.

Here are some alternative medications to Basaglar:

Basaglar Products from Canada

Buy Canadian Insulin offers access to Basaglar products, including KwikPens and cartridges, through participating pharmacy partners.

Pricing for insulin products may vary depending on product type, quantity, pharmacy source, and availability.

Customers may review available pricing options before placing an order.

Basaglar Pricing Options

Pricing for Basaglar products may vary depending on the quantity selected and pharmacy source.

Example pricing options may include:

  • Basaglar cartridges: starting around $115
  • Basaglar KwikPens: starting around $115 for five pens

Larger quantity options may also be available depending on inventory and prescription approval.

Customers can review current pricing during checkout.

How to Order Basaglar from Buy Canadian Insulin?

  1. Start by using our website’s search bar to find Basaglar. Once you find the correct product, select the strength and click the ‘Buy’ button to add it to your cart.
  2. After adding your items to the cart, proceed to checkout. Enter your contact details, payment information, and shipping address. If you are a returning customer, log in to your account for quicker checkout. Once the payment is processed, you will receive a confirmation email with your order and prescription details.
  3. To complete your Basaglar order, upload a scanned copy of your prescription using the website’s RX document uploader tool. Alternatively, you can fax your prescription to us at 1-888-234-1275.

Take advantage of our exclusive offer and save 10% on your Basaglar purchase using the coupon code FIRST10 at checkout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Basaglar is a long-acting insulin used to control blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Typically taken once a day, it helps manage blood sugar levels for both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.

Using the Basaglar KwikPen is easy. Start by removing the pen cap and cleaning the rubber seal with an alcohol wipe. Then, choose a new needle, remove the paper tab from the needle shield, and screw the needle onto the pen. Once the needle is securely attached, remove the inner needle shield. You can inject Basaglar into different areas of your body, such as your upper buttocks, thighs, upper arms, or stomach. Be sure to rotate injection sites each time to prevent irritation.

The typical starting dose of Basaglar is 0.2 units per kilogram of body weight per day. For example, if you weigh 50 kg (110 lbs), you would start with ten units of Basaglar daily. The maximum recommended dosage for people with type 2 diabetes is ten units once a day.

Eli Lilly and Company manufacture Basaglar.

Basaglar can remain unrefrigerated for up to 28 days.

Inject Basaglar into the fatty tissue just beneath the skin. Common injection sites include the upper buttocks, thighs, upper arms, or abdomen (stomach area).

Basaglar is typically taken once daily, at the same time each day.

Basaglar is not approved for weight loss. It is prescribed to help manage blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.

Basaglar insulin may cause some side effects, including low blood sugar, injection site reactions like redness or swelling, weight gain, and swelling in the hands or feet. Serious side effects can include allergic reactions or skin changes at the injection site.

Disclaimer

Buy Canadian Insulin provides educational information about medications and health conditions for informational purposes only. This content is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Prescription medications require a valid prescription review and processing through participating pharmacy partners. Product availability, pricing, and shipping timelines may vary. Consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.