What Is Lantus (Insulin Glargine) Used For?

Lantus is a brand name for insulin glargine taken by adults and children at least 6 years of age. It is indicated for:

  • Adults and pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes (insulin-dependent) who require long-term insulin for glycemic control.
  • Adults with type 2 diabetes (non-insulin-dependent) who need insulin to control blood sugar levels when oral medications are insufficient.

Lantus is designed to provide long-acting basal insulin coverage and may help support blood sugar management for up to 24 hours in many patients. A Lantus treatment may sometimes need the support of a bolus insulin or fast-acting insulin that reduces blood sugar spikes after meals. However, it is not suitable for treating diabetic ketoacidosis, which requires rapid-acting insulin.

How Should Lantus Be Administered?

Lantus should be administered subcutaneously, meaning it is injected into the layer of fat just under the skin. Key points for administration include:

  • Inject into the abdomen, thigh, or deltoid (upper arm).
  • It is administered once daily, ideally at the same time each day to maintain consistent insulin levels.
  • Do not dilute or mix Lantus with other insulin products, as it can alter its action.
  • It’s essential to rotate injection sites regularly to prevent complications like lipodystrophy (fat tissue changes) or amyloidosis (protein build-up).

What Are the Available Dosage Forms and Strengths of Lantus?

Lantus is available in two primary forms:

  • 10 mL multiple-dose vial, which can be used with a syringe for repeated dosing.
  • 3 mL SoloStar prefilled pen, designed for single-patient use for people who prefer not to use vials and syringes.

Both forms deliver 100 units of insulin per milliliter (U-100).

Who Should Not Use Lantus? (Contraindications)

Lantus should not be used by:

  • Patients experiencing hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), as additional insulin can worsen this condition.
  • Individuals who are allergic to insulin glargine or any component of the product. Allergic reactions can range from mild skin irritation to severe anaphylaxis.

What Are the Warnings and Precautions When Using Lantus?

Some important warnings and precautions when using Lantus include:

  • Never share the SoloStar pen to avoid the risk of transmitting infections.
  • Changes in insulin dosage or regimen can result in hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) or hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Close monitoring is required, especially during adjustments.
  • Hypoglycemia is a significant risk, particularly for those with renal or liver impairment. Monitoring blood glucose levels is crucial.
  • Medication errors, such as confusing Lantus with other insulins, can be dangerous.
  • Hypersensitivity reactions may occur, leading to severe allergic responses.
  • Hypokalemia (low potassium levels) is another potential side effect, so potassium levels should be monitored regularly.
  • Patients taking thiazolidinediones (TZDs) may experience fluid retention or even heart failure, so monitoring is necessary.
  • Patients using Lantus should monitor blood glucose levels as directed by their healthcare provider. Changes in insulin dose, diet, exercise, illness, or other medications may affect blood glucose control. Regular follow-up appointments and blood glucose monitoring are recommended to evaluate treatment response and safety.
  • Do not change insulin products, insulin strengths, dosage schedules, or administration methods without guidance from a healthcare provider. Dose adjustments may require additional blood glucose monitoring.

Side Effects of Lantus Insulin

The side effects associated with taking Lantus can range from mild to severe. The lists below do not cover all possible side effects. If you are concerned about the potential risks of taking this medication, speak to your doctor.

Seek medication attention immediately if you experience:

  • redness or swelling
  • itchy rash all over your body
  • difficulty breathing
  • swelling of the tongue and throat
  • rapid heartbeat
  • feeling like you may lose consciousness

Consult your doctor if you are experiencing:

  • swelling of hands and feet
  • feeling short of breath
  • weight gain
  • signs of low potassium (leg cramps, irregular heartbeat, increased thirst or urination, muscle weakness or feeling limp, numbness or tingling, fluttering in your chest.

Common side effects from using Lantus include:

  • low blood sugar
  • thickening or hollowing of skin at site of injection
  • mild skin rash
  • itching
  • edema (swelling)
  • respiratory infections
  • hypoglycemia (low blood glucose levels)
  • injection site reactions

These side effects are typically temporary and go away after a few days or weeks. If they don’t go away and become more severe, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

Serious Side Effects

While serious side effects aren’t common, they can occur. Symptoms can include:

  • allergic reaction
  • abnormal heart beat
  • fatigue
  • Hypokalemia (low potassium levels)
  • weakness
  • muscle cramping
  • paralysis
  • severe hypoglyecemia
  • allergic reactions
  • respiratory failure

Side effects in detail

The following common side effects are associated with Lantus in more detail.

Allergic Reactions

Some may experience allergic reactions when taking Lantus. Make sure you do not have an allergy to any ingredients in this solution.

Mild allergic reactions may include:

  • flushing
  • itchiness
  • skin rash (red and warm skin)

Severe allergic reactions may include:

  • difficulty breathing
  • full body rash
  • swelling of the mouth, tongue or throat
  • swelling under the skin (typically lips, hands, feet or eye lids)

Consult your doctor immediately if you experience any severe allergic reactions while taking Lantus insulin. Call 911 and seek medical emergency if you feel the symptoms are life threatening.

Weight Gain

One of the most common side effects while taking Lantus is weight gain since the body stores sugar for energy. The average weight gained according to clinical studies was:

  • up to 1.5 lb in adults with type 1 diabetes who took Lantus over 16-28 weeks
  • up to 4.8 lb in children with type 1 diabetes who took regular insulin with Lantus for 28 weeks
  • up to 4.4 lbs in adults with type 2 diabetes who took Lantus for 1 year

If weight gain is a concern, speak to your doctor on how to better manage your weight.

Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) is the most common side effect with any insulin such as Lantus.

It’s important to monitor your blood sugar levels so you can address a hypo before it becomes severe.

Mild hypoglycemia symptoms include:

  • rapid heartbeat
  • shakiness
  • nervousness
  • shakiness
  • dizziness
  • headache
  • hunger

If blood sugar levels remain too low, symptoms may worsen and require medical attention.

Severe hypoglycemia symptoms include:

  • anxiety
  • drowsiness
  • fast heartbeat
  • hunger
  • headache
  • irritability
  • sweating
  • confusion
  • seizures
  • coma

Any changes to your insulin treatment should be under the guidance of a doctor. Any adjustments to insulin dosage could put you at risk of hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia.

How common is hypoglycemia?

  • A 16-week clinical study with adults with type 1 diabetes taking Lantus found that 6.5% of adults experienced hypoglycemia at least once.
  • A 28-week study found that 10.6% of the adults experienced hypoglycemia at least once.
  • A 5-year clinical study involving adults with type 2 diabetes taking Lantus with regular insulin resulted in 7.8% experiencing hypoglycemia.
  • A study examining children with type 1 diabetes taking Lantus found that 23% experienced severe hypoglycemia over 6 months

How to treat hypoglycemia?

If you experience hypoglycemia (blood sugar levels drop too low) try to consume fast-acting carbohydrates. You can raise your blood sugar levels quickly by consuming a sugary snack or beverage. Things you can eat during a hypo can include:

  • glucose tablet
  • honey
  • hard candy
  • fruit juice
  • pop (non diet)
  • saltine crackers
  • jelly beans

If you are experiencing frequent episodes of hypoglycemia, you should consult with your doctor. They may recommend a prescription for glucagon, a hormone that quickly raises your glucose levels, especially during an emergency such as loss of consciousness when you cannot consume glucose orally.

What Drugs Can Interact with Lantus?

Lantus can interact with several other medications, leading to changes in blood sugar control:

  • Drugs affecting glucose metabolism may require an insulin dosage adjustment. Examples include oral antidiabetic drugs, corticosteroids, or thyroid hormones.
  • Beta-blockers and other antiadrenergic drugs can mask the signs of hypoglycemia, making it harder to detect low blood sugar.
  • Other interactions to watch for include medications that affect blood glucose or potassium levels, such as diuretics, ACE inhibitors, and some antidepressants.

Special Populations – Who Should Take Extra Caution with Lantus?

Some populations should take extra care when using Lantus:

  • Pregnant and breastfeeding women: There is no confirmed risk to the baby, but poorly controlled diabetes during pregnancy can cause complications.
  • Pediatric use: Lantus is approved for children aged 6-15 years with type 1 diabetes. However, its safety and effectiveness for younger children or those with type 2 diabetes have not been established.
  • Geriatric patients: Older adults may be more insulin sensitive and prone to hypoglycemia. Conservative dosing and close monitoring are advised.
  • Patients with renal or hepatic impairment: These individuals may have altered insulin metabolism and require frequent blood glucose monitoring to avoid hypoglycemia.

Storage and Handling

Proper storage is essential for the effectiveness of Lantus:

  • Unopened Lantus should be stored in a refrigerator at temperatures between 36°F and 46°F (2°C to 8°C). It should never be frozen.
  • In-use Lantus (once opened) can be kept at room temperature, but it must be below 86°F (30°C) and used within 28 days to ensure its potency.
  • Keep the insulin away from direct heat and light.

How to Properly Use the Lantus SoloStar Pen?

To use the Lantus SoloStar pen safely, follow these steps:

  • Prepare the pen: Remove the cap and attach a new needle. Always check the insulin for clarity.
  • Perform a safety test: Dial 2 units and press the injection button to ensure that insulin flows freely and the pen functions properly.
  • Administer the dose: Select the correct dose, insert the needle into the injection site, and press the button to inject. Hold the button for at least 10 seconds before removing the needle.
  • Proper needle disposal: After injection, remove and dispose of the needle in a sharps container to avoid accidental needle sticks and maintain hygiene.

Ordering Information

Prescription Information

Lantus is a prescription insulin medication.

A valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider is required before Lantus can be dispensed.

Prescription orders are reviewed according to pharmacy processing requirements before fulfillment.

Pharmacy Information

Buy Canadian Insulin works with participating pharmacy partners to help eligible customers access prescription medications.

Products may be dispensed through licensed pharmacy partners located in Canada or other international fulfillment locations depending on product availability.

Pharmacist consultation may be available through participating pharmacy partners when appropriate.

Lantus is a temperature-sensitive medication.

Special packaging may be used to help maintain recommended storage conditions during transit.

Upon delivery, inspect the product and store it according to the storage instructions provided with the medication.

Avoid exposing insulin products to excessive heat, direct sunlight, or freezing temperatures.

Shipping Information

Orders are processed after prescription verification and pharmacy review requirements have been completed.

Shipping timelines may vary depending on destination, product availability, pharmacy source, and carrier service levels.

Tracking information may be available depending on the shipping method selected.

Customer Support

Phone: 1-888-525-1815

Fax: 1-888-234-1275

Email: info@buycanadianinsulin.com

Business Address:

Buy Canadian Insulin

1026 Manitoba Avenue, Suite 1001

Selkirk, MB R1A 4M2

Canada

Customer support is available for questions regarding prescription submission, order processing, shipping information, and product availability.

Buy Canadian Insulin Information

Buy Canadian Insulin helps customers submit prescription order requests through participating pharmacy partners.

Product availability, pharmacy source, pricing, and shipping timelines may vary depending on order details and prescription review requirements.

Orders are packaged according to pharmacy handling procedures.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lantus must be stored in a refrigerator before opening. Once opened, it can be kept at room temperature (below 86°F or 30°C) for up to 28 days. If not properly refrigerated before opening or stored at too high a temperature, Lantus may lose its effectiveness and should be discarded.

The normal dose of Lantus varies depending on individual needs. For people with type 2 diabetes who are starting insulin therapy, the initial dose is typically 0.2 units/kg or 10 units daily. For people with type 1 diabetes, Lantus is used in combination with short-acting insulin, and the dose is individualized based on total insulin requirements.

A high dose of Lantus is generally above 50 units per day. Doses higher than this may indicate a significant degree of insulin resistance, especially in patients with type 2 diabetes. However, insulin needs vary, and some individuals may require higher doses to manage their blood glucose.

Lantus can be taken at any time of the day, but it should be taken at the same time each day to maintain consistent insulin levels. Many people find it convenient to take it in the evening before bed.

The half-life of Lantus is approximately 12 hours. However, its glucose-lowering effects last for about 24 hours, making it suitable for once-daily dosing.

No, you will need a valid prescription to purchase Lantus insulin from Canada, just as you would in most other countries.

Yes, Lantus insulin is often more affordable in Canada. When you purchase from BuyCanadianInsulin.com, you can save up to 80% compared to US prices.

You can bring a small supply of Lantus insulin from Canada for personal use, but it’s important to follow US customs regulations, which typically allow a 90-day supply.

Yes, but any switch should be made carefully, with gradual adjustments to the new insulin.

Unopened Lantus insulin can be stored in the refrigerator until its expiration date. Once opened, it should be used within 28 days.

Yes, exposure to extreme temperatures can render Lantus ineffective, so proper storage is crucial.

Lantus is often used in combination with oral diabetes medications, but you should monitor your blood sugar levels closely.

Prices vary, but on average, a 5-pen pack of Lantus insulin can cost between $90 and $150 in Canada.

Yes, most US insurance plans cover Lantus, but out-of-pocket costs may still vary.

Yes, some users of Lantus may experience weight gain due to improved blood sugar control.

Taking too much Lantus can cause severe hypoglycemia, leading to dizziness, confusion, or even fainting. You should seek immediate medical attention if this occurs.

If you miss a dose of Lantus, you should take it as soon as you remember unless it’s close to your next dose.

Stopping Lantus without adjusting your diabetes treatment plan can lead to dangerously high blood sugar levels.

Yes, Lantus can be prescribed for children 6 years and older who have type 1 diabetes.