What is Lantus?
Lantus, a synthetic form of the hormone insulin produced by the body, is available to consumers. Insulin is a hormonal substance that lowers the levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood. Insulin glargine, a long-acting form of insulin, starts working several hours after the injection and continues to work for 24 hours.The Lantus medication is used to control blood sugar levels in children and adults with type 2 diabetes.Lantus can be used in adults with type 2 diabetes as well as in children aged 6 and older with type 1 diabetes.Lantus and short-acting insulin are used to treat type 1 diabetes.Some brands of insulin are only for adults. Follow all the instructions that come with the brand of Insulin Glargine.
Warnings
Lantus should not be used if you have an episode of hypoglycemia or diabetic ketoacidosis. Call your doctor to get treatment.Never share the Lantus SoloStar pen with anyone else. Shared cartridges or injection pens can spread diseases such as HIV or hepatitis.The dosage is not the same for all brands of insulin glargine. When switching brands, follow your doctor's advice. Your dosage may need to change if you switch brands, types, or strengths of insulin.Lantus may be part of a comprehensive treatment programme that includes diet, exercise, and weight management, as well as foot care, eye care, dental care, and blood sugar testing. Be sure to follow your medication, diet, and exercise regimens. Any of these factors could affect your blood glucose levels.
Before you take this drug
Lantus should not be used if you have an allergy to insulin or are experiencing low sugar or diabetic ketacidosis.Lantus has not been approved for children younger than six years of age. Some brands are only for adults. This medicine should not be used to treat type 2 diabetic children of any age.
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that Lantus will be safe for you:
- Liver or kidney disease
- Heart failure other heart problems
Inform your doctor if, in addition to pioglitazone and rosiglitazone, you are also taking glimepiride (or metformin), which may be combined. Certain oral diabetes medications can increase the risk of heart problems if you use insulin.Inform your physician immediately if you become pregnant or nursing.It is important to control diabetes during pregnancy.
How to take Lantus?
Follow the instructions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Before using, thoroughly read all instructions contained on your prescription label.Lantus is usually injected into the skin at the same time every day.Use your short-acting insulin before meals, as prescribed by your doctor, to treat type 1 diabetes.Lantus should not be administered with an insulin pump or mixed with any other insulin. Lantus should not be injected into a vein or muscle.If you're not sure how to use an injectable, ask your pharmacist or doctor.Only prepare an injection when it's time to administer it. If the medicine is cloudy, has changed colour, or has particles, call your pharmacist.Your healthcare provider can show you how to inject Lantus. Do not repeat the injection in the same area.Avoid injecting into damaged skin that is tender, bruised, or pitted. Also avoid if the skin has a hard lump or a scar.If you change the brand, strength, or form of a medicine, your dose requirements may be different. Use only the medication prescribed by your doctor to avoid medication mistakes.Use only the Lantus SoloStar Injection Pen that came with Lantus. Attach a fresh needle to the pen before each use. Transferring insulin from a pen to a syringe is not recommended.Even if the needle has been changed, never share an injection pen. These devices can spread infections.Stress, illness or surgery, exercise, alcohol consumption, or skipping meals can all affect blood sugar levels.You may feel very hungry or dizzy. If you want to treat hypoglycemia quickly, try eating or drinking hard candy, crackers, or raisins. You can also drink fruit juice or non-diet soft drinks. In severe hypoglycemia, your doctor may prescribe glucagon.Inform your doctor if hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) symptoms such as increased thirst and urination are frequent. Before altering the dosage of your medication, please seek guidance from a healthcare practitioner.This medicine should be kept in the original container, away from heat and sunlight. Store insulin away from the cooling element of a fridge, or do not freeze it. Do not use any frozen insulin.
Store unopened (not used). Lantus
- Use within the expiration date.
- Use within 28 days. Store at room temperature (below 86° Fahrenheit).
Storing open (in use Lantus)
- Use the vial within 28 days. Store in the refrigerator or at room temperature.
- Use the Lantus SoloStar pen within 28 days. Store it at room temperature.
Store an injection pen without the needle. Never reuse a needle, syringe, or syringe. Put them in a "sharps container" that is puncture-proof, and dispose of the sharps according to local or state laws. Keep away from children and pets.Wear a medical ID tag or carry a card to alert others that you have diabetes.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you accidentally forget a dose, notify your healthcare provider as soon as possible.Do not take more than one dosage in a 24-hour period unless instructed by your doctor.Refill your prescription before you run out.
What happens if I overdose?
Call the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222 or seek emergency medical care. An insulin overdose may cause severe hypoglycemia. Other symptoms include confusion, blurred or cloudy vision, numbness in the mouth, difficulty speaking, muscle weakness, or jerky movements.
What should be avoided?
Do not drive or engage in hazardous activities until you have determined how the medicine will affect you. Your response might not be adequate.Check the label of your medication before you inject it to avoid any mistakes.Avoid alcohol and alcohol-containing medicines. Alcohol can interfere with diabetes treatment.
Side effects of Lantus
If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should seek emergency medical attention: swelling or redness where you received an injection, itchiness on your skin, rash all over your body, difficulty breathing, rapid heartbeats, feeling as if you may pass out, or swelling in either your tongue or throat.
If you experience:
- Rapid weight gain and swelling of the ankles or feet;
- Shortness of breath
- Low potassium; cramps in the legs; constipation; increased thirst or urination; numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness.
Lantus may cause side effects such as:
- Low blood sugar
- Weight gain or swelling;
- Allergic reaction: itching, rash,
- The skin may become thicker or hollower where the medication was injected.
There may be other side effects. Call your physician immediately if experiencing side effects; to report these adverse reactions contact the Food and Drug Administration's Report Side Effects line on 1-800-FDA-1088.
Interaction with other drug
Lantus and blood sugar can be affected by many drugs. Some medications can increase or reduce the effects of insulin. You may also experience fewer hypoglycemia symptoms if you take certain drugs, making it more difficult to detect low blood sugar. Inform your healthcare providers of all the medicines you are taking and those you plan to take. Included are prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your doctor of all the other medications you take. This list does not include all possible interactions.
