What is Insulin Glargine?
Insulin Glargine is an extended-acting insulin that begins to work for a while after injection and continues to work evenly throughout the day. Insulin glargine helps enhance blood sugar control for patients with diabetes mellitus. Toujeo is a treatment for adults suffering from Type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Basaglar, Lantus Lantus, and Semglee are intended for adult patients with type 1, 2, or 3 diabetes, as well as for children who are at least6 years old and suffering from type I diabetes (not type 2.. For type 1 diabetes, insulin glargine is a component of the treatment with a quick-acting insulin that is administered prior to meals. Insulin glargine is also employed for other purposes that are not covered in this guideline.
Warnings
Do not give an injection pen away, even if you've changed the needle.
Before Taking this Medication
You shouldn't take insulin glargine if you're sensitive to insulin or if you're experiencing an episode of low blood sugar (low blood sugar) or diabetic ketoacidosis (call your physician to seek advice).
Insulin glargine has not been permitted for use by any person less than six years old. Some brands are only for adults. Don't use this medication as a treatment for type 2 diabetes in children or at any other age.
Speak to your doctor if you have ever suffered from:
- Kidney or liver disease.
- Heart problems or other heart issues
Discuss with your physician if you are taking pioglitazone or rosiglitazone (sometimes used in combination with glimepiride as well as metformin). The use of certain oral diabetes medications in conjunction with insulin could increase your risk of having serious heart problems. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding or pregnant. Follow the instructions of your physician on how to use this medication when you are pregnant. Controlling diabetes is crucial during pregnancy.
How to Take Insulin Glargine?
Follow the directions on the prescription label and review all medication guides and instruction sheets. Follow the medication exactly as prescribed. Insulin glargine is injected beneath the skin, typically daily at the exact time. If you are treating type 1 diabetes, apply your insulin with a short-acting effect prior to meals according to the instructions of your physician.
Insulin glargine should not be administered using an insulin pump or combined with any other insulin. Don't inject insulin glargine directly into a vein or into a muscle. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor. If you're not sure how to make an injection, Inject only when you are able to administer it. Contact your pharmacist if the medicine is cloudy, changed colour, or contains particles. Your doctor will tell you the best place to inject insulin glargine. Don't inject the same spot twice in one row.
Beware of injecting skin that's injured or bruised, tender, pitted, thickened, scaly, or has a scaly or painful lump. Toujeo has 300 units of insulin glargine for each milliliter (mL), which is three times more potent than brands that have 100 units per milliliter. The dose you take could be altered if you change to an alternative brand, strength, or dosage of this medication. Be sure to use only the medication the doctor has prescribed. If you're using the injection pen, make sure you use only the pen with insulin. Make sure to attach a new needle prior to every use. Don't transfer the insulin pen to a needle. Do not give an injection pen away, even if you have changed the needle. Sharing injection devices could spread infections from one person to the next. The blood sugar level can be affected by illness, stress, surgery, drinking alcohol, exercise, or even skipping meals.
Low levels of blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can make you feel thirsty, dizzy, upset, or shakey. To treat hypoglycemia quickly, take a snack or drink of hard candy, crackers, fruit juice, raisins, or other non-diet beverages. Your doctor might prescribe the glucagon injection in cases of extreme hypoglycemia. Inform your doctor if you are experiencing frequent symptoms of elevated blood sugar (hyperglycemia), like an increase in thirst or increased urination. Ask your doctor before changing your medication dosage. Store the medicine in the original container, protected from light and heat. Don't freeze insulin or keep it in the vicinity of the cooling element of the refrigerator. Get rid of any insulin that is stored in the freezer. Unopened storage (not used) insulin glargine
- Keep in the refrigerator and use up to the expiration date or
- (Basaglar, Lantus, or Semglee) temperature (below 86°F) for use in 28 days.
Storage that is open (in usage) insulin glargine
- The vial should be kept in a fridge or in a room at room temperature. utilize it within the period of 28 days.
- Keep the pen in storage at room temperature (do not freeze). Use within the first 28 days.
- Store Toujeo at a temperature lower than the temperature of 86 F (do avoid refrigerating) and make use of it in 56 days.
Do not keep an injection pen that has the needle connected. Don't reuse needles or the syringe. Put them in an impervious to puncture "sharps" container and dispose of it in accordance with local or state laws. Keep them out of the reach of children and pets.
Wear a Medical alert tag or carry an ID card to let people know that you suffer from diabetes.
What Happens If I Miss a Dose?
Consult your physician for directions when you are unable to take the dose. Avoid taking more than one dose within 24 hours unless you are told to by your doctor.
Refill your prescription prior to the time that you are out of medication completely.
What Happens If I Overdose?
Take immediate medical attention, contact a medical professional immediately, or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of insulin can result in extreme hypoglycemia. Symptoms include fatigue and blurred vision, as well as tingling or numbness of the mouth, difficulty speaking, muscle weakness, jerky or unsteady movements, seizures (convulsions), or loss of consciousness.
What should I stay clear of while taking insulin Glargine?
Avoid driving and other hazardous activities until you are aware of how insulin glargine affects your body. Your reactions may be impaired.
Make sure you read the label on your medicine prior to injecting insulin.
Do not drink alcohol or take drugs that contain alcohol. It could cause problems with the treatment of diabetes.
Side Effects of Insulin Glargine
Seek medical attention immediately. If you notice symptoms of an insulin allergy, These include swelling or redness in the area where an injection was administered, itchy skin all over the body, difficulty breathing, rapid heartbeats, a feeling like you could faint, or swelling on your throat or tongue.
Insulin glargine could cause serious adverse side effects. Contact your physician immediately in the event that you experience:
- Fast weight increase; swelling of your ankles or feet
- Shortness of breath;
- Leg cramps due to low blood potassium, constipation, irregular heartbeats, fluttering of your chest, an increase in thirst, or urination You may also experience numbness, Tenderness in the muscles, or a sluggish feeling.
Common adverse effects of insulin glargine include:
- Blood sugar levels are low;
- Weight gain and swelling
- An allergic reaction, itching of the skin, or rash;
- Swelling or hollowing of the skin where you injected the drug.
This isn't a complete list of possible side effects, and others could happen. Consult your physician to seek medical advice on the effects. You can report any side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Interaction with Other Drugs
Certain medications can affect the blood sugar levels in your body and could also alter insulin sensitivity. This includes over-the-counter and prescription medications, vitamins, and herbal remedies. Inform your doctor about any other medications you take. Some interactions may not be mentioned here.
