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Semglee

The generic name is insulin glargine [IN-su’lin-GLAR’-gine].

The class is insulin.

What is Semglee?

Semglee is a human-made version of the hormone insulin that is created by the body. Insulin is a hormone that reduces the amount of glucose (sugar) in the blood. Insulin glargine is a slow-acting insulin that begins to work shortly after the injection and continues to work continuously for up to 24 hours.

Semglee uses it to help improve blood sugar control in people with diabetes mellitus.

Semglee is recommended for adults suffering from Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes and for children aged 6 or older who have Type 1 diabetes (not Type 2).

  • Semglee is not intended to treat diabetes or ketoacidosis.
  • It isn't clear whether Semglee is secure and effective for children under six years old with type 1 diabetes.
  • It isn't known whether Semglee is secure and effective for children suffering from type 2 diabetes.

To treat type 1 diabetes, Semglee is taken in conjunction with a quick-acting insulin that is administered in the morning before meals.

Don't use your syringes in conjunction with other people, even if your needle is changed. You could give others an infection that is serious or contract an infection of a serious nature from them.

Warnings

Don't make use of Semglee if you

  • Are experiencing an episode of low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia).
  • Are you allergic to insulin, glargine, or any of the components in Semglee? Look at the end of this page to find the complete listing of the ingredients.

Do not give an injection pen away, even if you have changed the needle.

Prior to use this drug

It is not recommended to take Semglee in the event that you are allergic to insulin or you're experiencing an attack that is characterized by hyperglycemia (low blood sugar) or ketoacidosis due to diabetes (call your physician to seek advice on treatment).

Semglee isn't recommended for use by people less than six years old. Additionally, some brands are only suitable for use by adults. Do not use Semglee as a treatment for type 2 diabetes children at any stage.

To ensure that Semglee is appropriate for you, consult your doctor if:

  • Kidney disease or liver failure
  • Heart problems or any other heart problem.

Inform your physician if you are also taking pioglitazone or rosiglitazone (sometimes used in combination with glimepiride and metformin). The use of certain oral diabetes drugs in conjunction with insulin could increase your chance of developing serious heart issues.Consult a physician if you are nursing or pregnant.

Follow the instructions of your physician concerning the use of Semglee if you're or are about to become pregnant. Controlling diabetes is essential during pregnancy.

How to take Semglee?

Make use of Semglee precisely as directed by your physician. Follow the directions on the prescription label and go through all the medication guides and instructions on the label.Semglee is injected beneath the skin, typically daily during the same period.If you are treating type 1 diabetes, take your insulin short-acting prior to meals, as prescribed by your physician.

Semglee is not to be given via an insulin pump or combined with other insulins. Don't inject Semglee into the muscle or vein.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 your medicine appears cloudy, has changed color or contains particles.

Your doctor will tell you the location where you can inject Semglee. Don't inject in the same spot twice in one row.Beware of injecting skin that's injured and tender, bruised, pitted, thickened, scaly, or is a hard or abrasive lump.Your dosage requirements could change when you switch to a different brand or strength of this medication. Be sure to use only the medicine that your doctor recommends.If you are using injectors, make sure you use only the pen that is included with Semglee. Make sure to attach a new needle prior to every use. Don't transfer the insulin pen to the needle.

Do not ever share an injection pen, even if you've changed the needle. Sharing the device can spread infections from one person to another.Blood sugar levels can be impacted by stress and illness, surgical procedures or exercise, drinking alcohol, or skipping meals.

A drop in 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 sweets, crackers, raisins, and fruit juices, as well as non-diet soda. Your doctor might prescribe the glucagon injection in cases of extreme hypoglycemia.Talk to your doctor if you are experiencing frequent symptoms of elevated blood sugar (hyperglycemia), like a rise in thirst or frequent urination. Be sure to consult your physician before altering the dosage of any medication you're currently taking.

Make sure to keep Semglee in the original container, protected from light and heat. Don't freeze insulin or keep it in the vicinity of the cooling element inside the refrigerator. Discard any insulin that is stored in a freezer.

Storing items that are not opened (not used):

  • Use and store in the refrigerator until the time of expiration or
  • Keep the product at room temperature (below the temperature of 86°F) and use it for a period of 28 days.

Storing unlocked (in the course of) Semglee:

  • The Semglee vial is in the refrigerator or at room temperature. Make use of it within up to 28 days.
  • The pen should be stored at ambient temperature (do not freeze). Use within the first 28 days.

Don't store an injection pen that has the needle connected. Don't reuse needles or the syringe. Put them in an impervious-to-punch "sharps" container and dispose of them according to the laws of your state or municipality. Keep them out of reach of pets and children.Wear the medical alert tag as well as carry an ID that lets people know that you suffer from diabetes.

What happens if I miss the dose?

Consult your physician for directions in case you missed the dose. Avoid applying more than one dosage within the space of 24 hours, unless you are told by your doctor to.

Make sure you refill your prescription before the expiration date of your medication.

What happens if I overdose?

For medical emergencies, seek immediate attention. You can also contact the Poison Helpline at 1-800-222-1222. A high dose of insulin can lead to serious hypoglycemia. Symptoms include drowsiness and confusion, blurred vision as well as tingling or numbness of your mouth, difficulty speaking, muscle weakness, jerky or unsteady movements, seizures (convulsions), or loss of consciousness.

What should be avoided?

Avoid driving and other hazardous activities until you understand the effects this medication will have on your body. The way you react could be affected.Be sure to avoid medication errors by making sure you read the label on your medicine prior to injecting insulin.

Beware of drinking alcohol and using drugs with alcohol. It could cause problems with the treatment for diabetes.

Side effects of Semglee

Contact emergency medical assistance. If you notice any indications or warnings of an allergy reaction, Semglee: redness or swelling around the injection site where it was administered; itchy skin all over your body; difficulty breathing; rapid heartbeats that make you feel like you may faint or have swelling on your throat or tongue.

Contact your doctor immediately. If you are suffering from:

  • Fast weight increase; swelling of your ankles or feet;
  • Shortness of breath;
  • Low blood potassium, leg cramps, constipation, irregular heartbeats, fluttering of your chest, thirst or urination, numbness, tenderness in muscles, or a feeling of limpness

Common Semglee adverse effects could include:

  • Low blood sugar levels;
  • Weight gain, swelling;
  • Itching, allergic reaction, or rash
  • Swelling or hollowing of the skin where you injected the medication.

This is not a comprehensive list of all side effects. Other side effects could occur. Contact your physician for advice regarding medical adverse effects. You may report any adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Interaction with other drugs

A variety of drugs can affect blood sugar levels and could also impact Semglee. Certain medicines may increase or reduce your effects on insulin. Certain drugs may make it harder to detect symptoms of hypoglycemia. This makes it difficult to determine if your blood sugar levels are low. Inform all of your health professionals about the medicines you take currently and all medicines you stop or start using. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your doctor about any other medications you take. There are not all the interactions mentioned here.