Skip to main content

Compare
Lantus vs. Basaglar

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Lantus (insulin glargine) and Basaglar (insulin glargine) are both long-acting insulins used to manage blood sugar levels in people with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. They contain the same active ingredient and work similarly by helping your body absorb and store sugar from the bloodstream. Both medications are injected under the skin once daily. However, there are some differences between them. Lantus is available as a vial and a prefilled pen (Lantus Solostar), while Basaglar comes as a prefilled pen (Basaglar KwikPen) and a smart insulin pen (Basaglar Tempo Pen) that can connect to a smartphone. Lantus is available as a brand-name and generic medication, while Basaglar is not available as a generic. Lantus is approved for use in both adults and children, whereas Basaglar is approved for children ages 6 years and older and adults. Common side effects for both include low blood sugar levels and injection site reactions. Neither medication should be mixed with other insulins in the same syringe.

Lantus

(insulin glargine)

Get free coupons

Basaglar

(insulin glargine)

Get free coupons

Summary for Lantus

Prescription only

Lantus (insulin glargine) is a type of long-acting insulin. It's used to help manage blood sugar levels in people with Type 1 diabetes or Type 2 diabetes. Lantus (insulin glargine) is injected under the skin once daily. Your dose will depend on a few things, such as the type of diabetes you have and your blood sugar levels. This medication comes in a vial (Lantus) as well as in a prefilled insulin pen (Lantus Solostar). Some side effects include upper respiratory tract infections. It can also cause redness and swelling at the injection site.

Indications for Lantus

Pros and Cons for Lantus

Pros

  • Helps keep your blood sugar controlled for about 24 hours
  • Injected once daily
  • Approved for both adults and children
  • Available as a vial and prefilled pen

Cons

  • Given as an injection under the skin
  • Has a risk of causing dangerously low blood sugar
  • Might cause weight gain
  • Can't be mixed with other insulins within the same syringe

Common Side Effects for Lantus

Type 1 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes

  • Upper respiratory tract infection (11%)
  • Other infection (10%)
  • Eye problem (6%)

Warnings for Lantus

  • Risk of infection from sharing pens and needles
  • Risk of changes to blood sugar levels with changes to your insulin routine
  • Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
  • Low potassium levels
  • Swelling and risk of heart failure when using with certain diabetes medications
  • Severe allergic reaction

Summary for Basaglar

Prescription only

Basaglar (insulin glargine) is a long-acting insulin. It's used to manage blood sugar levels in adults and children with Type 1 diabetes or Type 2 diabetes. Basaglar (insulin glargine) is given as an injection under the skin once per day. Your healthcare team will determine your dose based on different things, such as your diet and your blood sugar levels. This medication comes as a pre-filled pen called Basaglar KwikPen, as well as a smart insulin pen called Basaglar Tempo Pen that can connect to a smartphone. Some side effects of this medication include low blood sugar levels and pain or swelling at the injection site.

Indications for Basaglar

Pros and Cons for Basaglar

Pros

  • Long-lasting insulin that provides consistent, all-day blood sugar control
  • Given once per day
  • Available as a prefilled pen that can easily fit into your purse or pocket
  • Doses can be easily adjusted
  • Can use in type 1 diabetic children as young as 6 years old

Cons

  • Must be given as an injection under the skin
  • Might be difficult for some people to administer correctly
  • Can cause weight gain and low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
  • Doesn't come as a vial, which some people might prefer instead of prefilled pens
  • Not available as a lower-cost generic yet

Common Side Effects for Basaglar

  • Infection (up to 24%)
  • Common cold (up to 16%)
  • Respiratory tract infection (up to 8%)

Warnings for Basaglar

  • Risk of infections with pen sharing
  • Risk of high and low blood sugar levels
  • Dangerously low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
  • Low blood potassium levels
  • Swelling and heart failure when used with certain diabetes medications
  • Severe allergic reactions

Prices with our coupons for Lantus vs. Basaglar

Price Card Drug Icon
Lantus1 carton / 5 solostar pens of 3ml
$35.00-
Get free coupons
More Information
Price Card Drug Icon
Basaglar1 carton / five 3ml kwikpens of 100 units/ml
$228.82$399.81
Get free coupons
More Information

Browse medications by letter

Show All

Browse prescription and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.