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Lantus vs. Semglee

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

Key takeaways

Lantus (insulin glargine) and Semglee (insulin glargine-yfgn) are both long-acting insulins used to manage blood sugar levels in people with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. They are similar in that they contain the same active ingredient, are both injected under the skin once daily, and help control blood sugar levels throughout the day. However, there are some differences between the two medications. Semglee is an interchangeable biosimilar to Lantus, meaning it can be substituted for Lantus without needing approval from your prescriber. This makes Semglee a potentially lower-cost alternative. Both medications come in vials and prefilled pens. The side effects and risks, such as low blood sugar and weight gain, are similar for both medications.

Lantus

(insulin glargine)

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Semglee

(insulin glargine)

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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 Semglee

Prescription only

Semglee (insulin glargine-yfgn or 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. Semglee (insulin glargine) is injected under the skin, typically once daily. Your care team will determine your dose of Semglee (insulin glargine) based on different factors, such as your diet and blood sugar levels. Semglee (insulin glargine) comes as a vial and a prefilled insulin pen. Some side effects of this medication include redness and swelling at the injection site, and upper respiratory tract infections.

Semglee (insulin glargine) is an interchangeable biosimilar alternative to Lantus (insulin glargine).

Indications for Semglee

Pros and Cons for Semglee

Pros

  • Can control your blood sugar levels for about 24 hours
  • Can be stored at room temperature for up to 28 days
  • Available in 2 dosage forms: insulin pen and vial
  • Can be substituted for Lantus (insulin glargine)

Cons

  • Given as an injection
  • Raises risk of dangerously low blood sugar levels
  • Might cause weight gain
  • Can't be mixed with other insulins within the same syringe

Common Side Effects for Semglee

Type 2 diabetes (T2D)

Note: People with T1D typically experienced less side effects than people with T2D, but are at higher risk for hypoglycemia.

Warnings for Semglee

  • Risk of serious infections
  • Risk of high and low blood sugar levels
  • Dangerously low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia)
  • Low blood potassium levels
  • Swelling and heart failure
  • Severe allergic reactions

Prices with our coupons for Lantus vs. Semglee

Price Card Drug Icon
Lantus1 carton / 5 solostar pens of 3ml
$35.00-
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Price Card Drug Icon
Insulin Glargine1 vial / 10ml of 100 units/ml
$69.45$131.75
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