Lantus

Before your first time using Lantus (insulin glargine), review the tips on starting insulin. This can be helpful for knowing what to expect with insulin therapy. Ask your care team if you have any questions.

Lantus (insulin glargine) can cause low blood sugar as a side effect. Sometimes, it can get too low, which can be dangerous. You and your loved ones should know how to recognize and treat low blood sugar. Some symptoms include sweating, shakiness, anxiety, and hunger. Keep some fast-acting sugars with you to help get your blood sugar back up quickly.

You might need to use different types of insulins at different times of the day to help control your blood sugar. Always check the label on your insulins carefully. This helps you make sure you're using the right insulin at the right time. Double checking can help keep you from getting your insulins mixed up and having low blood sugar.

It's important to check your blood sugar levels regularly. This helps you keep track of how well Lantus (insulin glargine) is working. Share your blood sugar readings with your diabetes care team. They might adjust your insulin based on trends they see.

Make sure your meal plans and exercise routine are consistent. Don't make changes that are too drastic or sudden. This helps keep you blood sugar more steady while taking Lantus (insulin glargine). If you need to make big changes to your diet, meal patterns, or exercise, tell your care team. They might need to adjust your insulin.

Your diabetes care team will show you or your caregiver how to inject Lantus (insulin glargine). Read the Instructions for Use for the prefilled pen (Lantus Solostar) or vial and syringe (Lantus). If you have any questions, ask your care team.

Be sure you know how much Lantus (insulin glargine) you should inject. Don't change how much you inject unless your prescriber tells you it's okay. If you're not sure, ask your prescriber.

When to inject Lantus (insulin glargine): Inject the medication once daily at any time of day. It's best to inject around the same time each day so the medication works consistently for you.

For each Lantus (insulin glargine) injection: Use a new syringe and needle each time. Don't reuse them because this can cause infection. Remember, you'll need to get pen needles separately; they're not included with the pen.

Before injecting Lantus (insulin glargine): Check that the solution is clear and colorless without any particles. If it isn't, don't use the medication and ask your prescriber or pharmacist for a replacement. Don't dilute or mix Lantus (insulin glargine) with any other insulin or medication. Also don't put Lantus (insulin glargine) into an insulin pump. This might not be safe.

Where to inject Lantus (insulin glargine): Inject the medication under the skin of your stomach, thighs, or back of your upper arms. Choose a different spot to inject into each time to prevent skin irritation. Don't inject into pitted, thick, hard, scaly, bruised, or damaged areas of skin.

After the Lantus (insulin glargine) injection: Throw away any used needles and syringe in a sharps container. You can also use something made of heavy-duty plastic, like an empty milk carton or laundry detergent bottle. Don't throw away needles or syringes in your trash can. This helps keep you and others safe from needle sticks.

Unopened Lantus (insulin glargine) vials and pens: Store unopened vials and pens in the refrigerator until the expiration date. If needed, you can also keep them at room temperature (up to 86ºF) for up to 28 days.

Opened Lantus (insulin glargine) vials: Store opened vials in the refrigerator or at room temperature (up to 86ºF) for up to 28 days.

Opened Lantus (insulin glargine) pens: Keep opened pens at room temperature (up to 86ºF) for up to 28 days. After you start using a pen, don't put it in the refrigerator.