INSULIN GLARGINE

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Lantus

GENERIC NAME(S): INSULIN GLARGINE,HUMAN RECOMBINANT ANALOG

 

Description: Insulin glargine, a long-acting analog of human insulin, regulates carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism by inhibiting hepatic glucose production and lipolysis, and enhancing peripheral glucose disposal.

Insulin glargine is used to control high blood sugar in people with diabetes with a proper diet and exercise program. It replaces the insulin that your body would normally make. It acts longer than regular insulin, providing a low, steady level of insulin. It works by helping blood sugar (glucose) get into cells so your body can use it for energy. It may also be used alone or with other diabetes drugs.

How to use insulin glargine subcutaneous

Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using this medication and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor, diabetes educator, or pharmacist.

Follow all package directions for proper use/injection/storage of the particular type of device/insulin you are using. Your health care professional will teach you how to properly inject this medication. If any of the information is unclear, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Do not inject cold insulin because this can be painful. The insulin container you are currently using can be kept at room temperature (see also Storage section). Wash your hands before measuring and injecting insulin. Before using, check the product visually for particles, thickening, or clumps. If any are present, discard that container. Insulin glargine should be clear and colorless. To avoid damaging the insulin, do not shake the container.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Measure each dose carefully, and use exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Even small changes in the amount of insulin may have a large effect on your blood sugar levels. If you are using the cartridge form of this insulin and a special injecting device with a digital display, take care to read the display right-side up. If you read the display upside-down, you may inject the wrong amount of insulin. Ask your pharmacist if you are unsure how to properly use this type of injecting device.

Before injecting each dose, make sure the injection site is clean and dry. Inject this medication under the skin of the abdomen, upper arms, or thighs, usually once daily or as directed by your doctor. Do not rub the injection site. Do not inject into a vein or muscle. Change the location of the injection site daily and do not reuse the same site for two weeks to avoid problem areas under the skin.

Use this medication regularly as directed by your doctor in order to get the most benefit from it. You may inject insulin glargine once daily at any time during the day (such as before breakfast or at bedtime) but you should inject at the same time each day. Carefully follow the insulin treatment plan, meal plan, and exercise program your doctor has recommended.

Do not mix this product with other insulins or solutions, or use it in an insulin pump.

Do not change brands or types of insulin without directions on how to do so from your doctor.

Monitor your blood sugar on a regular basis. Keep track of the results, and share them with your doctor. This is very important in order to determine the correct insulin dose.

If you are measuring doses from vials, do not reuse needles and syringes. If you are using the cartridges or pens, use a new needle each time. Do not share your pen device with another person, even if the needle is changed. You may give other people a serious infection, or get a serious infection from them. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens (your blood sugar levels are too high or too low).

Tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly if injection site reactions (such as pain, redness, irritation) persist or worsen.

Tell your doctor right away if you signs of low potassium level in the blood (such as muscle cramps, weakness, irregular heartbeat).

This medication can cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).

Your dosage may need to be increased if symptoms of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) occur. Tell your doctor immediately if these symptoms  occur:

  • thirst
  • increased urination
  • confusion
  • drowsiness
  • flushing
  • rapid breathing
  • fruity breath odor

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

  • Allergic reaction to this medication
  • Do not use this medication when you have low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
  • Patients with medical history of kidney disease or liver disease
  • You may experience blurred vision, dizziness, or drowsiness
  • Limit alcohol while taking this medication
  • harder to control your blood sugar when your body is stressed (such as due to fever, infection, injury, or surgery)
  • Tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products) before having surgery.
  • Check your blood sugar before and after exercise
  • If traveling across time zones, adjust your insulin schedule
  • Older adults and children may be more sensitive to low blood sugar
  • Pregnancy may cause or worsen diabetes
  • Consult your doctor before breast-feeding

Consult your doctor regarding the precaution mentioned above.

 

Interactions

Rosiglitazone may interact with this drug.

Beta-blocker medications (such as metoprolol, propranolol, glaucoma eye drops such as timolol) may prevent the fast/pounding heartbeat you would usually feel when your blood sugar level falls too low (hypoglycemia).

Many drugs can affect your blood sugar levels, making it more difficult to control your blood sugar. Before you start, stop, or change any medication, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about how the medication may affect your blood sugar.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include: signs of low blood sugar such as sweating, shakiness, loss of consciousness, fast heartbeat.

Notes

Do not share this medication, needles, or syringes with others.

Attend a diabetes education program to learn more about diabetes and the important aspects of its treatment, including medications, diet, exercise, and getting regular eye/foot/medical exams.

Learn the symptoms of high and low blood sugar and how to treat low blood sugar. Check your blood sugar levels regularly as directed.

Keep all regular medical and laboratory appointments. Laboratory and/or medical tests (such as liver and kidney function tests, fasting blood glucose, hemoglobin A1c, complete blood counts) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects.

Keep extra supplies of insulin, syringes, and needles on hand.

Missed Dose

It is very important to follow your insulin regimen exactly. Ask your doctor ahead of time what you should do if you miss a dose of insulin.

Storage

It is best to refrigerate all unopened insulin products. Unopened insulin aspart may also be stored at room temperature, but it must be thrown away after 28 days. Opened insulin aspart vials may be stored in the refrigerator or at room temperature. Opened insulin aspart cartridges and prefilled pens can only be stored at room temperature and should not be refrigerated. Throw away all insulin aspart in use after 28 days, even if there is insulin left. Also throw away all insulin products after the expiration date on the package. Do not freeze and do not use insulin that has been frozen.

If using this drug in an insulin pump, do not store this drug in the pump for more than 6 days. Doing so may lead to ineffective treatment and high blood sugar. Do not expose the insulin in your pump to direct sunlight or temperatures above 98.6 degrees F (37 degrees C).

Protect insulin from light and heat. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

 

Brands

Available Brands:

Glaritus [ Ambica ] Lantus [ sanofi-aventis ]
Lantus Solostar [ sanofi-aventis ]

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