Lantus / Lantus Solostar (insulin glargine) is a form of insulin used to treat people aged six and upwards with type 1 diabetes and adults with type 2 diabetes. Insulin glargine is a long-acting synthetic version of human insulin that is self-injected once daily and provides a steady (basal) insulin level throughout the day.
Lantus comes in a vial for use with disposable syringes. Lantus Solostar is a set of pre-loaded pens. Each is sufficient to deliver 28 days of insulin doses.
Dosage
Always follow the dose exactly as prescribed. There are instructions for self-administration, as well as for when the drug will be administered to a young child, on the Product Leaflet that accompanies the pens and vials.
Note: Lantus and Lantus Solostar must be kept refrigerated except when being administered. The product can only be shipped to customers who have selected a cold shipping option when ordering.
This text is for informational purposes only. Please consult a doctor or pharmacist before using any medication.
Read the information leaflet that comes with the medication.
Most people who use Lantus Insulin do not experience any negative side effects. Doctors prescribe Lantus Insulin because they assess the benefits of such treatment outweigh any likely unwanted effects.
Some of the side effects that have been reported include:
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) – more likely in children with type 1 diabetes and can be more severe
- Injection site reaction
- Skin thickening, lumps, or dents at an injection site
- Flu-like symptoms (upper respiratory tract infections)
- Weight gain
- Swelling in the feet, ankles, or legs (peripheral edema)
- Joint pain
- Weight gain
- Diarrhea
Not all side effects are listed here. If these or other unlisted symptoms persist or worsen, consult a healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Children from the age of six and adults who have been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, and adults over the age of 18 with type 2 diabetes need additional insulin to control their levels of blood sugar. High blood sugar (hyperglycemia) is a potentially serious or even fatal condition and needs to be treated and monitored constantly.
Laboratory tests differentiate type 1 and type 2 diabetes. In type 1 diabetes, blood samples contain antibodies that attack the pancreas (the site of insulin production). In type 2 diabetes, the main signal is high sugar content in the urine or blood.