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Lantus®
Generic name: insulin glargine [ IN-su-lin-GLAR-gine
] Brand names: Lantus, Lantus SoloStar Drug class: Insulin
What is Lantus?

If you have diabetes,
your doctor may prescribe Lantus for you.
It’s a prescription drug that’s used to help manage blood
sugar levels in:
Lantus isn’t used to treat diabetic
ketoacidosis (DKA). (DKA is a serious complication of diabetes that
causes acid to build up in the blood.)
Lantus basics and classification
Lantus is classified as a long-acting
insulin. It contains the active drug insulin
glargine, which is a biologic drug.
Biologic drugs are made from parts of living cells.
Lantus is available in biosimilar versions. Biosimilars are like generic
drugs. But unlike generics, which are made for nonbiologic drugs,
biosimilars are made for biologic drugs.
Biosimilars of Lantus include:
-
Semglee (insulin glargine-yfgn*)
-
Rezvoglar (insulin glargine-aglr*)
Lantus comes as a liquid solution that’s given as an injection
under your skin.
*
The reason “-yfgn” and -aglr” appear at the end of these drug names is
to show that the drugs are distinct from each other and from similar
medications that may be created in the future.
Lantus vials and SoloStar pens
Lantus solution comes in:
- vials for use with insulin
syringes
- single-use, prefilled injection
pens called Lantus SoloStar pens
Read on to learn about Lantus’ dosage, side effects, uses, and more.
What is Lantus used for?
If you have diabetes,
your doctor may prescribe Lantus.
It’s a prescription drug that’s used to help manage blood
sugar levels. It’s prescribed for:
Diabetes is a condition that leads to high
blood sugar. Your body’s cells use blood sugar as their
primary source of energy. Your pancreas releases
a hormone called insulin to
help get sugar from your blood into your body’s cells.
With diabetes, your body can’t effectively use the insulin
that’s made in your pancreas. Or your pancreas just doesn’t make
enough (if any) insulin.
Over time, this can cause a high level of blood sugar to stay in
your blood. And having high blood sugar that goes untreated for
a long time can lead to serious problems. These include heart
disease and kidney
disease.
Lantus is a type of insulin. It adds to or replaces your body’s
natural insulin.
It’s important to note that Lantus isn’t used to treat diabetic
ketoacidosis (DKA). (DKA is a serious complication of
diabetes that causes acid to build up in the blood.)
What are Lantus’ side effects?
Like most drugs, Lantus may cause mild or serious side effects.
The lists below describe some of the more common side effects
that Lantus may cause. These lists don’t include all possible
side effects.
Keep in mind that side effects of a drug can depend on:
- your age
- other health conditions you have
- other medications you take
Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you more about potential side
effects of Lantus. They can also suggest ways to help reduce
side effects.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. You may report side
effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Mild side effects
Here’s a short list of some of the mild side effects that Lantus
can cause. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with
your doctor or pharmacist.
Mild side effects of Lantus that have been reported include:
- weight gain*
- reactions at your injection sites*
- edema (fluid buildup), which usually happens in your
ankles, feet, or legs
-
headache
- upper respiratory infections, such as the common
cold
* Mild side effects of many drugs may go away within a few days to
a couple of weeks. But if they become bothersome, talk with your
doctor or pharmacist.
Serious side effects
Serious side effects from Lantus can occur, but they aren’t
common. If you have serious side effects from Lantus, call your
doctor right away. But if you think you’re having a medical
emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number.
Serious side effects of Lantus that have been reported include:
Side effect focus
Learn more about some of the side effects Lantus
may cause.
Weight gain
You may have weight
gain while using Lantus. This was one of the most common
side effects in studies of
the drug.
Keep in mind that weight gain can also be caused by edema (fluid
buildup), which is another common side effect of Lantus. Fluid
buildup from Lantus usually happens in your ankles, feet, or
legs.
What might help
Be sure to tell your doctor if you have weight gain while using
Lantus. If your weight changes while using this medication, they
may adjust your Lantus dosage.
Your doctor can also suggest ways to maintain a weight that’s
healthy for you with diet and exercise while
using Lantus.
Hypoglycemia
You may have hypoglycemia (low blood
sugar level) while using Lantus. This is the most common
side effect of all insulins,
including Lantus.
Hypoglycemia occurs when your blood sugar falls below a certain
level. For most people with diabetes,
blood sugar level is considered low when it falls below 70
milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL).
Hypoglycemia can lead to the following symptoms:
- trouble concentrating
- dizziness
- pale or clammy
skin
-
headache
- shaking or sweating
Severely low blood sugar can also cause seizures and loss
of consciousness. If you have these conditions, you may not
be able to respond to sound or touch.
What might help
To help prevent hypoglycemia with Lantus, your doctor will tell
you how often to check your
blood sugar level.
Print a copy of the
Blood Sugar Log for your use
If you have symptoms of hypoglycemia, check your blood sugar
level right away. If it’s below 70 mg/dL, the American
Diabetes Association recommends that you follow the “15–15
rule.” To do this, you should eat at least 15 grams (g) of fast-acting
carbohydrates. Wait 15 minutes, then check your blood sugar
level again.
If your blood sugar level is still less than 70 mg/dL, eat
another 15 g of fast-acting carbohydrates. Then, wait another 15
minutes to check your blood sugar. Repeat this cycle until your
blood sugar level is at least 70 mg/dL.
Below are a few examples of sources that contain 15 g of
fast-acting carbohydrates:
- 4 ounces (oz) of fruit juice
- 4 oz of regular (non-diet) soda
- glucose gel, powder, tablets, or liquid; check the product’s
label for how much equals 15 g
- hard candy; read the candy’s label for how many pieces are
equal to 15 g
In some cases, your blood sugar may be so low that someone else
needs to help you treat it. Make sure a family member, friend,
co-worker, or caregiver knows how to recognize and treat
hypoglycemia.
Severe hypoglycemia is a medical emergency and should be treated
right away. You or someone else should call 911 or your local
emergency number if you have symptoms of this condition.
In case of emergency, your doctor may also prescribe glucagon along
with your Lantus. (Glucagon helps prevent the effects of insulin
during an episode of severe hypoglycemia.) Your doctor or
pharmacist can tell you how to use glucagon for severe
hypoglycemia.
Tell your doctor if you have hypoglycemia symptoms while using
Lantus. They can help you understand what caused it. They can
also suggest ways to help you avoid another hypoglycemia
episode.
Reactions at your injection sites
You may have reactions at your Lantus injection sites.
These side effects were common in studies of
the drug.
Below are a few reactions that can happen around the area where
Lantus is injected:
- itching
- redness or deepening of skin color
- pain
- rash
- tenderness
- a buildup of protein under your skin, which causes a
lump to form near the injection site
- pits in your skin or thickened
skin that forms near the injection site
What might help
To lower your risk of reactions at your injection sites, it’s
important to inject each dose of Lantus into a different area of
your body. You can inject Lantus into your upper arms, upper
thighs, or belly.
If you have any of the reactions listed above while using
Lantus, avoid injecting the drug into that area until after the
area has healed. And if you have persistent or bothersome
injection site reactions while using Lantus, talk with your
doctor.
Allergic reaction
Some people may have an allergic
reaction to Lantus.
Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction can include:
- skin rash
- itchiness
-
flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of
skin color)
A more severe allergic reaction is rare but possible.
Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include swelling
under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or
feet. They can also include swelling of your tongue, mouth,
or throat, which can cause trouble breathing.
Call your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction
to Lantus. But if you think you’re having a medical
emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number. |
Is Lantus similar to Humalog, Novolog, and Victoza?
Below are a few ways that Lantus, Humalog,
Novolog, and Victoza are
alike and different.
Lantus, Humalog, and Novolog are used to help manage blood
sugar levels in people who have type
1 diabetes or type
2 diabetes. Victoza is used to help manage blood sugar
levels only in people with type 2 diabetes.
Lantus is a long-acting
insulin that contains the active drug insulin
glargine. Humalog and Novolog are fast-acting insulins,
which are also known as rapid-acting insulins. Humalog contains
the active drug insulin lispro, while Novolog contains the
active drug insulin aspart.
Victoza isn’t a type of insulin. It belongs to a group of drugs
called glucagon-like
peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. Victoza contains the
active drug liraglutide.
To learn more about how Lantus, Humalog, Novolog, and Victoza
compare, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
How does Lantus work?
Lantus is used to help manage blood
sugar levels in certain people who have diabetes.
Diabetes is a condition that leads to high
blood sugar. With diabetes, your body can’t effectively use
the insulin that’s
made in your pancreas.
Or your pancreas just doesn’t make enough (or any) insulin.
(Insulin is a hormone that helps lower your blood sugar levels.)
Lantus is a type of insulin. Its mechanism of action (how it
works) is to add to or replace the insulin that’s naturally made
by the human body.
Lantus helps lower your blood sugar level by:
- helping your muscle cells and fat cells take up sugar from
your blood
- keeping your liver from
making more blood sugar
- stopping your body from breaking down fats and proteins so
it can break down blood sugar instead
Lantus’ half-life is about 12 hours.
(A drug’s half-life is the amount of time it takes for half of a
drug’s dose to leave your body.) In other words, it takes about
12 hours for your body to get rid of half of a dose of Lantus.
If you have more questions about how Lantus works or its
half-life, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Does Lantus need to be refrigerated?
The way you’ll store Lantus varies based on a few factors,
including whether you’re using Lantus vials or pens. For
details, see the list below.
-
Unopened Lantus
vials. You’ll store these in the
refrigerator at a temperature of 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C).
You can store them this way until the expiration date on the
package. You can also store unopened Lantus vials at a room
temperature below 86°F (30°C) for up to 28 days. But be sure
to throw them away after 28 days.
-
Opened Lantus
vials. You’ll store opened Lantus
vials in the refrigerator or at room temperature for up to
28 days.
-
Unopened Lantus SoloStar pens. You’ll store
unopened pens in
the refrigerator. You can store them this way until the
expiration date on the package. Or you can store unopened
pens at room temperature for up to 28 days.
-
Opened Lantus SoloStar
pens. You’ll store opened
pens at room temperature for up to 28 days. You should not
put them in the refrigerator.
Do not ever freeze Lantus.
Be sure to store vials and pens away from heat and light.
And throw away any vials and pens that have been open for
more than 28 days. Talk with
your pharmacist about safe ways to dispose of medications.
Does Lantus cause cancer?
It’s possible, but it isn’t known for sure.
Cancer wasn’t a side effect reported in initial studies of
Lantus. Since then, there have been reports that
long-term use of Lantus may be linked to an increased risk of breast
cancer. But other studies have
shown no connection between breast cancer and Lantus use.
Reports have also shown that diabetes,
which Lantus is used to treat, may also raise your risk of
certain cancers. These include stomach
cancer and kidney
cancer. So it’s possible that diabetes, instead of Lantus,
could raise your risk of certain cancers.
If you’re concerned about your risk of cancer with Lantus, talk
with your doctor.
Forms & Strengths
Lantus comes as a liquid solution that’s given as an injection
under your skin.
Lantus is available in one strength of U-100. This means it
contains 100 units of insulin per milliliter (mL) of solution.
Lantus vials and SoloStar pens
Lantus solution comes in:
- 10-mL vials, for use with insulin
syringes
-
100 units/mL, 3-mL single-use, prefilled injection
pens, called Lantus SoloStar pens
Recommended Dosages
Below is a dosage chart for the recommended starting dose of
Lantus:
If you have: |
Starting dose of Lantus will likely be: |
Type 1 diabetes |
About one-third of your total daily insulin dose
(the rest of which is made up of fast-acting
insulin at mealtimes) |
Type 2 diabetes |
Up to 10 units or 0.2 units of Lantus for every
kilogram (kg)* of your body weight |
|
* One kilogram is about 2.2 pounds. |
You’ll need to monitor your blood
sugar levels while using Lantus. Your doctor will show you
how. And they may adjust your Lantus dosage based on this and
other factors, such as:
- the form of Lantus you use
- your body weight
- other medical conditions you may have
- other medications you take, including other types of insulin
Your healthcare professional will teach you how to determine
your Lantus dosage. They may suggest a dosing calculator for you
to use.
Doctors typically prescribe Lantus to be used once a day, not
twice a day. You can take it at any time of day, but it should
be the same time every day. Most people follow a bedtime dosing
schedule for Lantus. Be sure to follow your doctor’s
instructions for when to take Lantus.
Questions about Lantus’ dosage
Below are answers to a few common questions related to Lantus’
dosage.
-
What if I miss a dose of Lantus? Take your missed
dose of Lantus as soon as you remember. But if it’s almost
time for your next dose, just skip the missed dose. Then
take your next dose at its usual time. If you aren’t sure
whether to take a missed dose or skip it, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
-
Will I need to use Lantus long term? Yes, possibly.
You may need long-term treatment for your diabetes. If you
and your doctor decide that Lantus is safe and effective for
you, you may take it long term.
-
How long does Lantus take to work? Lantus starts
working to manage your blood sugar levels within 1.5 to 2
hours after you take a dose.
Taking Lantus
Lantus comes as a liquid solution that’s given as an injection under
your skin.
Lantus solution comes in:
- vials for use with insulin
syringes
- single-use, prefilled injection
pens called Lantus SoloStar pens
How to use Lantus SoloStar pens
Your doctor will show you how to give yourself injections using
the Lantus SoloStar pen. You’ll need pen needles, which are
dispensed or sold separately. You’ll attach a new needle to the
pen before you inject each dose.
Note: It’s important that you do not share your Lantus
Solostar pen with another person, even if you’ve changed the
needle. Sharing injection pens and needles can increase the risk
of infections transferring
between people.
How to use Lantus vials
Your doctor will show you how to give yourself injections from a
Lantus vial using insulin syringes. Lantus doesn’t come with
insulin syringes. You’ll need to get them separately from your
pharmacy.
Note: It’s important that you do not share your insulin
syringes with another person. Sharing syringes can increase the
risk of infections transferring between people.
Lantus injection sites
You can inject Lantus into your:
- upper arms
- upper thighs
- belly
(preferred)
To lower your risk of reactions at your injection sites, it’s
important to inject each dose of Lantus into a different area of
your body.
Questions about taking Lantus
Below is important information you should know about taking
Lantus.
-
Should I take Lantus with food? You can take Lantus
with or without food.
-
When should you not take Lantus? There are certain
conditions under which you should not take Lantus. These
include times you have a low
blood sugar level, or if you’re allergic to Lantus. For
details on when not to take this drug, see “Warnings” in the
“What
should be considered before taking Lantus?” section
below.
Questions for your doctor
You may have questions about Lantus and your treatment plan.
It’s important to discuss all your concerns with your
doctor.
Here are a few tips that might help guide your discussion:
- Before your appointment, write down questions such as:
- How will Lantus affect my body, mood, or lifestyle?
- Bring someone with you to your appointment if doing so
will help you feel more comfortable.
- If you don’t understand something related to your
condition or treatment, ask your doctor to explain it to
you.
Remember, your doctor and other healthcare professionals are
available to help you. And they want you to get the best
care possible. So, don’t be afraid to ask questions or offer
feedback on your treatment.
What should be considered before taking Lantus?
Some important things to discuss with your doctor when
considering Lantus include:
- any medical conditions you have
- your overall health
- other medications you’re taking
These and other considerations are described below.
Interactions
Taking a medication with certain vaccines, foods, and other
things can affect how the medication works. These effects are
called interactions.
Before taking Lantus, be sure to tell your doctor about all
medications you take, including prescription and
over-the-counter types. Also describe any Vitamins, herbs, or
supplements you use. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you
about any interactions these items may cause with Lantus.
Interactions with drugs or supplements
Lantus can interact with several types of drugs.
These drugs
include:
- diabetes drugs other than Lantus, including
thiazolidinediones (TZDs), such as:
- pioglitazone (Actos)
- rosiglitazone (Avandia)
- certain HIV drugs,
such as protease
inhibitors
- certain cholesterol-lowering
drugs, such as:
- niacin (Niaspan)
- fibrates
- certain antidepressant drugs,
such as:
- monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
- fluoxetine (Prozac)
- certain antibiotic drugs,
such as sulfonamides
- thyroid disorder drugs
- antipsychotic drugs, such as the mood
stabilizer lithium (Lithobid)
- blood pressure drugs, such as:
- angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs)
- angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
- beta-blockers
- diuretics
- clonidine
- corticosteroids
- birth control pills
This list does not contain all types of drugs that may interact
with Lantus. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you more about
these interactions and any others that may occur with use of
Lantus.
Warnings
Lantus may not be right for you if you have certain medical
conditions or other factors that affect your health. Talk with
your doctor about your health history before you take Lantus.
Factors to consider include those in the list below.
-
Low blood sugar level. (Hypoglycemia) You should not take Lantus
during an episode of low
blood sugar level. This is because Lantus can cause and also
worsen this condition.
Print a copy of the
Blood Sugar Log for your use
-
Low potassium. Lantus may cause hypokalemia (low potassium level)
as a side effect. If you have a condition or take a
medication that causes low potassium, taking Lantus can
further increase your risk of this side effect. Be sure to
discuss your health history and the medications you take
with your doctor. Your doctor can tell you about how they’ll
monitor your potassium level during Lantus treatment.
-
Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic
reaction to Lantus or any of its ingredients, you should
not take Lantus. Ask your doctor what other medications are
better options for you.
-
Taking thiazolidinediones (TZDs). Before taking
Lantus, tell your doctor if you’re taking diabetes medications
called TZDs. Examples of TZDs include pioglitazone (Actos)
and rosiglitazone (Avandia).
When taken with TZDs, Lantus can raise your risk of swelling.
And this could cause new or worsening heart
failure. Your doctor can advise if it’s safe for you to
take Lantus while using these medications.
Lantus & alcohol?
It’s best to avoid drinking alcohol while using Lantus.
This is because alcohol can increase or decrease your blood
sugar levels. And this can make it hard for Lantus to manage
your blood sugar. For this reason, you may need to avoid
drinking alcohol while taking Lantus.
If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about how much
alcohol, if any, is safe for you to drink while using Lantus.
Pregnancy & breastfeeding
There aren’t any known safety issues with using Lantus while
pregnant or breastfeeding. This drug is generally considered
safe to use during these times.
If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to be pregnant or
breastfeed, talk with your doctor. They can describe the
possible risks and benefits of using Lantus while pregnant. They
can also tell you about any possible nursing implications of the
drug.
Symptoms of overdose
Symptoms caused by an overdose can include:
- low blood sugar level, which can lead to seizures or coma in
severe cases
- low potassium level
What to do in case you take too much Lantus
Call your doctor if you think you’ve taken too much Lantus. You
can also call 1-800-222-1222 to reach the American Association of
Poison Control Centers or use its online
resource. But
if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 (or your local
emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency room.
What to ask your doctor
If you have diabetes,
your doctor may prescribe Lantus for you. If you have questions
about taking this drug, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Below are some questions you may want to consider asking:
- What should I do if I notice pits
in my skin or thickened
skin near my Lantus injection sites?
- Do any other medications I take interact with Lantus?
- How often should I check my blood
sugar level while I’m taking Lantus?
You may also want to ask your doctor about other treatment
options for diabetes.
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