Pharmacist Tips For Lantus
Read the detailed “Instructions for Use” that comes with Lantus to ensure that you understand proper administration.
For either vials or insulin pens, they can be kept at room temperature for 28 days.
Inject at the same time each day, but rotate injection sites to prevent skin irritation or deformity.
For proper use, inject Lantus under your skin in your upper arm, abdomen , or thigh .
Never inject it into a vein or muscle. This can cause severely low blood sugar levels and infections.
Do not dilute or mix with other types of insulin it will not work as intended and you may lose blood sugar control, which could be serious. However, your doctor may prescribe other short-acting insulins to use at different times of the day depending on your blood sugar control.
Keep a consistent meal and exercise schedule to prevent any fluctuations in your blood sugar.
Do not re-use needles. Always use a new needle for each injection. Reusing needles increases your chance of having blocked needles, which can cause you to get the wrong dose of Lantus . Using a new needle for each injection also lowers your risk of getting an infection.
When changing to Lantus from other basal insulins you may experience higher average fasting blood sugar levels in the first weeks of therapy. Monitor sugar levels daily to ensure that they are within a healthy range.
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What Are The Typical Dosages Of Lantus
The information below describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. But be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
The typical dosage of Lantus your doctor prescribes will depend on whether you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes. If you have questions about the normal dosage of Lantus for your condition, talk with your doctor.
Youll likely inject Lantus once per day. You can inject it at any time of day, but it should be done at the same time every day.
Dosage for type 1 diabetes
If you have type 1 diabetes, your starting dose of Lantus is about one-third of your total daily insulin dose. The rest of this daily insulin total is made up of a fast-acting insulin thats given at mealtimes.
Your doctor will use weight-based dosing to determine your total daily insulin dose. The usual dosage range for type 1 diabetes is 0.4 units to 1 unit of insulin per kilogram * of body weight.
For example, a doctor might prescribe 0.5 units per kg daily to a person weighing 66 kg . So their total daily insulin would be 33 units. Their Lantus dosage would be one-third of this total, meaning theyd take 11 units of Lantus daily. The remaining 22 units would be given as a fast-acting insulin with each meal.
For details about possible dosage adjustments with Lantus, see the Dosage adjustments section below.
* One kg is about 2.2 pounds.
Dosage for type 2 diabetes
* One kg is about 2.2 pounds.
How Long Can You Leave Insulin Out Before It Goes Bad
Insulin Is Safe at Room Temperature, After Its Been Opened, for About a Month. Insulin is fine at room temperature but will start to degrade and lose its potency after 28 days.
Is it OK not to refrigerate insulin?
To ensure that your insulin remains effective, stable and undamaged you should discard your in use insulin after 28days, whether in a vial or cartridge. Insulin that is not in use should be stored in the refrigerator. If refrigeration is not possible, it can be kept at room temperature for 28 days.
How long can unopened Lantus be unrefrigerated?
Insulin products contained in vials or cartridges supplied by the manufacturers may be left unrefrigerated at a temperature between 59°F and 86°F for up to 28 days and continue to work.
What happens if you dont refrigerate Lantus insulin?
A: Insulin you are not using should be kept between 36 degrees and 46 degrees Fahrenheit. If it gets colder than that it can freeze. If it gets warmer than that, it will be good for a while, but eventually it will start to break down.
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Initiation Of Lantus Therapy
Type 1 Diabetes
- In patients with type 1 diabetes, LANTUS must be used concomitantly with short-acting insulin. The recommended starting dose of LANTUS in patients with type 1 diabetes should be approximately one-third of the total daily insulin requirements. Short-acting, premeal insulin should be used to satisfy the remainder of the daily insulin requirements.
Type 2 Diabetes
- The recommended starting dose of LANTUS in patients with type 2 diabetes who are not currently treated with insulin is 0.2 units/kg or up to 10 units once daily. One may need to adjust the amount and timing of short- or rapid-acting insulins and dosages of any oral antidiabetic drugs.
Getting The Right Dosage
Even for those on Lantus® for a while, it may take a little time to get to the right dose of insulin. Your doctor may change your Lantus® dose several times in the first few weeks. This is to be expected. For best results, keep taking your Lantus® as prescribed, and keep talking to your doctor. What if You Miss a Dose? Your doctor will guide you on when to take Lantus®. Ask him or her what to do if you forget to take your insulin, so you can be prepared in advance in case it ever happens. Here are a few ways to remember to take your Lantus® once-a-day: 3 Helpful Tips Make yourself a reminder If you take your Lantus® at night, it might also be a good idea to leave yourself a note on your nightstand as a way to remember. If you take it in the morning, put your supplies where you can’t miss themnext to your toothbrush, for example. Keep out of reach of children. Add it to your other daily “to dos” Many people take Lantus® right after brushing their teeth in the evening or while making breakfast in the morning. Set an Alarm Some people set alarms on their wristwatches or mobile devices to remind them when to take their Lantus®. We changed doses a couple of times when I started on Lantus®, until we found the right amount for me.Continue reading > >
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About Lantus Solostar 100iu/ml Injection 3 Ml
Lantus Solostar 100IU/ml Injection 3 ml is a long-acting insulin that contains insulin glargine. This is a modified insulin, very similar to human insulin. Human insulin is the name which describes synthetic insulin which is laboratory grown to mimic the insulin in humans. Lantus Solostar 100IU/ml Injection 3 ml is used to treat diabetes mellitus in adults, adolescents and children aged 2 years and above. Diabetes mellitus is a disease where your body does not produce enough insulin to control the level of blood sugar. Lantus Solostar 100IU/ml Injection 3 ml has a long and steady blood-sugar-lowering action. Long-acting insulin takes about 2 hours to start acting, and is designed to act uniformly so that there is no peak activity as such. The duration of long-acting insulin is up to 24 hours. Treatment with Lantus Solostar 100IU/ml Injection 3 ml helps to prevent complications from your diabetes. Do not use Lantus Solostar 100IU/ml Injection 3 ml to treat diabetic ketoacidosis .
Lantus Solostar 100IU/ml Injection 3 ml is a long-acting insulin that works by ensuring consistent sugar control. Hence, it helps lower blood sugar levels throughout the day. Based on your lifestyle and the results of your blood sugar tests and your previous insulin usage. Your doctor will advise you how much Lantus Solostar 100IU/ml Injection 3 ml per day you will need and at what time you need to take.
What Are The Starting And Maximum Doses Of Lantus
There arent starting and maximum dosages of Lantus that apply to everyone.
The starting dose of Lantus that your doctor prescribes is based on whether or not you take insulin and how much you take. The dose may also depend on how much you weigh.
Your doctor will use your blood sugar levels and other tests to adjust your dosage of Lantus until they find what works best for you.
Theres no standard or maximum dosage of Lantus. Instead, your doctor will prescribe a dosage of Lantus thats based on your individual needs. You should not take more Lantus than your doctor prescribes.
For more information on dosages of Lantus, see the rest of this article. You can also talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
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Lantus Solostar Side Effects
Serious Side Effects
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Dry mouth, increased thirst, muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting, uneven heartbeat
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Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
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Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet, trouble breathing, tiredness
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Fever, chills, cough, stuffy or runny nose, sore throat, and body aches
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Shaking, trembling, sweating, fast or pounding heartbeat, lightheadedness, hunger, confusion
Less Serious Side Effects
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Redness, pain, itching, swelling, or any skin changes where the shot was given
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Skin rash or itching
Frequently Asked Questions About Lantus
Can you take Lantus and metformin together?
Lantus can be taken with other oral diabetes medications, like metformin, if your blood sugar level needs better control. Talk to your provider about your diabetes treatment and what medications may be right for you.
What kind of insulin is Lantus ?
Lantus is a long-acting insulin that works for up to 24 hours to lower your blood sugar.
Does Lantus make you gain weight?
Weight gain is one of the most common side effects of Lantus . In clinical studies, the average weight gain was up to 1.5 lbs in adults with type 1 diabetes who took Lantus for 16 to 28 weeks.
When should you not take Lantus ?
You should not use Lantus if you are having symptoms of hypoglycemia , such as feeling shaky, nervousness, fast heartbeat, sweating or body chills, confusion, weakness or low energy, and excessive hunger. Talk to your provider or pharmacist if you are concerned about this.
What should I avoid while taking Lantus ?
Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how Lantus affects you. Do not drink alcohol or use prescription or over-the-counter medications that contain alcohol.
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What Is Lantus Solostar: Uses Warnings & Interactions
Lantus Solostar is available as a pen that’s prefilled with a long-lasting insulin. It’s used to improve blood sugar control in those with diabetes mellitus. It is used to treat both type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes in adults and children. Diabetes medication is often expensive. Fortunately, you can use Lantus Solostar coupons from SingleCare to save on the average price of Lantus Solostar, which could be $110.42 if not more. Pay $64.80 instead at a participating drugstore near you.
What Is Toujeo 300 Units/ml
Prescription Toujeo is a long-acting man-made insulin used to control high blood sugar in adults and children who are 6 years of age and older with diabetes mellitus.
- Toujeo is not for use to treat diabetic ketoacidosis
- It is not known if Toujeo is safe and effective in children under 6 years of age
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Can You Use Insulin Straight From The Fridge
Although manufacturers recommend storing your insulin in the refrigerator, injecting cold insulin can sometimes make the injection more painful. To avoid this, many providers suggest storing the bottle of insulin you are using at room temperature.
Where is the best place to inject Lantus?
Lantus® may be injected in the abdomen, upper arm, or thigh. Remember to rotate injection sites. The abdomen is the preferred injection site for the AutoShield Duo. This location facilitates proper injection techniquesuch as keeping the pen at the proper 90 degree angle.
Should Lantus be taken with food?
Lantus works continuously in the background and does not need you to eat food when you inject it at your usual time.
What Happens If I Overdose
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. Insulin overdose can cause severe hypoglycemia. Symptoms include drowsiness, confusion, blurred vision, numbness or tingling in your mouth, trouble speaking, muscle weakness, clumsy or jerky movements, seizure , or loss of consciousness.
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How To Store And Dispose Of Your Home Medical Sharps
Dont throw your medical sharps directly into the trash or flush them down the toilet. Put them into a sharps container. You can use an empty, hard, opaque plastic container that has a screw-on cap, such as a laundry detergent bottle. Dont store sharps in glass bottles, soda bottles, milk jugs, aluminum cans, coffee cans, or paper or plastic bags. For more information, read the resource How to Store and Get Rid of Your Home Medical Sharps.
Stop using your sharps container when its a little more than half full. Wrap the lid or cap with strong tape to create a more secure seal and keep it from leaking. Label the bottle by writing on it Home Sharps: not for recycling.
If you live in New York City, you can place the sealed container in with your regular trash for collection. Dont put it with your recyclables. If you live in a different county of New York or another state, check with your local department of health. You can also use the resources below to find more information specific to your area.
- Safe Needle Disposal
What Is It Prescribed For
- Type 1 Diabetes mellitus
- How long does it take for this medicine to take effect?Lantus Solostar Injection begins to show its effect within 1.5 to 2 hours after administration.
- How long do the effects of this medicine last?The effect of Lantus Solostar Injection lasts for an average duration of 24 hours.
- Is it safe to consume alcohol while taking this medicine?Consumption of alcohol is not recommended during treatment with Lantus Solostar Injection as it may alter your blood sugar levels. This may cause side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, increased thirst, increased hunger, mood changes, extreme fatigue, etc.
- Is this a habit forming medicine?No habit-forming tendency was reported with Lantus Solostar Injection.
- Can this medicine be taken during pregnancy?Lantus Solostar Injection is not recommended for use in pregnant as animal studies indicate that it may harm your foetus. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant.
- Can this medicine be taken while breast-feeding?It is not known whether Lantus Solostar Injection passes into the breastmilk in significant amounts. Hence, take this medicine only if prescribed by your doctor.
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Do I Take Insulin Before Or After A Meal
Question Originally asked by Community Member elainenakamura Do I Take Insulin Before Or After A Meal? How soon after a meal should I take insulin? I dont know whether I should take it before or after, actually. Can anyone help? Answer Elaine- Hello! What kind of insulin are you taking? You should find out from your physician when the best time for you to take your insulin would be. When I was taking shots I would give myself a shot before breakfast, before lunch, before dinner and I would give myself lantus before bed. We all have different requirements. Your physician would be able to answer this questions a lot better than I could. You can read more about how insulin works, and other useful information at this link. Cherise Community Moderator You should know Answers to your question are meant to provide general health information but should not replace medical advice you receive from a doctor. No answers should be viewed as a diagnosis or recommended treatment for a condition. Answered By: Cherise NicoleContinue reading > >
How To Store Your Insulin Pens
Too much heat, cold, or sunlight can damage the insulin in your pens. Follow the instructions below to store your insulin pens.
- Keep your new, unused insulin pens in the refrigerator door. This keeps them from being pushed to the back of the refrigerator, where they can freeze.
- Keep the insulin pen youre currently using at room temperature . Once you use an insulin pen the first time, never put it back in the refrigerator.
- Never freeze your insulin pens.
- When youre going out in hot weather, dont let your insulin pen get too hot. Carry it in an insulated bag, or something similar, to keep it cool.
- If youre going to be out for a few hours, put a cold bottle of water in the insulated bag with your insulin pen. This will keep it from getting too hot for several hours.
- If youre going to be out for a longer time, you can put an ice pack in the insulated bag with your insulin pen. Wrap the ice pack or insulin pen in a towel to keep them from touching. If the pen touches the ice pack directly, the insulin can freeze.
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Is There A Dosing Conversion For Tresiba And Lantus
Yes, there is a dosing conversion for switching from Lantus to Tresiba, or vice versa.
If youre interested in switching between these two drugs, talk with your doctor. If they approve a change from one drug to the other, theyll tell you how to adjust your dosing. But do not change your treatment plan unless your doctor tells you its safe to do so.