Lantus Use With Other Drugs
Lantus may be used with other diabetes medications, including other injectable drugs or medications taken by mouth.
People with type 1 diabetes will need to take Lantus along with a mealtime insulin. This is because Lantus is a basal insulin, a background insulin that helps control blood sugar levels in between meals. A mealtime insulin is needed to control spikes in blood sugar that occur after eating.
Examples of mealtime insulins that may be taken along with Lantus include:
- insulin lispro
- insulin regular
People with type 2 diabetes will also likely need to take other diabetes medications besides Lantus. There are several different types of injectable or oral medications that your doctor may prescribe. These drugs lower your blood sugar further and help prevent serious complications, such as nerve damage.
The Lantus dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors. These include:
- the severity of the condition youre using Lantus to treat
- your weight
- your history of blood sugar control
- your blood sugar level goals
Typically, your doctor will start you on a low dosage. Then theyll adjust it over time to reach the amount thats right for you. Your doctor will ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.
The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to suit your needs.
Dosage For Type 2 Diabetes
The usual starting dose of Lantus for people with type 2 diabetes is 0.2 units/kg.
The maximum starting dose of Lantus is 10 units a day.
Lantus is typically taken once a day, not twice a day.
The drug is given as an injection just under your skin . You can inject Lantus in the skin of your upper arms, belly , or thighs.
How To Inject Lantus Using A Solostar Pen
If your doctor wants you to use a Lantus SoloStar pen, follow these steps.
Preparing the pen
Heres how to get your Lantus SoloStar pen ready for use.
Attaching a needle to the pen
Once the pen is at room temperature and youve prepared it, youre ready to attach the needle.
Testing the pen
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Lantus For Type 1 Diabetes
Lantus is approved by the FDA to improve blood sugar levels in adults and children with type 1 diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes is a chronic condition where your pancreas doesnt make insulin. Your body needs the hormone insulin to bring sugar into your cells, where sugar is used for energy. Without insulin, your cells cant get the energy they need to work properly. It also leads to high blood sugar levels, which can cause serious problems if not treated.
People with type 1 diabetes need to take insulin to survive.
Note: Lantus isnt approved to treat DKA, which is a possible complication of diabetes. For more information about DKA, see the Common questions about Lantus section below.
What Other Medications May Interact With Lantus
Tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, and vitamins or supplements.
When taken with Lantus, certain drugs can increase the risk of low blood sugar and require a lower dose of Lantus and more frequent monitoring. Examples include:
- Antidiabetic drugs
Some drugs can decrease the effect of Lantus and may require a higher dose of Lantus and more frequent monitoring. Examples include:
- Atypical antipsychotics such as Zyprexa , among others
- Corticosteroids such as prednisone
- Diuretics such as Lasix and Microzide , among others
- Thyroid hormones such as Synthroid , among others
Some drugs or substances can either increase or decrease the effect of Lantus. Some examples include:
- Alcohol
- Beta-blockers such as Inderal and Zebeta
- Clonidine
- Lithium
Finally, some drugs can mask symptoms of low blood sugar and require more frequent blood sugar monitoring. Examples include:
- Beta-blockers
- Clonidine
- Reserpine
Other drug interactions may occur with Lantus. Consult your healthcare provider for a complete list of drug interactions.
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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.
You may wonder how Lantus compares with other options, such as Basaglar.
Both Lantus and Basaglar contain insulin glargine.
To learn more about the similarities and differences between Lantus and Basaglar, see this detailed comparison.
Read on to find out about alternatives for Lantus. And check with your doctor about which drug is right for your needs.
What Are Insulin Pens
Insulin pens are gaining more and more popularity among patients with diabetes mellitus type 1 and type 2. These are injectable devices with inbuilt cartridges that contain insulin medication to reduce high blood sugar. The main reason for their increased popularity is the convenience and ease of usage and insulin administration.
The device is called an insulin pen because its body is in the shape of a pen. The device also consists of a fine needle to do the injections and a dial to set the needed dose of insulin preparation.
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Important Safety Information For Soliqua 100/33 100 Units/ml And 33 Mcg/ml
What is the most important information I should know about SOLIQUA 100/33?
Do not share your SOLIQUA 100/33 pen with other people, even if the needle has been changed. You may give other people a serious infection, or get a serious infection from them.
SOLIQUA 100/33 can cause serious side effects, including inflammation of the pancreas, which may be severe and lead to death.
Before using SOLIQUA 100/33, tell your doctor if you have had pancreatitis, stones in your gallbladder , or a history of alcoholism. These medical problems may make you more likely to get pancreatitis.
Stop taking SOLIQUA 100/33 and call your healthcare provider right away if you have pain in your stomach area that is severe, and will not go away. The pain may be felt in the back area. The pain may happen with or without vomiting.
Who should not use SOLIQUA 100/33?
Do not use SOLIQUA 100/33 if you:
- are having an episode of low blood sugar
- are allergic to insulin glargine, lixisenatide, or any of the ingredients in SOLIQUA 100/33. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction with SOLIQUA 100/33 may include swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, fainting or feeling dizzy, problems breathing or swallowing, very rapid heartbeat, severe rash or itching, or low blood pressure.
Before using SOLIQUA 100/33, tell your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions, including if you:
How should I use SOLIQUA 100/33?
What are the possible side effects of SOLIQUA 100/33?
Will Lantus Cause Hypoglycemia
It can. Hypoglycemia is one of the most common side effects of insulin products, including Lantus.
Some factors that can increase your risk for hypoglycemia are:
- changes in diet, such as not eating enough food
- changes in the timing of meals or skipping meals
- sickness or stress
- sudden increases in exercise or physical activity
- new or different doses of insulin or other medications you take
- accidentally taking more Lantus that youre prescribed
Also, making any changes to your insulin treatment plan could increase your risk for both hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia . These changes include using a new insulin product, taking a new dosage of insulin, or administering the drug differently than you usually do.
Its important to know the symptoms of low blood sugar, so you can treat it before it becomes serious. Severe hypoglycemia can be life-threatening if not treated right away.
Some symptoms of low blood sugar include:
- anxiety
- dizziness
- nausea
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about creating a plan to prevent and manage low blood sugar levels.
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Are There Any Other Alternatives To Lantus
There are a couple of other options to Lantus or its biosimilar Basaglar. While the cash prices of these may not significantly less expensive, depending on your insurance coverage, some alternative insulins might be more affordable.
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Toujeois another insulin glargine injection and has been found to be just as safe and effective as Lantus. The difference? Toujeo is more concentrated at 300 units/ml and is only approved to treat patients 18 years or older. However, Toujeo is more expensive than Lantus as cash prices average around $347 for a 30-day supply.
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Levemir has a different active ingredient than Lantus, insulin detemir, but is similar in that is provides all-day blood sugar control. Levemir is actually more expensive than Lantus, as cash prices average around $497, but if your insurance covers it over Lantus, it may be more affordable for you.
Lantus And Other Medications
Below are lists of medications that can interact with Lantus. These lists dont contain all the drugs that may interact with Lantus.
Before taking Lantus, talk with your doctor and pharmacist. Tell them about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you use. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.
If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Lantus and diabetes medications
Lantus can interact in different ways with different diabetes medications.
Lantus and certain diabetes medications
Taking Lantus with other diabetes medications can increase your risk for hypoglycemia . If you take Lantus with other diabetes drugs, your doctor may need to adjust your dosage of one or all of them to reduce your risk for low blood sugar. They may also want you to monitor your blood sugar levels more often.
Examples of other diabetes medications that can increase your risk for low blood sugar if taken with Lantus include:
- mealtime insulins, such as insulin aspart and insulin lispro
- pramlintide
Lantus and diabetes drugs called thiazolidinediones
Examples of thiazolidinediones include:
- pioglitazone
Lantus and certain blood pressure medications
Examples of blood pressure medications that can increase your risk for low blood sugar if taken with Lantus include:
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Does Lantus Have A Generic
Although Sanofis patent on Lantus expired in 2015, as of December 2017, Lantus still does not have a generic equivalent. But there is good newsLantus does have a biosimilar, Basaglar.
Whats a biosimilar you ask? Well, without getting too technical, biosimilars are basically the generic product of a biologic. But since these medications are made out of living cells, they are slightly different and arent deemed therapeutically equivalent, or interchangeable, by the FDA. For more information about biosimilars, see our previous blog post here.
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.
Prices for Lantus start at just $341.25 with a GoodRx coupon. Theyâre fast, easy-to-use and free!
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Why Are Insulins And Lantus So Expensive
The case of insulin prices is an interesting one. In the 1920s, insulin was extracted from cattle pancreas, which led to negative reactions in some patients. So, scientists made it better. In the 1970s a new type of insulin was developed using a technique called recombinant DNA technology. This technique uses human DNA to create the insulin needed and ultimately reduced complications.
But the catch? After the new insulin with human DNA was created, the older and more affordable insulin was taken off the market in the US. Since then, the demand for diabetes medications has increased, and the cost of insulin has skyrocketed, leaving many paying an anywhere from $300-$900 per month for their life-saving injection.
How Long Does It Take To Work
Lantus starts lowering blood sugar levels within a few hours. Its a long-acting insulin thats meant to help control blood sugar levels over 24 hours or longer. Long-acting insulins take longer than short-acting insulins to start working. But they last longer in your body.
After you inject Lantus, the drug forms clusters beneath your skin. As these clusters break down, insulin is slowly released into your bloodstream throughout the 24-hour period. But each persons body will respond differently to Lantus.
Lantus doesnt work right away like rapid-acting mealtime insulins do. So, Lantus shouldnt be used in emergency situations.
You should take Lantus according to your doctor or healthcare providers instructions.
Lantus comes as a liquid solution inside:
- vials
- prefilled SoloStar pens
The solution in the vial is injected using a syringe and needle. Needles arent included in the package.
The SoloStar pen also uses special needles, which arent included in the package. The manufacturer of Lantus recommends using BD Ultra-Fine needles.
Your doctor will discuss whether the vial or SoloStar pen is right for you. Whether you use a syringe or the Solostar pen, never reuse a needle or share a needle with another person. This helps prevent the spread of germs.
Below is information on how to use the vial and syringe, and SoloStar pen. You can also visit the manufacturers site for helpful images, a video, and more.
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Lantus Solostar Insulin Glargine Injection U
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What Is Lantus Solostar Pen
Lantus Solostar Pen is a long-acting insulin that starts to work several hours after injection and keeps working evenly for 24 hours.
Lantus Solostar Pen is used to improve blood sugar control in people with diabetes mellitus.
Toujeo is for use in adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
Basaglar, Lantus, and Semglee are for use in adults with type 1 or 2 diabetes and in children at least 6 years old with type 1 diabetes .
For type 1 diabetes, Lantus Solostar Pen is used together with a short-acting insulin given before meals.
Lantus Solostar Pen may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
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Dont Forget The Needles
Once youve picked your pen, youll need a needle for the tip. Pen needles screw onto the top of an insulin pen. Its good practice to change your needle after each injection or at least once daily. Fresh, sharp needles mean shots that are less painful.
Most brands of pen needles will fit any of the insulin pens. Pen needles come in different lengthsbetween 4 and 12 mmand gauges .
How To Use Lantus Solostar Insulin Pen
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 . 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. 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.
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