Storing LANTUS®
We put milk in the fridge or cars in a garage. That’s because we know certain items
should be stored a certain way to keep them at their best. Like insulin.
In order to use LANTUS® insulin safely, it needs to be properly stored. Here
are some guidelines for proper storage of LANTUS®:
Before you open your LANTUS® insulin
If you have unopened vials of LANTUS®, or an unopened LANTUS® SoloSTAR®
pen, store them in the refrigerator (36°F – 46°F). They can be refrigerated until
the expiration date. Once the expiration date has passed, your LANTUS® insulin
should be thrown away.
LANTUS® insulin should not be allowed to freeze, so don’t put it in a freezer. If you
see frost or ice crystals in your LANTUS® solution, you need to throw it away. Keep LANTUS® out of direct heat and light.
Once you’ve started using LANTUS®
Once you’ve opened your vial of LANTUS®, or your LANTUS® SoloSTAR®
pen, it can be used for 28 days. Keep LANTUS® insulin away from
heat or light. Don’t leave LANTUS® in a hot car in direct sun, or in a freezing
car overnight. If LANTUS® gets too hot or freezes, it will have to be thrown
away.
Vials of insulin can be refrigerated or kept at room temperature (no greater than
86°F) for 28 days after first use. The LANTUS® SoloSTAR® pen should not
be refrigerated once opened, but should be kept at room temperature (below 86°F) and must be thrown away after 28 days.
"I'm more conscious of eating right and keeping active. I'm doing the things I need to help keep my blood sugar where it should be."
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Important Safety Information for Lantus®
Do not take Lantus® if you are allergic to insulin or any of the inactive ingredients
in Lantus®.
You must test your blood sugar levels while using insulin, such as Lantus®.
Do not make any changes to your dose or type of insulin without talking to your
healthcare provider. Any change of insulin should be made cautiously and only under
medical supervision.
Do NOT dilute or mix Lantus® with any other insulin or solution.
It will not work as intended and you may lose blood sugar control, which could be
serious. Lantus® must only be used if the solution is clear and colorless with
no particles visible. Do not share needles, insulin pens or syringes with others.
The most common side effect of insulin, including Lantus®, is low blood
sugar (hypoglycemia), which may be serious. Some people may experience
symptoms such as shaking, sweating, fast heartbeat, and blurred vision. Severe hypoglycemia
may be serious and life threatening. It may cause harm to your heart or brain. Other
possible side effects may include injection site reactions, including changes in
fat tissue at the injection site, and allergic reactions, including itching and
rash. In rare cases, some allergic reactions may be life threatening.
Tell your doctor about other medicines and supplements you are taking because they
can change the way insulin works. Before starting Lantus®, tell your doctor
about all your medical conditions including if you have liver or kidney problems,
are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding or planning to
breast-feed.
Lantus® SoloSTAR® is a disposable prefilled insulin pen. Please talk to your healthcare
provider about proper injection technique and follow instructions in the Instruction
Leaflet that accompanies the pen.
Click here for full prescribing information for Lantus®.
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here for information on Sharps Medical Waste Disposal.