Day 3: Finding the Right Dose for You
Everyone's diabetes treatment plan is different. It is normal for blood sugar levels to vary from person
to person, and in each person they vary from time to time. That’s why your doctor will work with you to
try to find the dose that’s right for you.
When you start on Lantus®, your doctor may prescribe a low dose. Once you see how it’s working, your doctor
may then decide to adjust the dose, a little at a time, until you’re getting the right amount of Lantus®.
This adjustment is common. It doesn’t mean you’ve done anything wrong. It just means a little patience can
go a long way toward helping you improve blood sugar control.
Managing the Highs and the Lows
Even if you’re very careful about the things you eat, how much you exercise, and take your medicines as prescribed,
there may be times when your blood sugar ranges climb above or fall below where you and your doctor want them to be.
When this happens, it’s called hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
It’s important to recognize the telltale signs of hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia,
what causes them, and what you can do to treat them.
It’s also important not to blame yourself for any out-of-range blood sugar levels. Sometimes it may not be easily explained. If you experience out-of-range blood sugar levels:
Focus on the Positive
Redirect your energy away from anger, frustration, and self-blame
Plan Ahead
Consider carrying your blood sugar meter with you to make sure you can check it as often as your doctor recommends
Reach Out
Ask family, friends, and your healthcare team for help and support
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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The health information contained herein is provided for general educational purposes
only. Your healthcare professional is the single best source of information regarding
your health. Please consult your healthcare professional if you have any questions
about your health or treatment.