Day 2: The Importance of Starting Off Right
Remembering to take your Lantus® can be easier if you combine it with something you already do every day.
And soon, it will become a normal part of your daily routine. Here are some ideas to help you get started.
Leave yourself reminders.
- If you take Lantus® at night (like many people do), leave a note on your nightstand.
- If you take it in the morning, leave your Lantus® near your toothbrush.
- Set your mobile phone alarm to let you know when it’s time to take your Lantus®.
How Bill added Lantus® into his routine
Please click here for additional Important Safety Information.
Please click here for Full Prescribing Information.
Although it was easy for Bill, it may be more of a challenge for you to get into the habit of taking your Lantus®
regularly. Once you do, however, you can apply this simple approach to your exercise and meal planning activities,
which are also important ways to keep your blood sugar levels under control. You’ll learn tips about this later in
the Day by Day Guide.
Be Consistent With How You Organize Your Supplies
Keep it simple by keeping it together. Why add stress to your day or waste time searching for your diabetes treatment
supplies every time you need them? Try storing your non-refrigerated supplies all together in one place—like a kitchen
or bathroom cabinet, a linen closet, or a dresser drawer in your bedroom—out of reach of children.
What Supplies Would You Store Together?
- Glucose strips, glucose meter, control solutions, back-up meter, extra batteries
- Alcohol swabs, syringes, antibacterial wipes
- Glucose tablets
- Copies of all user manuals and warranties for gadgets
As for the unopened insulin, many people conveniently keep it in the butter compartment in the refrigerator. It’s also a
good idea not to run short of insulin — keep at least one spare Lantus® SoloSTAR® pen available in case your current one is lost or damaged.
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®.
Click here for information on Sharps Medical Waste Disposal.
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.