Month 1: Traveling With Lantus®
Planning a trip? Here are a few things you need to know to be prepared:
Getting Ready
- If you're traveling to a different time zone, talk to your doctor about when you should take Lantus®
- Get written prescriptions for your insulin and diabetes pills in case you need to get more while you're away
- If you're traveling to another country, get a list of International Diabetes Federation groups at www.idf.org. They should be able to help you fill a prescription and find a doctor in case of an emergency
- Be sure to wear a medical ID bracelet or carry a wallet card that says you have diabetes.
Packing
- Be sure that your medicines are labeled so they are identifiable
- Pack at least twice as much medicine and blood-testing supplies as you think you'll need. Pack at least half in your carry-on bag and keep it with you
- If you're spending time in the sun, take a travel pack to keep your insulin cool
Airport Screening
- Before going through security at the airport, tell the screener that you have diabetes and you're carrying supplies with you
- The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recommends (but does not require) that you bring supporting documentation for your medication needs. For details, visit www.tsa.gov
- The TSA provides more information about traveling with diabetes
In Flight
- When you make your reservation, you can ask for a special meal low in sugar, fat, and cholesterol
- Keep snacks handy in your carry-on bag in case the food tray doesn't come
Once You Arrive
- Check your blood sugar level as soon as you land because jet lag can make it hard to tell if your blood sugar level is above or below target ranges
- If they're already opened, Lantus® SoloSTAR® pens or Lantus® vials don't have to be refrigerated while you're away (for up to 28 days) as long as they aren't stored in a place that's very hot or very cold
- Be alert to changes in the appearance of your insulin or changes in your insulin needs. If needed, contact your doctor for advice about this
Lynda Is Prepared When She Travels. You Can Be, Too.
Please click here for additional Important Safety Information.
Please click here for Full Prescribing Information.
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.