Week 3: Your Dose Can Still Change
Even though you’ve been taking Lantus® for almost a month now, your doctor may still find it necessary to adjust your dose.
This is normal, because the dose your doctor prescribes is based on your unique insulin needs. For instance, if you’re
exercising more or lost weight, it may change the way your body uses insulin—and your doctor may need to adjust your dose to take that
into account. Your doctor will review your blood sugar log with you and use that as a guide to fine-tune your treatment plan.
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 levels 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. However, the first thing to remember is not to panic when you have blood sugar readings
that are too high or too low, but to act on it.
It’s also important not to be tough on yourself for any out-of-range blood sugar levels. Sometimes it cannot 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 so you can check your levels 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.