Learn About LANTUS® FAQs
The questions and answers on this page are for educational purposes only. If you
have questions about your health or treatment, please ask your doctor or healthcare
provider.
Q: What is LANTUS®?
A: LANTUS® is a long-acting insulin for people with diabetes who need to control
high blood sugar. LANTUS® has no pronounced peak, and works for 24-hours with
one shot a day at the same time each day to help control blood glucose day and night.
Do not use LANTUS® to treat diabetic ketoacidosis.
Q: How does LANTUS® compare to other insulins?
A: LANTUS® is the only insulin approved exclusively for use once a day. LANTUS®
provides similar blood sugar control with no pronounced peak.
Q: How can I take LANTUS®?
A: LANTUS® is injected "subcutaneously," or under the skin. There are two
ways you can inject LANTUS®: with a vial and syringe, or with the LANTUS® SoloSTAR® pen.
Q: I heard insulin is supposed to cause weight gain. Is this true?
A: Weight gain can occur with insulin therapy, including LANTUS®. Following a healthy
diet and exercise program can help with weight control.
Q: Are there any side effects with LANTUS®?
A: 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
can be dangerous and can 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.
Q: Can I mix LANTUS® with other insulins?
A: No. Do not 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.
Q: Will LANTUS® alone control my blood sugar?
A: LANTUS® is often taken in combination with pills and/or mealtime insulin.
Usually, good control takes careful planning of your meals and snacks, a regular
physical activity plan, reducing stress where possible, and taking all your diabetes
medicines as directed.
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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