LANTUS® SoloSTAR® Pen 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: Do I use a new pen every time I inject?
A: No. Each LANTUS® SoloSTAR® pen contains 300 units of insulin and is good
for 28 days once it has been used. That means 28 days after you use your pen for
the first time, you will need to throw the pen away—even if there is still insulin
inside. You should never use your LANTUS® SoloSTAR® pen past its expiration
date. Do not share needles, insulin pens or syringes with others.
Q: Is it OK to use the same needle more than once?
A: No. Always attach a new sterile needle before each use. Using the same needle
may cause contamination, air bubbles, and other complications such as needle blocks.
Q: Do I need to keep my LANTUS® SoloSTAR® pen refrigerated after it is opened
or in use?
A: No. Do NOT refrigerate your pen once it is in use. Once you use your pen for
the first time, it will last up to 28 days when kept at room temperature (below
86º F).
Q: What do I do if there is not enough insulin left in the pen for my injection?
A: The LANTUS® SoloSTAR® pen prevents you from dialing past the number of
units left in the pen. If there isn’t enough insulin for your full dose, you can
complete your dose by calculating how much more you will need from a new pen. For
example: If you normally use 41 units and there are only 12 units left in your pen,
you will need 29 units from the new pen. Inject the remaining insulin from the first
pen, and then inject the appropriate amount with the new pen to complete your dose.
Or, you can just use a new pen for your full dose.
Q: How do I take care of the LANTUS® SoloSTAR® pen?
A: It’s important to protect your pen from dust and dirt, so you can clean the outside
of your SoloSTAR® pen by wiping it with a damp cloth. Do not run it under water
or use any soap or solvents.
Q: How do I get the LANTUS® SoloSTAR® pen?
A: The LANTUS® SoloSTAR® pen is available by prescription only. Ask your
doctor if the LANTUS® SoloSTAR® pen is right for you.
Q: Is the LANTUS® SoloSTAR® pen covered by insurance?
A: Yes. And under most insurance plans it’s the same co-pay as a vial and syringe,
except with the LANTUS® SoloSTAR® insulin pen, you can receive up to 500
more units of insulin per prescription depending on how the prescription is dispensed.
Ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider for more information.
LANTUS® SoloSTAR® Pen Video
Watch this video to learn more about the LANTUS® SoloSTAR® Pen.
LANTUS® Injection Video
Learn how to inject LANTUS® with this easy-to-follow injection video.
The free GoMeals™ iPhone app makes it easy to access nutritional information,
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LANTUS® SoloSTAR® Pen Video
Watch this video to learn more about the LANTUS® SoloSTAR® Pen.
LANTUS® Injection Video
Learn how to inject LANTUS® with this easy-to-follow injection video.
LANTUS® Connection™
LANTUS® Connection™ is a free support program for people with diabetes who are taking LANTUS® to help control their blood sugar.
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
can be dangerous and can cause harm to your heart or brain. It may cause unconsciousness,
seizures, or death. 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.
Indications and Usage for Lantus®
Prescription Lantus® is a long-acting insulin used to treat adults with type
2 diabetes and adults and children (6 years and older) with type 1 diabetes for
the control of high blood sugar. It should be taken once a day at the same time
each day to lower blood glucose.
Do not use Lantus® to treat diabetic ketoacidosis.
Lantus® SoloSTAR® is a disposable prefilled insulin pen.
Click here for additional important information for Lantus®.
Important Safety Information for Apidra® (insulin glulisine [rDNA origin] injection)
Do not use Apidra® during a low blood sugar reaction (hypoglycemia) or if you
are allergic to any of the ingredients in Apidra.
You must test your blood sugar levels while using insulin, such as Apidra®.
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. Apidra® 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.
Apidra®, when given by injection under the skin, should not be mixed with insulins
other than NPH. Do not mix Apidra® with any insulin when used in the pump or
for intravenous administration.
The most common side effect of insulin, including Apidra®, 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. It may cause unconsciousness,
seizures, or death. Other possible side effects
may include low blood potassium, injection site reactions, such as changes in fat
tissue at the injection site, and allergic reactions, such as itching and rash.
Less common, but potentially more serious or life-threatening, is generalized allergy
to insulin, including anaphylactic reactions.
Tell your doctor about other medicines and supplements you are taking because they
can change the way insulin works. Before starting Apidra®, 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.
If the pump or infusion set does not work right, you may not receive the right amount
of insulin. Hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, or ketosis can happen. Problems should
be identified and corrected as quickly as possible. Change the Apidra® in the
pump reservoir every 48 hours.
Indications and Usage for Apidra®
Prescription Apidra® is for adults with type 2 diabetes or adults and children
(4 years and older) with type 1 diabetes to improve blood sugar control. Apidra®
is usually used with a longer-acting insulin. When used as a mealtime insulin, Apidra®
should be given within 15 minutes before or within 20 minutes after starting a meal.
Click here for additional important information for Apidra®.
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Click here for information on drug anti-counterfeiting.
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.