Adding LANTUS® for Hyperglycemia Management in Patients with Diabetes

LANTUS® is indicated for once-daily subcutaneous administration, at the same time each day, for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients (6 years and older) with type 1 diabetes mellitus or adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who require basal (long-acting) insulin for the control of hyperglycemia.

LANTUS® SoloSTAR® is a disposable insulin delivery device. Needles and the SoloSTAR® pen must not be shared.

LANTUS® MUST NOT BE DILUTED OR MIXED WITH ANY OTHER INSULIN OR SOLUTION. If mixed or diluted, the solution may become cloudy, and the onset of action/time to peak effect may be altered in an unpredictable manner.

LANTUS® is contraindicated in patients hypersensitive to insulin glargine or the excipients.

Hypoglycemia is the most common adverse effect of insulin, including LANTUS®. As with all insulins, the timing of hypoglycemia may differ among various insulin formulations. Glucose monitoring is recommended for all patients with diabetes. Any change of insulin type and/or regimen should be made cautiously and only under medical supervision. Concomitant oral antidiabetes treatment may need to be adjusted.

Other adverse events commonly associated with LANTUS® include the following: lipodystrophy, skin reactions (such as injection-site reaction, pruritus, rash), and allergic reactions.

In clinical studies in adult patients there was a higher incidence of treatment-emergent injection-site pain (2.7% LANTUS® vs 0.7% NPH). The reports of pain at the injection site were usually mild and did not result in discontinuation of therapy.

Please click here for full prescribing information for Lantus®.

Apidra® is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with diabetes mellitus for the control of hyperglycemia.

Apidra® has a more rapid onset of action and a shorter duration of action than regular human insulin. Apidra® should normally be used in regimens that include a longer-acting insulin or basal insulin analog.

Apidra® is contraindicated during episodes of hypoglycemia and in patients hypersensitive to Apidra® or one of its excipients.

Apidra® differs from regular human insulin by its rapid onset of action and shorter duration of action. When used as a mealtime insulin, the dose of Apidra® should be given within 15 minutes before or within 20 minutes after starting a meal.

Because of the short duration of action of Apidra® patients with diabetes also require a longer-acting insulin or insulin infusion pump therapy to maintain adequate glucose control.

Any change of insulin should be made cautiously and only under medical supervision. Changes in insulin strength may result in the need for a change in dose. Concomitant oral antidiabetic treatment may need to be adjusted.

As with all insulin preparations, the time course of Apidra® action may vary in different individuals or at different times in the same individual and is dependent on site of injection, blood supply, temperature, and physical activity.

Glucose monitoring is recommended for all patients with diabetes.

Hypoglycemia is the most common adverse effect of insulin therapy, including Apidra®. The timing of hypoglycemia may differ among various insulin formulations.

Adverse events commonly associated with human insulin therapy include hypoglycemia, allergic reactions, injection site reaction, lipodystrophy, pruritus, and rash.

Please click here for full prescribing information for Apidra®