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Your Doctor Q&A Guide
Your Doctor Q&A Guide
Questions about Lantus® or your treatment plan? Talk to your doctor
Now that you've worked with your doctor to set your blood sugar goals, and have started taking Lantus® to help achieve them, you may find that you still have questions about your treatment.
That's why you shouldn't hesitate to talk to your doctor and ask the questions that are important to you.
Here's a list to get you started.
How is Lantus different?
Lantus® is the only 24-hour insulin approved exclusively for use once a day at the same time each day.
It provides a steady release of insulin, day and night, with no pronounced peak.
Are there any side effects with Lantus®?
The most common side effect of insulin, including Lantus®, is low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
Other possible side effects may include injection site reactions, and allergic reactions.
For a complete list of side effects please see the full prescribing information.
Can I take Lantus® with other diabetes medicines?
Yes, insulin can be part of an overall diabetes treatment plan, which may include diet, exercise, and other diabetes medicines.
Be sure to tell your doctor about other medicines and dietary supplements you take.
How and when should I use Lantus®?
Carefully follow the instructions that come with your Lantus® prescription.
Your doctor will decide at what time of day is best for you to use Lantus®. You should take it once a day at the same time each day.
How often will I need to check my blood sugar levels?
How long does it take for Lantus® to start working?
Will my dose change? Why?
Your dose will most likely need to be adjusted to find the right dose for you to help you reach your blood sugar target goals.
Everyone is unique, and blood sugar target ranges may differ, so everyone's dose may be different.
Where will my blood sugar numbers be a week from now/a month from now?
Diet, Exercise, other diabetes medicines, insulin, and other factors all affect your blood sugar levels.
Your numbers will vary based on those factors, as well as how your body reacts to insulin. Speak to your doctor about what ranges are right for you.
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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.