Injecting Lantus® Insulin
The first few times you use Lantus®, you may feel a little unsure
of yourself. Relax. These feelings are normal for people who have just started with
insulin injections. Soon, using Lantus® will become a normal part of your everyday routine.
Keep in mind that your blood sugar levels may not change right away. It's important
to be patient when you're first starting out. Everyone is different, and it can take time for your blood sugar levels to reach your target range.
Also, be prepared, because your doctor will most likely change your dose during
the first few months of taking Lantus®. Your doctor may start you
at a low dose and slowly adjust it until he or she finds the right dose for you.
That's normal when adding Lantus® to your diabetes treatment plan, which may include diet, exercise, and other diabetes medicines.
Download How to Use the Lantus®
SoloSTAR® Pen Guide
Injecting Insulin With the Lantus® SoloSTAR® Pen
Watch how to use the Lantus® SoloSTAR® Pen
Please click here for additional Important Safety Information.
Please click here for Full Prescribing Information.
Injecting Insulin With the Vial and Syringe
See how to inject Lantus® insulin in this step-by-step insulin injection
video.
Please click here for additional Important Safety Information.
Please click here for Full Prescribing Information.
More questions? Get more answers here
If you still have questions or concerns about injecting Lantus®,
you can call our helpline at 1-800-633-1610. Representatives will be available for technical support Monday to Friday, 8:00 am CST through 8:00 pm CST.
“It's such a small needle. I use a
31-gauge needle. It's very thin, so
I hardly feel a thing.”
-José, taking Lantus® SoloSTAR® since 2007
Individual discomfort associated with injection varies from person to person.
Fast Facts
- Injecting cold insulin could make it feel more uncomfortable. But it's not dangerous.
- Wash your hands before injecting. Clean the injection site with an alcohol swab. It will kill a lot of bacteria, helping you avoid getting an infection or contaminating the pen.
- Always use a new needle. Reusing a needle can block the insulin from injecting correctly, may cause contamination, or spread infection.
- The safety test does not waste insulin. There is a little extra insulin added in
every pen for the tests.
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.