FAQs About Starting on Lantus®
Taking control starts with getting answers
How often do I take Lantus®?
Once a day, at the same time each day. Most people take Lantus® at bedtime, but you can take it at other times if your healthcare professional says it’s okay. You must check your blood sugar levels when taking insulin, such as Lantus®.
Do I need to use a new pen each time I give myself an injection?
No, you do not need to use a new pen each time you give yourself an injection. Each Lantus® SoloSTAR® pen contains 300 Units of insulin. Use the same pen until there is no more insulin left. The pen can be used for 28 days once you open it and start to use it.
Can I use the same needle over again?
Using the same needle can block the insulin from injecting correctly, may cause contamination, air bubbles, or spread infection.
How do I take care of the Lantus® SoloSTAR® pen?
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.
Can I use Lantus® with diabetes pills?
Yes. Lantus® is often taken along with other diabetes medicines. It's important to tell your doctor about all medicines and supplements you are taking because they can change the way insulin works.
What should I do if I skip a shot of Lantus®?
Your doctor has specific instructions for you regarding when to take Lantus®. Before starting Lantus®, ask your doctor what to do if you forget to take your insulin.
Sometimes the spot where I inject gets red, swollen, and itchy. What is that?
This is called an injection-site reaction and should clear up within a few days or weeks. If it doesn’t go away, or if these reactions continue, tell your doctor. Make sure you change injection sites from one injection to the next. Click here to learn more about injection sites.
Will it take long to get to the right dose of Lantus®?
Your healthcare provider may change your Lantus® dose several times over the first few months. But stick with it—changing your dose to find what works best for you is important. Even after you find the right dose, your healthcare provider may adjust it from time to time.
What is hyperglycemia? What is hypoglycemia?
Hyperglycemia is the technical term for high blood sugar (glucose).
Hypoglycemia is when your body has an abnormally low level of blood sugar (glucose). In other words, your body has too much insulin relative to the amount of glucose.
Several factors can contribute to changes in blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes, including food, physical activity, illness, or not taking glucose-lowering medicines.
When should I call my doctor?
Aside from your regular visits, there are a few specific times when you should call your doctor. Ask your doctor when you should call. For example, if you think you are having side effects from Lantus®,
call your doctor. Contact your doctor immediately if your blood sugar levels remain
consistently high, or call if your blood sugar levels remain consistently low.
When you’re sick, you may have a more difficult time keeping your blood sugar levels within target range.
During times of illness, it is important to monitor your blood sugar levels more
frequently.
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 professional.
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.