Lantus SoloStar: instructions for use. Insulin drug Lantus to stabilize sugar levels

Insulin Lantus (glargine): Find out everything you need to know. Below you will find written in clear language. Read how many units need to be administered and when, how to calculate the dose, how to use the Lantus Solostar syringe pen. Find out how long after the injection this drug begins to work, which insulin is better: Lantus, Levemir or Toujeo. Are given numerous reviews patients with type 2 and type 1 diabetes.

Glargine is a hormone extended validity produced by the reputable international company Sanofi-Aventis. Perhaps this is the most popular long insulin among Russian-speaking diabetics. His injections need to be supplemented with treatment methods that allow keep blood sugar 3.9-5.5 mmol/l stable 24 hours a day like healthy people. The system, living with diabetes for more than 70 years, allows adults and children with diabetes to protect themselves from serious complications.

Read the answers to the questions:


Long insulin Lantus: detailed article

Please note that spoiled Lantus insulin appears as clear as fresh insulin. By appearance it is impossible to determine the quality of the drug. You should not buy insulin and expensive medicines from hand, through private advertisements. Buy diabetes medications from reputable pharmacies that follow storage rules.

Instructions for use

When giving Lantus injections, like any other type of insulin, you need to follow a diet.

Diet options depending on diagnosis:

Many diabetics who inject themselves with insulin glargine believe that attacks of hypoglycemia cannot be avoided. In fact, can be kept stable normal sugar even with severe autoimmune disease. And even more so with relatively mild type 2 diabetes. There is no need to artificially increase your blood glucose levels to protect yourself from dangerous hypoglycemia. Watch a video that discusses this issue. Learn how to balance your diet and insulin doses.

Pregnancy and breastfeedingMost likely, Lantus can be safely used to lower sugar in pregnant women. No harm was found for either women or children. However, there is less data on this drug than on insulin. Inject it calmly if your doctor prescribes it. Try to avoid insulin altogether by following proper diet. Read the articles “” and “” for more details.
Interaction with other drugsMedicines that may increase the effect of insulin include blood sugar pills and ACE inhibitors, disopyramide, fibrates, fluoxetine, MAO inhibitors, pentoxifylline, propoxyphene, salicylates and sulfonamides. Weaken the effect of insulin injections: danazol, diazoxide, diuretics, glucagon, isoniazid, estrogens, gestagens, phenothiazine derivatives, somatotropin, epinephrine (adrenaline), salbutamol, terbutaline and hormones thyroid gland, protease inhibitors, olanzapine, clozapine. Discuss all medications you take with your doctor!



OverdoseBlood sugar may drop significantly. There is a risk of impaired consciousness, coma, permanent brain damage and even death. For long-acting insulin glargine, this risk is lower than for short-acting and ultra-short-acting drugs. Read how to provide assistance to a patient at home and in a medical facility.
Release formInsulin Lantus is sold in 3 ml cartridges made of transparent, colorless glass. Cartridges can be mounted into SoloStar disposable syringe pens. You may find this drug packaged in 10 ml bottles.
Storage conditions and periodsTo avoid damage to a valuable drug, study and carefully follow them. Shelf life - 3 years. Keep away from children.
CompoundThe active ingredient is insulin glargine. Excipients- metacresol, zinc chloride (corresponds to 30 mcg of zinc), glycerol 85%, sodium hydroxide and hydrochloric acid - up to pH 4, water for injection.

See below for additional information.

Lantus is a drug with what effect? Is it long or short?

Lantus is a long-acting insulin. Each injection of this drug lowers blood sugar within 24 hours. However, one injection per day is not enough. strongly recommends injecting long-acting insulin 2 times a day - morning and evening. He believes Lantus increases the risk oncological diseases, and it is better to switch to Levemir to avoid this. Watch the video for more details. At the same time, find out how to properly store insulin so that it does not spoil.

Some people are looking for some reason short insulin with the name Lantus. Such a drug is not commercially available and never has been.

You can inject extended-release insulin at night and in the morning, and also inject one of the following before meals. the following drugs: Actrapid, Humalog, Apidra or NovoRapid. In addition to those listed, there are several other types of insulin. fast acting, which are produced in the Russian Federation and CIS countries. Do not try to replace injections of short-acting or ultra-fast insulin before meals with injections large doses long. This will lead to the development of acute, and eventually chronic complications diabetes

Read about the types of rapid insulin that can be combined with Lantus:

It is believed that Lantus does not have a peak of action, but lowers sugar evenly over 18-24 hours. However, many diabetics in their reviews on forums claim that there is still a peak, albeit weakly expressed.

Insulin glargine definitely works more smoothly than other drugs average duration actions. However, it works even more smoothly, and each injection lasts up to 42 hours. If finances allow, then consider replacing it with new drug Tresiba.


How many units of Lantus should I inject and when? How to calculate the dose?

The optimal dose of long-term insulin, as well as the schedule of injections, depend on the characteristics of the patient’s diabetes. The question you asked needs to be addressed individually. Study the article “”. Act as it says.

Ready universal circuits Insulin therapy cannot provide consistently normal blood sugar even when followed by a diabetic. Therefore, it does not recommend using them and the site does not write about them.

Treatment of diabetes with insulin - where to start:

How to use the Lantus Solostar syringe pen? How to inject correctly?

The answer to this question is given in the article “”. She will teach you how to give injections with a Lantus Solostar syringe pen or a regular one. insulin syringe absolutely painless.

What should be the dose of this drug at night?

When is it better to inject Lantus: in the evening or in the morning? Is it possible to postpone the evening injection to the morning?

Evening and morning injections of extended-release insulin are required for different purposes. Questions about their prescription and dosage selection should be resolved independently of each other. As a rule, problems most often arise with sugar levels in the morning on an empty stomach. To bring it back to normal, they give an injection of extended-release insulin at night.

If a diabetic has a normal fasting blood glucose level in the morning, then Lantus should not be injected at night at all.

A morning shot of long-acting insulin is designed to keep your blood sugar at normal levels throughout the day on an empty stomach. You should not try to replace the injection of a large dose of Lantus in the morning with the injection of rapid insulin before meals. If your sugar usually spikes after eating, you need to use two types of insulin at the same time - long-acting and fast. To determine whether you need to inject long-term insulin in the morning, you will have to fast for a day and monitor the dynamics of blood glucose levels.

The evening injection cannot be postponed until the morning. If you have found high sugar in the morning on an empty stomach, do not try to extinguish it with a large dose of long-acting insulin. Use short-acting or ultra-short-acting drugs for this. Increase your Lantus insulin dose the next evening. To have normal sugar in the morning on an empty stomach, you need to have dinner early - 4-5 hours before bedtime. Otherwise, injections of long-acting insulin at night will not help, no matter how large the dose is administered.

You can easily find on other sites simpler plans for using Lantus insulin than those taught. It is officially recommended to give only one injection per day.

However, simple insulin therapy regimens do not work well. Diabetics who use them suffer from frequent episodes of hypoglycemia and spikes in blood sugar. Over time, they develop, which shorten life or turn a person into a disabled person. To have good control of type 1 or 2 diabetes, you need to go to, study and do what it says.


What is the maximum dose of Lantus insulin per day?

There is no officially established maximum daily dose for Lantus insulin. It is recommended to increase it until the diabetic’s blood sugar returns more or less to normal.

Medical journals have described cases of obese patients with type 2 diabetes who received 100-150 units of this drug per day. However, the higher the daily dose, the more problems insulin causes.

Glucose levels fluctuate continuously, and hypoglycemia often occurs. To avoid these problems, you need to follow and inject low doses of insulin that correspond to it.

The appropriate evening and morning dose of Lantus insulin must be selected individually. It varies greatly depending on the patient's age, weight, and severity of diabetes. If you need to inject more than 40 units per day, then you are doing something wrong. Chances are, you're not following your low-carb diet strictly enough. Or you are trying to replace rapid insulin injections before meals with large doses of the drug glargine.

Patients with type 2 diabetes who have overweight, it is strongly recommended to engage in physical exercise. Physical activity will increase your body's sensitivity to insulin. This will make it possible to manage with moderate doses of the drug. Find out what ChiRunning is.

Some patients enjoy lifting weights at the gym rather than jogging. This helps too.

What happens if you miss an injection?

You will have high blood sugar due to lack of insulin in the body. More precisely, due to the discrepancy between the insulin level and the body’s needs for it. Increased level glucose will promote development.

In severe cases, there may also be acute complications: diabetic ketoacidosis or hyperglycemic coma. Their symptoms are disturbances of consciousness. They can be fatal.

Is it possible to inject night Lantus and at the same time ultra-short insulin before dinner?

Officially, it is possible. However, if you have problems with blood sugar levels in the morning on an empty stomach, it is advisable to inject Lantus at night as late as possible before bed. A fast insulin before dinner you will need to enter a few hours earlier.

It is important that you understand the purpose of each of the injections listed in the question. You also need to be able to correctly select the dosages of fast-acting and long-acting insulin preparations. Read the article "" for details about short- and ultra-short-acting drugs.

How long after the injection does this drug take effect?

Insulin Lantus begins to lower blood sugar 30-60 minutes after administration. However, it works so smoothly that its onset of action cannot be tracked using a home blood glucose meter. Don't even try to do this.

What is the difference between Lantus and Lantus Solostar?

Solostar is the name of syringe pens in which cartridges with the drug Lantus can be mounted. As a rule, long-acting insulin is sold together with syringe pens. It can be difficult to buy insulin cartridges separately to use regular insulin syringes.

Lantus for type 2 diabetes

Lantus may be a drug used to start insulin treatment severe diabetes 2 types. First of all, they decide on injections of this insulin at night, and then in the morning. If sugar continues to rise after eating, another short or ultra-short drug is added to the insulin therapy regimen - Actrapid, Humalog, NovoRapid or Apidra.

Dr. Bernstein advises breaking daily dose for two injections - evening and morning. Despite the fact that the number of injections is not reduced, switching to Tresiba insulin is still useful. Because your blood sugar levels will improve. They will become more stable.


Which insulin is better: Lantus or Toujeo? What is the difference between them?

Contains the same active substance Lantus is insulin glargine. However, the concentration of insulin in Tujeo solution is 3 times higher - 300 U/ml. In principle, you can save a little if you switch to Tujeo. However, it is better not to do this. Reviews from diabetics about Tujeo insulin are mostly negative. In some patients, after switching from Lantus to Tujeo, their blood sugar jumps, in others, for some reason the new insulin suddenly stops working. Because of high concentration it often crystallizes and clogs the needle of the syringe pen. Tujeo is unanimously criticized not only in domestic, but also in English-language diabetic forums. Therefore, if possible, it is better to continue injecting Lantus without changing it. It's worth switching to for the reasons described above.


Which insulin is better: Lantus or Levemir?

Before the advent of insulin, Dr. Bernstein used Lantus rather than Lantus for many years. In the 1990s, several articles appeared with hints that Lantus increased the risk of certain types of cancer. I took their arguments seriously and stopped injecting insulin glargine into myself and prescribing it to patients. The manufacturing company began to fuss - and in the 2000s, dozens of articles appeared claiming that the drug Lantus was safe. Most likely, even if insulin glargine increases the risk of some types of cancer, it will be very small. This should not be a reason to switch to Levemir.

If you administer Lantus and Levemir in the same doses, the effect of the Levemir injection will end a little faster. It is officially recommended to inject Lantus once a day, and Levemir - 1 or 2 times a day. However, in practice, both drugs need to be injected 2 times a day, morning and evening. One injection per day is not enough. Bottom line: If Lantus or Levemir works well for you, keep using it. Switching to Levemir should only be done if absolutely necessary. For example, if one of the types of insulin causes allergies or it is no longer provided free of charge. However, that's another matter. It works much better. It's worth switching to it if the high price doesn't stop you.

Dosage form"type="checkbox">

Dosage form

Solution for injection 100 U/ml

Compound

1 ml of solution contains:

active ingredients: insulin glargine HO 901 - 3.6378 mg (100 units).

excipients: metacresol, zinc chloride, glycerin (85%), sodium hydroxide, concentrated hydrochloric acid, water for injection.

Description

Transparent colorless or almost colorless liquid.

Pharmacotherapeutic group

Treatments diabetes mellitus. Insulins and analogues long acting.

Insulin glargine. ATX code A10AE04

Pharmacological properties"type="checkbox">

Pharmacological properties

Pharmacokinetics

Compared to human NPH insulin, serum insulin concentrations in healthy subjects and diabetic patients after subcutaneous administration insulin glargine showed slow and significantly longer absorption, as well as the absence of peaks. Thus, the concentrations were in accordance with the time profile of the pharmacodynamic activity of insulin glargine. Figure 1 shows the activity profiles of insulin glargine and NPH insulin as a function of time. When administered once a day, the equilibrium concentration of insulin glargine in the blood is achieved 2-4 days after the first dose. When administered intravenously, the half-lives of insulin glargine and human insulin were comparable.

After subcutaneous injection Lantus in patients with diabetes, insulin glargine is rapidly metabolized at the end of the polypeptide beta chain to form two active metabolites M1 (21A-Gly-insulin) and M2 (21A-Gly-des-30B-Thr insulin). In plasma, the main circulating compound is the metabolite M1. The release of the M1 metabolite increases in accordance with the prescribed dose of Lantus.

Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic results indicate that the effect of subcutaneous injection of Lantus is primarily based on the release of the M1 metabolite. Insulin glargine and the M2 metabolite were not detected in most patients; in cases where they were detected, their concentration was independent of the prescribed dose of Lantus.

In clinical studies, subgroup analysis based on age and sex did not reveal any difference in efficacy and safety between patients treated with insulin glargine and the general study population.

Pediatric population

Pharmacokinetics in children aged 2 to 6 years with type 1 diabetes have been evaluated in one study. clinical trial(see “Pharmacodynamics”). "Trough" plasma levels of insulin glargine and its major metabolites M1 and M2 were measured in children treated with insulin glargine; As a result, plasma concentration patterns were found to be similar to those in adults, with no evidence to support accumulation of insulin glargine or its metabolites with chronic administration.

Pharmacodynamics

Insulin glargine is an analogue of human insulin designed to have low solubility at neutral pH. It is completely soluble at acidic pH injection solution Lantus® (pH 4). After subcutaneous administration, the acidic solution is neutralized, causing the formation of a microprecipitate from which insulin glargine is continuously released in small quantities, providing a smooth, peak-free, predictable concentration/time profile with a long duration of action.

Binding to insulin receptors: In vitro studies indicate that the affinity of insulin glargine and its metabolites M1 and M2 for human insulin receptors is the same as that of human insulin.

IGF-1 receptor binding: The affinity of insulin glargine for the human IGF-1 receptor is approximately 5-8 times greater than that of human insulin (but approximately 70-80 times lower than that of IGF-1), whereas M1 metabolites and M2 bind to the IGF-1 receptor with slightly less affinity compared to human insulin.

Total therapeutic insulin concentrations (insulin glargine and its metabolites) determined in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus were markedly lower than would be required for half the maximum response from IGF-1 receptor uptake and subsequent activation of the IGF-1 receptor-induced mitogenic-proliferative pathway . Physiological concentrations of endogenous IGF-1 can activate the mitogenic-proliferative pathway; however, therapeutic concentrations determined with insulin therapy, including Lantus therapy, are significantly lower than the pharmacological concentrations required to activate the IGF-1 pathway.

The primary action of insulin, including insulin glargine, is to regulate glucose metabolism. Insulin and its analogues reduce blood glucose levels by increasing glucose uptake in peripheral tissues, especially in skeletal muscles and adipose tissue, as well as by suppressing glucose production in the liver. Insulin suppresses lipolysis in adipocytes, suppresses proteolysis and enhances protein synthesis. Clinical pharmacological studies have shown that intravenously administered insulin glargine and human insulin were equivalent when administered in the same doses. As with all insulins, the duration of action of insulin glargine may be affected by physical activity and other factors.

In euglycemic clamp studies conducted on healthy volunteers and patients with type 1 diabetes, the onset of action of subcutaneously administered insulin glargine was slower than that of human NPH insulin, the action of insulin glargine was smooth and peak-free, and its duration of action was longer.

The longer action of subcutaneously administered insulin glargine is directly related to its slow absorption, which allows the drug to be used once a day. The duration of action of insulin and its analogues, such as insulin glargine, can vary greatly between individuals and within the same person.

In a clinical study, symptoms of hypoglycemia or signs of hormonal counterregulation were similar in healthy volunteers and patients with type 1 diabetes after intravenous administration of insulin glargine and human insulin.

Indications for use

Treatment of diabetes mellitus in adults, adolescents and children aged 2 years and older

Directions for use and doses

Dosage

Lantus® contains insulin glargine, a long-acting insulin analogue. Lantus® should be used once a day, at any time of the day, but at the same time every day.

The dosage regimen (dose and time of administration) of Lantus should be selected individually. For patients suffering from type 2 diabetes mellitus, Lantus® can also be used together with oral antidiabetic medications. medicines.

The activity of this drug is expressed in units. These units are specific to Lantus and are not identical to IU and the units used to express the potency of other insulin analogues (see Pharmacodynamics).

Elderly patients (≥ 65 years)

In elderly patients, progressive decline in renal function can lead to a sustained decrease in insulin requirements.

Impaired renal function

In patients with reduced renal function, insulin requirements may be reduced due to decreased insulin metabolism.

Liver dysfunction

In patients with impaired liver function, insulin requirements may be reduced due to a reduced capacity for gluconeogenesis and reduced insulin metabolism.

Pediatric population

The safety and effectiveness of Lantus® have been proven in adolescents and children aged 2 years and older (see “Pharmacodynamics”). Lantus® has not been studied in children younger than 2 years of age.

Switching from other insulins to Lantus®

When replacing a treatment regimen with intermediate-acting or long-acting insulin for Lantus therapy, it may be necessary to change the dose of basal insulin and adjust the concomitant antidiabetic treatment (doses and timing of additional short-acting or rapid-acting insulins). existing analogues insulin, or doses of oral antidiabetic drugs).

To reduce the risk of nocturnal or early morning hypoglycemia, patients switching from a double NPH basal insulin regimen to a single Lantus regimen should reduce their daily basal insulin dose by 20-30% in the first weeks of treatment.

In the first weeks, the dose reduction should be, at least partially, compensated by increasing the dose of insulin used with meals; after this period, the regimen should be adjusted on an individual basis.

As with other insulin analogues, in patients receiving high doses insulin due to the presence of antibodies to human insulin, it is possible to improve the response to insulin when treated with Lantus.

During the transition to Lantus® and in the first weeks after it, strict monitoring of metabolic parameters is necessary.

As metabolic control improves and the resulting tissue sensitivity to insulin increases, further adjustments to the dosage regimen may be required. Dose adjustment may also become necessary, for example, when the patient’s body weight or lifestyle changes, when the timing of insulin administration changes, and under other new circumstances that increase the susceptibility to hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia (see “Special Instructions”).

Method of administration

Lantus® should be administered subcutaneously. Lantus® should not be administered intravenously. The prolonged action of Lantus is due to its injection into the subcutaneous fat. Intravenous administration the usual subcutaneous dose may result in severe hypoglycemia. There is no clinically significant difference in serum insulin or glucose levels after Lantus injection into the abdominal wall, deltoid muscle, or thigh. It is necessary to change the injection site within the same area each time. Lantus® must not be mixed with other insulin or diluted. Mixing and dilution may change the time/action profile and mixing may cause precipitation.

Proper use of a pen

Before you start using SoloStar, you should carefully read the instructions for use, which are described in the package insert.

Incorrect administration of the drug

There have been cases where the drug was confused with other insulins; in particular, short-acting insulins were mistakenly administered instead of insulin glargine. Before each injection, you should check the insulin label to avoid confusion between insulin glargine and other insulins.

Combining Lantus with pioglitazone

Cases of heart failure have been reported when pioglitazone was used in combination with insulin, especially in patients with risk factors for heart failure. This should be remembered when prescribing a combination of pioglitazone and Lantus. If combination therapy is instituted, patients should be monitored for signs and symptoms of heart failure, weight gain, and swelling. Pioglitazone should be discontinued if any cardiac symptom worsens.

Incompatibility

This medicine should not be mixed with other medicines. It is important that the syringes do not contain traces of other substances.

Side effects"type="checkbox">

Side effects

Very often

Hypoglycemia, most common adverse reaction on insulin therapy may develop if the insulin dose is too high compared to the insulin requirement; severe attacks of hypoglycemia, especially repeated ones, can lead to damage nervous system. Prolonged or severe attacks of hypoglycemia can threaten the patient's life. In many patients, symptoms and signs of neuroglycopenia are preceded by symptoms of adrenergic counterregulation. In general, the more and faster the blood glucose level decreases, the more pronounced the phenomenon of counterregulation and its symptoms are.

Often(≥1/100 -<1/10)

Lipohypertrophy. With any insulin therapy, lipodystrophy may develop at the injection site and local insulin absorption may slow down. Constantly changing injection sites within the injection area may help reduce or prevent such reactions.

Reactions at the injection site. Injection site reactions include redness, pain, itching, hives, swelling, or inflammation. Most mild reactions to insulin at the injection site usually resolve after a few days or weeks.

Uncommon (≥1/1000 -<1/100)

Lipoatrophy

Rarely(≥1/10000 -<1/1000)

Immediate allergic reactions to insulin are rare. Such reactions to insulin (including insulin glargine) or components of the drug can be accompanied, for example, by generalized skin reactions, angioedema, bronchospasm, hypotension and shock, and they can threaten the patient’s life. Insulin administration may induce the production of insulin antibodies. In clinical studies, antibodies that cross-react with human insulin and insulin glargine were observed at similar frequencies in the NPH insulin and insulin glargine treatment groups. In rare cases, the presence of such insulin antibodies may necessitate insulin dosage adjustments to reduce the tendency toward hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia.

Visual impairment, retinopathy. A marked change in the degree of glycemic control can cause a temporary deterioration in vision due to a temporary change in turgor and refraction of the eye lens. Long-term improved glycemic control reduces the risk of progression of diabetic retinopathy. However, intensive insulin therapy followed by dramatic improvements in glycemic control may be accompanied by a temporary worsening of diabetic retinopathy. In the case of proliferative retinopathy, in particular if treatment with photocoagulation has not been carried out, attacks of severe hypoglycemia can cause temporary blindness.

Edema; In rare cases, insulin may cause sodium retention and edema, especially if previously poor metabolic control has improved with intensive insulin therapy.

Very rarely

Dysgeusia

Myalgia

Pediatric population

In general, the safety profile in children and adolescents (≤ 18 years) is similar to that observed in adults. Reports of adverse reactions during post-marketing studies indicate relatively more frequent injection site reactions (pain and injection site reactions) and skin reactions (rash, urticaria) in children and adolescents (≤ 18 years) than in adult patients.

There are no safety data obtained from clinical studies in children under 2 years of age.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients

Drug interactions

A number of substances affect glucose metabolism and may require dose adjustment of insulin glargine.

Substances that can enhance the blood glucose-lowering effect and increase susceptibility to hypoglycemia include oral antidiabetic agents, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, disopyramide, fibrates, fluoxetine, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), pentoxifylline, propoxyphene, salicylates, and sulfonamide drugs.

Substances that can weaken the glucose-lowering effect in the blood include corticosteroid hormones, danazol, diazoxide, diuretics, glucagon, isoniazid, estrogens and progestogens, phenothiazine derivatives, somatropin, sympathomimetics (for example, epinephrine (adrenaline), salbutamol, terbutaline), thyroid hormones , atypical antipsychotic drugs (eg, clozapine and olanzapine) and protease inhibitors.

Beta blockers, clonidine, lithium salts and alcohol can either enhance or weaken the hypoglycemic effect of insulin in the blood. Pentamidine can cause hypoglycemia, which is sometimes followed by hyperglycemia.

In addition, under the influence of sympatholytic drugs such as beta-blockers, clonidine, guanethidine and reserpine, signs of adrenergic counterregulation may be weak or absent.

Special instructions

Lantus® is not the insulin of choice for the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis. In such cases, intravenous administration of short-acting insulin is recommended.

Before proceeding with dose adjustments in the case of insufficient glucose control or a predisposition to episodes of hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia, it is necessary to check the patient's compliance with the prescribed treatment regimen, injection sites, correct administration technique and all other important factors. Transferring a patient to another type or brand of insulin should be carried out under strict medical supervision. Changes in strength, brand (manufacturer), type (short-acting, NPH, tape, long-acting, etc.), origin (animal, human, human insulin analogue) and/or method of production may result in the need to change the dose.

Administration of insulin may cause the formation of antibodies to insulin. In rare cases, due to the presence of such insulin antibodies, it may be necessary to adjust the insulin dose to eliminate the tendency to hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia (see "Side effects").

Hypoglycemia

The timing of the development of hypoglycemia depends on the action profile of the insulins used, and therefore may change if the treatment regimen is changed. Due to a more consistent supply of basal insulin with Lantus therapy, fewer nocturnal but more early morning hypoglycemia can be expected. Particular caution and increased blood glucose monitoring should be performed in patients in whom episodes of hypoglycemia may be of particular clinical significance, such as those with significant stenosis of the coronary arteries or blood vessels supplying the brain (risk of developing cardiac and cerebral complications of hypoglycemia), and also in the case of proliferating retinopathy, especially if photocoagulation treatment has not been carried out (risk of developing transient blindness following hypoglycemia).

Patients should be warned about conditions in which the warning symptoms of hypoglycemia are less pronounced. In some risk groups, symptoms that are precursors of hypoglycemia may change, lose their severity, or be completely absent.

This includes patients:

With noticeable improvement in glycemic control

With gradual development of hypoglycemia

Elderly

After switching from animal insulin to human insulin

With autonomic neuropathy

With a long history of diabetes mellitus

Those suffering from mental illness

With simultaneous treatment with certain other drugs (see “Drug Interactions”).

In such conditions, severe hypoglycemia (with possible loss of consciousness) may occur before the patient realizes that he has hypoglycemia.

The prolonged action of subcutaneously administered insulin glargine may delay recovery from hypoglycemia. If normal or reduced levels of glycosylated hemoglobin are observed, the possibility of repeated, unrecognized (especially nocturnal) episodes of hypoglycemia should be assumed.

Patient compliance with dosage and diet, correct insulin administration, and knowledge of the warning signs of hypoglycemia are important to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia. Factors that increase susceptibility to hypoglycemia require particularly careful monitoring; their presence may necessitate dose adjustment.

These include:

Changing the injection site

Increasing insulin sensitivity (eg, relieving stressors)

Unusual, more intense or prolonged physical activity

Concomitant illnesses (eg, vomiting, diarrhea)

Violation of diet and nutrition

Skipping meals

Alcohol consumption

Certain uncompensated endocrine disorders (eg, hypothyroidism and anterior pituitary insufficiency or adrenocortical insufficiency)

Concomitant treatment with certain other drugs.

Concomitant disease

In the presence of an intercurrent disease, intensive monitoring of the patient's metabolism is necessary. In many cases, determination of ketones in urine is indicated; there is often a need to adjust the insulin dose. The need for insulin often increases. Patients with type 1 diabetes should continue to regularly consume carbohydrates at least in small quantities, even if they are in a state where they can eat little or refuse food, or when vomiting and other conditions, and should never skip injections completely insulin.

Pregnancy

Controlled clinical studies of the safety and effectiveness of insulin glargine in pregnant women have not been conducted. Limited data in pregnant women (300 to 1000 pregnancy outcomes) treated with purchased insulin glargine indicate that insulin glargine does not have a harmful effect on pregnancy and that insulin glargine does not have fetal/neonatal toxicity or the ability to cause malformations. Data from preclinical studies do not indicate reproductive toxicity. During pregnancy, if necessary, Lantus can be used.

For patients with pre-established or gestational diabetes mellitus, it is very important to maintain a state of metabolic balance throughout pregnancy. Insulin requirements may decrease in the first trimester of pregnancy; it usually increases in the second and third trimesters. Immediately after birth, insulin requirements decrease rapidly (increased risk of hypoglycemia). Careful monitoring of blood glucose levels is necessary.

Lactation

It is unknown whether insulin glargine passes into human breast milk. Metabolic effects of insulin glargine accidentally ingested on a breastfed newborn or infant are not expected because insulin glargine, being a peptide, is converted to amino acids in the human gastrointestinal tract. Women who are breastfeeding may need adjustments in their insulin dose and diet.

Fertility

Preclinical studies do not indicate any direct harmful effects of insulin glargine on fertility.

Features of the effect of the drug on the ability to drive a vehicle or potentially dangerous mechanisms

The patient's ability to concentrate and his motor reactions may deteriorate as a result of hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia, or, for example, as a result of visual impairment. This can be dangerous in situations where these abilities are of particular importance (for example, when driving a car or operating machinery).

Patients should be instructed to take precautions to avoid hypoglycemia while driving. This is especially important for those who have mild or no warning symptoms of hypoglycemia, and for those who have frequent episodes of hypoglycemia. It is necessary to decide whether it is advisable to drive a car or work machines under such conditions.

Overdose

Symptoms: Insulin overdose can cause severe and sometimes prolonged and life-threatening hypoglycemia.

Treatment: Typically, episodes of mild hypoglycemia can be treated with oral carbohydrate intake. You may need to adjust your medication dose, food intake, or physical activity.

More severe cases with coma, seizures, or neurological changes can be treated with intramuscular or subcutaneous glucagon or concentrated intravenous glucose. Long-term administration of carbohydrates and monitoring of the patient may be required due to possible relapse of hypoglycemia after apparent clinical recovery.

Release form

3 ml of the drug in a cartridge made of transparent, colorless glass (type I). The cartridge is sealed on one side with a bromobutyl plug and compressed with an aluminum cap, on the other side with a bromobutyl plunger. The cartridge is built into the SoloStar® disposable syringe pen.

5 SoloStar® syringe pens together with instructions for use in the state and Russian languages ​​are placed in a cardboard box.

Insulin Lantus SoloStar is a hormone analogue with a prolonged action, which is intended for the treatment of type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. The active substance of the drug is insulin glargine; this component is obtained from Escherichia coli DNA using the recombination method.

Glargine is able to bind to insulin receptors like human insulin, so the drug has all the necessary biological effects inherent in the hormone.

Once in the subcutaneous fat, insulin glargine promotes the formation of microprecipitates, due to which a certain amount of the hormone can constantly enter the blood vessels of a diabetic. This mechanism provides a smooth and predictable glycemic profile.

Features of the drug

The manufacturer of the drug is the German company Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH. The main active substance of the drug is insulin glargine; it also contains auxiliary components in the form of metacresol, zinc chloride, glycerol, sodium hydroxide, hydrochloric acid, and water for injection.

Lantus is a clear, colorless or almost colorless liquid. The concentration of the solution for subcutaneous administration is 100 U/ml.

Each glass cartridge contains 3 ml of medication; this cartridge is mounted in a SoloStar disposable syringe pen. Insulin pens are sold in packs of five in a cardboard package; the set includes instructions for using the device.

  • The drug, which has positive reviews from doctors and patients, can be purchased at a pharmacy only with a doctor's prescription.
  • Insulin Lantus is indicated for insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus in adults and children over the age of six years.
  • The special form of SoloStar allows therapy to be carried out in children over two years of age.
  • The price of a package of five syringe pens and a medicine of 100 units/ml is 3,500 rubles.

Instructions for use of the medicine

Sugar level

Before using the drug, you should consult with your doctor; an endocrinologist will help you choose the right dosage and prescribe the exact time of injection. Insulin is administered subcutaneously once a day, and the injection is given strictly within a certain period of time.

The drug is injected into the area of ​​subcutaneous fat of the thigh, shoulder or abdomen. Each time you should alternate the injection site to avoid irritation on the skin. The drug can be used as a stand-alone drug or in combination with other hypoglycemic drugs.

Before using Lantus SoloStar insulin in syringe pens for treatment, you need to find out how to use this injection device. If insulin therapy was previously carried out using long-acting or intermediate-acting insulin, the daily dosage of basal insulin should be adjusted.

  1. If you switch from a two-time injection of insulin-isophane to a single injection of Lantus during the first two weeks, the daily dose of basal hormone should be reduced by 20-30 percent. The reduced dose must be compensated by increasing the dosage of short-acting insulin.
  2. This will prevent the development of hypoglycemia at night and in the morning. Also, when switching to a new drug, an increased response to the hormone injection is often observed. Therefore, at first, you should carefully monitor your blood sugar levels using a glucometer and, if necessary, adjust your insulin dosage regimen.
  3. With improved metabolic regulation, sometimes sensitivity to the drug may increase, and therefore it is necessary to adjust the dosage regimen. Dose changes are also required when the diabetic’s lifestyle changes, weight increases or decreases, injection period changes and other factors that contribute to the occurrence of hypo- or hyperglycemia.
  4. The drug is strictly prohibited for intravenous administration, as this can lead to the development of severe hypoglycemia. Before giving an injection, you should make sure that the syringe pen is clean and sterile.

As a rule, Lantus insulin is administered in the evening; the initial dosage can be 8 units or more. When switching to a new drug, immediately administering a large dose is life-threatening, so the correction must be gradual.

Glargine begins to act actively an hour after injection; on average, it acts for 24 hours. However, it is important to consider that with a large dosage, the period of action of the medicine can reach 29 hours.

Insulin Lantus should not be mixed with other drugs.

Presence of side effects

When an excessive dosage of insulin is administered, a diabetic may experience hypoglycemia. Symptoms of the disorder usually begin to appear suddenly and are accompanied by a feeling of fatigue, increased fatigue, weakness, decreased concentration, drowsiness, visual disturbances, headache, nausea, confusion, and convulsions.

These manifestations are usually preceded by symptoms such as hunger, irritability, nervous agitation or tremor, anxiety, pale skin, cold sweat, tachycardia, and rapid heartbeat. Severe hypoglycemia can cause damage to the nervous system, so it is important to provide prompt assistance to diabetics.

In rare cases, the patient experiences an allergic reaction to the drug, which is accompanied by a generalized skin reaction, angioedema, bronchospasm, arterial hypertension, shock, which is also dangerous for humans.

After an insulin injection, antibodies to the active substance may form. In this case, it is necessary to adjust the dosage regimen of the drug to eliminate the risk of developing hypo- or hyperglycemia. Very rarely, a diabetic may experience a change in taste; in rare cases, visual functions are temporarily impaired due to changes in the refractive indices of the eye lens.

Quite often, diabetics develop lipodystrophy in the injection area, which slows down the absorption of the drug. To avoid this, you need to regularly change injection sites. Redness, itching, and soreness may also appear on the skin; this condition is temporary and usually goes away after a few days of therapy.

  • Insulin Lantus should not be used if you are hypersensitive to the active substance glargine or other auxiliary components of the drug. The drug is prohibited for use in children under six years of age, however, the doctor may prescribe a special form of the SoloStar drug intended for the child.
  • During pregnancy and breastfeeding, caution should be exercised. It is important to measure your blood sugar levels every day and monitor the course of the disease. After childbirth, it is necessary to adjust the dosage of the drug, since the need for insulin during this period is significantly reduced.

In case of overdose, moderate hypoglycemia is relieved by taking foods that contain quickly digestible carbohydrates. Additionally, the treatment regimen is changed, a suitable diet and physical activity is selected.

In case of severe hypoglycemia, glucagon is injected intramuscularly or subcutaneously, and an intravenous injection of a concentrated glucose solution is also given.

The doctor may also prescribe long-term carbohydrate intake.

How to give an insulin injection

Before giving an injection, you need to check the condition of the cartridge installed in the syringe pen. The solution should be transparent, colorless, not contain sediment or visible foreign particles, and have a consistency similar to water.

The syringe pen is a disposable device, so after injection it must be disposed of; repeated use can lead to infection. Each injection must be made with a new sterile needle; for this purpose, special needles designed for syringe pens from this manufacturer are used.

Damaged devices should also be disposed of; if there is the slightest suspicion of a malfunction, an injection cannot be given with this pen. In this regard, a diabetic should always have an additional syringe pen as a replacement.

  1. The protective cap is removed from the device, after which the markings on the insulin reservoir must be checked to ensure the presence of the correct drug. The appearance of the solution is also examined; if there is sediment, foreign solid particles or a cloudy consistency, the insulin should be replaced with another one.
  2. After the protective cap is removed, a sterile needle is carefully and tightly placed on the syringe pen. You need to check the device every time before you give an injection. It is important to make sure that the indicator was initially on the number 8, this indicates that the syringe has not been used previously.
  3. To dial the required dose, the start button is completely pulled out, after which the dose selector cannot be rotated. The outer and inner caps must be removed and kept until completion of the procedure in order to remove the used needle after the injection.
  4. The syringe pen is held with the needle facing up, after which you need to lightly tap the insulin reservoir with your fingers so that the air in the bubbles can rise up towards the needle. Next, press the start button all the way. When the device is ready for use, a small drop should appear at the tip of the needle. If there is no drop, the syringe pen is re-checked.

A diabetic can choose the desired dosage from 2 to 40 units, one step is 2 units. If it is necessary to administer an increased dose of insulin, two injections are given.

On the residual insulin scale you can check how much drug is left in the device. When the black piston is located at the initial section of the colored strip, the amount of the drug is 40 units; if the piston is placed at the end, the dose is 20 units. The dose selector is turned until the arrow pointer is at the desired dose.

To fill the insulin pen, the injection trigger button is pulled out all the way. You need to make sure that the drug is taken in the required dosage. The start button is shifted to the appropriate amount of hormone remaining in the reservoir.

Using the start button, a diabetic can check how much insulin has been collected. During the test, the button is kept energized. The amount of drug collected can be judged by the last visible wide line.

  • The patient must learn how to use insulin pens in advance; the technique of administering insulin must be taught to the medical staff at the clinic. The needle is always inserted subcutaneously, after which the trigger button is pressed as far as possible. If you press the button all the way, a signal click will sound.
  • The trigger button is held down for 10 seconds, after which the needle can be removed. This injection technique allows you to administer the entire dose of the drug. After the injection is made, the needle is removed from the syringe pen and disposed of; it cannot be reused. The protective cap is placed on the syringe pen.
  • Each insulin pen comes with an instruction manual, where you can learn how to properly install the cartridge, connect the needle, and give the injection. Before testing, the cartridge must be at room temperature for at least two hours. Empty cartridges should never be reused.

Lantus insulin can be stored at temperatures ranging from 2 to 8 degrees in a dark place, away from direct sunlight. The medicine should be placed out of the reach of children.

The shelf life of insulin is three years, after which the solution should be thrown away and cannot be used for its intended purpose.

Analogues of the drug

Similar drugs with a hypoglycemic effect include insulin Levemir, which has very positive reviews. This drug is a basal soluble long-acting analogue of human insulin.

The hormone is produced using recombinant DNA biotechnology using a strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Levemir is administered to diabetics only subcutaneously. The dosage and frequency of injections are prescribed by the attending physician, based on the individual characteristics of the patient.

Lantus will tell you in detail about insulin in the video in this article.

With diabetes, people are forced to constantly replenish insulin levels in the body through injections. Experts have created medications that are obtained through a hybrid DNA structure. Thanks to this, the drug Lantus Solostar has become an effective analogue of human insulin. This medication allows you to normalize the amount of glucose in the human body to ensure vital functions.

This medicine is convenient to use, as it comes in the form of a pen syringe, which allows you to inject yourself. The drug must be injected under the skin into the abdomen, thighs or shoulder. The injection is required once a day. As for the dosage, it should be prescribed by the attending physician, based on the symptoms and course of the disease.

Lantus Solostar is also combined with other drugs that help replenish sugar levels in type 2 diabetics. However, it is necessary to carefully study the incompatibility of this medication with others.

The drug consists of insulin glargine. In addition: water, glycerol, acid (hydrochloric), sodium hydroxide and m-cresol. One cartridge contains 3 ml. solution.

The strength and profile of insulin glargine are similar to human insulin, therefore, after its administration, glucose is metabolized and its concentration decreases. This substance also helps improve protein synthesis and inhibits lipolysis and proteolysis in adipocytes.

The action of such insulin is longer, but development occurs much more slowly. Also, the duration of the drug is influenced by the individual characteristics of a person and lifestyle.

Through research, it has been determined that insulin glargine does not cause diabetic neuropathy.

In neutral space, insulin is slightly soluble. In acidic conditions, microprecipitates appear that release it, so the drug is designed to last for 24 hours. Regarding the main pharmacological properties, it has a peakless profile and slow adsorption.

The country of origin of this drug is France (Sanofi-Aventis Corporation). However, many pharmaceutical companies in Russia are also engaged in the sale and production of medicines based on patented developments.

Instructions for use

Lantus Solostar must be administered subcutaneously. It is necessary to determine a specific time to regularly administer the drug by the hour. A specialist should calculate the dose based on tests and examination. The drug is dosed in units of action, unlike other medications.

The drug can be used by people with type 2 diabetes. Use is allowed in combination with hypoglycemic substances.

When switching to this drug from those that had an average or long-term effect, it is necessary to change the dosage and time of use. To reduce the risk of hypoglycemia at night, it is better to reduce the dose when switching to this insulin. In some cases, a person may develop antibodies and the reaction to the drug may decrease. To do this, you need to regularly adjust the dosage and monitor glucose levels.

Rules for administering the drug:

  • Inject only into the deltoid muscles (abdomen, thigh, shoulder).
  • It is recommended to change injection sites to avoid hematomas or pain effects.
  • You cannot give injections intravenously.
  • Experts also prohibit mixing this drug with other medications.
  • Before starting the injection, you need to remove the bubbles from the container and take a new needle.

Since the drug is sold in the form of a syringe pen, it must be carefully examined before injection to ensure that there are no cloudy spots in the solution. If there is sediment, the medicine is considered unsuitable and unsafe for use. After using the syringe pen, it must be disposed of. You should also remember that this drug cannot be transferred to other persons.

Free medicines for diabetics

Regarding the calculation of dosage, as already described above, it should be established by a specialist. The drug itself allows you to make a dose from 1 to 80 units. If an injection with a dose of more than 80 units is necessary, two injections are given.

Before performing an injection, you must check the syringe pen. To do this, the following algorithm of actions is performed:

  • Checking the markings.
  • Appearance assessment.
  • Removing the cap, attaching the needle (not tilted).
  • Place the syringe with the needle up (after a dose of 2 units has been measured).
  • Tapping on the cartridge, pressing the injection button all the way.
  • Checking for the appearance of insulin drops at the tip of the needle.

If insulin does not appear during the first test, the test is repeated until the solution appears after pressing the button.

Side effects

The main side effect that can be caused by Lantus Solosta is the appearance of hypoglycemia. When overdosing or changing the time of eating food, the amount of glucose changes, which leads to this complication. Due to hypoglycemia, a person may develop neurological disorders.

In addition, the following symptoms may appear due to the use of the drug:

  • Problems with the nervous system (retinopathy, dysgeusia, blurred vision).
  • Lipoatrophy, lipodystrophy.
  • Allergies (antineurotic edema, bronchospasms).
  • Bronchospasms.
  • Quincke's edema.
  • Muscle pain.
  • Swelling and inflammatory processes after injections.

If an excessive amount of the drug is administered, glycemia cannot be avoided. In this case, a person may experience the following symptoms:

  • Headaches.
  • Fatigue.
  • Fatigue.
  • Problems of vision, coordination, concentration in space.

The following preceding symptoms may also occur: hunger, irritability, restlessness, cold sweat, rapid heartbeat.

Lipodystrophy may appear at the site of drug administration, which will slow down the absorption of the drug. To avoid this, it is necessary to change the injection sites, alternating the thigh, shoulder and abdomen. In addition, teeth, redness, and pain may occur on areas of the skin. However, these problems may disappear within a few days.

Contraindications

Like any medicine, insulin Lantus SoloStar has contraindications for use, for which the drug should not be taken:

  • People who have hypersensitivity to the medication.
  • In case of personal intolerance to the components of the drug.
  • For problems with the liver or kidneys.
  • Children under 6 years old.
  • With ketoacidosis.
  • Elderly people who have kidney or liver problems.
  • Patients with cerebral vascular stenosis.

During pregnancy

According to clinical studies, there are no side effects when using this drug during pregnancy. The medicine does not have a negative effect on both mother and child.

A doctor may prescribe Lantus SoloStar if NPH insulins do not have the desired effect. It is necessary to monitor the blood sugar level of a pregnant woman especially carefully, since its levels may change in different trimesters. In the first they are usually lower than in the second and third. Also, with this drug you can breastfeed without fear of complications and side effects.

Interaction with other drugs

The drug Lantus Solostar has the ability to change depending on the drug combined with it. These include:

  • angiotensin inhibitors,
  • oral antidiabetic medications,
  • monoamine oxidant inhibitors,
  • sulfonamides,
  • propoxyphene,
  • disopyramide,
  • glarinin.

In combination with corticosteroid drugs, Lantus SoloStar liquefies. These include: danazol, isoniazid, diazoxide, diuretics, estrogens.

Lithium salts, ethyl alcohol, pentamidine, clonidine can reduce or potentiate the effect of Lantus.

Insulin Humulin

What can happen with a drug overdose

If an overdose occurs, then it is necessary to stop hypoglycemia with the help of products containing quickly digestible carbohydrates. When severe hypoglycemia occurs, glucagon should be injected into the muscles or under the skin or glucose into a vein.

The cause of overdose is too high a dose of the drug. In this case, it is necessary to consult a doctor to conduct repeated tests and establish a new dose of medication.

When relieving hypoglycemia, the patient should not be left unattended, as attacks may recur during the day. It is very important to carefully monitor the dose, exercise regularly, do not skip meals, and do not consume prohibited foods. When diagnosed with diabetes, people should closely monitor their condition so that they can immediately seek help if necessary.

Storage

Storage conditions for the drug are limited to three years, subject to temperature conditions of up to 8 degrees. Do not place the pen in a place where children can get into it. It is better to store the drug in the refrigerator to maintain the proper temperature. However, it is worth remembering that insulin should not be kept in the freezer.

After the first injection, the syringe pen can be used for 28 days. After the injections have been given, the drug cannot be stored in the refrigerator. It is better that the temperature does not exceed 25 degrees. It is prohibited to use expired medication.

They can be selected for this device according to length and thickness, price, as well as taking into account the individual parameters of the patient: weight, age, sensitivity of the body.

Needles for insulin syringe pens: description, how to use, sizes, cost

The active substance of Lantus Solo Star is a long-acting insulin glargine. The product is indicated for adults and.

Description

The drug is produced by the German company Sanofi-AventisDeutschlandGmbH. In addition to the active substance, the drug contains auxiliary components: metacresol, glycerol, sodium hydroxide, zinc chloride, hydrochloric acid and water for injection.

Insulin Lantus SoloStar

Lantus is a colorless liquid in appearance. The concentration of the solution for subcutaneous administration is 100 U/ml. The glass cartridge contains 3 milliliters of medication and is built into the syringe pen. They are packed in cardboard boxes of five pieces. Each kit contains instructions for use.

Action

Glargine binds to insulin receptors in a similar way to the human hormone.

When it enters the body, it forms microprecipitates, which provide the drug with prolonged action. At the same time, the hormone enters constantly and in a certain amount.

Glargine is active an hour after administration and retains the ability to reduce plasma sugar throughout the day.

Lantus should not be diluted or mixed with other medications.

Improved metabolic regulation may cause increased sensitivity to the drug. To eliminate the problem, you need to adjust the dose. It is also changed if the patient has gained a lot of weight or, conversely, lost weight. The medicine is prohibited for intravenous administration. This may provoke.

Instructions for use

Before using medicine in syringe pens, you should carefully study the rules for using this device.

The dose of the hormone when switching from long-acting insulin should be adjusted by the attending physician.

In some patients it may, so the introduction of a new drug requires careful monitoring of its level. The insulin pen form makes life much easier for diabetics.

Injections have to be done every day for years, so they learn how to do it on their own. Before use, you need to do a visual inspection of the drug. The liquid must be free of foreign impurities and have no color.

Introduction rules:

  1. Lantus cannot be administered intravenously, only subcutaneously in the thigh, shoulder or abdomen. The dose is prescribed by the doctor individually. The injection is given once a day, at the same time. The injection sites are changed to avoid an allergic reaction;
  2. syringe pen is a disposable device. After the product runs out, it must be disposed of. Each injection is made with a sterile needle produced by the manufacturer of the product. After the procedure, it is also disposed of. Repeated use may result in infection;
  3. A faulty handle cannot be used. It is advisable to always have an additional kit;
  4. Remove the protective cap from the pen, check the medication label on the container with the hormone;
  5. then a sterile needle is placed on the syringe. The scale on the product should show 8. This means that the device has not been used before;
  6. To dial a dose, the start button is pulled out, after which the dose container cannot be rotated. The outer and inner caps are kept until the end of the procedure. This will allow you to remove the used needle;
  7. The syringe is held with the needle up and lightly tapped on the reservoir with the medicine. Next, press the start button all the way. The readiness of the device for operation can be determined by the appearance of a small drop of liquid at the end of the needle;
  8. the patient selects a dose, one step is 2 units. If more medicine needs to be administered, two injections are given;
  9. After the injection, the protective cap is put on the device.

Instructions for use are included with each pen. It details how to install the cartridge, connect the needle, and inject.

Before the procedure, the cartridge must be at room temperature for at least two hours.

Do not reuse the needle or leave it in the syringe. It is not allowed to use one handle for several patients. In every medical institution, diabetics are taught the rules of using drugs to lower sugar.

Contraindications

  • if the diabetic is sensitive to glargine and other components of the drug;
  • if the patient is under six years of age.

And when breastfeeding a baby, medicine is prescribed with caution; the woman must constantly monitor her blood sugar levels, and the doctor must adjust the treatment if such a need arises.

Side effects

According to reviews of patients who have used Lantus, the following side effects from its use have been identified:

  • allergy;
  • loss of taste;
  • myalgia;
  • redness at the injection site.

These reactions are reversible and go away after some time. If unusual symptoms occur after the procedure, you should inform your doctor.

If sugar levels rise frequently as a result of medication administration, disruptions in the functioning of the nervous system may occur. Hypoglycemia can provoke a life-threatening condition.

Children who use Lantus may develop muscle pain, allergic manifestations, and discomfort at the injection site.

Storage of the drug

Store insulin at room temperature in a dark place. Children should not have access to the medicine. The shelf life is three years, after which the product should be thrown away.

Analogues

Levemir and Apidra are similar. Both are basally soluble analogues of the human hormone with hypoglycemic properties.

Insulin Levemir

All three products have a syringe pen. Only a specialist can prescribe the drug, taking into account the individual characteristics of a diabetic.

Where to buy, cost

You can buy a syringe pen and needles for it at the pharmacy.

However, prices for the drug will differ.

The average cost is 3,500 rubles.

Prices in online pharmacies are cheaper than in retail. When purchasing through the site, it is important to be careful, check the expiration date of the medicine, and whether the integrity of the packaging has been damaged. The syringe pen must be free of dents and cracks.