Important Note

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

INSULIN GLARGINE - INJECTABLE

(IN-su-lin GLAR-gene)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Lantus

Uses

Insulin glargine is used to treat diabetes mellitus. Like other insulin products, it works by helping sugar (glucose) get into cells but has a more long-acting (over 24 hours) effect. Controlling high blood sugar helps prevent heart disease, strokes, kidney disease, circulation problems, and blindness.

How To Use

Learn all preparation and usage instructions, including how to inject this medication properly, and how to manage your blood sugar (e.g., blood glucose monitoring, high or low blood sugar symptoms, treatment for high or low blood sugar). If any of this information is unclear, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Before injecting each dose, clean the injection site with rubbing alcohol. It is important to change the location of the injection site daily to avoid problem areas under the skin (lipodystrophy). Inject this medication under the skin (SC) usually once daily at bedtime; or use as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Measure each dose very carefully; even small changes in the amount of insulin may have a large effect on your blood sugar levels. If you experience any of the symptoms of low blood sugar (listed below in SIDE EFFECTS section), take a quick source of sugar such as glucose tablets, table sugar, orange juice, honey, or non-diet soda. Promptly contact your doctor. Insulin glargine is not recommended to be given into a vein (IV). Severe low blood sugar may result. Do not mix this type of insulin with other insulin products or with other intravenous (IV) solutions. Before using, inspect this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Learn how to store and discard needles and medical supplies safely. Consult your pharmacist.

Side Effects

Injection site reactions (e.g., pain, redness, irritation) may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) occur: fainting, cold sweats, shaking/tremor, unusually fast heartbeat, headache, slurred speech, seizures. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) occurs: unusual drowsiness, confusion, rapid breathing, fruity breath odor, increased urination, unusual thirst. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: kidney problems, liver problems, nerve disease (e.g., diabetic neuropathy), thyroid problems, any allergies (especially to other insulin products). Fever, serious infection or injury, emotional stress, or major surgery may increase your blood sugar level temporarily which may make this medication less effective. Consult your doctor for details and a treatment plan. Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its effect on blood sugar. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication you may use, especially: other insulin products (e.g., Regular, NPH), oral diabetes medicine (e.g., glyburide, pioglitazone), ACE inhibitors (e.g., enalapril, lisinopril), beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol, propranolol), disopyramide, fibrates (e.g., clofibrate, gemfibrozil), fluoxetine, MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, isocarboxazid, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, selegiline, tranylcypromine), propoxyphene, salicylates (e.g., aspirin), octreotide, sulfa antibiotics (e.g., sulfamethoxazole), corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone), danazol, diuretics, sympathomimetic drugs (e.g., albuterol, epinephrine), isoniazid, certain psychiatric medicine (e.g., phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine), somatropin, thyroid medicine, estrogens and progestins (including birth control pills), clonidine, lithium, pentamidine, guanethidine, reserpine. Drinking alcohol may affect your blood sugar level. Limit alcoholic beverages. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include: unusually fast heartbeat, unusual sweating, shakiness, seizures.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others. It is recommended you attend a diabetes education program to understand diabetes and all important aspects of its treatment including meals/diet, exercise, personal hygiene, medications and getting regular eye, foot and medical exams. Consult your doctor or pharmacist. Keep all medical appointments. Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., liver and kidney function tests, fasting blood glucose, hemoglobin A1c, complete blood counts) will be performed to monitor for side effects and response to therapy. Regularly check your blood or urine for sugar, as directed by your doctor or pharmacist.

Missed Dose

It is very important to follow your insulin regimen exactly. Do not miss any doses of insulin. Discuss specific instructions with your doctor now, in case you miss a dose of insulin in the future.

Storage

The unopened vial/cartridge of medication is best stored in the refrigerator between 36 and 46 degrees F (2 and 8 degrees C). Do not freeze. After you have opened the medication, you may store it in the refrigerator or at room temperature, but it must be discarded after 28 days. The unopened vial/cartridge may also be stored at room temperature below 86 degrees F (30 degrees C), but must be discarded after 28 days. Protect insulin from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture.

Medical Alert

Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).