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What Kind Of Insulin Is Lantus


How Does Lantus Work Over 24 Hours

Lantus or Insulin Glargine Medication Information (dosing, side effects, patient counseling)

Lantus is a recombinant human insulin analog with a duration of action up to 24 hours.1 The microprecipitates that are formed in the subcutaneous tissue after injection slow the absorption of Lantus and provide a relatively constant level of insulin over 24 hours without a pronounced peak.1 This prolonged effect over 24 hours enables it to be administered once daily.

How Does Lantus Work Whats Its Half

Lantus is used to help control blood sugar levels in certain people who have diabetes.

Diabetes is a condition that leads to high blood sugar. With diabetes, your body cant effectively use the insulin thats made in your pancreas. Or your pancreas just doesnt make enough insulin.

Lantus is a type of insulin. Its mechanism of action is to add to or replace the insulin thats naturally made by the human body.


Lantus helps lower your blood sugar level by:

  • helping your muscle cells and fat cells take up sugar from your blood
  • keeping your liver from making more blood sugar
  • stopping your body from breaking down fats and proteins so it can break down blood sugar instead

Lantus half-life is about 12 hours. In other words, it takes about 12 hours for your body to get rid of half of a dose of Lantus.

If you have more questions about how Lantus works or its half-life, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Lower Incidence Of Hypoglycaemia Is More Apparent With Insulin Glargine Compared With Once

The incidence of hypoglycaemia appears lowest when insulin glargine is compared with isophane insulin once daily10,20,23,24 this is likely due to once-daily doses being higher than individual doses of isophane insulin twice daily. In one 4-week study of type 1 diabetes10, the proportion of patients with at least one episode of nocturnal hypoglycaemia was 36% with insulin glargine, 44% with isophane insulin twice daily, and 66% with isophane insulin once daily. In a 28-week study of type 2 diabetes13,24, there was less symptomatic hypoglycaemia with insulin glargine but only when compared with the subgroup of patients given isophane insulin once daily .

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Understanding Insulin And Long

Insulin is a natural hormone your body produces. It helps your cells absorb glucose from your blood and makes sure you maintain a healthy blood glucose level. Lantus and Tresiba are both synthetic versions of insulin. Whilst they work in the same way as the insulin your body naturally produces, they are designed to be longer acting.

Tresiba and Lantus are usually injected once a day to help your body maintain a healthy blood glucose level throughout the day and night. They are active for 24 hours after injecting, often for longer, depending on the dose you take.

Insulin A To Z: A Guide On Different Types Of Insulin

Lantus (Insulin Glargine Injection) 100 units/ml

Elizabeth Blair, A.N.P., at Joslin Diabetes Center, helps break down the different types of insulin and how they work for people with diabetes. Types of Insulin for People with Diabetes Rapid-acting: Usually taken before a meal to cover the blood glucose elevation from eating. This type of insulin is used with longer-acting insulin. Short-acting: Usually taken about 30 minutes before a meal to cover the blood glucose elevation from eating. This type of insulin is used with longer-acting insulin. Intermediate-acting: Covers the blood glucose elevations when rapid-acting insulins stop working. This type of insulin is often combined with rapid- or short-acting insulin and is usually taken twice a day. Long-acting: This type of insulin is often combined, when needed, with rapid- or short-acting insulin. It lowers blood glucose levels when rapid-acting insulins stop working. It is taken once or twice a day. A Guide on Insulin Types for People with Diabetes Type Brand Name Onset Peak Duration Rapid-acting Humalog Novolog Apidra 10 – 30 minutes 30 minutes – 3 hours 3 – 5 hours Short-acting Regular 30 minutes – 1 hour 2 – 5 hours Up to 12 hours Intermediate- acting NPH 1.5 – 4 hours 4 – 12 hours Up to 24 hours Long-acting Lantus Levemir 0.8 – 4 hours Minimal peak Up to 24 hours To make an appointment with a Joslin diabetes nurse educator, please call 732-2400.Continue reading > >

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Warnings Of Tresiba And Lantus

Tresiba and Lantus carry the risk of hypoglycemia, or low blood glucose levels. Patients on Tresiba or Lantus should know the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia, which include shakiness, lightheadedness, mental confusion, nausea, blurred vision, and headache.


Hypokalemia, or low potassium levels, is also a possible adverse event related to Tresiba or Lantus use. This is especially important to consider in patients who have impaired renal function or may be on potassium-wasting medications such as furosemide.

Insulin delivery devices, such as Flextouch or Solostar pens, as well as pen needles and syringes, should not be shared between patients. There is a risk of cross-contamination with bloodborne pathogens and diseases. Patients should receive education and counseling on basic diabetes care, including the safe use of needles.

Tresiba and Lantus are intended for subcutaneous dosing only. They should never be administered intramuscularly or intravenously.

Tresiba Vs Lantus Cost Comparison

Both Lantus and Tresiba can be bought as:

  • Pre-filled self-injecting pens
  • Cartridges for use in self-injecting pens
  • Vials of insulin to be used in a syringe

The cost of Tresiba and Lantus without insurance can vary by retailer and the amount you buy. It will also depend on whether you buy pre-filled pens, cartridges, or vials. Based on average prices for a comparable amount of each medication, Lantus is generally cheaper than Tresiba.


The cost of Lantus and Tresiba, if you have insurance, will depend on the details of your healthcare plan. Contact your pharmacist or insurance provider to calculate your copay with your current insurance.

If youre approved for Lantus or Tresiba assistance through NiceRx, you could get your prescription for only $49 per month. We may be able to help you even if you have insurance. Fill in our online enrollment application to find out more.

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What If I Miss A Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If its almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal schedule.

Dont take more than one dose in 24 hours unless your doctor tells you to. This could increase your risk for serious side effects, such as hypoglycemia .


Medication reminders can help make sure that you dont miss a dose.

So You Are Asking Yourselfwhich Is The Better Long Acting Insulinlantus Or Tresiba

Lantus Once Daily Insulin

The judges have declared the winner, and it wasnt even close! First, some back story in order to understand the importance of this epic fight. Why would Tresiba want to take on Lantus? Lantus has been the champion of long-acting insulin for over fifteen years. Thats right! Lantus was an amazing discovery for diabetes management: the first long-acting basal insulin. Before the year 2000, doctors did not have many types of insulin to choose from.

Lantus is actually an analogue of natural human insulin. The insulin molecule was changed slightly in the lab, creating differences in the way it is absorbed. In the case of U-100 glargine , there is an amino acid substitution and a slight lengthening of one of the two chains that make up the insulin molecule. When Lantus is injected, this alteration increases the time over which the insulin is absorbed, giving it a longer half-life than all the insulins available previously.

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How To Inject Lantus Using A Syringe And Vial

If youre going to inject Lantus using a syringe and vial, follow these steps.


Gathering supplies and preparing the vial

Before you inject Lantus, first collect your supplies and get the vial ready.

  • Gather what youll need for your injection: alcohol swabs, Lantus vial, insulin syringe, and sharps container.
  • Wash your hands with soap and water. Then dry them.
  • Check your insulin vial to make sure the solution is clear and colorless. If its cloudy or if there are particles in it, dont use it. Throw the vial away.
  • Remove the protective cap from the vial. This is if youre using a new vial.
  • Wipe the top of the vial with an alcohol swab to sterilize it.
  • Preparing your dose

    Once you have your supplies and cleaned the vial, youre ready to fill the syringe.

  • Pick up the syringe and take off its protective cap.
  • Pull the syringes plunger to draw air into the syringe. Keep pulling until you reach the measuring line thats equal to your dose.
  • Push the needle of the syringe through the rubber top on the vial.
  • Press the syringes plunger completely down to push all of the air into the vial.
  • Keeping the syringe in the vial, turn the vial and syringe upside down. The vial will be above the syringe.
  • Hold the syringe and vial in one hand. Make sure the tip of the needle is in the insulin solution.
  • With your other hand, pull down on the plunger until it reaches the measuring line thats equal to your dose.
  • Pull back on the syringe plunger again to draw your correct dose.
  • Lantus For Type 2 Diabetes

    Lantus is FDA-approved to improve blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes.


    Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition where your cells dont respond to insulin as well as they should. Insulin is a hormone that enables sugar to pass from your blood into your cells. Because your cells dont react to insulin the right way, they cant get the energy they need to work properly. In addition, sugar levels build up in your blood. If not treated, this can lead to serious complications such as nerve damage.

    Some people with type 2 diabetes need to take insulin because their body stops making insulin on its own.

    Note: Lantus isnt approved to treat diabetic ketoacidosis , which is a possible complication of diabetes. For more information about DKA, see the Common questions about Lantus section below.

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    Interactions Between Lantus And Other Medications

    Lantus may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Lantus . Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.


    Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

    • Balofloxacin

    Safety Profile Of Insulin Glargine

    Lantus® (insulin glargine injection) 100 Units& mL Coverage ...

    Various definitions and methods have been used to measure hypoglycemia in trials of insulin glargine, which limits the ability to generalize the findings across all patients with diabetes. While some studies have shown similar rates of hypoglycemia when compared with NPH insulin, there is also evidence insulin glargine can maintain effective glucose control and reduce the risk of hypoglycemia. randomized 518 patients with type 2 diabetes, who were already being treated with basal NPH insulin and regular insulin, to receive either insulin glargine or NPH insulin once- or twice daily. While improvements in HbA1c were comparable, the group who switched to insulin glargine showed a 25% decrease in the rate of nocturnal hypoglycemia . A recent metaanalysis of four open-label, randomized trials of insulin glargine versus NPH insulin adds further weight to this assertion. In total, 2304 patients were randomized and while glycemic control was similar between groups, there was a significant and consistent reduction in the risk of hypoglycemia .

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    Important Safety Information For Soliqua 100/33 100 Units/ml And 33 Mcg/ml

    What is the most important information I should know about SOLIQUA 100/33?

    Do not share your SOLIQUA 100/33 pen with other people, even if the needle has been changed. You may give other people a serious infection, or get a serious infection from them.


    SOLIQUA 100/33 can cause serious side effects, including inflammation of the pancreas, which may be severe and lead to death.

    Before using SOLIQUA 100/33, tell your doctor if you have had pancreatitis, stones in your gallbladder , or a history of alcoholism. These medical problems may make you more likely to get pancreatitis.

    Stop taking SOLIQUA 100/33 and call your healthcare provider right away if you have pain in your stomach area that is severe, and will not go away. The pain may be felt in the back area. The pain may happen with or without vomiting.

    Who should not use SOLIQUA 100/33?

    Do not use SOLIQUA 100/33 if you:


    • are having an episode of low blood sugar
    • are allergic to insulin glargine, lixisenatide, or any of the ingredients in SOLIQUA 100/33. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction with SOLIQUA 100/33 may include swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, fainting or feeling dizzy, problems breathing or swallowing, very rapid heartbeat, severe rash or itching, or low blood pressure.

    Before using SOLIQUA 100/33, tell your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions, including if you:

    How should I use SOLIQUA 100/33?

    What are the possible side effects of SOLIQUA 100/33?

    How Much Does Lantus Cost

    Lantus Prices. The cost for Lantus subcutaneous solution is around $305 for a supply of 10 milliliters, depending on the pharmacy you visit. Prices are for cash paying customers only and are not valid with insurance plans. Lantus is available as a brand name drug only, a generic version is not yet available.

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    Questions About Taking Lantus

    Below is important information you should know about taking Lantus.

    • Should I take Lantus with food? You can take Lantus with or without food.
    • When should you not take Lantus? There are certain conditions under which you should not take Lantus. These include times you have a low blood sugar level, or if youre allergic to Lantus. For details on when not to take this drug, see Warnings in the What should be considered before taking Lantus? section below.

    Questions for your doctor

    You may have questions about Lantus and your treatment plan. Its important to discuss all your concerns with your doctor.

    Here are a few tips that might help guide your discussion:

    • Before your appointment, write down questions such as:
    • How will Lantus affect my body, mood, or lifestyle?
  • Bring someone with you to your appointment if doing so will help you feel more comfortable.
  • If you dont understand something related to your condition or treatment, ask your doctor to explain it to you.
  • Remember, your doctor and other healthcare professionals are available to help you. And they want you to get the best care possible. So, dont be afraid to ask questions or offer feedback on your treatment.

    Some important things to discuss with your doctor when considering Lantus include:

    • any medical conditions you have
    • your overall health
    • other medications youre taking

    These and other considerations are described below.

    Lantus Basics And Classification

    Lantus – Medication Information

    Lantus is classified as a long-acting insulin. It contains the active drug insulin glargine, which is a biologic drug. Biologic drugs are made from parts of living cells.

    Lantus is available in a biosimilar form called insulin glargine-yfgn .


    Lantus comes as a liquid solution thats given as an injection under your skin.

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    How To Take Lantus

    • Read the prescription label and the information leaflet that comes with your prescription.
    • Consult your healthcare provider if you have any questions.
    • Use Lantus as directed by your provider.
    • Do not use any more or any less Lantus than your provider tells you to, and do not skip doses.

    Lantus is injected subcutaneously into the thigh, upper arm, or stomach. Never administer it in an insulin pump or mix it with other insulins.

    A healthcare provider will show you where and how to administer this medication. Continuously rotate sites. If you use the injection pen, use a new needle for each injection. Discard the old needle in a sharps container, a hard plastic container used to safely get rid of needles.

    When administering Lantus, avoid injecting into:

    • A vein or muscle
    • The same injection site two days in a row
    • Damaged, bruised, or scarred skin

    Lantus is typically injected once daily at the same time every day. When treating type 1 diabetes , you will also use short-acting insulin with meals and as directed by your provider.

    Prepare your injection when you are ready to give it. Check the injection solution to make sure it is clear and colorless. Call your pharmacist if the solution looks cloudy, has changed colors, or has particles in it.

    Lantus Use With Other Drugs

    Lantus may be used with other diabetes medications, including other injectable drugs or medications taken by mouth.

    People with type 1 diabetes will need to take Lantus along with a mealtime insulin. This is because Lantus is a basal insulin, a background insulin that helps control blood sugar levels in between meals. A mealtime insulin is needed to control spikes in blood sugar that occur after eating.

    Examples of mealtime insulins that may be taken along with Lantus include:

    People with type 2 diabetes will also likely need to take other diabetes medications besides Lantus. There are several different types of injectable or oral medications that your doctor may prescribe. These drugs lower your blood sugar further and help prevent serious complications, such as nerve damage.

    The Lantus dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors. These include:

    • the severity of the condition youre using Lantus to treat
    • your weight
    • your history of blood sugar control
    • your blood sugar level goals

    Typically, your doctor will start you on a low dosage. Then theyll adjust it over time to reach the amount thats right for you. Your doctor will ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.

    The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to suit your needs.

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