If unintentional air enters into the insulin pen, it can contribute to air bubbles accumulating within the insulin and pen and ultimately improper dosing of insulin. It could also lead to insulin contamination. Storing your insulin pen in extreme temperatures can lead to changes in the concentration of the pen's insulin. For example, going from a cold place to a hot place causes your insulin to expand.
As insulin expands, it could leak out of the needle passageway, and change the concentration of the insulin. This change in concentration will change the strength of your insulin and may lead to an inadvertent overdose. Every time you use a pen containing NPH neutral protamine Hagedorn insulin, it must be rolled between the palms 10 times and then tipped up and down 10 times to mix the insulin properly. The same mixing process is needed for pens with mixtures of NPH insulin and Regular insulin e.
The insulin should look uniformly cloudy or milky after mixing. If there are clumps floating in the insulin, or white particles stuck to the bottom or sides of the pen giving it a frosted look, don't use it. Otherwise, large doses of insulin can come out during the first injection, leaving less in the pen for injections that follow. The introduction of insulin pens has risen sharply in recent years and allows patients to inject their insulin in a convenient, discrete and relatively easy to use way.
The needles used with most pens are interchangeable and are sold separately. But the way they are used may differ between needle brands. Consumers must be aware because using different and unfamiliar insulin needles can cause an error with your treatment.
For example, patients who are familiar with the NovoFine Autocover must remove a needle shield to inject. Then after injection the needle is withdrawn and automatically covers itself so it cannot be used again. Patients who use Autocover devices and then switch to standard pen needles must be educated about the need to remove both caps. Removing the gray cap is an extra step that is not required with the NovoFine Autocover needles.
Errors have also occurred with the BD AutoShield Duo pen needles which resulted in failure to deliver insulin. The BD AutoShield Duo pen needle is a safety pen needle with shields on both ends of the needle to prevent needlestick exposure during injection and disposal.
Afterwards, the shield slides back over the needle, locks into place, and a red indicator becomes visible figure 1. If the pen is not pressed hard enough and the white shield is not flush with the skin , the cover will not retract enough resulting in no insulin delivery.
Failure to delivery insulin can also occur if the user injects the insulin on an angle that does not allow the retraction mechanism to work properly. Current insulin deliver recommendations note that the pen needle must be injected into the skin at a 90 degree angle, with no skin fold pinch for mm needles, or with a skinfold pinch for longer needles.
If you are using an insulin pen for the first time, or recently switched to a new insulin pen, errors can occur when dialing the correct dose. A patient accidently injected too much insulin when she accidently over dialed her insulin pen. In error, the patient read the numbers to the right of the dose indicator window not within the window.
A Lantus Solostar pen was prescribed for a patient who only had prior experience administering Lantus from vials using insulin syringes. The patient was not counseled before using the pen and assumed he understood how to use it correctly.
However, he misunderstood how the insulin pen worked and accidently administered units of Lantus instead of 75 units. The error was related to a minor difference in how this particular insulin pen works. The Solostar insulin pen looks like a syringe, or other pen devices. Normally during an injection of insulin the syringe plunger moves all the way to where the needle attaches to the syringe.
However, the Solostar pen is not designed to deliver the entire amount of insulin in the reservoir. Therefore, the plunger only moves partially, resting on a reservoir scale that shows the remaining quantity of Lantus in the pen.
If you are new to using an insulin pen, always demonstrate to a health care professional how you will measure and administer the dose. Our organization is aware of at least two cases in which improper injection technique led to elevated blood sugars. In both of these cases, ongoing elevated blood sugars led the healthcare provider to investigate the insulin injection technique. After direct observation of the individual injecting the insulin, a crucial error was detected.
In both incidences the person injecting insulin correctly dialed up to the prescribed amount of insulin units using the Lantus Solostar insulin glargine insulin pen. They can suggest helpful diet and exercise tips. Hypoglycemia low blood sugar levels is one of the most common side effects of Lantus and other insulins.
Symptoms of mild low blood sugar include:. If your blood sugar levels get and stay too low, your symptoms can become a medical emergency.
Symptoms of severe hypoglycemia very low blood sugar levels can include:. These changes include using a new insulin product, taking a new dosage of insulin, or administering the drug differently than you usually do.
Clinical studies looked at adults who took Lantus for type 1 diabetes. A week study found that 6. And a week study found that Another study looked at children who took Lantus for type 1 diabetes. In a 5-year clinical study in adults with type 2 diabetes, 7. If your blood sugar is low, try to fix it right away. Eat or drink carbohydrates that are easy to digest so they can raise your blood sugar quickly. Some examples of these foods and drinks include:. They may give you a prescription for glucagon a hormone to quickly raise your blood sugar levels in an emergency.
However, in clinical studies of people with type 1 diabetes who took Lantus, children had more episodes of hypoglycemia low blood sugar than adults.
This was compared to See the section just above for details. This will help you notice when your child needs to consume foods or drinks to quickly raise their blood sugar. By aiding your child right away, you can help prevent a medical emergency. Other drugs are available that can treat your condition.
Some may be better suited for you than others. They can tell you about other medications that may work well for you. There are several different types of drugs that can be used to improve blood sugar levels for people with diabetes. Your doctor will prescribe the best medication for you based on several factors, including:. There are also several non-insulin treatment options that may help improve blood sugar levels in people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
Note: Some of the drugs listed here are used off-label to treat these specific conditions. Examples of other insulins that may be used to improve blood sugar levels in people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes include:. Several premixed insulin products are also available. They contain long-acting insulins and shorter-acting insulins. These combination medications help control baseline blood sugar levels and any blood sugar spikes that can occur around mealtime.
Examples of non-insulin diabetes medications that can be used to improve blood sugar levels in people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes include:. There are also combination medications that contain insulin. They can be used to improve blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes, including:. You may wonder how Lantus compares to other medications that are prescribed for similar uses. Here we look at how Lantus and Levemir are alike and different.
Lantus is approved for children ages 6 years and older with type 1 diabetes. Levemir is approved for children ages 2 years and older with type 1 diabetes. Lantus is approved to treat adults with type 2 diabetes. Levemir is approved to treat both children and adults with type 2 diabetes.
Lantus and Levemir are both long-acting insulins. This means that they work the same way in the body. They both help control blood sugar levels for up to 24 hours or longer.
Lantus contains the drug insulin glargine. Levemir contains the drug insulin detemir. The Lantus pen is called Lantus Solostar. It contains 3 mL of solution with units of insulin per mL. The Levemir pen is called Levemir FlexTouch. It also contains 3 mL of solution with units of insulin per mL. Lantus and Levemir are both given as an injection just under your skin a subcutaneous injection. Lantus and Levemir both contain long-acting insulins.
Therefore, both medications can cause very similar side effects. Below are examples of these side effects. This list contains examples of more common side effects that can occur with both Lantus and Levemir when taken individually :. This list contains examples of serious side effects that can occur with both Lantus and Levemir when taken individually :. Lantus and Levemir have different FDA-approved uses.
A review of studies found that Lantus and Levemir were equally effective at improving blood sugar levels in adults with type 1 diabetes.
There was also no difference in the risk of low blood sugar episodes between the two drugs. The review of studies also looked at people with type 2 diabetes.
The analysis found no difference between Lantus and Levemir in improving blood sugar levels or in the rates of low blood sugar episodes.
Lantus and Levemir are both brand-name drugs. There are currently no generic forms of either drug. Brand-name medications usually cost more than generics.
According to estimates on GoodRx. Here we look at how Lantus and Basaglar are alike and different. The Food and Drug Administration FDA has approved both Lantus and Basaglar to improve blood sugar levels in children ages 6 and older and adults with type 1 diabetes. Both drugs are also approved to improve blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. Lantus and Basaglar both contain insulin glargine. Basaglar is called an insulin follow-on drug to Lantus.
This means that Basaglar is a biologic product made from parts of living organisms that is highly similar to Lantus.
The FDA considers follow-on drugs to be just as effective and safe as the original brand-name version of the drug. Lantus and Basaglar both come as a liquid solution in a disposable, prefilled pen. Lantus and Basaglar are both given as an injection just under your skin a subcutaneous injection. The drugs are typically given once a day. This list contains examples of more common side effects that can occur with both Lantus and Basaglar when taken individually :.
This list contains examples of serious side effects that can occur with both Lantus and Basaglar when taken individually :. Lantus and Basaglar are both FDA-approved to lower blood sugar levels in adults and children with type 1 diabetes. They are also both approved to lower blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. The use of Lantus and Basaglar for type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes has been directly compared. In a 1-year study , Lantus and Basaglar were found to be equally effective at improving blood sugar levels in people with type 1 diabetes.
The people had similar rates of hypoglycemia low blood sugar , allergic reactions, and changes in weight. In this study, both drugs were used in combination with mealtime insulin. In another clinical study , Lantus and Basaglar helped control blood sugar levels about equally well in people with type 2 diabetes.
The drugs were used in combination with oral taken by mouth medications for six months. Lantus and Basaglar are both brand-name drugs. Here we look at how Lantus and Tresiba are alike and different. Lantus is approved for people ages 6 years and older with type 1 diabetes and for adults with type 2 diabetes.
It comes in two forms:. Both Lantus and Tresiba are given as an injection just under your skin a subcutaneous injection. Lantus and Tresiba both contain long-acting insulins. This list contains examples of more common side effects that can occur with both Lantus and Tresiba when taken individually :. This list contains examples of serious side effects that can occur with both Lantus and Tresiba when taken individually :.
Lantus and Tresiba are both FDA-approved to improve blood sugar levels in people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The use of Lantus and Tresiba in treating type 1 diabetes has been directly compared in several clinical studies.
In a pooled analysis of these studies, Lantus and Tresiba were found to be equally effective at improving blood sugar levels in adults with type 1 diabetes. Another clinical study found no difference in blood sugar level improvements between Lantus and Tresiba in children with type 1 diabetes.
The use of Lantus and Tresiba in treating type 2 diabetes has also been directly compared. A pooled analysis of nine studies found that Lantus and Tresiba improved blood sugar levels to a similar degree in adults with type 2 diabetes.
However, there was a lower risk of severe low blood sugar and low blood sugar at night with Tresiba. Lantus and Tresiba are both brand-name 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. A mealtime insulin is needed to control spikes in blood sugar that occur after eating. 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 taken by mouth medications that your doctor may prescribe.
These drugs lower your blood sugar further and help prevent serious complications, such as nerve damage. Typically, your doctor will start you on a low dosage. 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. Note : Making any changes to your insulin treatment plan could increase your risk for both hypoglycemia low blood sugar levels and hyperglycemia high blood sugar levels. Lantus comes as a liquid solution inside vials and disposable, prefilled pens. Each vial of Lantus contains 10 milliliters mL of solution. Each mL contains units of insulin glargine. This strength is also called Lantus U The disposable, prefilled pen of Lantus is called SoloStar.
Each pen contains 3 mL of solution. There are units of insulin glargine in each mL. That adds up to a total of units of insulin per Lantus SoloStar pen. And keep in mind that each form of Lantus takes a different needle type. The Lantus vial and Lantus SoloStar pen are both meant to be used more than once.
This is known as being multi-dose. The number of times will be different for each person, depending on your dosage. You can use the vials and pens for up to 28 days after you open them. After that time, you should dispose of the vial or pen, even if it still contains some of the drug. If you have type 1 diabetes , the starting dose of Lantus is generally about one-third of your total daily insulin dose. Your total daily insulin dose is based on your weight. It typically ranges from 0. There are about 2.
For example, a lb man weighs about 68 kg. If his doctor prescribes 0. His starting dose of Lantus would be about one-third of 34 units, which is about 11 units of Lantus. The drug is given as an injection just under your skin a subcutaneous injection. You can inject Lantus in the skin of your upper arms, belly at least 2 inches away from your belly button , or thighs.
The usual starting dose of Lantus for people with type 2 diabetes is 0. The usual starting dose of Lantus for children with type 1 diabetes is calculated in the same way as for adults.
The dosage of Lantus for these children is about one-third of their total daily insulin dose. It ranges from 0. For example, a lb child weighs about 27 kg. If her doctor prescribes 0. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. This could increase your risk for serious side effects, such as hypoglycemia low blood sugar levels.
You might. Lantus is typically used for long-term treatment of diabetes. Lantus can interact with several other medications. It can also interact with certain supplements as well as certain foods. Different interactions can cause different effects. For instance, some interactions can interfere with how well a drug works.
Other interactions can increase side effects or make them more severe. Below are lists of medications that can interact with Lantus. Before taking Lantus, talk with your doctor and pharmacist. Tell them about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take.
Also tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you use. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions. If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Taking Lantus with other diabetes medications can increase your risk for hypoglycemia low blood sugar level.
If you take Lantus with other diabetes drugs, your doctor may need to adjust your dosage of one or all of them to reduce your risk for low blood sugar. They may also want you to monitor your blood sugar levels more often. Examples of other diabetes medications that can increase your risk for low blood sugar if taken with Lantus include:.
Taking Lantus with thiazolidinediones can cause heart failure , or worsen heart failure if you already have it. If you take a thiazolidinedione, be sure to discuss it with your doctor before you start treatment with Lantus. If you take one of these drugs with Lantus, your doctor will likely monitor you for signs of heart failure. Taking Lantus with certain blood pressure medications can increase your risk for hypoglycemia low blood sugar level. If you take Lantus with one of these drugs, your doctor may need to adjust the dosage of either Lantus or the blood pressure medication.
Examples of blood pressure medications that can increase your risk for low blood sugar if taken with Lantus include:. Taking Lantus with other types of blood pressure medications can hide the symptoms of low blood sugar when they occur. This can put you at risk for severe hypoglycemia very low blood sugar level with little warning.
If you take Lantus with any of these drugs, your doctor may want you to check your blood sugar levels more often.
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