Insulin glargine is used to treat type 1 diabetes (condition in which the body does not produce insulin and therefore cannot control the amount of sugar in the blood). It is also used to treat people with type 2 diabetes (condition in which the body does not use insulin normally and, therefore, cannot control the amount of sugar in the blood) who need insulin to control their diabetes. In patients with type 1 diabetes, insulin glargine must be used with another type of insulin (a short-acting insulin). In patients with type 2 diabetes, insulin glargine also may be used with another type of insulin or with oral medication(s) for diabetes. Insulin glargine is a long-acting, man-made version of human insulin. Insulin glargine works by replacing the insulin that is normally produced by the body and by helping move sugar from the blood into other body tissues where it is used for energy. It also stops the liver from producing more sugar.
Insulin glargine comes as a solution (liquid) to inject subcutaneously (under the skin). It is injected once a day. You should use insulin glargine at the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use insulin glargine exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Insulin glargine controls diabetes but does not cure it. Continue to use insulin glargine even if you feel well. Do not stop using insulin glargine without talking to your doctor. Do not switch to another brand or type of insulin or change the dose of any type of insulin you are using without talking to your doctor. Always check the insulin label to make sure you received the right type of insulin from the pharmacy.
Insulin glargine comes in vials and in dosing pens that contain cartridges of medication. Be sure you know what type of container your insulin glargine comes in and what other supplies, such as needles, syringes, or pens, you will need to inject your medication.
If your insulin glargine comes in vials, you will need to use syringes to inject your dose. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to show you how to inject insulin glargine using a syringe. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about the type of syringe you should use.
If your insulin glargine comes in pens, be sure to read and understand the manufacturer's instructions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to show you how to use the pen. Follow the directions carefully, and always perform the safety test before use.
Never reuse needles or syringes and never share needles, syringes, or pens. If you are using an insulin pen, always remove the needle right after you inject your dose. Throw away needles and syringes in a puncture-resistant container. Ask your doctor or pharmacist how to dispose of the puncture-resistant container.
Do not dilute insulin glargine and do not mix insulin glargine with any other type of insulin.
You can inject your insulin glargine in your upper arm, thigh, or stomach. Never inject insulin glargine into a vein or muscle. Change (rotate) the injection site within the chosen area with each dose; try to avoid injecting the same site more often than once every 1 to 2 weeks.
Always look at your insulin glargine before you inject it. It should be clear and colorless. Do not use your insulin glargine if it is colored, cloudy, or contains solid particles, or if the expiration date on the bottle has passed.
Do not use insulin glargine in an external insulin pump.
Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Be sure to follow all exercise and dietary recommendations made by your doctor or dietitian. It is important to eat a healthful diet and to eat about the same amounts of the same kinds of food at about the same times each day. Skipping or delaying meals or changing the amount or kind of food you eat can cause problems with your blood sugar control.
Before you start using insulin glargine, ask your doctor what to do if you forget to use a dose or if you accidentally use an extra dose. Write these directions down so you can refer to them later.
redness, swelling, pain, or itching at the injection site
changes in the feel of your skin, skin thickening (fat build-up), or a little depression in the skin (fat breakdown)
swelling of the hands or feet
weight gain
constipation
skin rash, hives, or itching all over the body
wheezing (trouble breathing)
shortness of breath
fast pulse
sweating
low blood pressure
swelling of the eyes, face, lips, tongue, or throat
hoarseness
difficulty swallowing
weakness
muscle cramps
abnormal heartbeat
Insulin glargine may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while using this medication.
Store unopened insulin glargine vials and pens in the refrigerator. Never allow insulin glargine to freeze; do not use insulin glargine that has been frozen and thawed. Unopened refrigerated insulin glargine can be stored until the date shown on the company's label.
If no refrigerator is available (for example, when on vacation), store the vials or pens at room temperature and away from direct sunlight and extreme heat. Unrefrigerated vials or pens can be used within 28 days or after that time they must be thrown away. Insulin glargine pens that have been used must be stored at room temperature and may be used for up to 28 days after the first use. Throw away any insulin that has been exposed to extreme heat or cold.
Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
loss of consciousness
seizures
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your blood sugar and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) should be checked regularly to determine your response to insulin glargine. Your doctor will also tell you how to check your response to this medication by measuring your blood sugar levels at home. Follow these instructions carefully.
You should always wear a diabetic identification bracelet to be sure you get proper treatment in an emergency.
Do not let anyone else use your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Last Revised - 02/15/2012
AHFS® Consumer Medication Information. © Copyright, 2012. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.