Lantus
Insulin Glargine
iaDrug Class and Mechanism of Action of Lantus
Lantus is the medication containing insulin that is similar to the one produced in the human body. The insulin in the drug takes more time to start working but its effect lasts much longer than of usual insulin. The medication acts by placing its insulin instead of the one the body has to produce and therefore decreases the blood sugar level.
Theurapetic Uses of Lantus
Lantus medication is applied with an aim to control blood sugar level. It is prescribed to those patients experiencing type 1 (insulin-dependent) or type 2 (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes.
Direction of Use of Lantus
Carefully read the information enclosed to the drug before using it. Contact your health-care provider in case something remains unclear for you. Furthermore, your doctor will teach you how to inject the medication in a right way.
Before measuring and injecting the medication you should wash hands. The medication should not be cold (as it may be painful while injecting it) and it shouldn’t contain any particles or thickening. The Lantus drug should be colorless and clear one.
The medication should be injected under the clean and dry part of the skin within abdomen area, upper arms as well as thighs. You may inject the medication any time you wish but after the first injection remember the time. The other doses should be injected at the same time. Lantus shouldn’t be injected into vein. Use different part of the skin for injection everyday to avoid under skin problems.
In case you use special injecting device with digital display contact your doctor to learn how to use it properly.
Lantus shouldn’t be combined with other insulin containing medications.
Don’t change the Lantus dosage on your own. Doctor prescribes the dosage according your medical condition and its even slight change may cause serious changes in blood sugar level. However in case you have too high or too low blood sugar level – contact your doctor as you it may be necessary to change the dosage.
Dose of Lantus, if Missed
Follow the injecting schedule and avoid missing any doses. Always keep some supply of the medication, syringe and needle with you. Consult with your doctor about your action in case you will miss the Lantus injection by chance.
How to Store Lantus
Closed Lantus containers should be stored in the refrigerator between the 36-46 degrees F (2-8 degrees C). Avoid freezing the drug. In case you keep medication in vials store them open in refrigerator or at the temperature below 86 degrees F (30 degrees C) in c cool and dark place. Avoid keeping cartridges or pens in refrigerator. Avoid keeping medication in bathroom. Store the medication, syringes and needles in the place beyond the reach of children and pets.
Discard the unnecessary or expired medication properly. Contact your doctor for corresponding instructions. Avoid flushing medication into toilet.
More Information About Lantus
Don’t start, change the dosage or stop taking any drugs while using Lantus without previous consultation with your health-care provider. Before starting Lantus therapy let your doctor know about all medications you are using at the moment.
Lantus should be used only by those patients who are prescribed for this medication. Avoid sharing medication, syringes or needles with anyone.
Precautions to be Taken While Taking Lantus
Let your doctor know about all allergies you have as well as your medical history (especially in case you have adrenal gland problems, thyroid, kidney or liver problems, and infections) before starting the use of the medication.
Inject only the medication that was prescribed you by the doctor (not any other insulin containing drugs).
Don’t inject medication in case you experience decreased blood sugar level.
The alcohol intake within the therapy period may decrease blood sugar level. Changes of your lifestyle, physical exercises, and travels may affect blood sugar level.
Contact your doctor before starting the therapy in case you are in pregnancy, breast feeding period or just going to become pregnant.
Possible Adverse Effects of Lantus
The use of Lantus may cause various side effects.
- Redness and itching will go away in several days, otherwise contact your doctor.
- Increased amount of insulin or lack of calories may cause low blood sugar level. The symptoms of this condition are: chills, cold sweats, blurred vision, dizziness, drowsiness, shaking, fast heartbeat, weakness, headache, fainting, tingling of the hands/feet, or hunger. Contact your doctor in case you get this condition.
- Decreased insulin amount may cause high blood sugar level. The symptoms of this condition are: thirst, increased urination, confusion, drowsiness, flushing, rapid breathing, or fruity breath odor. Contact your doctor at once in case you experience such condition.
- You may also experience low potassium level. Contact your doctor at once in case you have such side effects as muscle cramps, weakness, and irregular heartbeat.
- Serious allergic reactions are too rare, however contact your health-care provider immediately in case you experience: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.