A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, consumption method, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name drug and works in the same way and in the same amount of time in the body.
The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is that generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (eg. different shape or color), as trademarks laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.
Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to develop a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name and sell it at a substantial discount.
BASAGLAR (insulin glargine) is long-acting insulin prescribed to regulate blood sugar in patients with diabetes mellitus.
Patients with diabetes have blood sugar levels that are too high or too low. BASAGLAR insulin helps to regulate these levels and keep blood sugar in a normal range.
Directions
Inject BASAGLAR under the skin once daily at the same time each day.
The prescribing physician will determine the dose of BASAGLAR.
Do not mix BASAGLAR with other types of insulin in the same syringe.
Once opened, BASAGLAR vials or pens should be stored at room temperature for up to 28 days.
Ingredients
The active ingredient in BASAGLAR is insulin glargine.
Interactions
Some medications can raise or lower blood sugar, which can change the amount of insulin required to bring blood sugar into a normal range. Some of these medications may include:
Alcohol
Atypical Antipsychotics
Corticosteroids
Disopyramide
Diuretics
Estrogens/Progesterones
Fibrates
Fluoxetine
Isoniazid
Lithium
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)
Niacin
Oral antidiabetic agents
Pentoxifylline
Phenothiazine derivatives
Pramlintide
Propoxyphene
Protease inhibitors
Salicylates
Somatostatin Analogues
Somatropin
Sulfonamide Antibiotics
Sympathomimetic agents
Thyroid replacement medication
Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) is a severe and sometimes life-threatening side effect of insulin use. It is essential to be aware of the symptoms of hypoglycemia so it can be treated early. These medications may mask the symptoms and make it harder to detect:
Beta-blockers
Clonidine
Guanethidine
Reserpine
Cautions
Do not share insulin pens with other patients, even if the pen needle is changed between each injection.
Monitor blood sugar closely when making any changes to the insulin regimen, including adding or removing meal-time insulin, changing administration sites, changing manufacturers, or changing the time of administration.
Examine the label carefully before each BASAGLAR injection to lower the risk of medication errors.
Side Effects
Common side effects that can happen with BASAGLAR may include:
IMPORTANT NOTE:
The above information is intended to increase awareness of health information and does not suggest treatment or diagnosis. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.