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Lantus (Insulin Glargine)
What is a Generic Drug?
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.
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LANTUS (insulin glargine) is a long-acting insulin prescribed to treat high blood glucose (hyperglycemia) in people with diabetes mellitus.
LANTUS can provide around-the-clock treatment for hyperglycemia. It is often paired with other short-acting insulins that are used around meal-time.
Fact Table
Formula
C267H404N72O78S6
License
US FDA, EMA
Bioavailability
~60%
Legal status
Prescription only (Rx)
Chemical Name
Insulin Glargine
Elimination half-life
12–19 hours (dose-dependent)
Dosage (Strength)
100 units/mL (vial or SoloStar pen)
Pregnancy
Category C – Use only if clearly needed
Brands
Lantus, Basaglar, Toujeo (U-300 formulation)
Protein binding
Low (<10%)
PubChem CID
16131238
MedlinePlus
a699001
ChEBI
81971
ATC code
A10AE04
DrugBank
DB00047
KEGG
D04559
Routes of administration
Subcutaneous injection
Directions
Inject LANTUS once daily under the skin. The dose of LANTUS insulin is determined by the doctor based on several factors like blood glucose monitoring, type of diabetes, and glycemic control.
Do not mix in the same vial with other types of insulin
Ingredients
The active ingredient in LANTUS is insulin glargine.
Insulin glargine is a long-acting insulin that is usually injected once per day. Long-acting insulins last for 24 hours in most people.
LANTUS comes as a vial or a pre-filled pen called LANTUS SOLOSTAR.
Interactions
Certain medications can affect the blood glucose of patients with diabetes mellitus. These medications include:
Alcohol
Atypical Antipsychotics
Beta-blockers
Clonidine
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
If you start, stop, or change any of the above medications while taking insulin, speak with your doctor. Your dosage may need to be adjusted.
Cautions
Do not share insulin pen between different patients, even if the pen needle is changed after each injection.
Carefully read the label for LANTUS before injecting to make sure medication occurs do not happen. Too much insulin can lead to a life-threatening condition called hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
Side Effects
Some of the more common side effects of LANTUS include:
Allergic reactions
Edema
Hypoglycemia
Injection site reactions
Lipodystrophy
Pruritis
Rash
Weight gain
Rotating injection sites can decrease the incidence of certain side effects like lipodystrophy and injection site reactions.
Frequently Asked Questions about Lantus (Insulin Glargine)
What is Lantus (Insulin Glargine)?
Lantus is a long-acting insulin used to help control blood sugar levels in people with diabetes mellitus (type 1 or type 2). It contains insulin glargine, which provides a steady release of insulin over 24 hours.
How should I use Lantus?
Lantus is typically injected once daily at the same time each day, usually in the evening. It should be injected subcutaneously (under the skin) in areas like the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. It should never be mixed with other insulins or given intravenously.
Can Lantus be used in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes?
Yes.
In type 1 diabetes, it is used alongside mealtime (rapid-acting) insulin.
In type 2 diabetes, it may be used alone or with other medications, including oral drugs or other insulins.
What are the possible side effects of Lantus?
Common side effects include:
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) Weight gain Swelling (edema) Reactions at the injection site (redness, swelling, itching)
Severe allergic reactions or low potassium levels (hypokalemia) are rare but serious.
How is Lantus different from other insulins?
Lantus is long-acting and designed to mimic the body’s basal insulin production. Unlike short-acting insulins, it has no pronounced peak and lasts around 24 hours, providing steady control of blood glucose between meals and overnight.
Can I adjust my Lantus dose myself?
No. Dose changes should always be made by your healthcare provider, based on your blood sugar readings and other factors like weight, diet, and activity level.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Lantus?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, as long as it’s not too close to your next scheduled dose. Do not double up. If unsure, call your doctor or pharmacist for guidance.
How should I store Lantus?
Unopened pens/vials: Store in the refrigerator (36°F to 46°F / 2°C to 8°C).
In-use pens/vials: Store at room temperature (below 86°F / 30°C) for up to 28 days. Do not freeze, and protect from light and heat.
Can Lantus cause weight gain?
Yes. Like other insulins, Lantus may cause weight gain due to improved glucose utilization and decreased glucose loss in urine. Eating a balanced diet and regular exercise can help mitigate this effect.
Is Lantus safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Yes, under medical supervision. Lantus has been used safely in pregnancy, but insulin needs often change during pregnancy. It is also considered safe while breastfeeding, though monitoring and dose adjustment may be necessary.
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.
Prescription Required