Distributor inventory

Treatment of diabetes mellitus to improve glycaemic control: type 1 diabetes (as basal insulin with mealtime insulin) and type 2 diabetes (alone or with other antidiabetic medicines)

Insulin glargine is a long-acting basal insulin analogue. After subcutaneous injection it forms microprecipitates that release insulin slowly and steadily over ~24 hours, lowering blood glucose by increasing peripheral glucose uptake and reducing hepatic glucose production.

For subcutaneous injection only using a compatible insulin pen for cartridges. Inject once daily at the same time each day into abdomen, thigh, or upper arm; rotate injection sites. Do not dilute or mix with other insulins in the same syringe. Dose is individualised based on blood glucose; follow physician advice. Not for IV use or insulin pump.

Hypoglycaemia, injection site reactions (pain/redness/swelling/itching), lipodystrophy, weight gain, oedema, rash, allergic reactions

Risk of hypoglycaemia (especially with missed meals, increased activity, dose errors); monitor blood glucose regularly. Do not use during episodes of hypoglycaemia. Use caution in renal/hepatic impairment, elderly, and when switching from other insulins (dose adjustment may be needed). Rotate injection sites to reduce lipodystrophy. Seek urgent care for severe allergy, breathing difficulty, or severe hypoglycaemia. Ensure correct insulin and strength (U-100) to avoid dosing errors.

Other antidiabetics (additive hypoglycaemia), corticosteroids (increase glucose), thiazide diuretics (increase glucose), thyroid hormones (increase glucose), sympathomimetics (increase glucose), beta-blockers (may mask hypoglycaemia symptoms), ACE inhibitors/ARBs (may increase hypoglycaemia), salicylates (may increase hypoglycaemia), alcohol (may increase risk of hypoglycaemia), pioglitazone (risk of fluid retention/heart failure when combined with insulin)

Unopened cartridges: store refrigerated at 2–8°C, do not freeze; keep in original carton to protect from light. In-use cartridge/pen: keep at room temperature (generally below 25–30°C as per label), away from heat and direct light; do not refrigerate if label advises; discard after the in-use period stated on pack (commonly 28 days) or if exposed to extreme temperatures.

Lantus 100IU/ml Cartridge, Toujeo 300IU/ml (insulin glargine) pen, Tresiba (insulin degludec) pen, Levemir (insulin detemir) pen, Insulin Glargine (generic) 100IU/ml cartridges