Distributor inventory

Treatment of diabetes mellitus to improve glycaemic control in adults and children where basal insulin is required (Type 1 diabetes as part of a basal-bolus regimen; Type 2 diabetes when oral agents are inadequate or insulin is indicated).

Insulin glargine is a long-acting basal insulin analogue. After subcutaneous injection it forms microprecipitates that slowly release insulin, providing a near-constant insulin level for about 24 hours to reduce fasting and between-meal blood glucose.

For subcutaneous injection only using the pen, once daily at the same time each day. Inject into abdomen, thigh or upper arm and rotate injection sites; do not inject into a vein or muscle. Can be taken with or without food; dose is individualized by the doctor—do not change dose/brand without medical advice.

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

Risk of hypoglycaemia—monitor blood glucose and carry fast-acting sugar. Do not use during episodes of hypoglycaemia. Not for IV use or insulin pump use; do not mix or dilute with other insulins unless specifically advised. Use caution in renal/hepatic impairment, elderly, irregular meals, increased physical activity, or during illness; dose adjustment may be required. Rotate injection sites to reduce lipodystrophy. Seek urgent care for signs of allergy (wheezing, swelling, generalized rash) or severe hypoglycaemia.

Other antidiabetic medicines (additive hypoglycaemia), beta-blockers (may mask hypoglycaemia symptoms), ACE inhibitors, salicylates, MAO inhibitors (increase hypoglycaemia risk), corticosteroids, thiazide/loop diuretics, thyroid hormones, sympathomimetics, oral contraceptives (may increase blood glucose), alcohol (may increase or decrease glucose), pioglitazone (risk of fluid retention/heart failure when used with insulin).

Store unopened pens in a refrigerator at 2–8°C; do not freeze; protect from light. After first use, keep at room temperature (generally below 25–30°C as per label) away from heat/light; keep cap on; do not refrigerate in-use pen; discard after the in-use period stated on pack (commonly 28 days).

Lantus SoloStar (insulin glargine 100 IU/mL), Toujeo SoloStar (insulin glargine 300 IU/mL), Semglee Pen (insulin glargine 100 IU/mL), Glaritus Pen (insulin glargine 100 IU/mL), Insuman Basal (insulin glargine 100 IU/mL)