Drug | Injection

Diabetes mellitus (Type 1 and Type 2) for basal (long-acting) glycaemic control; used alone or with other antidiabetic medicines/insulin

Insulin glargine is a long-acting insulin analogue. After subcutaneous injection it forms microprecipitates that slowly release insulin, providing a steady basal insulin level to lower blood glucose throughout the day and night.

For subcutaneous use only. Inject once daily at the same time each day as advised by the doctor into abdomen, thigh or upper arm; rotate injection sites. Can be taken with or without food. Do not mix or dilute with other insulins; do not use intravenously or in an insulin pump. Prime the pen before each injection and use a new needle each time.

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

Risk of hypoglycaemia—monitor blood glucose and carry fast-acting sugar. Do not use for diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Dose adjustment may be needed with changes in diet, activity, illness, renal/hepatic impairment, or when switching insulins. Avoid injecting into areas of lipodystrophy; rotate sites. Seek urgent care for severe allergy, repeated hypoglycaemia, confusion, or loss of consciousness.

Other antidiabetics (sulfonylureas, meglitinides) increase hypoglycaemia risk, beta-blockers may mask hypoglycaemia symptoms, corticosteroids/thyroid hormones/diuretics/sympathomimetics may raise glucose and reduce insulin effect, ACE inhibitors and salicylates may enhance glucose-lowering, alcohol can increase risk of hypoglycaemia, pioglitazone with insulin may increase risk of fluid retention/heart failure

Unopened pens: store in a refrigerator at 2–8°C; do not freeze; keep away from freezer compartment and protect from light. In-use pen: keep at room temperature (generally below 25–30°C as per pack instructions) away from heat and light; discard after the in-use period stated on the label (commonly 28 days). Do not store with needle attached.

Lantus SoloStar Pen (insulin glargine 100 IU/mL), Basaglar KwikPen (insulin glargine 100 IU/mL), Glaritus Pen (insulin glargine 100 IU/mL), Toujeo SoloStar (insulin glargine 300 IU/mL), Insulatard FlexPen (insulin isophane/NPH 100 IU/mL)