Lantus: function, dosage, side effects, how to use it

Use of Lantus

What's Lantus for?

Lantus is a trademark of insulin glargine which is used in conjunction with a proper diet and exercise program for blood sugar control in diabetic patients. This drug is an artificial insulin that resembles natural human insulin. Its use in type one and two diabetes patients can help them avoid the risk of kidney disease, nerve problems, blindness, amputation, and sexual function problems that are often experienced by diabetics (people with diabetes). Good diabetes control can also help reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Lantus is long-acting insulin which can be given to children aged at least six years and also adults who have diabetes. Lantus plays a role in holding the body's cells so that the sugar in the blood can enter to be broken down into energy. Its nature long-acting making Lantus last longer in the body than regular insulin. That way, blood sugar can be lower than the usual high and tends to be stable. The use of Lantus can be combined with short-acting insulin, another oral diabetes medication, or can be used as a single therapy.

What are the rules for using Lantus?

Read the information provided on the package or provided by your pharmacist. Follow all directions listed regarding the proper use / injection / storage of Lantus. Also follow the directions given by your doctor in using this medicine.

Lantus is injected into the body in the subcutaneous tissue, which is the tissue under the skin in the abdominal area, upper arm, or thigh. Make sure that the injection area has been cleaned with alcohol wipes and is dry. The injection is usually done once a day, as instructed by your doctor. Do not inject this insulin directly into a vein or muscle. Change the point of injection each time you inject. You can administer the injection at the same point when it is two weeks apart to avoid problems in the subcutaneous area, such as lipodystrophy.

Do not administer the injection in a cold liquid insulin state. It will cause you pain. Injection containers in use should be stored at room temperature. Wash your hands before measuring and having a Lantus injection. Don't forget to check your insulin liquid, whether it is free of solid particles, does not thicken, or clot. Do not use insulin that has changed color or contains other particles. To avoid damaging the insulin, do not shake the filled insulin container.

The dose given will take into account your health condition and your body's response to treatment. Measure the dosage your doctor gives you carefully, because even a slight change in dosage can have a big impact on your blood sugar levels. Ask your doctor if you are unsure about how to read your insulin measurement to prevent miscalculating doses. Do not mix this product with insulin or any other liquid in the same injection pen. Use two injection pens if you have to make two injections of different drugs.

Do not change the Lantus brand to another brand even though they both contain insulin glargine. Because some other trademarks of insulin glargine are not intended for children or have other ingredients that may be different. Follow your doctor's instructions regarding which trademarks to use.

If you are measuring the dose using a vial, do not use the needle or syringe again. Likewise if you use cartridge or ampoule, be sure to change the needle each time it is finished. Do not share your injection pen with another person even after the needle has been changed.

Use this drug regularly to get maximum results. Even if the dose is only once a day, you should inject it at the same time every day, for example before breakfast or before bed). It can also help you remember more easily.

How to save Lantus?

The best way to store Lantus is to keep it in its original container and keep it away from heat and direct sunlight. Do not take out, or open up, insulin to transfer it to a syringe or injection pen until you are actually going to use it. Store Lantus in the refrigerator with a temperature of 2 - 8 degrees Celsius. Do not save lantus in the bathroom. Do not freeze Lantus and use frozen then thawed. Immediately throw away the frozen Lantus.

Save an unopened Lantus

• Store in the refrigerator (not near refrigeration components) and use before expiration, or
• Store at room temperature and use within 28 days

Save the Lantus that has been opened

• Store the vial in the refrigerator or room temperature, as well as the injection pen. Use within 28 days
• Do not store the injection pen with the needle attached.

Dose

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the Lantus dosage for adults?

Type 1 diabetes patient

Initial dose: 0.2 - 0.4 units / kg.

Start with 1/3 of total daily insulin, while taking the remaining 2/3 with insulin short acting. Titrate insulin glargine as instructed by your doctor.

Type 2 diabetes patients

Initial dose: 0.2 - 10 units / kg, once daily

What is the dose of Lantus for children?

• For children less than six years of age, the safety and effectiveness of using Lantus have not been established.
• For children older than or equal to six years of age starting with 1/3 of the daily insulin dose, and 2/3 using insulin again short acting
• Maintenance dose in adolescents: <1.2 units / kg

In what dosages and preparations is Lantus available?

Injection, Subcutaneous: 100 units / mL

Side effects

What side effects may occur due to using Lantus?

Irritation at the injection point, such as pain, redness, irritation may occur. Call your doctor if these symptoms don't go away or they even get worse.

Tell your doctor right away if you experience some serious side effects, such as symptoms of low electrolytes in the blood which are characterized by cramps, weakness, and an irregular heartbeat. In addition, accumulation of body fluids is also one of the side effects caused by Lantus. It is characterized by weight gain, swelling of the feet and hands, and a feeling of shortness of breath.

Some of the common side effects of Lantus consumption are hypoglycemia. This can be characterized by cold sweats, body shaking, blurred vision, weakness, tingling in the hands and feet, and increased hunger. Make it a habit to always carry a source of glucose that you can consume whenever you feel hypoglycemia attacks.

Improper doses can also cause you to develop hyperglycemia, which is characterized by excessive thirst, frequent urination, flushing, rapid breathing, and confusion. Contact your doctor about the possibility of increasing the dose.

Allergic reactions to this drug are known to be rare. However, if you experience an allergic reaction to this drug, contact your doctor immediately. Some of the symptoms of a serious allergic reaction are characterized by itching, reddish rash, swelling of the face / eyes / lips / tongue / throat area, and difficulty breathing.

Not everyone suffers from the above side effects after consuming Lantus. The side effects above are also not a complete list of the side effects caused by Lantus. Talk to your doctor about any side effects that you fear could occur.

Warnings and Precautions

What should I know before using Lantus?

• Tell your doctor if you have an allergy to insulin glargine or any other medications. Lantus may contain mixed ingredients that can cause allergies
• Lantus is not intended for those with diabetic ketoacidosis and children younger than six years. Lantus is also not intended for children (any age) with type two diabetes
• Tell your doctor if you are taking pioglitazone. Taking certain oral diabetes medications along with insulin can increase your risk of serious heart disease.
• Inform your doctor about your medical history, whether you have or are currently suffering from diseases, especially liver or kidney disease, low levels of potassium in the blood (hypokalemia)
• You may experience visual disturbances, weakness, and drowsiness due to drastic changes in blood sugar levels. Do not do activities that require high alertness, such as driving, after taking this medicine before knowing how your body responds to Lantus.
• Before undergoing surgery, including dental surgery, inform all the products you use, including prescription / non-prescription drugs, and herbal products.
• If you are going to a place with a different time zone, ask your doctor about how to adjust your insulin schedule. Bring more insulin.
• The elderly and children may be more sensitive to the use of this drug, especially in low blood sugar.
• Tell your doctor if you are planning or are pregnant and breastfeeding. Your doctor may provide specific directions regarding control of gestational diabetes

Is Lantus safe for pregnant and lactating women?

Studies conducted on animals show a risk to the fetus being born, but no studies have been done on pregnant and lactating women. That is why, the United States POM has classified this drug into pregnancy risk category C (risky in some studies). The use of this drug is permitted in pregnant women only if the benefits outweigh the accepted risks.

Lantus is also known to flow out of the body through breast milk. for this reason, nursing mothers should consult their doctor before breastfeeding or before using this medicine.

Drug Interactions

What drugs might interact with Lantus?

Some drugs cannot be taken at the same time because they will cause drug interactions. Drug interactions will make your drugs work less optimally or can increase the risk of side effects. Even so, the doctor may give the two drugs simultaneously if needed by adjusting the dose.

Some of the drugs that may cause interactions with Lantus are:

• Amlodipine
• Aspirin
• Atorvastatin
• Gabapentin
• Glipizide

The above list is not a complete list of drugs that may interact with Lantus. Tell the doctor who treats you about any medications you are currently or have been taking, including prescription or non-prescription drugs, and herbal medicines.

Overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

Immediately call for emergency medical assistance (119) or the nearest hospital emergency department if you experience an emergency condition or overdose due to Lantus. Insulin overdose can cause a dangerous hypoglycemic state. Symptoms can include drowsiness, sweating, body shaking, confusion, blurred vision, numbness or tingling in the mouth, difficulty speaking, muscle weakness, clumsiness, seizures, and loss of consciousness.

What if I forget my injection schedule?

It is very important to schedule your injections on time. Ask your doctor about the best steps if you forget the injection schedule. You should not inject more than one dose at a 24 hour interval unless your doctor instructs you to do so.

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