Lantus insulin?

Lantus is a brand name for insulin glargine, a long-acting (basal) insulin used to help control blood sugar in people with diabetes (type 1 or type 2).

Key points:
- What it does: Provides a steady level of insulin over about 24 hours to cover baseline insulin needs between meals and overnight.
- How it’s given: Subcutaneous injection (under the skin). Usually once daily at the same time each day (some people may use it twice daily if advised by their doctor). Do not mix Lantus in the same syringe with other insulins.
- Onset and duration: Starts working within 1–2 hours; has no pronounced peak and lasts about 24 hours.
- Dosing: Individualized by a clinician. Often started around 10 units once daily (or about 0.2 units/kg) and then adjusted based on fasting blood sugar and overall control. Your exact dose should come from your healthcare provider.
- Types of delivery: Available as vials or prefilled pens (SoloStar). The same general storage and handling rules apply, but check your product’s label.
- Storage and handling:
- Unopened vials or pens: store in the refrigerator (2–8°C) until expiry.
- In-use: after first use, can typically be kept at room temperature and away from heat/light for a limited period (often about 28 days, but follow the exact label insert).
- Do not shake; inspect for clarity (it should be a clear solution).
- Do not reuse needles; rotate injection sites to reduce skin problems.
- Common side effects: Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) is the most important risk. Other possible effects include weight gain, injection-site reactions, or lipodystrophy if sites aren’t rotated.
- Important cautions: If you miss a dose, if you’ve had unusually low or high blood sugar, or if you’re sick or have changes in diet or exercise, contact your clinician. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines you take, as some can affect insulin needs (e.g., steroids, certain heart or blood pressure meds).

If you’d like, tell me:
- Are you trying to understand how it works, how to use it, or what to expect in dosing?
- Are you currently prescribed Lantus and want tips for injecting or storage?
- Do you want a comparison with other basal insulins (like Basaglar or Toujeo)?