Lantus: Uses, Side effects, and Interactions

Overview

About Lantus

Lantus, or Insulin Glargine, has become a ground-breaking treatment choice. Millions of diabetics’ lives have transformed when this long-acting insulin which was approved in 2000. This medication gives patients more stable and regular control over their blood sugar levels, which lowers the risk of complications and enhances overall quality of life.

In this article, we will examine the key features of Lantus, indications, advantages, and potential drawbacks.

Uses

Uses of Lantus

It is mainly employed to treat diabetic mellitus. Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes are suggested. Its primary objective is to help control blood glucose levels by substituting or enhancing the body’s insulin.

Type 1 diabetes

• It is frequently used as a basal or long-acting insulin to keep blood sugar levels steady all day and all night.
• It provides a steady flow of insulin to mimic the body’s normal insulin production.
• It lowers blood sugar more steadily and predictably, lessening the chance of hypoglycemia.

Diabetes type 2

• It may be administered as a part of a patient’s treatment plan for type 2 diabetes patients whose blood glucose levels cannot be controlled by oral drugs alone.
• It is frequently used with oral antidiabetic medications. It aids in preventing hyperglycemia and its accompanying difficulties, including kidney damage, nerve damage, and eye problems¹Uses| Researched based study from Fda.gov

Side effects

Lantus side effects

Although it is generally well tolerated, it may result in several side effects that can be divided into ordinary, less frequent, and uncommon.

Typical adverse effects include:

Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia or Low blood sugar is the most frequent side effect of insulin therapy. Possible signs include

• Sweating
• Shakiness
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Fast heart rate.

Regular blood sugar testing and early treatment with quick-acting carbs like glucose pills or juice are crucial.

Reaction at the injection site

There may be little to significant

• Redness
• Swelling
• Itching
• Pain at the injection site.

These responses can be reduced by rotating injection locations.

Gaining weight

• While using Lantus, some people may gain weight. The medication’s anabolic (tissue-building) actions are the cause of this.

Less common side effects may include:

Lipodystrophy

• Long-term use of the same injection site might cause alterations in the fat tissue, which can leave lumps or indentations there.

Hypokalemia

• Rarely, it may result in low potassium levels in the blood, which can produce symptoms including muscle weakness and irregular heartbeats.

Allergic reactions

Some people can experience rare allergic responses, including symptoms like:

• Itching
• Rash
• Swelling
• Breathing problems.

Whenever you suffer any of these, get medical help.

Uncommon side effects could include:

Significant hypoglycemia

• Extremely low blood sugar might cause confusion, coma, or seizures. If the dose is too high, this is more likely to occur.

Insulin antibodies

• The body may produce antibodies that inhibit insulin, which could lessen its efficiency.¹Side effects| Researched based study from Fda.gov

Dosage

Lantus dosage & administration

The dosage may change based on a person’s unique circumstances, including blood sugar levels, insulin sensitivity, and overall diabetes care strategy. It is prescribed by medical professionals, and the dosage is modified to suit the requirements of each patient.

• Due to increased insulin resistance, some people may need higher insulin doses, whereas others more sensitive to it may only need lesser dosages.
• Type one diabetes and type two diabetes may require different dosages. The severity of the ailment may also affect the dose.
• When adjusting the dosage, your doctor will also consider any additional diabetes drugs or treatments you are taking.
• Your healthcare professional will also consider lifestyle factors such as diet, activity, and others since these might affect the amount of insulin needed¹Dosage| Researched based study from Fda.gov

How should Lantus be administered?

Subcutaneous injections are used to give it, which is injected right beneath the skin. It can be purchased as a liquid in prefilled disposable insulin pens or as a vial for syringe use. How to administer it is as follows:

Using a pen

1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
2. Check the insulin’s appearance by removing the pen cap; it should be clear and colorless.
3. Select a place for an injection. The buttocks, upper arms, and abdomen are frequent injection locations. To avoid lipodystrophy, alternate the injection sites.
4. After using an alcohol swab to clean the area, let it dry.
5. Tap the pen while holding it with the needle pointed up to eliminate any air bubbles.
6. Set the dosage to the prescribed number of units.
7. Pinch the skin where it has been cleaned in order to fully enter the needle at a 90-degree angle.
8. To inject the drug, completely press the injection button.
9. Count slowly from 10 before removing the needle from the skin to ensure the entire dose is administered.
10. Put the pen cap back on, and properly discard the discarded needle.

Using the syringe and a vial

1. Use soap and water to wash your hands thoroughly.
2. Draw the prescribed amount of air into the syringe.
3. Inject air into the vial by inserting a needle inside the rubber stopper.
4. The viral infection and inject the appropriate dosage into the syringe
5. Pick an injection site, clean it with alcohol, and let it air dry.
6. Patch the skin there, then stab the needle at a 90-degree angle.
7. To inject, depress the plunger.
8. Gently count to 10 before removing the needle from the skin to be sure the complete amount has been administered.
9. Throw away the used needle and syringe.¹Dosage| Researched based study from Fda.gov

Drug interactions

Drug interactions

It may interact with some medications, reducing their effectiveness or producing unwanted consequences. To ensure safe and efficient management, you must inform your doctor about all your drugs, dietary supplements, and herbal products.

Hypoglycemic medications

• The risk of hypoglycemia can be increased when taking Lantus and other diabetes drugs, such as sulfonylureas or meglitinides.¹Interactions| Researched based study from Fda.gov

Beta-blockers

• Some beta-blockers used to treat disorders, including heart disease and hypertension, might conceal hypoglycemia’s symptoms, making it more difficult to identify low blood sugar levels. This can raise some questions for people with diabetes on Lantus.⁶Interactions| Researched based study from Nlm.nih.gov

Thiazolidinedione

• When used with Lantus, several medications, sometimes called TZDs, may improve insulin sensitivity and raise the risk of hypoglycemia.⁴Interactions| Researched based study from Nlm.nih.gov

Corticosteroids

• They may increase blood sugar levels, which could offset insulin’s effects. Diabetes patients who need corticosteroid therapy should be closely watched, and insulin dosage modifications may be required.⁵Interactions| Researched based study from Nlm.nih.gov

ACE inhibitors and ARBs

• Frequently prescribed for hypertension and kidney illness, these drugs may impact blood glucose levels⁷Interactions| Researched based study from Nlm.nih.gov

Different medications

• Lantus may interact with several medications, such as antipsychotics, antiviral treatments, and thyroid medications. Always disclose all of the medications you are taking to your healthcare provider in order to avoid any interactions.

Pregnancy and Lantus

Pregnancy and Lantus

It is crucial to discuss insulin use with your doctor if you are pregnant or want to become pregnant. Maintaining good blood sugar control throughout pregnancy is essential for both the mother’s and the unborn child’s health.

When using Lantus while pregnant, keep the following things in mind:

Pre-existing diabetes

• Your doctor will work with you to alter your insulin dosage and blood sugar monitoring if you have diabetes before becoming pregnant to maintain stable blood glucose levels during the pregnancy.
• Pregnancy problems brought on by uncontrolled diabetes might affect both the mother and the fetus.

Gestational diabetes

• Pregnant women can occasionally develop gestational diabetes. In these circumstances, insulin therapy may be recommended to control it.
• A change in insulin need is possible.
• During pregnancy, significantly, as the pregnancy advances, insulin needs can change.

Congenital disability risk

• There is no evidence linking the usage of insulin-like Lantus to a higher incidence of birth abnormalities.²Pregnancy and Lantus| Researched based study from Nlm.nih.gov ³Pregnancy and Lantus| Researched based study from Diabetes.org Generally speaking, using insulin while pregnant is safe