What is this medication for?
Insulin is a naturally-occurring hormone made by the pancreas that helps the body use or store the glucose (sugar) it gets from food. If you have diabetes, your blood glucose levels are higher than normal because the body either does not make enough
insulin or it does not use the insulin efficiently. Having good control of blood glucose levels is the key to reducing the risk of diabetes complications (e.g., kidney disease, eye problems, nerve problems).
Insulin glargine is a long-acting type of insulin injection for people with diabetes (type 1 or 2). It takes about 90 minutes to begin working after injection and lasts for up to 24 hours.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you are not sure why you are using this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop using this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to use this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
How should I use this medication?
The recommended dose of insulin glargine is prescribed by your doctor based on your body's needs and response to the medication. Insulin glargine is injected under the skin once daily at the same time every day. Some people may also need another type
of insulin (e.g., regular insulin) with this medication. To avoid medication errors between insulin glargine and other insulins, always verify the insulin label before each injection.
Consult your doctor or diabetes educator for proper instructions for injecting insulin. The best places to inject insulin under the skin are on the upper arm, abdomen area, or thigh. Rotate these injection areas in order to prevent thickening of the skin
(which can happen if certain skin areas are used more frequently than others).
Do not share disposable or reusable insulin devices or needles with other people, because doing so carries a risk for transmission of infection.
While using this medication, it is important to monitor your blood glucose level regularly, as directed by your doctor or diabetes educator.
Do not dilute or mix insulin glargine with other insulin or solutions. Insulin glargine should be clear and colorless. Do not use this medication if there are any changes in its appearance (e.g., cloudiness, discoloration).
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor. It is very important that you use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
It is very important that you administer this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The timing of insulin with respect to your meals is crucial to keeping blood sugar under control and preventing unwanted side effects. If you miss a dose, contact your health care professional for advice.
Store unopened vials of this medication in a refrigerator, 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C). Do not store this medication in the freezer. Discard the medication if it has been frozen.
Once a vial or cartridge is opened, it must be used within 28 days and discarded thereafter. The opened vials may be refrigerated or stored at room temperature up to 86°F (30°C). The opened (in-use) cartridges must be stored at room temperature up to 86°F (30°C).
Protect this medication from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to insulin glargine or any ingredients of the medication.