What is Lantus Solostar pen?

It is a human insulin analog invented to have low solubility at neutral pH. Production of Insulin glargine is through recombinant DNA technology of Escherichia coli.
Each mL of Lantus Solostar pen contains 100 units of insulin glargine with a clear, colorless, aqueous solution. Sanofi-Aventis is the manufacturer and distributor of this drug.

What is it used for?

Lantus is a long-acting insulin used to maintain blood sugar levels in patients suffering from type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus and prevent diabetes complications. The doctor can prescribe this medication in combination with short-acting insulin.

How does it work?

Insulin glargine regulates glucose metabolism by inhibiting glucose production in the liver and stimulating peripheral glucose uptake in the muscle or fat. Lantus also enhances amino acid synthesis but inhibits lipolysis in adipocytes and proteolysis.

How to take it?

Only use this medication if it appears a clear, colorless, particle-free, aqueous solution. Keep the Lantus Solostar pen at room temperature for at least 1-2 hours before using it as it will be painful to inject it right away. Always use a new and sterile needle to avoid contamination. Perform a safety test to make sure the patient gets an accurate dose of Insulin. Lantus can is administered via subcutaneous injection in the abdomen, deltoid, or thighs. Insulin may not cause an effect injected in a lumpy area. Always change the site of administration to lessen the risk of cutaneous amyloidosis and lipodystrophy. It is advised to take this medication at the same time once daily.

Dosage

Lantus is a prescription drug that must be ordered by a doctor for an individual. The factors to consider before determining the proper dose and timing are the lifestyle and blood glucose levels of the patient.

Side Effects

Dizziness, blurry vision, palpitations, headache, tremors, sweating, and slurred speech are the common side effects of Hypoglycemia in patients taking Lantus. Hyperglycemia can also be experienced due to insufficient insulin in the body to break down sugars. It may escalate to diabetic ketoacidosis or hyperosmolar coma.

Warnings, Precautions, and Contraindications

Propose glucose monitoring in patients taking Lantus as it may result in severe hypoglycemia. This drug is not intended for diluting with other insulin and administering it intravenously. Dose adjustments will be made for patients suffering from Liver and Kidney failure. Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitors (ACEIs), fibrates, Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs), salicylates, sulphonamide antibiotics, fluoxetine, and disopyramide may enhance the lowering effect of blood sugar while corticosteroids, diuretics, glucagon, isoniazid, progesterone, thyroid hormones, danazol, epinephrine, clozapine, and salbutamol may reduce the lowering effect of blood sugar. Insulin glargine is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to the excipients of Lantus.

Adverse Effect

Report it to the pharmacist or physician right away if the patient experience severe hypoglycemia, temporary visual impairment, Sodium retention, edema, Immune system disorders, taste disorders, and muscular pain.

Storage

An unopened Lantus Solostar pen is stored in a refrigerator (2-8°C) until the expiration date. In-use Lantus SoloStar pen must be stored at a room temperature not exceeding 30°C for a maximum of 28 days. Keep this medicine out of reach of children and pets. Do not freeze and expose to high temperatures.

Disposal

Do not discard Lantus in wastewater or household waste. Discard the used needles in a needle-resistant container labeled as “sharps”.