Lantus

INDICATIONS

Lantus is used to treat type 1 (insulin-dependent) or type 2 (non insulin-dependent) diabetes. Lantus (insulin glargine) is a man-made form of a natural hormone. It is a long-acting insulin that is slightly different from other forms of insulin that are not man-made and it works by lowering levels of glucose in the blood.

INSTRUCTIONS

Use Lantus exactly as it was prescribed for you.

• Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
• You should not mix Lantus with other insulins.
• Lantus is given as an injection (shot) under your skin. Your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist will give you specific instructions on how and where to inject this medicine. Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of used needles and syringes.
• Choose a different place in your injection skin area each time you use Lantus. Do not inject into the same place two times in a row.
• Use each disposable needle only one time. Throw away used needles in a puncture-proof container (ask your pharmacist where you can get one and how to dispose of it). Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.
• The injection pen contains a total of 300 units of insulin. The pen is designed to deliver from 1 to 80 units with each press of the injection button. Do not press the button more than one time per injection unless your doctor has prescribed a dose greater than 80 units.
• Never share an injection pen with another person. Sharing injection pens can allow disease such as hepatitis or HIV to pass from one person to another.
• Check your blood sugar carefully during a time of stress or illness, if you travel, exercise more than usual, or skip meals. These things can affect your glucose levels and your Lantus insulin dose needs may also change.
• Watch for signs of blood sugar that is too high (hyperglycemia). These symptoms include increased thirst, loss of appetite, increased urination, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, dry skin, and dry mouth. Check your blood sugar levels and ask your doctor how to adjust your Lantus insulin doses if needed.
• It is very important to follow your insulin regimen exactly. Do NOT miss any doses. Ask your doctor for specific instructions to follow in case you ever miss a dose of insulin.

 Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Lantus.

STORAGE

Store new (unopened) pens in a refrigerator, between 36 and 46 degrees F (2 and 8 degrees C). Do not freeze Lantus. Store used (open) pens at room temperature, below 86 degrees F (30 degrees C). Do NOT store used (open) pens in the refrigerator. Store away from heat and light. If Lantus has been frozen or overheated, throw it away. Throw away unrefrigerated or used pens after 28 days, even if they still contain medicine.

MORE INFO:

Active Ingredient: Insulin glargine.

Do NOT use Lantus if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Lantus.

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Some medical conditions may interact with Lantus. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you drink alcoholic beverages
• if you have liver or kidney problems, diabetic ketoacidosis, or nerve problems
• if you have high blood sodium levels or are on a low salt diet.

Some medicines may interact with Lantus. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Beta-blockers (eg, propranolol), clonidine, guanethidine, lithium, or reserpine because they may increase the risk of high or low blood sugar or may hide the signs and symptoms of low blood sugar, if it occurs
• Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (eg, enalapril), disopyramide, fenfluramine, fibrates (eg, clofibrate, gemfibrozil), fluoxetine, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) (eg, phenelzine), oral medicine for diabetes (eg, glipizide, metformin, nateglinide), pentamidine, propoxyphene, salicylates (eg, aspirin), somatostatin analogs (eg, octreotide), or sulfonamide antibiotics (eg, sulfamethoxazole) because the risk of low blood sugar may be increased
• Atypical antipsychotics (eg, olanzapine), corticosteroids (eg, prednisone), danazol, diuretics (eg, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide), estrogen, hormonal contraceptives (eg, birth control pills), isoniazid, phenothiazines (eg, chlorpromazine), progesterones (eg, medroxyprogesterone), protease inhibitors (eg, ritonavir), somatropin, sympathomimetics (eg, albuterol, epinephrine, terbutaline), or thyroid hormones (eg, levothyroxine) because they may decrease Lantus's effectiveness, resulting in high blood sugar.

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Lantus may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

Important safety information:

• Lantus may cause drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, or lightheadedness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Lantus with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Do not drink alcohol without discussing it with your doctor. Drinking alcohol may increase your risk of developing high or low blood sugar.
• Do not exceed the recommended dose, use Lantus more often than prescribed, or change the type or dose of insulin you are taking without checking with your doctor.
• Proper diet, regular exercise, and regular testing of the blood sugar are important for best results when using Lantus.
• Illness, especially with nausea and vomiting, emotional problems, stress, or changes in diet or activity level, may cause your insulin requirements to change. Even if you are not eating, you still require insulin. You and your doctor should establish a sick day plan to use in case of illness. When you are sick, test your blood/urine frequently and call your doctor as instructed.
• If you will be traveling across time zones, consult your doctor concerning adjustments in your insulin schedule.
• An insulin reaction resulting from low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia) may occur if you take too much insulin, skip a meal, or exercise too much. Low blood sugar may make you anxious, sweaty, weak, dizzy, drowsy, or faint. It may also make your heart beat faster; make your vision change; give you a headache, chills, or tremors; or make you more hungry. It is a good idea to carry a reliable source of glucose (eg, tablets or gel) to treat low blood sugar. If this is not available, you should eat or drink a quick source of sugar like table sugar, honey, candy, orange juice, or non-diet soda. This will raise your blood sugar level quickly. Tell your doctor right away if this happens. To prevent low blood sugar, eat meals at the same time each day and do not skip meals.
• Developing a fever or infection, eating significantly more than usual, or missing your dose of insulin may cause high blood sugar (hyperglycemia). High blood sugar may make you feel confused, drowsy, or thirsty. It can also make you flush, breathe faster, or have a fruit-like breath odor. If these symptoms occur, tell your doctor right away. If not treated, loss of consciousness, coma, or death may occur.
• Carry an ID card at all times that says you have diabetes.
• Lab tests, including fasting blood glucose levels or glycosylated hemoglobin levels, may be performed while you use Lantus. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Use Lantus with caution in the elderly; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially low blood sugar.
• Lantus should be used with extreme caution in children younger than 6 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Lantus while you are pregnant. Lantus is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Lantus, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects.

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

Redness, swelling, itching, or mild pain at the injection site.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these severe side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); changes in vision; chills; confusion; dizziness; drowsiness; fainting; fast heartbeat; fast, shallow breathing; headache; hoarseness; increased hunger, thirst, or urination; loss of consciousness; nervousness; seizures; slurred speech; stomach pain; sweating; sweet or fruity breath odor; swelling of the arms or legs; tremor; weakness.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.