Lantus Solostar Drug Details
Generic Name:
Common Brands:
Lantus SoloStar, Lantus, Basaglar, Semglee, Rezvoglar, Toujeo
Availability:
Prescription only
Therapeutic Class:
Long-acting human insulin analog
Forms:
Injection solution
Administration:
By subcutaneous injection (under the skin)
Therapeutic Uses:
- Type 1 diabetes mellitus
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus
Controlled Status:
Not a controlled substance
Lantus SoloStar Drug Class
Lantus SoloStar (lan-tuss solo-star) is a long-acting human insulin analog (lab-made version of insulin hormone).
Lantus SoloStar Age Range
Lantus SoloStar is approved for use in adults and children.
Lantus Solostar Uses
Lantus SoloStar Uses
Lantus SoloStar is used to achieve glycemic control by lowering blood glucose levels in adults and children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (who don’t make enough insulin) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (who have impaired glucose tolerance and don’t respond to insulin as they should). It is not used to treat diabetic ketoacidosis.
There may be other uses of Lantus SoloStar—your doctor or health system pharmacists can give you further drug information.
Lantus SoloStar Mechanism of Action
Lantus SoloStar and other insulin analogs lower blood glucose by mimicking the blood glucose-lowering effect of natural insulin hormones in the body. Insulin helps to regulate blood glucose levels by inhibiting hepatic glucose production and stimulating peripheral glucose uptake.
Lantus SoloStar Doses
Insulin glargine is available as a 10-mL multiple dose vial and a 3-mL prefilled Lantus SoloStar insulin pen. Each prefilled 3-mL Lantus SoloStar pen contains 300 units of insulin glargine.
The Lantus (glargine insulin) dose is individualized for each patient, based on the type of diabetes, glycemic control, blood glucose monitoring, metabolic needs, and prior insulin use.
The basal insulin dose baseline is typically 0.2 units per kilogram of body weight in insulin-naive patients. Your doctor will tell you how to switch from another type of insulin, for example, once or twice daily NPH insulin.
In people with diabetes mellitus type 1, insulin glargine must be used with a short-acting insulin. In people with diabetes mellitus type 2, insulin glargine may be used with other types of insulin and/or oral diabetes medications.
Lantus Solostar Directions
How To Use Lantus SoloStar
Lantus SoloStar pen contains an insulin glargine solution (liquid) to be injected under the skin (subcutaneously) once a day, at the same time every day.
To avoid medication errors, check the insulin label and make sure the pharmacy gives you the right kind of insulin. Read the prescription label carefully and follow your doctor’s dosing instructions. Use insulin glargine exactly as directed. Your doctor will prescribe an individualized insulin dose based on various factors. Do not change the dose or dosing frequency without consulting your doctor. Also, do not dilute or mix insulin glargine with other types of insulin. Insulin glargine products should not be used with an external insulin pump.
The Lantus SoloStar insulin pen contains an insulin cartridge or reservoir and is designed for self-injection. You need to use a new needle for each injection. You can take the insulin glargine injection in your upper arm, stomach, or thigh. Do not inject the medicine into a muscle or vein. Avoid areas where your skin is bruised, tender, hard, scaly, lumpy, scarred, or damaged in any way. Rotate (change) the injection site and avoid injecting in the same area more frequently than once in 1-2 weeks.
Before injecting insulin glargine, check the vial or pen and make sure the solution is clear and colorless. Do not use the product if the solution is cloudy, colored, or contains visible particles. Do not use expired medicine.
Do not use Lantus SoloStar or other insulin glargine products if you have checked your blood sugar and it is low or if you have symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
Continue using Lantus SoloStar even if you feel well. This medication helps to control diabetes but will not cure it. Do not stop taking insulin or change your insulin dose without your doctor’s approval. Also, do not switch to another type or brand of insulin without talking to your doctor.
If you are using the Lantus SoloStar insulin pen, read the manufacturer's instructions on how to use it. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you don’t understand the correct use of the Lantus SoloStar pen. Remove the needle immediately after injecting a dose and discard it in a puncture-resistant container. Your doctor or pharmacist will tell you how to dispose of the container.
Insulin glargine is also available in a vial. If you are using this type of container of insulin glargine, you will need other supplies, such as needles and syringes, to inject the medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist what type of syringe you should use. Also, ask them to show you how to inject insulin glargine subcutaneously correctly. Never reuse or share syringes and needles.
Missed dose: Your doctor will tell you what to do if you miss a dose of insulin glargine or take an extra dose by mistake.
Storage: Store Lantus SoloStar in its original container and safely out of reach of children. This medicine can be stored in the refrigerator or at room temperature, but should not be frozen.
- You should store unopened insulin glargine vials and pens in the refrigerator. They can be refrigerated until the expiry date on the label.
- You can also store opened and unopened vials and pens at room temperature for up to 28 days, at which time they should be discarded. Keep the products away from direct sunlight and extreme heat.
- Do not use any product that has been frozen and thawed or exposed to extreme heat.
Unused medicine: Unused Lantus SoloStar insulin pens should be disposed of in a way that children, other people, and pets cannot get to them. Do not throw Lantus SoloStar in the trash or flush it down the toilet. The best way to dispose of expired or unneeded Lantus SoloStar is through a drug take-back program or your local waste disposal company. Learn more about proper medication disposal.
NOTE: This medication guide is a summary and may not contain all possible drug information on Lantus SoloStar. The information contained here may not be up-to-date. This sheet is for information purposes only. If you have questions about Lantus SoloStar, talk to your doctor for medical advice.
Discounted prices for Lantus SoloStar start at $24.93.
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Lantus Solostar Side Effects
Lantus SoloStar Side Effects
Possible side effects of Lantus SoloStar are listed below. Call your doctor if the adverse effects are severe or persistent.
- Injection site reactions (redness, pain, swelling, itching)
- Thickening or depression in the skin due to fat buildup or breakdown
- Signs of infection (fever, cough, sore throat)
Some of the adverse effects of Lantus SoloStar are more serious. Call your doctor right away or seek emergency medical attention for the following suspected adverse reactions:
- Allergic reaction (skin rash, hives, itching)
- Swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, or throat
- Hoarseness
- Wheezing
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Rapid or abnormal heartbeat
- Sweating
- Muscle cramps
- Weakness
- Swelling in the ankles or feet
- Sudden weight gain
- Changes in vision
The above list may not include all the potential side effects of Lantus SoloStar. Contact your healthcare provider if the adverse reactions are unusual or severe or if they do not get better over time. You can also report unusual side effects to the Food and Drug Administration at 1-800-FDA-1088
Lantus SoloStar Overdose: In case of an overdose of insulin glargine, call your doctor immediately. You can also call your local poison control center or the national poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.
Source: FDA
Lantus Solostar Warnings
Lantus SoloStar Risks, Warnings, and Complications
Lantus SoloStar can cause or worsen health problems in some people. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about other medications for diabetes if you are at an increased risk of adverse reactions from this drug.
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Precautions Before Starting Lantus SoloStar
Tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to Lantus SoloStar (insulin glargine), any of the active or inactive ingredients in Lantus SoloStar insulin pen, other insulin products (NPH insulin, Novolin, Humulin, others), or any other drugs. Your pharmacy can give you a list of ingredients.
Give your doctor and pharmacist a complete list of your medications, including prescription medications, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal remedies. This can help avoid possible interactions between Lantus SoloStar and your other medications.
Give your doctor a complete medical history. Lantus SoloStar may not be safe for people with certain medical conditions. Tell your doctor if you have acute painful peripheral neuropathy (diabetes-related nerve damage), diabetic retinopathy (vision problems), hypokalemia (low potassium), congestive heart failure, heart disease, liver disease, or kidney disease.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, could be pregnant, plan to get pregnant, or are breast-feeding.
Precautions During Use of Lantus SoloStar
Keep all your medical and lab appointments while on Lantus SoloStar. Your doctor will adjust your insulin dose based on glycemic control.
Alcohol can cause changes in blood sugar levels. Talk to your doctor about the safety of drinking alcoholic beverages while on insulin glargine.
Tell your doctor if you are under unusual stress or have changes in your diet or activity levels. You may need more intensified insulin therapy.
Call your doctor if you become pregnant while on insulin glargine.
Tell all your healthcare providers you are on insulin glargine, especially before any surgeries or procedures, including dental treatments.
Talk to your doctor about how often you should check your blood sugar levels and what to do if you have low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
Lantus SoloStar Drug Interactions
Concomitant use of certain medicines with Lantus SoloStar can affect how it works for glucose control. Clinically significant drug interactions can also increase the risk of severe adverse events. The following medications can have interactions with Lantus SoloStar:
- Rosiglitazone (Avandia)
- Pioglitazone (Actos, in Duetact, in Actoplus Met, in Oseni)
The above list may not include all the potential interactions of Lantus SoloStar. Give your doctor or pharmacist a complete list of your medications, including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, nutritional supplements, and herbal remedies. Also, tell your healthcare professional if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use recreational drugs because some of these substances can cause serious health complications when used with prescription medications.
Lantus Solostar Pros & Cons
Lantus SoloStar Pros and Cons
- Lantus SoloStar is a long acting insulin and can control your blood sugar levels for up to 24 hours.
- You only need to inject it once daily.
- It is available as a vial and prefilled pen.
- It is approved for use in children and adults.
- Studies that compared insulin glargine and NPH insulin-treated patients found that insulin glargine is as effective as NPH insulin in achieving glycemic control. In addition, there were fewer episodes of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) with insulin glargine compared to the NPH insulin treatment groups.
- Lantus SoloStar has to be injected under the skin.
- It can cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
- You cannot mix it with other types of insulin in the same syringe.
Lantus Solostar Pharmacist Tips
Lantus SoloStar Tips from Pharmacists
Do not share your Lantus SoloStar pen with anyone else, even if the needle has been changed. This device is designed for use by a single patient. You could get a serious infection by sharing insulin equipment.
Check your plasma glucose levels regularly as advised by your doctor. Keep a log of your blood glucose monitoring results and share them with your doctor. They may adjust your insulin dose based on the trends.
Talk to your doctor about how to recognize low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and what to do if it happens.
Lantus Solostar Rx Savings Tips
Lantus SoloStar Rx Savings Tips
Lantus SoloStar is a brand-name medication, and the generic version may be available at significantly lower prices. Brand name Lantus SoloStar and generic insulin glargine contain the same medicine and are equally effective and safe. Like with most medications, the generic version offers better value. A BuzzRx Lantus SoloStar coupon can result in big savings on the brand name and generic forms of the drug. With a BuzzRx discount card, savings card, or discount coupons, the medication could cost you a fraction of retail prices. Lantus SoloStar may be under $25.00 for one pen of the 3 ml of 100 unit/ml at Walmart, Walgreens, Rite Aid, CVS Pharmacy, and other participating pharmacies with a BuzzRx discount card or free coupon. For the biggest discounts on Lantus SoloStar, give the checkout clerk your BuzzRx Lantus SoloStar discount coupon when you drop off your prescriptions.
Lowest Price for Lantus SoloStar | |
| Brand $24.93 | Generic $39.80 |
VIEW DISCOUNTS Pricing based on most commonly-filled versions. Select the strength and quantity of your medication for the most accurate pricing. | |
Lantus Solostar Common Questions
Common Questions about Lantus SoloStar
Is Lantus SoloStar insulin fast-acting?No, Lantus SoloStar insulin is not fast acting. Rather, it is long acting with the effects lasting for 24 hours. Examples of fast-acting insulin that can provide more immediate reduction in blood sugar levels include insulin lispro (Humalog), insulin aspart (Novolog), and insulin glulisine (Apidra). Rapid-acting insulin starts working within 15 minutes and its effects last for 2-4 hours. |
How quickly does Lantus SoloStar start working?Lantus SoloStar starts working within 2-4 hours of taking a dose. This is a long-acting insulin. Its blood glucose lowering effect lasts for around 24 hours. You only need to inject it once daily. A basal bolus insulin regimen of insulin glargine ensures there is insulin in the body at all times. |
Are Basaglar and Lantus the same?Basaglar and Lantus are similar but not the same. Both contain insulin glargine but they are made differently and cannot be interchanged. |
Does Lantus SoloStar cause weight gain?Some people experience weight gain on insulin, including Lantus SoloStar. This is because insulin tells cells in the body to transport glucose (sugar) from the blood into cells to lower blood glucose levels. The glucose stored in cells can be converted to fat, leading to weight gain. Talk to your doctor about managing weight with a healthy diet and regular exercise while on insulin. |
What is the best time of day to take Lantus SoloStar?You can inject Lantus SoloStar (insulin glargine) at any time of the day. But make sure you take your dose at the same time every day. |
What is the price of Lantus SoloStar without insurance?Without insurance, Lantus SoloStar can be as high as $37.26 but with a free BuzzRx prescription discount coupon, you could pay as low as $24.93 for the most common version of this medication. Use the BuzzRx drug price look-up tool to find the lowest discounted price, and be sure to enter the correct dosage, form, and quantity for the most accurate pricing. While generics tend to have the best savings, you can also use your BuzzRx card and coupons to purchase brand-name versions. It never hurts to ask your pharmacist to try BuzzRx when filling or refilling any of your prescription drugs—whether you have insurance or not. |
What is the price of Lantus SoloStar with insurance?Ask your pharmacist or insurance provider for your copay price on Lantus SoloStar—Copay amounts vary depending on the type of insurance plan you have and if there is a deductible to reach before prescription drug coverage begins. You could save up to 80% on your prescription medication with a free BuzzRx discount coupon for Lantus SoloStar. When using the BuzzRx lookup tool to find the price of your medicine, be sure to enter the correct dosage, form, and quantity to receive the most accurate discounted pricing. It never hurts to ask your pharmacist to try BuzzRx when filling or refilling any of your prescriptions—whether you have insurance or not. |
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