Lantus Tips from Pharmacists

• Take your Lantus (insulin glargine) daily as prescribed. This medicine can help to control blood sugar levels but does not cure diabetes. Poorly controlled diabetes increases the risk of nerve damage, eye problems, slow healing wounds and sores, heart disease, stroke, kidney damage, dementia, and other chronic health problems.

• Do not share your Lantus (insulin glargine) vial or pen with others, even if the needle and syringe are changed. Sharing insulin equipment can put you at risk of serious, even life-threatening infections.

• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) is a commonly observed adverse reaction of insulin treatment. Frequent glucose monitoring can help lower this risk. Talk to your doctor about the appropriate glucose monitoring frequency for you. Keep a log of the results of your blood glucose monitoring and bring it to your healthcare appointments. Doctors adjust the patient’s insulin regimen, including Lantus (insulin glargine) dose, based on these trends.

• Talk to your doctor about how to recognize the signs and symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and what to do if it occurs.