Uses
What the official label says Insulin glargine is used for
Insulin glargine is a prescription long-acting insulin analog. The label text provided is for one insulin glargine product (BASAGLAR), which the label says is used to improve blood sugar control in adults and children with type 1 diabetes and in adults with type 2 diabetes.
The label says it is not recommended for treating diabetic ketoacidosis.
Read the label's “Indications and usage” section (verbatim)
BASAGLAR ® is indicated to improve glycemic control in adults and pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus and in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. BASAGLAR ® is a long-acting human insulin analog indicated to improve glycemic control in adults and pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus and in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. ( 1 ) Limitations of Use : Not recommended for treating diabetic ketoacidosis. ( 1 ) Limitations of Use BASAGLAR is not recommended for the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis.
Names & forms
Brand names, forms and strengths
Brand names (from RxNorm; not every brand is still sold): Basaglar, Langlara, Lantus, Rezvoglar, Semglee, Toujeo.
Generic name: insulin glargine · RxNorm ID (RxCUI): 274783
| Form | Strengths listed in RxNorm |
|---|---|
| Injectable Solution | 100 UNT/ML |
| Pen Injector | 100 UNT/ML, 300 UNT/ML |
Strengths are listed so you can recognise a product — not as dosing information. Only your prescriber can decide what is right for you.
Read the label's “Dosage forms and strengths” section (verbatim)
Injection: 100 units/mL (U-100) clear and colorless solution available as: 3 mL single-patient-use BASAGLAR KwikPen 3 mL single-patient-use BASAGLAR Tempo Pen Injection: 100 units/mL (U-100) is available as: ( 3 ) 3 mL single-patient-use BASAGLAR KwikPen ® 3 mL single-patient-use BASAGLAR Tempo Pen TM
Appearance
What Insulin glargine looks like
The DailyMed product data we retrieved does not include colour or shape details for Insulin glargine (common for subcutaneous products). Appearance varies by manufacturer — your pharmacist can confirm what yours should look like.
Read the label's “How supplied” section (verbatim)
16.1 How Supplied BASAGLAR (insulin glargine) injection is a clear, colorless solution, 100 units/mL (U-100), available as: a Tempo Pen contains a component that allows for data connectivity when used with a compatible transmitter. BASAGLAR Total Volume NDC Number Package Size BASAGLAR single-patient-use KwikPen 3 mL 0002-7715-59 5 pens BASAGLAR single-patient-use Tempo Pen a 3 mL 0002-8214-05 5 pens The BASAGLAR KwikPen and Tempo Pen dial in 1 unit increments. Needles are not included. This device is recommended for use with Becton, Dickinson & Company's insulin pen needles which are sold separately. 16.2 Storage and Handling Dispense in the original sealed carton with the enclosed Instructions for Use. Protect BASAGLAR from heat and light. Do not freeze BASAGLAR. In-use BASAGLAR prefilled pens must be used within 28 days or be discarded, even if they still contain BASAGLAR. Storage conditions are summarized in the following table: Not In-Use (Unopened) Room Temperature (up to 86°F [30°C]) Not In-Use (Unopened) Refrigerated (36°F to 46°F [2°C to 8°C]) In-Use (Opened) Room Temperature, (up to 86°F [30°C]) 3 mL single-patient-use BASAGLAR KwikPen 28 days Until expiration date 28 days, Do not refrigerate. 3 mL single-patient-use BASAGAR Tempo Pen 28 days Until expiration date 28 days, Do not refrigerate. 16.1 How Supplied BASAGLAR (insulin glargine) injection is a clear, colorless solution, 100 units/mL (U-100), available as: a Tempo Pen contains a component that allows for data connectivity when used with a compatible transmitter. BASAGLAR Total Volume NDC Number Package Size BASAGLAR single-patient-use KwikPen 3 mL 0002-7715-59 5 pens BASAGLAR single-patient-use Tempo Pen a 3 mL 0002-8214-05 5 pens The BASAGLAR KwikPen and Tempo Pen dial in 1 unit increments. Needles are not included. This device is recommended for use with Becton, Dickinson & Company's insulin pen needles which are sold separately.
Safety
Important warnings for Insulin glargine
In plain English, the label's key warnings include:
- The label says insulin pens must never be shared between people, even if the needle is changed, because of the risk of spreading blood-borne infections.
- Changes to an insulin plan, such as strength, brand, type or injection site, can cause high or low blood sugar and should be made under close medical supervision.
- Low blood sugar is the most common side effect of insulins and can be severe, cause seizures, or be life-threatening.
- Accidental mix-ups between insulin products can happen, and severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, can occur.
- Low potassium can be life-threatening, and fluid retention and heart failure can occur with thiazolidinedione (TZD) medicines.
Contraindications — who should not use it (verbatim)
BASAGLAR is contraindicated: During episodes of hypoglycemia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] . In patients with hypersensitivity to insulin glargine or any of the excipients in BASAGLAR [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] . During episodes of hypoglycemia. ( 4 ) Hypersensitivity to BASAGLAR or any of its excipients. ( 4 )
Warnings and precautions (verbatim excerpt)
Never share a BASAGLAR prefilled pen between patients, even if the needle is changed. ( 5.1 ) Hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia with changes in insulin regimen: Make changes to a patient's insulin regimen (e.g., insulin strength, manufacturer, type, injection site or method of administration) under close medical supervision with increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring. ( 5.2 ) Hypoglycemia: May be life-threatening. Increase frequency of glucose monitoring with changes to: insulin dosage, co-administered glucose lowering medications, meal pattern, physical activity; and in patients with renal or hepatic impairment and hypoglycemia unawareness. ( 5.3 , 6.1 ) Hypoglycemia due to medication errors: Accidental mix-ups between insulin products can occur. Instruct patients to check insulin labels before injection. ( 5.4 ) Hypersensitivity reactions: Severe, life-threatening, generalized allergy, including anaphylaxis, can occur. Discontinue BASAGLAR, monitor and treat if indicated. ( 5.5 , 6.1 ) Hypokalemia: May be life-threatening. Monitor potassium levels in patients at risk of hypokalemia and treat if indicated. ( 5.6 ) Fluid retention and heart failure with concomitant use of thiazolidinediones (TZDs): Observe for signs and symptoms of heart failure; consider dosage reduction or discontinuation if heart failure occurs. ( 5.7 ) 5.1 Never Share a BASAGLAR Prefilled Pen Between Patients BASAGLAR prefilled pens must never be shared between patients, even if the needle is changed. Sharing poses a risk for transmission of blood-borne pathogens. 5.2 Hyperglycemia or Hypoglycemia with Changes in Insulin Regimen Changes in an insulin regimen (e.g., insulin strength, manufacturer, type, injection site or method of administration) may affect glycemic control and predispose to hypoglycemia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] or hyperglycemia. Repeated insulin injections into areas of lipodystrophy or localized cutaneous amyloidosis have been reported to result in hyperglycemia; and a sudden change in the injection site (to an unaffected area) has been reported to result in hypoglycemia [see Adverse Reactions ( 6 )] . Make any changes to a patient's insulin regimen under close medical supervision with increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring. Advise patients who have repeatedly injected into areas of lipodystrophy or localized cutaneous amyloidosis to change the injection site to unaffected areas and closely monitor for hypoglycemia. For patients with type 2 diabetes, dosage adjustments of concomitant anti-diabetic products may be needed. 5.3 Hypoglycemia Hypoglycemia is the most common adverse reaction associated with insulins, including BASAGLAR [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )] . Severe hypoglycemia can cause seizures, may be life-threatening or cause death. Hypoglycemia can impair concentration ability and reaction time; this may place an individual and others at risk in situations where these abilities are important (e.g., driving or operating other machinery). BASAGLAR, or any insulin, should not be used during episodes of hypoglycemia [see Contraindications ( 4 )] . Hypoglycemia can happen suddenly and symptoms may differ in each individual and change over time in the same individual. Symptomatic awareness of hypoglycemia may be less pronounced in patients with longstanding diabetes, in patients with diabetic nerve disease, in patients using medications that block the sympathetic nervous system (e.g., beta-blockers) [see Drug Interactions ( 7 )] , or in patients who experience recurrent hypoglycemia. Risk Factors for Hypoglycemia The risk of hypoglycemia after an injection is related to the duration of action of the insulin and, in general, is highest when the glucose lowering effect of the insulin is maximal. As with all insulins, the glucose lowering effect time course of BASAGLAR may vary in different individuals or at different times in the same individual and depends on many conditions, including the area of injection as well as the injection site blood supply and temperature [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.2 )] . The risk of hypoglycemia generally increases with intensity of glycemic control. Other factors which may increase the risk of hypoglycemia include changes in meal pattern (e.g., macronutrient content or timing of meals), changes in level of physical activity, or changes to co-administered medication [see Drug Interactions ( 7 )] . Patients with renal or hepatic impairment may be at higher risk of hypoglycemia [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.6 , 8.7 )] . Risk Mitigation Strategies for Hypoglycemia Patients and caregivers must be educated to recognize and manage hypoglycemia. Self-monitoring of blood glucose plays an essential role in the prevention and management of hypoglycemia. In patients at higher risk for hypoglycemia and patients who have reduced symptomatic awareness of hypoglycemia, increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring is recommended. The long-acting effect of BASAGLAR may delay recovery from hypoglycemia. 5.4 Hypoglycemia Due to Medication Errors Accidental mix-ups between insulin products have been reported. To avoid medication errors between BASAGLAR and other insulins, instruct patients to always check the insulin label before each injection. 5.5 Hypersensitivity Reactions Severe, life-threatening, generalized allergy, including anaphylaxis, can occur with insulins, including BASAGLAR. If hypersensitivity reactions occur, discontinue BASAGLAR; treat per standard of care and monitor until symptoms and signs resolve [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )] . BASAGLAR is contraindicated in patients who have had hypersensitivity reactions to insulin glargine or one of the excipients [see Contraindications ( 4 )] . 5.6 Hypokalemia All insulins, including BASAGLAR, cause a shift in potassium from the extracellular to intracellular space, possibly leading to hypokalemia. …
Side effects — opening of the label's adverse reactions section
The following adverse reactions are discussed elsewhere: Hypoglycemia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] . Hypoglycemia Due to Medication Errors [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] . Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] . Hypokalemia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )] . Adverse reactions commonly (≥5%) associated with insulin glargine products are: Hypoglycemia, allergic reactions, injection site reaction, lipodystrophy, pruritus, rash, edema, and weight gain. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Eli Lilly and Company at 1-800-LillyRx (1-800-545-5979) or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. …
Drug interactions — opening of the label's section
Table 6 includes clinically significant drug interactions with BASAGLAR Table 6: Clinically Significant Drug Interactions with BASAGLAR Drugs That May Increase the Risk of Hypoglycemia Drugs: Antidiabetic agents, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blocking agents, disopyramide, fibrates, fluoxetine, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, pentoxifylline, pramlintide, salicylates, somatostatin analogs (e.g., octreotide), and sulfonamide antibiotics. Intervention: Dose reductions and increased frequency of glucose monitoring may be required when BASAGLAR is co-administered with these drugs. …
This is not a complete list of warnings or side effects. Read the full label and talk to your prescriber or pharmacist. To report a side effect to the FDA, use MedWatch.
Resources
If you were hurt at work
Whether a medicine is right for you is a decision for your prescriber. If you were injured on the job, these educational guides explain the next steps and who can help.
- Injured at work? →What to do after a workplace injury and how workers' comp generally works.
- Prescription home delivery →How mail-order pharmacies can deliver prescriptions to your door.
- Find help →Connect with workers' comp attorneys and doctors who take work-injury cases.
- Pharmacies near you →Search local pharmacies by ZIP code.
