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What are the side effects of Lantus (Insulin glargine)?
While Lantus provides essential benefits in managing diabetes, it may also lead to certain side effects. The common side effects include weight gain, mild rash or itching at the injection site, and low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Symptoms of hypoglycemia include sweating, shaking, rapid heartbeat, hunger, blurred vision, and tingling hands or feet. However, these side effects usually lighten up as your body adjusts to the medication.
All medicines can have side effects and these can vary from person to person. Therefore, it’s crucial to discuss any concerns or health conditions with the healthcare provider to prevent or manage side effects effectively. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or nursing a baby, inform your doctor or pharmacist before using Lantus as it may have implications.
Infections or diseases
Additionally, diabetes itself weakens the immune system, increasing the likelihood of infections or diseases. It is also important to rotate the injection site with each dose. Healthcare professionals usually recommend a patient to switch between injecting in the abdomen, thighs, or upper arms.
Another potential risk is allergic reactions. Although rare, some individuals may have an allergic reaction to Lantus.
Serious Side Effects
It is crucial for patients starting a new medication to understand not only its benefits but also its potential side effects. Lantus, a long-acting insulin used to control blood sugar levels in people with diabetes, is no exception. Midway into our review, our attention is drawn to the insulin glargine warnings related to this drug.
Common Side Effects
Alongside the serious side effects, Lantus has side effects that are common among most users. These include reactions at the injection site such as redness, swelling, or itching. While these are typically mild, they should be reported to a healthcare professional if they persist or worsen.
Another common side effect is weight gain, which is a usual concern for many diabetes patients. Keeping a balanced diet and regular exercise routine can help in managing this.
Pros and Cons of Insulin glargine (Lantus)
There are several types of insulin available, and they work in different ways to manage blood sugar. One such type is insulin glargine lantus. As with any medication, it is essential to thoroughly review its pros and cons before deciding on its use. It’s worth noting that the effectiveness of insulin glargine can vary between individuals based on several factors, such as their overall health status and lifestyle.
One of the significant benefits of utilizing insulin glargine Lantus is its ability to provide long-lasting, stable blood sugar control. Compared to other forms of insulin, glargine has a relatively longer duration of action that lasts nearly 24 hours. This means that it can be administered once daily, easing the management of diabetes, especially for individuals who may find multiple insulin injections burdensome.
Cost of Generic Insulin glargine (Lantus)
While insulin glargine Lantus does offer substantial benefits, there are certain hindrances to its usage. One of these challenges pertains to the glargine cost. Compared to other types of insulin, Lantus tends to be more expensive, which may impede accessibility for some patients. However, to mitigate this, some healthcare providers may offer patient assistance programs or encourage the use of generic glargine products that can help reduce the overall cost.
What are the risks and warnings for Insulin glargine (Lantus)?
Like other medications, Lantus presents potential risks and warnings that users should be aware of. Understanding these can help you make an informed decision with your healthcare provider to determine if Lantus is the right medicine for your needs. It is important to know that Lantus can sometimes cause hypoglycemia, a condition where your blood sugar levels can get too low. Symptoms can include shakiness, sweating, fast heartbeat, and blurred vision. To prevent this, it’s necessary always to monitor your blood sugar levels and follow your healthcare provider’s instructions about diet, exercise, and insulin dosage.
Lantus Review: Patient Feedback and Experience
Most patients have positively reviewed Lantus, appreciating its once-a-day administration convenience. Some have also reported significant improvements in their HbA1c levels, reduced blood sugar variability, and fewer episodes of hypoglycemia compared to other long-acting insulins. However, like any medication, individuals’ experiences with Lantus may differ.
How Many Units of Lantus are Normal?
The dosage of Lantus is not a one-size-fits-all quantity; it’s principally personalised for each individual depending on a variety of factors. This includes the patient’s weight, blood sugar levels, any other medications in use, as well as their overall health condition. But, generally, doctors often start adults on a ” Lantus dosage around 10 units to 20 units once daily.
How Long Does Lantus Last?
Lantus is a long-acting insulin, which implies it is released slowly and steadily into your bloodstream. This allows it to remain effective for approximately 24 hours. However, everyone metabolizes medications differently, so the exact duration it lasts can vary from person to person.
How Long is Lantus Good For After Opening?
Another key aspect of managing insulin is understanding how long Lantus is good for after opening. Insulin glargine should be stored in the refrigerator until it is opened. Once opened, Lantus may be kept at room temperature (below 86°F or 30°C) for up to 28 days. If stored in the refrigerator, opened Lantus may still be used within 28 days. If there is any remaining insulin after 28 days, it should be discarded. It is crucial to note that an opened vial should not be refrigerated again.
What year was Lantus approved by FDA?
Lantus, a long-acting insulin developed by Sanofi Aventis, received its FDA approval in the year 2000. Thanks to its structure, it enters the bloodstream at a steady rate, ensuring a balanced sugar level throughout the day. This review explores further details about insulin’s noteworthy features.
is Lantus still available?
In many countries, it is easily available in local pharmacies and even online pharmacy platforms. In conclusion, Lantus has proven to be a significant milestone in the management of diabetes. Its reliable and steady regulation of blood sugar levels, combined with its long-standing approval and widespread availability, makes it a preferred choice for many. However, like for any medication, it is recommended that patients consult healthcare providers for personalized advice before starting this treatment.
