How should I use insulin glargine?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Insulin glargine is injected under the skin, usually once per day at the same time of day.
When treating type 1 diabetes, use your short-acting insulin before meals as directed by your doctor.
Insulin glargine must not be given with an insulin pump, or mixed with other insulins. Do not inject insulin glargine into a vein or a muscle.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you don't understand how to use an injection.
Prepare an injection only when you are ready to give it. Call your pharmacist if the medicine looks cloudy, has changed colors, or has particles in it.
Your healthcare provider will show you where to inject insulin glargine. Do not inject into the same place two times in a row.
Avoid injecting into skin that is damaged, tender, bruised, pitted, thickened, scaly, or has a scar or hard lump.
Toujeo contains 300 units of insulin glargine per milliliter (mL), which is 3 times stronger than brands that contain 100 units per mL.
Your dose needs may change if you switch to a different brand, strength, or form of this medicine. Avoid medication errors by using only the medicine your doctor prescribes.
If you use an injection pen, use only the injection pen that comes with insulin glargine. Attach a new needle before each use. Do not transfer the insulin from the pen into a syringe.
Never share an injection pen, even if you changed the needle. Sharing these devices can pass infections from person to person.
Blood sugar can be affected by stress, illness, surgery, exercise, alcohol use, or skipping meals.
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can make you feel very hungry, dizzy, irritable, or shaky. To quickly treat hypoglycemia, eat or drink hard candy, crackers, raisins, fruit juice, or non-diet soda. Your doctor may prescribe glucagon injection in case of severe hypoglycemia.
Tell your doctor if you have frequent symptoms of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) such as increased thirst or urination. Ask your doctor before changing your medication dosage.
Keep this medicine in its original container protected from heat and light. Do not freeze insulin or store it near the cooling element in a refrigerator. Throw away any insulin that has been frozen.
Storing unopened (not in use) insulin glargine:
- Refrigerate and use until expiration date; or
- (Basaglar, Lantus, or Semglee) Store at room temperature (below 86 degrees Fahrenheit) and use within 28 days.
Storing opened (in use) insulin glargine:
- Store the vial in a refrigerator or at room temperature and use within 28 days.
- Store the injection pen at room temperature (do not refrigerate) and use within 28 days.
- Store Toujeo at room temperature below 86 F (do not refrigerate) and use within 56 days.
Do not store an injection pen with the needle attached. Do not reuse a needle or syringe. Place them in a puncture-proof "sharps" container and dispose of it following state or local laws. Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Wear a medical alert tag or carry an ID card to let others know you have diabetes.