About Lantus SoloStar 100 IU/ml Pen
Lantus SoloStar 100 IU/ml Pen contains Insulin Glargine 100 IU/ml. This is a long-acting insulin used to control blood sugar in people with diabetes. It is injected under the skin once a day, at the same time each day, and works steadily over about a day to provide a background level of insulin. Low blood sugar is its most important side effect.
Uses of Lantus SoloStar 100 IU/ml Pen
- Type 1 diabetes
- Type 2 diabetes when tablets alone are not enough
Benefits
In diabetes
It gives a steady, background level of insulin through the day and night, helping keep blood sugar in the target range. Good control over time lowers the risk of long-term diabetes problems.
Side effects
Rotating injection sites helps prevent skin lumps. Talk to your doctor if you have frequent low sugars.
Common
- Low blood sugar
- Redness, swelling or itching where it is injected
- Lumps or thickening of the skin at injection sites
- Weight gain
Get medical help if you notice
- Low blood sugar: shaking, sweating, fast heartbeat, hunger, dizziness, confusion or blurred vision — eat or drink something sugary straight away (such as glucose, sugar or fruit juice) and get medical help if you do not improve or become drowsy
- Severe low blood sugar with fits or unconsciousness — someone should call emergency help
- Muscle weakness or cramps (low potassium) — contact your doctor
- Allergic reaction: rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or throat, or difficulty breathing — seek emergency care
How to use
Use it exactly as your doctor prescribed, once a day at the same time. Inject it under the skin of the tummy, thigh or upper arm, changing the spot each time. Do not inject it into a vein or muscle, and do not mix it with other insulins. Learn from your doctor, nurse or pharmacist how to use the pen and check the dose. Use a new needle each time and never share a pen.
How it works
It is a man-made form of insulin that forms tiny deposits under the skin after injection. These release insulin slowly and steadily, helping the body move sugar from the blood into cells.
Safety advice
Alcohol Caution
Alcohol can cause low blood sugar, sometimes hours later. Drink only small amounts with food, and ask your doctor.
Pregnancy Caution
Insulin can be used in pregnancy, but your insulin needs will change. Your doctor will monitor you closely.
Breastfeeding Safe
Insulin can be used while breastfeeding. Your dose may need to be adjusted.
Driving Caution
Low blood sugar can affect your driving. Check your sugar before driving if advised, and do not drive if it is low.
Kidney Caution
Insulin needs may fall in kidney disease. Your doctor may adjust the dose.
Liver Caution
Insulin needs may fall in liver disease. Your doctor may adjust the dose.
If you miss a dose
If you miss a dose, check your blood sugar and contact your doctor for advice. Do not inject a double dose to make up for a missed one. Ask your doctor in advance what to do if you miss a dose.
Quick tips
- Store unopened pens in a fridge (not the freezer). The pen in use can be kept at room temperature (below 30°C) for the time stated on the leaflet.
- Always carry glucose or a sugary snack.
- Change the injection site every time.
- Do not use it if it looks cloudy or has particles — it should be clear.
- Check your blood sugar as advised and keep a record.
Substitutes
Same salts in the same strength from other makers. Only switch brands on your doctor's or pharmacist's advice; our pharmacist checks every order against the prescription.
Fact box
- Chemical class
- Recombinant human insulin analogue
- Therapeutic class
- Diabetes
- Action class
- Long-acting (basal) insulin
- Habit forming
- No
- Prescription
- Required
Interactions with other medicines
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin and herbal product you take.
| Medicine | What can happen |
|---|---|
| Other diabetes medicines | Higher risk of low blood sugar |
| Beta-blockers | May hide the warning signs of low blood sugar |
| Steroids, thiazide water pills, some antipsychotics | May raise blood sugar |
| Pioglitazone | Higher risk of fluid build-up and heart failure |
This page is general information to help you understand your medicine. It is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop or change a medicine on your own.
Written by the Asthra Health Care team from the approved prescribing information (Insulin glargine prescribing information (CDSCO-approved labelling); NICE BNF: insulin glargine). Pharmacist review pending.