Insulin glargine is a long-acting insulin analog used to treat type 1 and type 2 diabetes. It is a clear, colorless liquid that is injected under the skin once or twice a day. Insulin glargine is available in several brand names, including Lantus, Basaglar, and Toujeo.
Insulin glargine was first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2000. It is one of the most widely used types of long-acting insulin, and it is generally well-tolerated. However, some people may experience side effects, such as low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), weight gain, and injection site reactions.
In this article, we will discuss the different insulin glargine brand names, how they compare to each other, and how to choose the right one for you.
Insulin Glargine Brand Name
Long-acting insulin analog for diabetes.
- Brand names: Lantus, Basaglar, Toujeo
- Injected under the skin once or twice a day
- Generally well-tolerated
- Possible side effects: hypoglycemia, weight gain
- Different formulations and doses available
- Consult doctor for best choice
- Monitor blood sugar regularly
Insulin glargine is an effective treatment for diabetes, but it is important to use it as prescribed and to monitor blood sugar regularly to avoid complications.
Brand Names: Lantus, Basaglar, Toujeo
Insulin glargine is sold under several brand names, including Lantus, Basaglar, and Toujeo. These brands are all very similar, but there are some key differences between them.
- Lantus
Lantus is the original brand name for insulin glargine. It has been on the market for over 20 years and is the most widely used brand of insulin glargine.
- Basaglar
Basaglar is a generic version of Lantus. It is identical to Lantus in terms of its active ingredient, dosage, and side effects. However, Basaglar is typically less expensive than Lantus.
- Toujeo
Toujeo is a newer brand of insulin glargine that was approved by the FDA in 2015. Toujeo has a slightly different formulation than Lantus and Basaglar, which allows it to last longer in the body. This means that people who take Toujeo may only need to inject it once a day, instead of twice a day.
- Other brands
There are also a few other brands of insulin glargine available, including Abasaglar, Eprex, and Semglee. These brands are all very similar to Lantus, Basaglar, and Toujeo, but they may have slightly different formulations or dosages.
When choosing a brand of insulin glargine, it is important to talk to your doctor about your individual needs and preferences. Your doctor can help you choose the brand that is right for you.
Injected Under the Skin Once or Twice a Day
Insulin glargine is injected under the skin, typically in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. It is important to inject insulin glargine at the same time each day to ensure consistent blood sugar control.
The dosage of insulin glargine that you need will depend on your individual needs and blood sugar levels. Your doctor will work with you to determine the best dosage for you.
Most people who take insulin glargine inject it once a day. However, some people may need to inject it twice a day. If you are taking insulin glargine twice a day, you will typically inject it in the morning and in the evening.
It is important to rotate the injection site each time you inject insulin glargine. This will help to prevent lipohypertrophy, which is a condition in which the fat under the skin becomes thick and lumpy. Lipohypertrophy can make insulin glargine less effective.
If you are new to taking insulin glargine, you may want to ask your doctor or a diabetes educator to show you how to inject it properly.
Insulin glargine is a safe and effective treatment for diabetes. However, it is important to use it as prescribed and to monitor blood sugar regularly to avoid complications.
Generally Well-Tolerated
Insulin glargine is generally well-tolerated. The most common side effects are:
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
- Weight gain
- Injection site reactions (such as pain, redness, or swelling)
Hypoglycemia is the most serious side effect of insulin glargine. It can occur if you take too much insulin or if you do not eat enough food. Symptoms of hypoglycemia include shaking, sweating, hunger, dizziness, and confusion. If you experience any of these symptoms, check your blood sugar immediately and eat or drink something sugary, such as juice or candy.
Weight gain is another common side effect of insulin glargine. This is because insulin helps the body to store glucose as fat. The amount of weight you gain will depend on your individual metabolism and diet.
Injection site reactions are also common with insulin glargine. These reactions can usually be reduced by rotating the injection site each time you inject. If you experience any severe injection site reactions, such as pain, redness, or swelling that does not go away, talk to your doctor.
Overall, insulin glargine is a safe and effective treatment for diabetes. However, it is important to be aware of the potential side effects and to talk to your doctor about how to manage them.
If you are experiencing any side effects from insulin glargine, talk to your doctor. They may be able to adjust your dosage or switch you to a different type of insulin.
Possible Side Effects: Hypoglycemia, Weight Gain
Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
Hypoglycemia is the most serious side effect of insulin glargine. It can occur if you take too much insulin or if you do not eat enough food. Symptoms of hypoglycemia include:
- Shaking
- Sweating
- Hunger
- Dizziness
- Confusion
If you experience any of these symptoms, check your blood sugar immediately and eat or drink something sugary, such as juice or candy. If your blood sugar is below 70 mg/dL, you should eat or drink 15-30 grams of carbohydrates. If your blood sugar is below 54 mg/dL, you should eat or drink 45-60 grams of carbohydrates.
Weight gain
Weight gain is another common side effect of insulin glargine. This is because insulin helps the body to store glucose as fat. The amount of weight you gain will depend on your individual metabolism and diet.
There are a few things you can do to help manage weight gain while taking insulin glargine:
- Eat a healthy diet that is low in processed foods, sugary drinks, and unhealthy fats.
- Get regular exercise.
- Monitor your blood sugar regularly and adjust your insulin dosage as needed.
If you are concerned about weight gain, talk to your doctor. They may be able to adjust your insulin dosage or switch you to a different type of insulin.
Overall, insulin glargine is a safe and effective treatment for diabetes. However, it is important to be aware of the potential side effects and to talk to your doctor about how to manage them.
Different Formulations and Doses Available
Insulin glargine is available in several different formulations and doses. This allows doctors to tailor treatment to the individual needs of each patient.
The most common formulation of insulin glargine is U-100. This means that there are 100 units of insulin in each milliliter of solution. Insulin glargine U-100 is typically used in people with type 1 diabetes or people with type 2 diabetes who require more than 20 units of insulin per day.
Insulin glargine is also available in a concentrated formulation called U-200. This means that there are 200 units of insulin in each milliliter of solution. Insulin glargine U-200 is typically used in people with type 2 diabetes who require more than 100 units of insulin per day.
In addition to the U-100 and U-200 formulations, insulin glargine is also available in a prefilled pen and a prefilled syringe. These devices make it easier for people to inject their insulin.
The dosage of insulin glargine that you need will depend on your individual needs and blood sugar levels. Your doctor will work with you to determine the best dosage for you.
It is important to use the correct formulation and dosage of insulin glargine as prescribed by your doctor. Using the wrong formulation or dosage can lead to serious health problems.
Consult Doctor for Best Choice
With so many different formulations and doses of insulin glargine available, it is important to talk to your doctor about which one is right for you.
Your doctor will consider several factors when making this decision, including:
- Your type of diabetes
- Your current blood sugar levels
- Your lifestyle
- Your individual preferences
Once your doctor has considered all of these factors, they will recommend the best formulation and dosage of insulin glargine for you.
It is important to follow your doctor's instructions carefully when taking insulin glargine. Do not change your dosage or formulation without talking to your doctor first.
By working with your doctor, you can find the best insulin glargine treatment plan for you and achieve good blood sugar control.
Monitor Blood Sugar Regularly
Monitoring your blood sugar regularly is essential for managing diabetes and preventing serious complications. This is especially important if you are taking insulin glargine.
Insulin glargine can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), especially if you take too much insulin or if you do not eat enough food. Hypoglycemia can be dangerous, and it can even be fatal if it is not treated promptly.
To avoid hypoglycemia, you need to monitor your blood sugar regularly and adjust your insulin dosage as needed. Your doctor will tell you how often you need to check your blood sugar.
There are several different ways to monitor blood sugar. You can use a blood glucose meter, a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), or a flash glucose monitor (FGM).
- Blood glucose meter: This is the most common way to monitor blood sugar. You use a small lancet to prick your finger and then place a drop of blood on a test strip. The test strip is inserted into a blood glucose meter, which displays your blood sugar level.
- Continuous glucose monitor (CGM): A CGM is a small device that is inserted under the skin. It measures your blood sugar level every few minutes and sends the data to a receiver or smartphone. This allows you to see your blood sugar levels in real time and track trends over time.
- Flash glucose monitor (FGM): An FGM is a newer type of blood sugar monitor that is similar to a CGM. However, an FGM only measures your blood sugar level when you scan it with a reader. This makes it less invasive than a CGM, but it does not provide as much real-time data.
Talk to your doctor about which blood sugar monitoring method is right for you.
By monitoring your blood sugar regularly and working with your doctor, you can manage your diabetes and avoid serious complications.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about insulin glargine brand names:
Question 1: What are the different brand names of insulin glargine?
Answer 1: The different brand names of insulin glargine include Lantus, Basaglar, and Toujeo.
Question 2: How are the different brand names of insulin glargine different?
Answer 2: The different brand names of insulin glargine are all very similar. However, there are some key differences between them, such as their formulation, dosage, and price.
Question 3: Which brand name of insulin glargine is right for me?
Answer 3: The best brand name of insulin glargine for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. Talk to your doctor about which brand name is right for you.
Question 4: How do I inject insulin glargine?
Answer 4: Insulin glargine is injected under the skin, typically in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. It is important to inject insulin glargine at the same time each day to ensure consistent blood sugar control.
Question 5: What are the side effects of insulin glargine?
Answer 5: The most common side effects of insulin glargine include hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), weight gain, and injection site reactions. Talk to your doctor about how to manage these side effects.
Question 6: How can I monitor my blood sugar levels?
Answer 6: There are several ways to monitor blood sugar levels, including using a blood glucose meter, a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), or a flash glucose monitor (FGM). Talk to your doctor about which blood sugar monitoring method is right for you.
Question 7: How can I manage my diabetes with insulin glargine?
Answer 7: To manage your diabetes with insulin glargine, you need to take it as prescribed by your doctor, monitor your blood sugar levels regularly, and make healthy lifestyle choices, such as eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise.
Closing Paragraph for FAQ:
If you have any other questions about insulin glargine brand names, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
In addition to the information in this FAQ, here are some tips for managing diabetes with insulin glargine:
Tips
Here are some tips for managing diabetes with insulin glargine:
Tip 1: Take your insulin as prescribed.
It is important to take your insulin exactly as your doctor prescribes it. Do not skip doses or change your dosage without talking to your doctor first.
Tip 2: Monitor your blood sugar regularly.
Monitoring your blood sugar regularly is essential for managing diabetes and preventing serious complications. Talk to your doctor about how often you need to check your blood sugar.
Tip 3: Make healthy lifestyle choices.
Eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight can all help to improve your blood sugar control. Talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian about how to make healthy lifestyle changes.
Tip 4: Be prepared for side effects.
Insulin glargine can cause side effects, such as hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), weight gain, and injection site reactions. Talk to your doctor about how to manage these side effects.
Tip 5: Carry a diabetes emergency kit.
Always carry a diabetes emergency kit with you in case of hypoglycemia. Your kit should include glucose tablets or gel, a glucagon kit, and a source of identification that says you have diabetes.
Closing Paragraph for Tips:
By following these tips, you can manage your diabetes with insulin glargine and live a healthy life.
If you have any questions or concerns about managing diabetes with insulin glargine, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Conclusion
Summary of Main Points:
- Brand Names: Insulin glargine is sold under several brand names, including Lantus, Basaglar, and Toujeo.
- Injected Under the Skin: Insulin glargine is injected under the skin, typically once or twice a day.
- Generally Well-Tolerated: Insulin glargine is generally well-tolerated, but it can cause side effects such as hypoglycemia, weight gain, and injection site reactions.
- Different Formulations and Doses: Insulin glargine is available in several different formulations and doses.
- Consult Doctor for Best Choice: Talk to your doctor about which brand name, formulation, and dosage of insulin glargine is right for you.
- Monitor Blood Sugar Regularly: It is important to monitor your blood sugar regularly to avoid complications.
Closing Message:
If you are taking insulin glargine, it is important to work closely with your doctor to manage your diabetes and prevent serious complications. By following your doctor's instructions, monitoring your blood sugar regularly, and making healthy lifestyle choices, you can live a healthy life with diabetes.