What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking insulin glargine?
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to insulin glargine.
Before using insulin glargine, tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease.
Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including any oral (by mouth) diabetes
medications.
Insulin glargine is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include diet,
exercise, weight control, foot care, eye care, dental care, and testing your blood sugar. Follow your
diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely. Changing any of these factors can affect your
blood sugar levels.
Your doctor will need to check your progress on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled
appointments.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether insulin glargine is harmful to an
unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether insulin glargine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing
baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take insulin glargine?
Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use it in larger amounts or for
longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
You should not mix this medication with other insulins.
Insulin glargine is given as an injection (shot) under your skin. Your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist
will give you specific instructions on how and where to inject this medicine. Do not self-inject this
medicine if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of used needles
and syringes.
Insulin glargine should be thin, clear, and colorless. Do not use the medication if it has changed
colors or has any particles in it. Call your doctor for a new prescription.
Choose a different place in your injection skin area each time you use this medication. Do not
inject into the same place two times in a row.
Use each disposable needle only one time. Throw away used needles in a puncture-proof
container (ask your pharmacist where you can get one and how to dispose of it). Keep this container
out of the reach of children and pets.
The
SoloStar
injection pen contains a total of 300 units of insulin. The pen is
designed to deliver from 1 to 80 units with each press of the injection button. Do not press the button
more than one time per injection unless your doctor has prescribed a dose greater than 80 units.
Never share an injection pen or cartridge with another person. Sharing injection pens or
cartridges can allow disease such as hepatitis or HIV to pass from one person to another.
Check your blood sugar carefully during a time of stress or illness, if you travel, exercise more
than usual, or skip meals. These things can affect your glucose levels and your insulin dose needs may
also change.
Watch for signs of blood sugar that is too high (
hyperglycemia
). These
symptoms include increased thirst, loss of appetite, increased urination, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness,
dry skin, and dry mouth. Check your blood sugar levels and ask your doctor how to adjust your insulin
doses if needed.
Ask your doctor how to adjust your insulin glargine dose if needed.
Do not
change your dose without first talking to your doctor.
Carry an ID card or wear a medical alert bracelet stating that you have diabetes, in case of
emergency. Any doctor, dentist, or emergency medical care provider who treats you should know that
you are diabetic.
Storing unopened vials, OptiClik, or SoloStar devices:
Keep in the
carton and store in a refrigerator, protected from light. Throw away any insulin not used before the
expiration date on the medicine label. Store the injection pen with its cap on.
Unopened vials, OptiClik, or SoloStar devices
may also be stored at room
temperature for up to 28 days,
away from heat and bright light. Throw away any insulin not
used within 28 days.
Storing after your first use:
You may keep "in-use" vials or cartridges not
yet loaded into the OptiClik in the refrigerator or at room temperature, protected from light. Use within
28 days.
Do not refrigerate an in-use OptiClik or SoloStar device, or a cartridge that
has been inserted into the OptiClik.
Keep it at room temperature and use within 28 days.
Do not freeze insulin glargine
, and throw away the medication if it has
become frozen.