Learn more about usage, cautions, and possible side effects .
Chemical Name: INSULIN GLARGINE (IN-su-lin GLAR-gene)
This medicine is a synthetic human insulin used to treat diabetes.
Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (such as enalapril), beta-blockers (such as propranolol), clonidine, corticosteroids (such as prednisone), danazol, disopyramide, diuretics (such as furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide), estrogen, fenfluramine, fibrates (such as clofibrate, gemfibrozil), fluoxetine, guanethidine, hormonal contraceptives (such as birth control pills), isoniazid, lithium, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) (such as phenelzine), niacin, oral medicine for diabetes (such as glipizide, metformin, nateglinide), pentamidine, phenothiazines (such as chlorpromazine), progesterones (such as medroxyprogesterone), propoxyphene, reserpine, salicylates (such as aspirin), somatostatin analogs (such as octreotide), somatropin, sulfonamide antibiotics (such as sulfamethoxazole), sympathomimetics (such as albuterol, epinephrine, terbutaline), or thyroid hormones (such as levothyroxine). DO NOT START OR STOP any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, including kidney or liver problems; nerve problems; adrenal, pituitary, or thyroid problems; diabetic ketoacidosis; high blood sodium levels; low salt diet; allergies; pregnancy; or breast-feeding. Tell your doctor if you smoke, drink alcoholic beverages, use 3 or more insulin injections per day, or if you are fasting. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED during any episode of low blood sugar. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about using this medicine.
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. ADDITIONAL PATIENT INFORMATION LEAFLETS are available with this medicine. Read them carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine or about giving injections. Insulin comes in a variety of containers including vials, cartridges, and pens. BE SURE YOU HAVE PURCHASED the correct insulin. A health care professional will teach you how to use this medicine. MAKE SURE THAT YOU UNDERSTAND how to properly measure and prepare your dose. If you have any questions about how to use this medicine, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist for information. Always check before each use to be sure that you are injecting the correct dose. Using too much or too little insulin may result in serious side effects. This medicine should be clear and colorless. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE if it contains particles, is cloudy or discolored, or if the container is cracked or damaged in any way. DO NOT DILUTE THIS MEDICINE or mix it with other insulin. Do not use this medicine in an insulin pump. WASH YOUR HANDS before you use this medicine. USE THE PROPER TECHNIQUE taught to you by your health care provider. Inject deep under the skin in the abdomen (stomach), thigh, or upper arm. DO NOT INJECT into a vein or muscle. Rotate the injection site each time you inject this medicine. STORE THIS MEDICINE as directed on the product label. Do not allow it to freeze. Protect from heat and direct sunlight. If this medicine has been frozen or overheated, throw it away. Throw away opened, used, or unrefrigerated medicine after 28 days even if the container is not empty. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about how to properly store or when to discard your insulin. USE THIS MEDICINE AT THE SAME TIME EACH DAY as directed by your doctor. CONTINUE TO USE THIS MEDICINE even if you feel well. DO NOT MISS any doses of insulin. Ask your doctor for specific instructions to follow in case you miss a dose of insulin.
DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. DO NOT EXCEED THE RECOMMENDED DOSE, use this medicine more often than prescribed, or change the type or dose of insulin you are using without checking with your doctor. ALWAYS CHECK THE APPEARANCE OF YOUR INSULIN. If you notice anything unusual or if you see solid particles or clumps, discard the insulin and begin using a new container of insulin. Laboratory and/or medical tests such as fasting blood glucose levels or HBA1C levels may be done to monitor your condition or to check for side effects. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are using this medicine. BEFORE YOU HAVE ANY MEDICAL OR DENTAL TREATMENTS, EMERGENCY CARE, OR SURGERY, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE that could be dangerous until you know you how you react to this medicine. DO NOT DRINK ALCOHOL without discussing with your doctor. INJECT EACH DOSE OF INSULIN in a different area to prevent skin irritation. Check with your doctor if you notice a depression in the skin or skin thickening at the injection site. You may need to change your injection technique. AN INSULIN REACTION resulting from low blood sugar or hypoglycemia may occur if you take too much insulin, skip a meal, or exercise too much. Signs of hypoglycemia include increased heartbeat, headache, chills, sweating, tremor, increased hunger, changes in vision, nervousness, weakness, dizziness, drowsiness, or fainting. It is a good habit to carry glucose tablets or gel to treat low blood sugar. If you do not have a reliable source of glucose available, eat a quick source of sugar such as table sugar, honey, candy, or drink a glass of orange juice or non-diet soda to quickly raise your blood sugar level. TELL YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY about the reaction. DEVELOPING A FEVER OR INFECTION, eating significantly more than prescribed, or missing your dose of insulin may cause high blood sugar (hyperglycemia). High blood sugar may make you feel confused, drowsy, or thirsty. It can also make you flush, breath faster, or have a fruit-like breath odor. If these symptoms occur, tell your doctor right away. TALK WITH YOUR DOCTOR about how to dose your insulin in case of illness (such as infection, nausea, vomiting). BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. This includes medicine containing aspirin or other salicylates. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding, check with your doctor to discuss the benefits and risks to your baby.
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while using this medicine include redness, swelling, or itching at the injection site. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience signs of low or high blood sugar. Signs of low blood sugar include increased heartbeat, headache, chills, sweating, tremor, increased hunger, changes in vision, nervousness, weakness, dizziness, drowsiness, or fainting. IF SEIZURES OR LOSS OF CONSCIOUSNESS OCCURS, obtain emergency medical care immediately. Signs of high blood sugar include thirst, increased urination, confusion, drowsiness, flushing, rapid breathing, or fruity breath odor. AN ALLERGIC REACTION to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your healthcare provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your medicines interact with each other. Check drug interactions
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include increased heartbeat, headache, chills, sweating, shakiness, increased hunger, vision changes, nervousness, dizziness, drowsiness, seizures, and loss of consciousness.
Proper diet, regular exercise, and regular testing of blood sugar are important for best results when using this medicine. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Carry an identification card at all times that says you are diabetic. Monitor your blood sugar levels regularly according to your doctor's directions. If your blood sugar level is often higher than it should be and you are taking this medicine according to directions, check with your doctor. DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS PRODUCT, as well as syringes and needles, out of the reach of children. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials. Dispose of properly after use. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to explain local regulations for selecting an appropriate container and properly disposing of the container when full. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain more insulin before your supply runs out.