Lantus 100iu Vial Of 10ml Solution For Injection

Lantus Solution For Injection contains insulin, a synthetic human hormone used to treat type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. This medication helps maintain insulin levels in the body and controls blood sugar levels. By facilitating the entry of blood sugar into the cells, it provides energy for various activities.

For optimal effectiveness in managing blood sugar levels and reducing the risk of complications such as kidney damage, blindness, nerve damage, or stroke, it is important to follow a proper diet and exercise regimen. To prevent sudden drops in blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia), you must inject the exact dose prescribed by your doctor. It is essential to inform your doctor about your medical history and any medications, supplements, or herbal products you are currently taking or may take in the future to avoid potential interactions.

Regular monitoring of your blood sugar levels is also strongly advised.

Dosage

Overdose

• Excess insulin will lead to low blood sugar levels, called hypoglycemia
• Symptoms like dizziness, fainting, sweating and tremors may be seen
• If you have the blood glucometer with you, test immediately and confirm
• Whether or not you test your levels, it is important to take some glucose water/juice/eat sugar or chocolates immediately and then rush to your doctor.

Missed a Dose

• Missed dose may lead to high blood sugar levels which can cause symptoms like feeling thirsty, excessive urination, loss of appetite, drowsiness, fruity smell from breath, etc.
• If you missed any dose of medicine take it as soon as you remember
• If it's time for your next dose then skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dose schedule
• Do not take a double dose of medicine to compensate the missed one as taking double dose can cause a drastic fall in blood glucose which can be dangerous.

Mode of Action

How Does It Work?

• Lantus Solution For Injection is a long-acting insulin that provides reliable, all-day sugar control. It mimics the action of your body's natural insulin. Insulin helps cells absorb sugar in muscle and fat, while inhibiting sugar production in the liver.

Directions for Use

• Take this injection according to the technique suggested by your doctor or nurse. This injection should be administered under the skin of the thigh, upper arm, or abdomen. Do not inject this medication into a vein or muscle. Pinch the skin to prepare for the injection. Wait at least 6 seconds before removing the needle from the injection site. Always rotate the injection site and do not administer concurrent injections at the same site.

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

Can I take Lantus Solution For Injection during pregnancy?

• This medicine can be used during pregnancy if your doctor recommends
• However, close monitoring of blood sugar levels is suggested as the dose requirements may change with each trimester of pregnancy.

Breast Feeding

Can I take Lantus Solution For Injection while breastfeeding?

You can use this while you are breastfeeding.

Driving

Can I drive if I have consumed Lantus Solution For Injection?

• Insulin is known to cause low blood sugar levels and these can lead to impairment in your driving ability
• Always keep sugar or a bar of chocolate in your car with you while driving
• In case you experience any of the symptoms of low blood glucose levels like dizziness, drowsiness, visual disturbances and sweating, stop driving immediately and have sugar/ juice.

Alcohol

Can I consume alcohol with Lantus Solution For Injection?

• It is advisable not to consume alcohol when you are taking this medicine as it interferes with the way insulin works
• Consumption of alcohol may lead to an increased risk of both low blood glucose level and high blood glucose level
• Avoid excessive use of alcohol while taking insulin.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

• You have recurrent low blood sugar levels
• Be very careful about symptoms of low blood sugar like sweating, anxiety, fast heartbeat, headache, intense hunger, restlessness, dizziness, irritability. If you experience these, immediately have sugar (Do not consume artificial sweeteners). Eat something as soon as possible. Do not take insulin in such a scenario. If still the symptoms persists, seek emergency medical help
• You have frequent fever and infections
• You have diseases related to liver and kidney
• You have thyroid disorders
• You are switching to different insulin medicine brand
• You have pain, itching and swelling at the injection site, you should continuously change the site of injection
• Avoid doing heavy exercise
• You are planning to change your diet preferences
• You should always carry sugar candy with you
• You are taking insulin but not taking adequate meals, your blood glucose can drop drastically.

Contraindications

• If you are allergic to insulin or any of the ingredients of this medicine
• If you are suffering from hypoglycemia (low blood sugar level).

Side effects

• Low blood sugar (Hypoglycaemia)
• Lightheadedness
• Dizziness
• Anxiety
• Nervousness
• Tiredness
• Feeling hungry
• Visual disturbances
• Headache
• Shaking
• Sweating
• Pale skin
• Skin rashes
• Pain, redness, swelling at injection site.

Interactions

Interactions with other medicines

• You may experience symptoms of low blood sugar if you are taking other medications for diabetes, depression (such as fluoxetine), medications for fever and pain (like salicylates), ramipril, or lisinopril.
• You may experience high blood sugar if you are taking oral contraceptives, thiazide, steroids, thyroxine, or medications used to treat severe diarrhoea and abnormal growth of body organs, such as octreotide or lanreotide. If you are taking the medication pioglitazone to treat diabetes, be cautious, as there have been reports of heart attack and heart failure in some cases.
• Certain medications can block your body's response to low blood sugar, so you may not experience symptoms such as headache, hunger pangs, sweating, or anxiety when your blood sugar drops. This can lead to a significant decrease in blood sugar levels. Inform your doctor if you are taking medications such as beta-blockers (including Metoprolol, Propranolol, Atenolol), Clonidine, Guanethidine, or Reserpine.

Interactions with food items

• This medicine is to be taken 15 mins before meals or after meals
• Maintaining a constant meal pattern is advisable when you are taking insulin
• Avoid skipping or delaying meals when you are taking insulin.

Storage and disposal

• Store between 2°C to 8°C in the refrigerator
• Do not freeze it
• Keep it out of the reach of children
• Do not open the carton of vials to protect it from light
• Any unused portion should not be stored and should be appropriately discarded.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I stop taking Lantus Solution For Injection if I am feeling uncomfortable after taking this medicine?

No, you can not stop taking your insulin without speaking with a doctor. It may lead to high blood sugar levels and may worsen your disease condition and land you in complications. In case of side effects or discomfort, talk to your doctor. You may need dose adjustment.

Why should I always change the site for taking this injection?

Taking injection at the same site may lead to a lump formation, local irritation and itching. Thus it is advisable not to take injections at the same site or maintain a gap of at least one day.