Insulin glargine is a prescription diabetes medication. It is a long-acting form of insulin used for the treatment of type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. Insulin glargine works slowly over a 24-hour period to control blood sugar and can be prescribed in conjunction with oral diabetes medication or short-acting forms of insulin as well.

In addition to its generic form, insulin glargine is available under the brand names Lantus, Basaglar, Rezvoglar, Semglee, Toujeo, and Soliqua. It comes in the form of a subcutaneous injection (a shot given just below the skin).

Insulin glargine is used to treat both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Diabetes is a chronic condition in which the body does not produce insulin, a hormone that controls the amount of sugar in the blood and helps cells to absorb glucose (the sugar that our bodies use for energy). Without normal insulin levels, blood sugar levels can either become too high (hyperglycemia) or too low (hypoglycemia). Diabetes can lead to heart disease, kidney disease, eye damage, nerve damage, and skin conditions, among other complications.

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition. It occurs when your body attacks your pancreas with antibodies causing the organ to stop producing insulin. It commonly appears during childhood and has no cure – although genetics and environment are thought to play a role in its development. If left untreated and unmanaged, diabetes can cause serious – potentially life-threatening – complications.

Type 2 diabetes can be caused by obesity, poor diet, and lack of exercise, and occurs when the pancreas produces insulin, but the body becomes resistant to its effects. About 90% of people who have diabetes have type 2 diabetes. While both type 1 and type 2 diabetes may begin during childhood, type 2 diabetes is more common among adults, especially in obese individuals.

Insulin glargine injections contain a long-acting, synthetic version of the insulin hormone. Since patients with diabetes are not able to produce enough insulin naturally, insulin glargine acts as a replacement. It also helps to move sugar from the blood into other body tissues where it is used for energy and stops the liver from producing more sugar

This long-acting form of insulin may be prescribed in conjunction with a fast-acting type of insulin or oral diabetes medications to help control blood sugar.

Common side effects of insulin glargine include:

• redness, swelling, pain, or itching at the injection site
  
• changes in the feel of your skin, skin thickening (fat build-up), or a little depression in the skin (fat breakdown)
  
• fever, cough, sore throat, or other signs of infection
  

This is not a complete list of adverse effects – though these are among the most common. Seek medical attention right away if you experience any of the following symptoms, as they could be signs of a possibly serious adverse reaction to this medication and require treatment right away:

• rash, hives, or itching all over the body
  
• wheezing
  
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
  
• fast pulse
  
• sweating
  
• swelling of the eyes, face, lips, tongue, or throat
  
• hoarseness
  
• weakness
  
• muscle cramps
  
• abnormal heartbeat
  
• sudden weight gain
  
• swelling of ankles or feet
  
• shortness of breath
  
• vision changes
  
  

As with all medication, inform your doctor of any medical conditions you are currently managing. Tell them about all medication, prescription drugs, and supplements you are taking before starting treatment with insulin glargine. Insulin glargine can interact with substances in the body, causing potentially serious adverse reactions.

Be sure to inform your health care provider of any angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE), anti-diabetics, antibiotics, beta-blockers, cholesterol-lowering medication, HIV medication, diuretics, or replacement hormones you have been taking before you start taking insulin glargine. Be sure to mention any herbal products you are using.

Tell your doctor if you have had heart failure, low levels of potassium in the blood, or nerve damage caused by diabetes. You should also tell them if you have had heart, liver, or kidney disease.

In addition, let your doctor know if you are planning to become pregnant, are pregnant, or are currently breastfeeding before starting treatment with this medication. Call your provider if you become pregnant while you are taking insulin glargine.

Insulin glargine is commonly supplied as a liquid injection which is administered subcutaneously (just under the skin). It is typically taken once a day, every day, at the same time. However, you should take the medication exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes since the insulin dosage is dependent upon a patient’s blood sugar levels, age, and weight. Do not discontinue or increase your dosage of insulin glargine without consulting with your provider first. If you begin to experience adverse side effects while taking this medication, like those listed above, inform your provider right away.

Your insulin glargine bottles should be stored in a refrigerator between 36 and 46 degrees F, or at room temperature 86 degrees F, and do not freeze it or use any insulin that has been frozen. Be sure to keep away from extreme heat, extreme cold, moisture, and direct light, and kept out of the reach of children.

If you begin to notice any adverse side effects like those listed above, notify your health care provider immediately.

Insulin glargine is currently only available via prescription. This means that a licensed health care provider must authorize the use of this medication.

If you are looking for a prescription, doctors on Sesame can write a prescription–or refill an existing one–during a virtual or in-person visit. Note that not all drugs can be prescribed via an online video appointment. In some cases, an in-person doctor visit is required for a prescription.

Depending on the medication, you can arrange for same-day pickup at your pharmacy. Book an appointment with a provider on Sesame today to discuss whether or not insulin glargine is right for you.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your health care provider. Sesame cannot guarantee that you will be provided a prescription after a video or in-person appointment. Providers on Sesame are unable to prescribe controlled substances.

Good news! If deemed clinically appropriate, providers on Sesame can write a prescription for insulin glargine to be picked up near you – often within the same day! Simply talk to a clinician and get your online doctor prescription or refill ordered right away for fast and convenient pickup from a pharmacy of your choice.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your healthcare provider.