What is Lantus (insulin glargine)?
Also known as insulin glargine, Lantus is recognized as a medication administered to individuals with diabetes mellitus. As the name suggests, it contains insulin that the body needs to better manage its blood sugar state. It provides medical care and therapy so that the body’s blood glucose levels are controlled and balanced. The said medication works a few hours after its administration.
The prescription involving Lantus does not follow any age group, which means that this medicine can be used by both children and adults. However, a healthcare professional’s recommendation is still necessary to make sure that the drug is right and safe for usage.
Precautions and Warnings
Correlative to other forms of medicines used in providing treatment for diabetes, the aforementioned medicine also follows important precautions and warnings before consuming it. Just because this treatment is already approved for usage doesn’t mean there are no measures to observe and follow. Below are the precautions of consuming Lantus.
- Any form of disease corresponds to different health complications. In terms of diabetes, one of its complications is hypoglycemia. It refers to the very low levels of blood sugar. If, in any case, you experience this condition, avoid using Lantus.
- During your treatment process, avoid sharing needles or syringes with others. Since this medication is administered through skin injections, it is just right not to share it with others, as this is one way for infections to be spread.
- Adverse reactions can happen after using this medication. Report them to your healthcare professional.
- Apart from the consumption of Lantus, it is also necessary to follow other lifestyle factors, such as proper diet, regular exercise, and overall health observation. These factors will help you manage your diabetes better.
- Anything that can cause hypersensitivity can be fatal. If you are proven allergic to this medication, stop using it. Discuss with your healthcare professional if you are allergic to Lantus to receive another form of insulin treatment.
In agreement with other diabetes medications, there are safety measures to observe. Apart from what you’ve read above, take into account the things you need to know and learn prior to Lantus usage.
- In making sure that this medication is safe to use, speak with your healthcare professional first. Note that if you have a history of kidney damage and liver disease, this medicine might not be for you.
- Hypokalemia may affect the way your body reacts to the medicine. For this instance, it is necessary to discuss this treatment first before using it.
- There is no concrete evidence if this medication can deeply impact pregnancy. However, it is still needed to treat diabetes for the safety of both the mother and her unborn child. Again, it is significant to discuss your situation with the healthcare professional first.
What is the dosage?
In obtaining a dosage involving Lantus medication, there are certain factors that a healthcare professional needs to consider. These factors are as follows:
- The present age and weight of the patient
- Underlying medical conditions
- Other forms of treatment the patient is currently following
In terms of its dosage, the frequency for Lantus injection is only once on a daily basis. . The amount of insulin to be injected will depend on the findings of your healthcare professional; however, for detailing purposes, the amount of one injection or pre-filled pen is 100 [iu] in 1 mL.
Prior to your treatment, instructions will be provided to you by your healthcare professional on the proper way to administer the injection. The instruction will include the proper usage of the equipment, such as the needle, syringe, or pre-filled pen.
It also includes the bodily location where you must administer the shot. Furthermore, you must also take into account the frequency of shots to the same body area. It means not injecting on the same bodily site to avoid blood clotting.
Interactions
Drug interaction can happen, most especially if you are consuming other medicines for other illnesses. Your healthcare professional will educate you about this. That is why it is necessary to discuss or disclose to your doctor the other forms of medicines you are taking before being diagnosed with diabetes.
If interactions happen, it will only make the treatment less effective. Preventing such an occurrence can make the treatment successful, and the control of your blood sugar levels become easier.
Lantus Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
This medicine has also a list of adverse reactions. These unwanted reactions are what you get right after using the said medicine. Note that these adverse reactions are categorized based on their severity to the patient’s body.
List of side effects that demand urgent medical care:
This set of adverse reactions are considered the most severe. Oftentimes, individuals who experience these are taken to the hospital to obtain the necessary medical therapy.
These are as follows:
- Blurry vision
- Sweating
- Confusion
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Lack of sleep
- Seizures
- Lightheadedness
- Pale skin
- Difficulty breathing
- Irregular heartbeat
- Skin rashes
- Coughing
- Swollen face
- Increased thirst and hunger
- Numbness
- Rapid weight gain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
List of side effects that DO NOT demand urgent medical care:
This set of adverse reactions is considered the most common that individuals experience. They are mild and can be managed at home.
These are as follows:
- Mild fever
- Mild headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Sire throat
- Pain at the injection site
- Numbness of the skin
- Itchiness
- Skin redness
- Runny nose
- Pain in the muscles
- Weakness
- Dizziness
The list of adverse reactions that do not need immediate medical care can be easily monitored and relieved at home. However, if they persist and continue to cause discomfort, you should contact your healthcare professional immediately.
Obtaining the necessary medical care is a must as any of the adverse reactions can already be a sign of another illness. Be mindful of your treatment and follow what the healthcare professional has instructed you to do to have a smooth-sailing treatment journey.
Doctor’s Recommendation
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed one and stick to your usual schedule.
Avoid taking multiple doses within 24 hours unless your doctor tells you to, as this could increase your risk of serious side effects like low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
Using medication reminders can help prevent missed doses. Symptoms of an overdose may include severe hypoglycemia, with signs like shakiness, anxiety, confusion, seizures, coma, and, in extreme cases, death.
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