What is Lantus?
Lantus comes as a sterile solution, known by its generic name insulin glargine, which is administered subcutaneously in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Insulin glargine refers to a long-acting insulin analog that is available as a prescription insulin drug. This insulin has a constant peak time in lowering blood glucose levels and can last over a time period of 24 hours. Insulin glargine is supposed to have a colorless and clear appearance. In case it has changed colors or is cloudy, you should not use it. Your pharmacist will be able to replace it and give you a new one. Lantus comes in vials or a disposable prefilled pen.
Lantus Insulin Vial and SoloStar Pen Storage Temperature Instructions
An unopened SoloSTAR pen should be refrigerated at temperatures between 2°C and 8°C or 36°F and 46°F. It should not be frozen. Make sure you keep Lantus away from direct sunlight and heat. In case the SoloSTAR pen has been overheated or frozen, it should be thrown away. Make sure you keep SoloSTAR pen away from children. Opened SoloSTAR pens should not be refrigerated, but stored at room temperature away from light and heat. The room temperature should be below 30°C or 86°F. However, make sure you discard in use SoloSTAR pen after 28 days. You should not use the SoloSTAR pen if it has expired.
Unopened Lantus vials should be refrigerated at temperatures between 36°F and 46°F or 2°C and 8°C. Vials containing Lantus should not be kept in a freezer. If the vial has been frozen, it should be discarded. Opened vials can be refrigerated or kept under room temperature. However, opened vials must be used within 28 days following the first usage. Opened vials should be discarded after 28 days even if they contain insulin. If kept under room temperature, the temperature should be below 30°C or 86°F.
Doctor’s Recommendation
It is always wise to have a thermometer, ice pack, and cooler for travel or in case of a power failure. Most medications only become slightly less effective past their recommended timeline at room temperature. As long as glucose levels are regularly monitored, it is generally safe to use insulin beyond the recommended time, as its activity will remain nearly identical.
Disclaimer: Please note that the contents of this community article are strictly for informational purposes and should not be considered as medical advice. This article, and other community articles, are not written or reviewed for medical validity by Canadian Insulin or its staff. All views and opinions expressed by the contributing authors are not endorsed by Canadian Insulin. Always consult a medical professional for medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment.