Lantus Cartridges 100 units/mL

Lantus Cartridges are insulin glargine cartridges used as a basal (long-acting) insulin option for diabetes management. This page summarizes how the medicine works, how cartridges differ from pens and vials, and practical handling basics. It also outlines access steps on CanadianInsulin for people paying cash, including those without insurance.

What Insulin Glargine Is and How It Works

Insulin glargine is a long-acting insulin analog designed to provide steady background insulin coverage between meals and overnight. It is commonly used as part of a broader diabetes plan that can also include mealtime insulin, nutrition planning, and glucose monitoring. For browsing similar products, see the Long Acting Insulin category.

Ships from Canada to US for eligible, prescription-based requests. Prescription information may be confirmed with the prescriber when required.

After subcutaneous injection, insulin glargine forms microprecipitates (tiny deposits) in the tissue. Small amounts of insulin are then released over time, which is why it is used for basal coverage rather than rapid correction of high blood glucose. Cartridges are one way this therapy can be supplied; for general background on formats and how they function with reusable devices, the Insulin Cartridges Guide provides a practical overview.

Who It’s For

Insulin glargine is indicated for people with diabetes who need basal insulin support. Depending on local labeling and clinical context, that can include individuals with type 1 diabetes who require both basal and mealtime insulin, and individuals with type 2 diabetes who need additional glucose control beyond non-insulin medicines. Condition hubs for background context include Type 1 Diabetes and Type 2 Diabetes.

This medicine is not used for diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and is not intended for intravenous use. It should not be used by anyone with a known serious hypersensitivity to insulin glargine or to a component of the formulation. Clinicians may also avoid or closely supervise use in situations that raise hypoglycemia risk, such as inconsistent food intake, acute illness, or significant changes in activity level.

Why it matters: Basal insulin needs can shift during illness, travel, or medication changes.

Dosage and Usage

Dosing is individualized by the prescriber based on glucose patterns, concurrent therapies, and treatment goals. Insulin glargine is commonly administered once daily at the same time each day, using a subcutaneous injection in recommended areas such as the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. When using Lantus Cartridges, the cartridge is placed into a compatible reusable pen device, and injections are given using pen needles per the device instructions.

General label-aligned handling points include using the product exactly as directed, rotating injection sites within the same region to reduce skin changes, and not mixing insulin glargine with other insulins in the same syringe. Pen needles are typically single-use and should be discarded in a sharps container according to local rules. For a device-focused walk-through and practical context, see Lantus Pen Guide.

Quick tip: Keep the pen’s instructions to confirm priming steps and needle compatibility.

• Timing: same time daily
• Route: subcutaneous injection only
• Sites: rotate within region
• Mixing: do not mix

Strengths and Forms: Lantus Cartridges

This product page relates to insulin glargine 100 units/mL cartridges. Cartridges are commonly supplied as 3 mL units intended for use with certain reusable pen devices; packaging configurations can vary by pharmacy supply chain and jurisdiction. Cartridges can be a practical option for people who prefer a reusable pen body with replaceable insulin units, rather than a disposable prefilled pen.

Understanding cartridge formats

A cartridge is a sealed insulin container that is loaded into a compatible reusable pen. The pen provides the dial, dose mechanism, and injection trigger, while the cartridge provides the insulin reservoir. This is different from a prefilled pen, where the reservoir and pen body are integrated, and different from a vial, which is drawn up with a syringe. Device instructions matter because priming, needle attachment, and cartridge insertion can differ by manufacturer and model.

Storage and Travel Basics

Insulin is temperature sensitive, and storage affects stability. Unopened insulin glargine is typically kept refrigerated (commonly 2–8°C) and protected from freezing and direct heat. Once in use, many insulin products may be kept at room temperature for a limited period; the exact in-use window and temperature limits should be confirmed on the specific label and carton.

For Lantus Cartridges, keep the cartridge and pen away from direct sunlight and avoid leaving it in a hot vehicle or near a freezing source. Medication is dispensed by licensed Canadian pharmacies.

For practical handling ideas (cool packs, carry-on planning, and what to do if freezing is suspected), the Insulin Storage 101 resource offers a structured checklist.

• Do not freeze insulin
• Avoid heat and light
• Check clarity before use
• Follow carton time limits

Side Effects and Safety

As with all insulins, hypoglycemia (low blood glucose) is the most important safety risk and can occur if insulin dose, food intake, and activity are not aligned. Other common effects can include injection-site reactions (redness, swelling, itching), lipodystrophy (fat tissue changes at injection sites), and weight gain. People using Lantus Cartridges should be familiar with early hypoglycemia symptoms and have a plan for treatment as directed by a clinician.

Serious reactions are uncommon but can include severe hypoglycemia requiring assistance, significant allergic reactions (including generalized rash, breathing difficulty, or swelling), and hypokalemia (low potassium), especially in higher-risk settings. Monitoring is typically based on blood glucose readings and clinical symptoms; the prescriber may also review other medicines that can change insulin needs. Seek urgent evaluation for severe symptoms, confusion, loss of consciousness, or signs of anaphylaxis.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Many medicines can change insulin requirements by affecting glucose production, insulin sensitivity, appetite, or stress hormones. Some drugs can increase hypoglycemia risk, while others can raise glucose and prompt higher insulin needs. Alcohol can also affect glucose and may increase hypoglycemia risk, particularly if food intake is reduced.

Some drug classes can mask warning signs of low blood glucose (for example, certain beta blockers). Thiazolidinediones (TZDs) used with insulin may increase fluid retention and heart failure risk in susceptible individuals. Medication changes, steroid bursts, and acute illness are common triggers for reassessing a basal insulin plan with a healthcare professional.

• Beta blockers: symptoms may be masked
• Corticosteroids: glucose may rise
• Diuretics: glycemic effects vary
• Alcohol: hypoglycemia risk may increase

Compare With Alternatives

When comparing Lantus Cartridges with other ways to take basal insulin, the main differences are delivery device, dosing workflow, and how supplies are managed. Some people prefer cartridges used in a reusable pen, while others prefer a disposable prefilled pen for simplicity or a vial for syringe-based routines.

Examples of alternatives include insulin glargine in a prefilled pen format (see Lantus SoloStar Pens) or insulin glargine supplied as a vial (see Lantus Vial). Other long-acting basal insulin options may include insulin degludec and insulin glargine U-300; for background reading, review Tresiba Vs Lantus, What Is Toujeo, and Insulin Degludec Vs Glargine.

• Cartridge: reusable pen body
• Prefilled pen: all-in-one format
• Vial: syringe-based option

Pricing and Access

Access to Lantus Cartridges through CanadianInsulin is handled through a prescription-based referral process, with fulfillment by a licensed pharmacy partner. Requests can be handled as cash-pay when insurance billing is not used. Some people use this approach as an option when paying out of pocket, including those without insurance.

For customers eligible for cross-border fulfillment, US shipping from Canada is coordinated to support temperature-sensitive handling. If site-wide programs are available, they are listed on Site Promotions. To compare other insulin formats and strengths, the Insulin Category can be used as a browseable hub.

• Prescription: required for dispensing
• Refills: depend on authorization
• Documentation: may be requested
• Supplies: pen needles sold separately

Authoritative Sources

For the most reliable details on indications, warnings, and technical storage limits, consult official labeling and reference sources. These materials are also useful for checking compatibility statements, device instructions, and the current guidance on missed doses or transitions.

• For official U.S. prescribing details, see FDA Drugs@FDA: Lantus.
• For patient-friendly medication information, see MedlinePlus: Insulin Glargine.

For checkout, select prompt, express, cold-chain shipping to help maintain temperature control in transit.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.