Lantus® Cartridges for Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

Lantus Cartridges are long-acting insulin glargine refills for reusable pens. This page explains their uses, strengths, and safe handling for daily care. Ships from Canada to US with options to save without insurance.

What Lantus Is and How It Works

Lantus® is insulin glargine U-100, a long-acting basal insulin for once-daily subcutaneous use. These insulin glargine cartridges provide a slow, peakless release that helps maintain fasting and between-meal glucose control. The formulation forms microprecipitates in the subcutaneous tissue, releasing insulin over roughly 24 hours. It is not for intravenous use, insulin pumps, or for mixing with other insulins.

CanadianInsulin.com is a prescription referral platform. We verify prescriptions with your prescriber when required, and licensed Canadian pharmacies dispense your order.

Patients use this medicine with compatible reusable pen devices. It should look clear and colorless before each dose. Do not use if cloudy, colored, or contains particles. For more background on steady basal control, see Steady Blood Sugar.

Who It’s For

This treatment is indicated for adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes who need basal insulin. It is also indicated for pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes when a long-acting insulin is appropriate. Your prescriber decides if a basal analog fits your plan based on glucose patterns and prior therapies.

Do not use if you have a known hypersensitivity to insulin glargine or any component of the product, or during an active hypoglycemia episode. Use caution with renal or hepatic impairment. Discuss pregnancy and breastfeeding plans with your clinician. For condition background, review Type 2 Diabetes.

Dosage and Usage

Basal insulin is typically injected once daily at the same time each day. Your dose is individualized by your prescriber and may change with meals, activity, illness, or other medications. Inject subcutaneously into the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm, rotating sites to reduce lipodystrophy.

Use insulin glargine 100 units/mL cartridges only with compatible reusable pens and fresh pen needles. Do not mix or dilute. Do not transfer insulin from a cartridge to a syringe. Check glucose regularly and follow the dosing plan in your prescription. If unsure about any step, consult the official label or your healthcare professional.

Strengths and Forms

Availability may vary by pharmacy. Common presentations include:

• Concentration: 100 units/mL (U-100)
• Cartridges: 3 mL each for use in compatible reusable pens
• Typical cartons: multi-pack options such as 5 x 3 mL

These formats are part of the long-acting insulin class; explore related options in Long-Acting Insulin.

Missed Dose and Timing

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember the same day, then return to your regular schedule. If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take extra insulin to make up for a missed dose. Monitor glucose more frequently and follow your clinician’s guidance.

Storage and Travel Basics

Unopened cartridges should be kept refrigerated according to labeling and protected from light. Do not freeze; discard if frozen. In-use cartridges may be kept at room temperature as directed by the label and should be discarded after the in-use period stated in the product information. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

When traveling, keep cartridges and pen needles in your carry-on, along with your prescription and a copy of your diabetes treatment plan. Use an insulated case to avoid extreme temperatures. If your route includes security checkpoints, carry documentation to support medical supplies. For added assurance, many orders feature temperature-controlled handling when required.

Pen Handling and Sharps Disposal

Cartridges are designed for reusable pens. Inspect the cartridge for cracks or leaks before loading. Insert the cartridge into the pen per the device instructions. Attach a new pen needle for each injection, prime according to the pen’s manual, and confirm the dose window before use. Never share pens, needles, or cartridges.

After each injection, dispose of pen needles in an FDA-cleared sharps container. When a cartridge is empty or expired, remove it and discard according to local sharps or pharmacy take-back guidance. For needle selection and technique, see Pen Needles Guide and practical differences in Pen vs Syringe.

Benefits

This medicine supports a consistent basal insulin level, which can help stabilize fasting glucose when used as prescribed. Once-daily scheduling may simplify routines compared with intermediate-acting regimens. Cartridges allow continued use of a preferred reusable pen and dose window.

Some patients may also consider generic insulin glargine cartridges as part of cost discussions with a prescriber. Device familiarity, fine dose adjustments, and reduced packaging waste can be practical advantages for many users.

Side Effects and Safety

• Low blood sugar: shakiness, sweating, headache, confusion
• Injection site reactions: redness, itching, mild swelling
• Skin changes at site: lipoatrophy or lipohypertrophy
• Edema: mild fluid retention
• Weight gain: may occur with insulin therapy

Serious risks can include severe hypoglycemia, hypokalemia, or allergic reactions. Thiazolidinediones used with insulin may increase fluid retention and heart failure risk in susceptible patients. Beta-blockers can mask hypoglycemia warning symptoms. Alcohol may increase the risk of low blood sugar. Seek emergency care for severe reactions.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Glucose-lowering agents (sulfonylureas, GLP-1 RAs, SGLT2 inhibitors), thiazolidinediones, ACE inhibitors, ARBs, and salicylates can increase insulin effect. Corticosteroids, some contraceptives, diuretics, and sympathomimetics may reduce insulin effect. Beta-blockers can blunt adrenergic symptoms of hypoglycemia. Discuss all medicines, supplements, and alcohol use with your clinician.

Adjustments are clinician-directed. Do not change your dose or timing without medical advice. Test glucose more often when starting, stopping, or changing any interacting medication.

What to Expect Over Time

With steady daily use, basal insulin can support more consistent fasting and overnight readings. Most patients still require mealtime insulin or other agents to control post-meal spikes. Your prescriber may alter the overall plan based on logs, readings, and A1C targets.

Keep a simple log of dose time, site rotation, and any low-glucose symptoms. Bring your meter or CGM reports to visits. For background on device formats, see Cartridge Types.

Compare With Alternatives

Several long-acting options may be appropriate if your prescriber recommends a change. Basaglar is an insulin glargine product available in cartridges; compare with your clinician: Basaglar Cartridges. Another basal analog, insulin degludec, is supplied in prefilled pens; review with your care team: Tresiba Pens.

Pricing and Access

Lantus cartridges price varies by pack size and pharmacy inventory. You can review current pricing on this page and compare Canadian options. We offer US delivery from Canada with transparent checkout. If you use discount programs or manufacturer copay cards, compare those terms with our site.

To explore seasonal offers, check our Promotions. Many patients review cash-pay options alongside insurance benefits to identify the best overall value.

Availability and Substitutions

Your Lantus cartridge prescription is filled according to availability and local regulations. If a specific size is not in stock, your prescriber may recommend a therapeutically appropriate alternative or a different presentation. Pharmacy teams will not substitute without authorization.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Good candidates can self-inject, monitor glucose, and follow a daily schedule. Those with frequent severe hypoglycemia or who cannot recognize low-glucose symptoms need close supervision. Discuss any vision or dexterity concerns that could affect pen use.

Plan refills ahead to avoid gaps. Consider multi-pack orders if appropriate for your usage and storage space. Set calendar reminders for the in-use discard date. Compare pharmacy options when you buy insulin glargine cartridges, and ask your clinician if a biosimilar or alternative basal insulin is suitable for your needs.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Starting dose and timing: what time fits my routine?
• Site rotation: which areas should I use most often?
• Managing lows: how should I treat hypoglycemia?
• Device choice: which reusable pen is compatible?
• Travel plan: how should I pack insulin and needles?
• Sick day rules: when should I check more often?
• Combination therapy: what else pairs well with basal insulin?

Authoritative Sources

For full prescribing information, see the manufacturer’s page: Sanofi official Lantus prescribing information and details. FDA label information is available here: FDA DailyMed search for Lantus insulin glargine. Canadian reference information can be found at Health Canada’s database: Health Canada Drug Product Database entry portal.

You can place your order with prompt, express, cold-chain shipping.

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