Basaglar® Cartridges for Long-Acting Insulin Therapy

Basaglar® cartridges provide long-acting insulin glargine for steady basal control in diabetes. They help adults with type 2 diabetes and people with type 1 diabetes who require background insulin. Available from Canada with US delivery, these cartridges support consistent therapy at Canadian pricing, which may help those paying cash without insurance.

What Basaglar® Is and How It Works

Basaglar is insulin glargine U-100, a long-acting human insulin analogue designed to release slowly after subcutaneous injection. Microprecipitates form in the subcutaneous tissue and steadily deliver insulin over about 24 hours, helping stabilize fasting and between-meal blood glucose. It is not a rapid-acting insulin and is not intended to treat acute hyperglycemia or diabetic ketoacidosis.

CanadianInsulin is a prescription referral service. We verify your prescription with your clinic, and licensed Canadian pharmacies dispense your order.

In clinical practice, basal insulin can be combined with mealtime insulin or non-insulin therapies to reach individualized glycemic targets. A flatter action profile supports fewer peaks and troughs than some intermediate-acting insulins, which can reduce overnight variability when used appropriately.

Who Basaglar® Is For

Indications include adults with type 2 diabetes who need basal insulin and individuals with type 1 diabetes who require a basal component of a multiple-daily-injection regimen. Pediatric use in type 1 diabetes is based on prescriber judgment and local labeling.

Use with caution in people at higher risk of hypoglycemia, including those with renal or hepatic impairment, the elderly, or those with irregular meal patterns. Not appropriate for treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis, for intravenous use, for use in insulin pumps, or for mixing with other insulins.

Dosage and Usage

Dosing is individualized by clinicians. For insulin-naive adults with type 2 diabetes, common label-aligned initiation is 10 units once daily, with periodic titration based on fasting glucose and overall safety. In type 1 diabetes, basal insulin forms one component of the total daily insulin dose; adjustments consider carbohydrate intake, activity, and concurrent mealtime insulin.

Administer subcutaneously once daily at the same time each day into the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm, rotating sites to minimize lipodystrophy. Do not inject into areas that are tender, bruised, or scarred. Do not mix or dilute insulin glargine with other insulins or solutions.

Titration methods vary. Many clinicians increase by small increments (for example, 1–2 units) at intervals to improve fasting readings, while monitoring for hypoglycemia. Device technique influences dose accuracy; if using a reusable pen, review priming, dialing, and injection steps. A practical walk-through is available in our Insulin Pen Guide. Always follow the pen manufacturer’s instructions.

Strengths and Forms

Basaglar cartridges are U-100 insulin glargine in 3 mL cartridges, typically supplied in cartons containing multiple cartridges. Each 3 mL cartridge contains 300 units. Availability can vary by market and by pharmacy inventory.

These cartridges are designed for compatible reusable insulin pens. Compatibility depends on the pen platform approved for insulin glargine cartridges in your region; check the pen’s instructions for use. If a prefilled option is preferred, consider the related prefilled pen presentation listed under Basaglar Online.

Do not attempt to refill a cartridge, and never transfer insulin from the cartridge to a syringe. Use cartridges only with the intended pen system and a new sterile needle for each injection.

Missed Dose and Timing

If a scheduled dose is missed, general practice is to take the missed basal dose when remembered on the same day, provided enough time remains before the next dose to avoid stacking. If it is close to the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume the usual schedule. Do not take two doses at once. People on split-dose regimens or complex schedules should follow the plan set by their clinician.

Storage and Travel Basics

Unopened cartridges are typically stored refrigerated at 2°C to 8°C and protected from light. Do not freeze; do not use if insulin has been frozen. Once in use, a cartridge kept in the pen may be stored at room temperature away from heat and direct sunlight; discard after the period stated on the carton or leaflet, commonly 28 days for insulin glargine.

For travel, keep insulin in an insulated case and avoid extreme temperatures. Carry medicines in hand luggage when flying, with backups in a separate bag. Pack spare needles and a copy of the prescription when possible. See our quick reference on Insulin Storage Temperature for more details. Temperature-sensitive items ship with cold-chain handling and insulated packaging.

Pen Handling and Sharps Disposal

Use a new sterile needle for each injection and never share pens or needles. Attach the needle securely, prime per the pen’s instructions, dial the prescribed dose, insert at the proper angle, and depress the button fully. Keep the needle in place for several seconds to ensure the complete dose is delivered. Remove and safely discard the needle immediately after use.

Dispose of used needles in an FDA-cleared sharps container or a sturdy puncture-resistant alternative per local regulations. For step-by-step technique reminders, see the illustrated Insulin Pen Guide.

Benefits

• Once-daily basal insulin coverage designed to last through 24 hours.
• Steady, relatively peakless profile that supports stable fasting glucose.
• Flexible use alongside mealtime insulin or select non-insulin agents.
• Familiar U-100 concentration compatible with many reusable pens.
• Access to Canadian pricing through a verified cross-border model.

Side Effects and Safety

• Common: hypoglycemia, injection-site reactions (redness, itching), lipodystrophy or localized skin changes, mild edema, and weight gain.
• Less common: allergic reactions, rash, or antibody formation that may alter insulin effect.
• Serious but rare: severe hypoglycemia, hypokalemia, or systemic hypersensitivity; seek urgent care for symptoms of severe reaction.

Risk of hypoglycemia rises with missed meals, increased activity, alcohol, medication changes, or dosing errors. People at risk should have a rapid-acting carbohydrate source and an emergency glucagon option available. We offer intranasal and injectable glucagon, including Baqsimi Nasal Powder and a Glucagon Injection Kit.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Medications that can increase hypoglycemia risk or alter insulin needs include sulfonylureas, meglitinides, SGLT2 inhibitors, GLP-1 receptor agonists, and prandial insulin. Agents that may raise blood glucose and increase insulin requirements include corticosteroids, some diuretics, sympathomimetics, and certain antipsychotics. Beta-blockers can mask adrenergic symptoms of hypoglycemia. Use caution when insulin is combined with thiazolidinediones, which may promote fluid retention.

Alcohol use, acute illness, and significant changes in diet or activity can necessitate closer monitoring and dose review. Lab results, continuous glucose data, and hypoglycemia frequency guide safe adjustments. Clinicians may modify doses around procedures, corticosteroid bursts, or major shifts in routine.

What to Expect Over Time

With consistent daily use and careful titration, basal insulin typically lowers fasting glucose and contributes to improved A1C. Many patients notice fewer overnight swings compared with intermediate-acting insulin. The full impact of a dose change may take several days to become evident as fasting readings stabilize. Expect periodic dose checks as seasons, weight, activity, or concomitant medicines change.

Compare With Alternatives

Other long-acting options include insulin glargine and insulin degludec formulations. Glargine is also available as a reference product; see Lantus Cartridges. An ultra-long option is insulin degludec; consider Tresiba Flextouch Pens. Choice among basal insulins depends on prior response, dosing schedule preferences, and formulary access.

Pricing and Access

Many people look to cross-border options for insulin savings. Review the current Basaglar cartridge pricing on this page and compare pack sizes to match prescription needs. CanadianInsulin provides prompt, express, cold-chain shipping from licensed Canadian pharmacies to eligible US addresses. For added value, explore multi-pack options in Bulk Savings when appropriate and check our sitewide promotions at /promotions.

Availability and Substitutions

Supply can vary by strength and package size. If a particular presentation is unavailable, a prescriber may recommend a clinically appropriate alternative in the same class. Options may include a glargine reference product or another basal insulin listed above. When substitutions are proposed, pharmacists and prescribers confirm suitability and provide device education as needed.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

• Good candidates include people who need basal coverage and prefer reusable pen systems.
• Those with recurrent hypoglycemia, erratic meals, or significant renal or hepatic impairment may need careful supervision and dose adjustment.
• Consolidate refills into fewer shipments to lower per-shipment costs when allowed by your prescription and storage capacity.
• Set calendar reminders so refills arrive before in-use cartridges expire; keep a backup on hand when feasible.
• If prefilled pens suit your routine better, compare with Basaglar Online.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Is a once-daily glargine like Basaglar the right basal choice for my plan?
• How should my basal titration be adjusted based on fasting readings?
• What signs of hypoglycemia should I watch for, and what is my rescue plan?
• Are there situations when I should temporarily lower or hold my basal dose?
• Which reusable pen platform is compatible with these cartridges?
• How should I handle sick days or changes in exercise or diet?

Authoritative Sources

• Basaglar Prescribing Information
• FDA Label for Insulin Glargine
• ADA Insulin Overview

Ready to request your refill? Place your Basaglar cartridge order with CanadianInsulin for prompt, express, cold-chain shipping and US delivery from Canada.

Disclaimer: Information here is educational and does not replace professional medical advice. Always follow your clinician’s instructions and the approved patient information that comes with the medicine.