Lantus® Solostar Pens for Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

These prefilled insulin pens contain insulin glargine, a long-acting basal insulin for type 1 and type 2 diabetes. US delivery from Canada makes access straightforward for eligible patients. This page covers approved uses, safety basics, and ways to manage costs without insurance.

What Lantus® Is and How It Works

This medicine contains insulin glargine, a human insulin analog designed for steady, all-day glucose control. After subcutaneous injection, microprecipitates form in the subcutaneous tissue and release small amounts of insulin over many hours. The result is a relatively flat action profile intended to limit peaks and sustain basal coverage between meals and overnight. As part of the long-acting insulin class, it is typically paired with mealtime insulin or used alone when appropriate.

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

The disposable device known as insulin glargine Solostar pens is intended for once-daily basal dosing. The solution is clear and colorless; do not use if it turns cloudy or contains particles. Each new injection requires a new pen needle, and the pen is not reusable once empty. Keep your dosing consistent unless your prescriber advises otherwise.

For broader context on basal options within the class, you can browse our Long-Acting Insulin category, which discusses similar therapies used for round-the-clock coverage.

Who It’s For

This treatment is indicated to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes and in adults and pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes. It is not for diabetic ketoacidosis. Use only if a clinician has evaluated your medical history and confirmed a basal insulin is appropriate.

People starting basal therapy in Type 2 Diabetes may use this option alone or with other agents. In type 1 diabetes, basal insulin is used with prandial insulin. Do not use if you are allergic to insulin glargine or pen components.

Dosage and Usage

Dosing is individualized. Many patients inject once daily at the same time each day. Give injections subcutaneously in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Rotate injection sites to reduce lipodystrophy. Do not inject into areas that are tender, bruised, scarred, or thickened.

General steps include: wash your hands, attach a new needle, prime to remove air, dial your prescribed units, insert the needle subcutaneously, inject the dose, then count slowly before removing the needle. Confirm the dose window returns to zero. Never share pens or needles. Do not mix or dilute this insulin with other insulins. Do not administer intravenously or via an insulin pump. For a step-by-step device refresher, see our Insulin Pen Guide. For general principles on dose categories and unit adjustments, review the Insulin Dosage Chart.

Strengths and Forms

The product is supplied as Lantus Solostar 100 units/mL in prefilled disposable pens. Each pen typically contains 3 mL of solution, and many packages include 5 pens per box. Availability and pack sizes can vary by dispensing pharmacy.

Other presentations of insulin glargine exist in certain markets, including vials or cartridges for reusable devices. If you use cartridge systems, learn about options in our overview of Insulin Cartridges.

Missed Dose and Timing

If you miss a dose, follow the guidance on the official label or contact your care team for instructions. In general, take the missed basal dose when remembered if it is not too close to the next scheduled dose. If it is close to the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue as scheduled. Do not double up doses. Monitor blood glucose more frequently when a dose is late or missed.

Storage and Travel Basics

Unopened pens should be kept refrigerated in line with the official label and must never be frozen. Once in use, keep the pen at room temperature away from heat and light, and discard after the in-use period specified on the label. Keep the cap on between injections. Avoid leaving pens in a hot car or near direct sunlight. Store out of reach of children and pets.

For trips, carry supplies in an insulated case with a cool pack, but do not place the pen directly on ice. Keep documentation such as your prescription and a list of medicines in your carry-on bag. Pack backup needles and a glucose source for hypoglycemia. Our pharmacy partners use temperature-controlled handling when required to protect sensitive products.

Pen Handling and Sharps Disposal

Use a new pen needle for each injection. Prime the pen before every dose per the label. Insert the needle straight into the skin, deliver the dose, and wait for the recommended count before withdrawing. Rotate sites to reduce the risk of lumps, dents, or skin changes. For a device comparison of common methods, read Pen vs Syringe.

Place used needles in an FDA-cleared sharps container or a heavy-duty household container if allowed locally. Follow community rules for disposal. Do not recap needles by hand. If you need a primer on needle types and gauges, see Needles Explained.

Benefits

This basal insulin provides once-daily convenience and steady background control. The smooth profile may reduce variability between doses compared with shorter-acting options. The prefilled device simplifies setup and removes the need to draw from vials.

Using a consistent basal regimen can support overnight stability and help fasting readings trend toward your target. When paired with diet, activity, and mealtime insulin as prescribed, it can be an effective component of a broader plan.

Side Effects and Safety

• Low blood sugar with symptoms such as shakiness, sweating, dizziness, or confusion
• Injection site reactions including redness, itching, or mild pain
• Skin changes at the injection site such as thickening or dents
• Weight gain or mild swelling in hands or feet
• Allergic-type symptoms like rash or hives

Serious but less common risks can include severe hypoglycemia, hypokalemia, and generalized allergic reactions. Tell a clinician about any heart failure symptoms when using insulin with thiazolidinediones. Use caution when driving or operating machinery, as hypoglycemia can impair judgment.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Many medicines can raise or lower insulin needs. Examples include corticosteroids, certain diuretics, oral contraceptives, thyroid products, and atypical antipsychotics. ACE inhibitors, ARBs, salicylates, some antibiotics, and alcohol may increase the risk of hypoglycemia. Beta-blockers may mask warning signs of low blood sugar, so monitor carefully. Always disclose all medicines, vitamins, and supplements to your prescriber.

People with reduced kidney or liver function may require closer monitoring. Illness, changes in activity, or dietary shifts can affect dosing needs. Keep glucagon and a fast-acting carbohydrate available if your care team recommends them. Follow the official label for detailed guidance.

What to Expect Over Time

Basal insulin typically takes effect gradually and provides a relatively constant level throughout a 24-hour period. You may notice changes in fasting readings as your regimen is optimized. Consistent timing, site rotation, and adherence to the plan can improve predictability. Keep records of readings and doses to inform routine follow-up visits.

If your program changes because of activity, illness, or other medicines, your clinician may adjust mealtime insulin or other therapies around your basal plan. Any adjustments should come from your prescriber or diabetes team.

Compare With Alternatives

Other basal insulins are available. Insulin glargine from another manufacturer is offered as Basaglar, which your prescriber may consider if clinically appropriate. A more concentrated glargine option is Toujeo Doublestar. Your choice may depend on dosing needs, pen features, and prescriber preference. For a deeper overview of this concentrated formulation, see the article What Is Toujeo, and read the Complete Guide on dose principles. Fixed-ratio combinations that add a GLP-1 agent exist as well; see an overview in One Pen Dual Action.

Pricing and Access

See your current Lantus Solostar price on our product page after selecting quantity and pharmacy. Cash-pay amounts vary by pack size and dispensing pharmacy. Savings may be possible compared with typical retail channels, and options can help when paying without insurance. For current deals and updates, visit our Promotions page.

We bill in US dollars when applicable, and you can complete checkout securely. Taxes or dispensing fees may vary by jurisdiction. Your valid prescription is required before we arrange dispensing.

Availability and Substitutions

Supply can vary. If this item is unavailable, your prescriber may recommend an alternative basal insulin from the same class or a clinically suitable substitute. Some patients ask about Lantus Solostar from Canada when local supply is tight; a prescriber must confirm the alternative is appropriate for your plan. Substitutions should only be made under clinical direction.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

This basal insulin may suit adults with type 2 diabetes starting long-acting therapy and those with type 1 diabetes needing background insulin. It is not for people who require intravenous insulin or who have had serious hypersensitivity reactions to insulin glargine. Do not use during episodes of diabetic ketoacidosis.

To stretch your budget, consider multi-month fills when appropriate, and set refill reminders to avoid gaps. Keep a written medication list for travel. Mail-order coordination with your prescriber can streamline future refills. Ask your care team about patient assistance programs or alternative basal options if costs remain high.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Starting dose and timing for my daily schedule
• How to adjust for illness or increased activity
• When and how to check ketones
• Recognizing and treating low blood sugar
• Injection site rotation tips and locations
• Whether other medicines affect my insulin needs
• What to do if my readings trend high or low

Authoritative Sources

For prescribing information from the US label, consult the official entry on DailyMed, which details indications, dosing, and safety.

For manufacturer information including device specifics and patient materials, see the product resources provided by Sanofi on its official website.

For Canadian regulatory details, you can review the Drug Product Database listing on Health Canada and compare label elements.

To learn about dose frameworks and delivery choices, you may also find our general references helpful, including the Pen vs Syringe discussion and a refresher on Insulin Cartridges.

Ready to continue? At CanadianInsulin, you can order Lantus Solostar pens with prompt, express, cold-chain shipping. Medical disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.