Lantus® Solostar Pens for Once-Daily Basal Insulin

What Lantus® Is and How It Works

Lantus Solostar Pens deliver insulin glargine U-100, a long-acting basal insulin used for adults with type 2 diabetes and for adults and children 6 years and older with type 1 diabetes. It is injected under the skin once daily at the same time each day. Many people search for Lantus Solostar Pens without insurance to manage costs while maintaining therapy continuity.

Insulin glargine forms microprecipitates in subcutaneous tissue and releases insulin slowly over about 24 hours. This helps maintain a steady background insulin level to control fasting and between-meal glucose. Lantus is not for diabetic ketoacidosis, not for intravenous use, and not for insulin pumps. Do not mix or dilute with other insulins.

CanadianInsulin is a prescription referral service. Prescriptions are verified with your clinic, and orders are filled by licensed Canadian pharmacies. We partner with vetted pharmacies to supply authentic brand medications with a broad selection and value-focused pricing, and we ship with prompt, express, cold-chain handling.

Dosage and Usage

• Typical initiation (type 2 diabetes): 10 units once daily or about 0.2 units/kg once daily, then titrate to fasting glucose targets per your prescriber’s plan.
• Type 1 diabetes: basal insulin often makes up about one-third to one-half of total daily insulin, with rapid-acting insulin for meals and corrections.
• Titrate gradually (for example, by 1–2 units every 3–4 days) based on fasting readings, as directed by your care team.
• Missed dose: take as soon as remembered, but ensure adequate time between doses to avoid stacking; follow your prescriber’s advice.
• Injection sites: abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Rotate sites to reduce lipodystrophy and skin irritation.
• Pen use steps: check the label, attach a new needle, prime as directed (often 2 units), select the dose, insert the needle into skin, inject and hold for 10 seconds, then remove the needle and safely discard.
• Do not share pens or needles. Do not mix Lantus with other insulins. Do not use if solution is cloudy, colored, or contains particles.

• Unopened storage: refrigerate at 2–8°C (36–46°F). Do not freeze. Protect from light.
• In-use pen: keep at room temperature below 30°C (86°F) for up to 28 days; do not refrigerate the pen with needle attached.
• Travel: carry pens in an insulated case with gel packs (not direct ice). Keep in carry-on luggage; avoid leaving in a hot or cold car.
• Have backup supplies and a letter for security if flying. Keep a spare pen and extra needles to prevent missed doses.

Benefits and Savings

Lantus helps reduce fasting plasma glucose and A1C with a stable, peakless profile for up to 24 hours. Once-daily dosing supports consistent routines, and Solostar allows 1-unit dose adjustments for fine titration. Many find fewer nocturnal lows compared with older NPH insulin when appropriately titrated.

Many customers save 60–80% versus typical U.S. prices. You can purchase Lantus Solostar Pens without insurance through CanadianInsulin. See our promotions page for current offers, including any Lantus Solostar Pens coupon if available.

Side Effects and Safety

• Hypoglycemia (shakiness, sweating, hunger, headache, dizziness, fast heartbeat).
• Injection-site reactions (redness, swelling, itching).
• Lipodystrophy or skin thickening at repeated sites.
• Weight gain or mild edema.
• Allergic reactions such as rash or pruritus.
• Visual changes during early glucose improvement.

Serious risks include severe hypoglycemia, hypokalemia, and rare systemic hypersensitivity. Risk of low glucose increases with missed meals, alcohol, or when used with prandial insulin or sulfonylureas; background doses of these agents may need adjustment to reduce hypoglycemia. Use caution with hepatic or renal impairment. Fluid retention can worsen with thiazolidinediones. Never share pens or needles.

Onset Time

Lantus begins working about 1–2 hours after injection, with a flat activity profile that lasts up to 24 hours. Initial fasting glucose improvements can appear within days as titration proceeds. A1C changes reflect longer-term control and usually emerge over 8–12 weeks of stable dosing and consistent monitoring.

Compare With Alternatives

Basaglar® contains insulin glargine U-100 like Lantus and has a similar duration and efficacy profile, offered in a different pen device. Toujeo® (insulin glargine U-300) provides a longer, flatter profile that may reduce nocturnal lows in some patients; dosing is not unit-to-unit interchangeable with Lantus and needs prescriber guidance. For more background, see What Is Toujeo Insulin And How Does It Work.

Tresiba® (insulin degludec) offers an ultra-long duration (over 24 hours) and may allow a flexible dosing window. Choice among Lantus, Basaglar, Toujeo, and Tresiba depends on glucose patterns, dosing flexibility needs, and insurance or out-of-pocket cost considerations. If you prefer vials over pens, this overview may help: Lantus Vial Long Lasting Insulin For Stability.

Combination Therapy

• With mealtime insulin for type 1 diabetes or advanced type 2 diabetes; prandial doses may need adjustment during basal titration.
• With metformin in type 2 diabetes; continue unless contraindicated.
• With GLP-1 receptor agonists; some may require reduced insulin to mitigate hypoglycemia.
• With SGLT2 inhibitors or DPP-4 inhibitors as appropriate; monitor glucose to avoid lows.
• When used with sulfonylureas, a dose reduction of the sulfonylurea may lower hypoglycemia risk.
• Use caution combining with thiazolidinediones due to edema or heart failure risk.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Lantus may suit adults with type 2 diabetes needing basal insulin and adults or children 6 years and older with type 1 diabetes who use a basal-bolus plan. It is not for diabetic ketoacidosis, intravenous use, or insulin pumps. Those with frequent hypoglycemia, variable schedules, or significant renal or hepatic impairment need individualized plans.

Consider multi-month prescriptions to reduce per-shipment costs and help maintain supply. Combine items in one order when practical, and set simple reorder reminders before the 28-day in-use period ends. Proper storage prevents waste. For self-monitoring, a meter like the Contour Next Ez Meter can support titration discussions with your clinic.

Learn more about diabetes foundations in Type 1 Diabetes and Type 2 Diabetes resources on our site.

Authoritative Sources

Manufacturer’s Lantus SoloStar patient site

Health Canada Drug Product Database

FDA Prescribing Information for Lantus (insulin glargine)

Order Lantus® Solostar Pens from CanadianInsulin: add to cart, upload your prescription, and we ship with prompt, express, cold-chain handling.

This page is educational and not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always follow your prescriber’s instructions and local regulations for prescription medicines.