Insulin Glargine (rDNA origin) Injection
Insulin glargine is available as several different products that are considered to be available as several different products that are considered to be biologic medications (medications made from living organisms). These biosimilar products are highly similar to insulin glargine and works the same way as insulin glargine in the body. Therefore, the term insulin glargine products will be used to represent these medications in this discussion.
🔔 Why is this medication prescribed?
Insulin glargine products are used to treat type 1 diabetes (condition in which the body does not produce insulin and therefore cannot control the amount of sugar in the blood). Insulin glargine products are also used to treat people with type 2 diabetes (condition in which the body does not use insulin normally and, therefore, cannot control the amount of sugar in the blood) who need insulin to control their diabetes. In people with type 1 diabetes, insulin glargine products must be used with another type of insulin (a short-acting insulin). In people with type 2 diabetes, insulin glargine products also may be used with another type of insulin or with oral medication(s) for diabetes. Insulin glargine is a long-acting, synthetic version of human insulin. Insulin glargine products work by replacing the insulin that is normally produced by the body and by helping move sugar from the blood into other body tissues where it is used for energy. It also stops the liver from producing more sugar.
Over time, people who have diabetes and high blood sugar can develop serious or life-threatening complications, including heart disease, stroke, kidney problems, nerve damage, and eye problems. Using medication(s), making lifestyle changes (e.g., diet, exercise, quitting smoking), and regularly checking your blood sugar may help to manage your diabetes and improve your health. This therapy may also decrease your chances of having a heart attack, stroke, or other diabetes-related complications such as kidney failure, nerve damage (numb, cold legs or feet; decreased sexual ability in men and women), eye problems, including changes or loss of vision, or gum disease. Your doctor and other healthcare providers will talk to you about the best way to manage your diabetes.
🔔 How should this medicine be used?
Insulin glargine products come as a solution (liquid) to inject subcutaneously (under the skin). They are injected once a day. You should use insulin glargine products at the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use insulin glargine products exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Never use insulin glargine products when you have symptoms of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or if you have checked your blood sugar and found it to be low.
Insulin glargine products control diabetes but do not cure it. Continue to use insulin glargine products even if you feel well. Do not stop using insulin glargine products without talking to your doctor. Do not switch to another brand or type of insulin or change the dose of any type of insulin you are using without talking to your doctor. Always check the insulin label to make sure you received the right type of insulin from the pharmacy.
Insulin glargine products come in vials and in dosing pens that contain cartridges of medication. Be sure you know what type of container your insulin glargine product comes in and what other supplies, such as needles, syringes, or pens, you will need to inject your medication.
If your insulin glargine product comes in vials, you will need to use syringes to inject your dose. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to show you how to inject insulin glargine using a syringe. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about the type of syringe you should use.
If your insulin glargine product comes in pens, be sure to read and understand the manufacturer’s instructions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to show you how to use the pen. Follow the directions carefully, and always perform the safety test before use.
Never reuse needles or syringes and never share needles, syringes, or pens. If you are using an insulin pen, always remove the needle right after you inject your dose. Discard needles and syringes in a puncture-resistant container. Ask your doctor or pharmacist how to dispose of the puncture-resistant container.
Do not dilute insulin glargine products and do not mix insulin glargine products with any other type of insulin.
You can inject your insulin glargine in your upper arm, thigh, or stomach. Never inject insulin glargine into a vein or muscle. Do not inject where the skin is thick, lumpy, tender, bruised, scaly, or hard, or into areas of skin where there are scars or skin is damaged. Change (rotate) the injection site within the chosen area with each dose; try to avoid injecting the same site more often than once every 1 to 2 weeks.
Always check your insulin glargine product label to make sure you are using the correct insulin and look at your insulin glargine product before you inject it. It should be clear and colorless. Do not use your insulin glargine product if it is colored, cloudy, or contains solid particles, or if the expiration date on the bottle has passed.
Do not use insulin glargine products in an external insulin pump.
Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer’s information for the patient.