Insulin Glargine

Insulin glargine can help control blood sugar levels in people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. It comes in injectable form and is used once a day. The dose of insulin glargine you are prescribed will be based on factors such as other insulins you are taking and other medical conditions you have. Possible side effects include low blood sugar and reactions at the injection site.

 

What Is Insulin Glargine?

Insulin glargine (Lantus®) is a prescription diabetes medication licensed to treat the following conditions:
 
Insulin glargine is a long-acting insulin that is designed to be taken just once a day.
 
(Click What Is Insulin Glargine Used For? for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Insulin Glargine Side Effects

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with insulin glargine. However, not everyone who uses the medication will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or are easily treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
 
Possible side effects of insulin glargine include but are not limited to:
 
  • Low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia)
  • A skin reaction at the injection site
  • Thickening or pitting of the skin at the injection site.
     
(Click Side Effects of Insulin Glargine to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
 
(Insulin Glargine Continued: Page 2)
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;