What is Lantus (insulin glargine) Vial?
Lantus vial contains Lantus insulin, which is a brand name of insulin glargine, a long-acting insulin analog. Its absorption, distribution and metabolism in the body is very similar to naturally occurring human insulin produced in people who do not have diabetes.
What is it used for?
Lantus is used for the control of high blood sugar levels in the treatment of adults with type 2 diabetes. It is also prescribed for adults and children (aged 6 years and older) with type 1 diabetes who require a long-acting insulin. It supplies a slow, consistent release of insulin all day to help regulate your blood sugar levels between meals and overnight. Your treatment may also require the support of a fast-acting mealtime insulin to help control blood sugar level spikes during meals. Lantus is typically used as a once daily, self-administered injection. It is not used for the treatment diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).
How does it work?
Lantus works by simulating the action of naturally occurring insulin, which normally controls blood sugar levels in the body. The primary function of insulin (including insulin glargine, the kind used in Lantus) is the regulation of sugar metabolism. It lowers blood sugar levels by stimulating blood sugar absorption from the blood into skeletal muscle and fat cells, and by blocking sugar production by the liver. Studies have shown that insulin glargine and naturally occurring human insulin have the same effectiveness and ability to lower blood sugar levels. Compared with NPH human insulin, subcutaneously injected insulin glargine has a slightly slower onset and a longer duration of action. This is because of the microcrystals in its formulation that slowly release the insulin, giving a long duration of action of 18 to 26 hours, with a relatively steady effect profile and little peak of action.
Lantus is taken as a subcutaneous injection, and the injection sites within each injection area (abdomen, thigh, buttock or deltoid) must be changed from one injection to the next. After injection, the area must not be massaged or rubbed. Speak to your doctor if you are not sure how to use this medication. Lantus should only be used if the solution is clear and colorless with no particles or clumps visible. It is a clear solution, not a suspension like some other insulin products.
