Lantus®
Brand Name: Lantus®
Active Ingredient:   insulin glargine [rDNA origin]
Strength(s): 100 units of insulin glargine per mL
Dosage Form(s):   Subcutaneous injection
Company Name:    Aventis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Availability:         Prescription only
*Date Approved by the FDA:   April 20, 2000
*Approval by FDA does not mean that the drug is available for consumers at this time.
What is Lantus used for?  

Lantus is used to treat adults and children (age 6 and older) with type 1 diabetes or adult patients with type 2 diabetes who require long-acting insulin to control high blood sugar.

Special Warnings with Lantus:

The most common side effect of all insulin preparations including Lantus is low blood sugar. With all types of insulin the timing of low blood sugar can change depending on the formulation so it is important to monitor your blood sugar regularly.

General Precautions with Lantus:

There is a risk of your blood sugar becoming too low when taking diabetes medicines. Strenuous physical activity, drinking alcoholic beverages, or not eating enough can increase this possibility when taking Lantus. Talk to your health care provider.

What should I tell my doctor or health care provider?

Because certain other medications may increase or decrease the blood-sugar-lowering effect of NovoLog, review all medications you are taking with your health care provider, including those that you take without a prescription. 

Any change of insulin should be made under medical supervision. Be certain to tell your doctor or health care provider if you are taking other insulin, including oral medications used to control blood sugar. 

Tell your doctor or health care provider if you: 

  • experience any minor allergic reactions, such as redness, swelling, or itching at the site of injection,
  • have a history of kidney or liver problems,
  • are trying to become pregnant, are already pregnant, or are breast-feeding.

What are some possible side effects of Lantus? (This is NOT a complete list of side effects reported with Lantus. Your health care provider can discuss with you a more complete list of side effects.)  

  • Low blood sugar
  • Injection site reactions such as redness, pain, itching, hives, and swelling
  • Changes in fat tissue at site of injection 

For more detailed information about Lantus, ask your health care provider.

Link to Lantus' label

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Posted: 9/4/01

Updated:  12/29/04ghc