Glargine is a type of medication classified as insulin. According to Drugs.com, an online drug resource, insulin glargine is the generic name for the medication Lantus. Glargine is constructed in a laboratory to resemble the hormone insulin, which is naturally produced by the body. Glargine can treat type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Indications
According to Mayo Clinic, insulin glargine is used to lower blood-sugar levels in patients who do not produce enough natural insulin or do not properly manage insulin. Glargine is considered a long-acting medication, meaning it is absorbed slowly by the body over a 24-hour period. Other insulin products or oral anti-diabetic medications may be used in combination with glargine to keep blood-sugar levels within normal limits.
Important Information
Drugs.com instructs patients to watch blood-sugar levels and not allow them to fall too low. Keep a piece of non-dietetic candy or glucose tablets on you in case of a drop in blood sugar. Do not share needles with others because this can spread diseases such as hepatitis or HIV. Glargine is only part of the treatment program, and patients should also exercise; control their weight; routinely test blood-sugar levels; and take care of the feet, eyes and mouth.
Dosing and Administration
Do not use more of this medication than the health care provider has prescribed. According to Mayo Clinic, the amount of medication the patient takes will vary by the severity of the medical condition. Injections should be rotated to different areas on the body, such as the back of the upper arm, the thigh and the stomach. Glargine is administered once daily, usually at bedtime.
Side Effects
According to Drugs.com, the most common side effect of insulin glargine is a drop in blood sugar. Symptoms of low blood sugar include headache, upset stomach, increased hunger, confusion, sleepiness, dizziness, visual disturbances, increased heart rate, sweating, tremors, inability to concentrate and seizures. Mayo Clinic states less common side effects are swelling of the face, hands and lower extremities as well as itching, redness or skin changes at the injection site. Notify a health care provider immediately if the following allergic reactions occur: difficulty breathing, itching or hives on the body and wheezing.
Precautions
Drugs.com encourages patients to refrain from drinking alcoholic beverages while taking glargine. The combination of insulin glargine and alcohol can cause the blood sugar to drop. Over-the counter medications such as aspirin, weight loss supplements and medications for asthma, colds or allergies should be avoided until a health care provider has approved of their safety.
Availability
Glargine is only available with a health care provider prescription. According to Drugs.com, glargine is a thin, clear liquid that is injected into fatty tissue. This medication is available in a multidose vial that requires the use of disposable syringes or a preloaded injection pen.
