Lantus insulin is a medication used to treat diabetics by lowering the glucose sugar level in the blood. It consists of insulin glargine, an analog or substance similar to human insulin. Lantus insulin is designed to work for 24-hour periods per injection, thus reducing the need to reinject insulin in shorter time periods. It does take longer to take effect, however, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Skin
Any type of insulin injection, including the synthetic Lantus insulin, can cause problems on the skin in the area where it is injected. This can produce such side effects as pain, itching, a red area of skin, swelling, hives, inflammation and tenderness. You also may develop lipodystrophy, a condition that reduces body fat and can make your body resistant to insulin. All of these side effects may disappear as you continue to use Lantus insulin.
Retinopathy
Disease that affects the rear of the eye is called retinopathy. In clinical studies, according to RxList, retinopathy may occur in people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes with injections of Lantus insulin. In the studies, more patients developed retinopathy with use of Lantus insulin than did with traditional insulin.
Hypoglycemia
Since the idea of using Lantus insulin is to reduce the level of glucose in the human blood stream, the medication on occasion may cause you to have low blood sugar, also called hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia may cause you to feel anxious, to sweat more or to develop tremors or palpitations. You also may appear pale and be nauseous. The condition also may produce such side effects as confusion, headaches, a seizure, unusual behavior or even a coma. Your physician may adjust the dose of Lantus insulin, but the immediate remedy is ingestion of glucose.
Convulsions
Seizures, also called convulsions, may occur rarely when you take Lantus insulin or any other insulin medication. This is a serious side effect and should be reported to your physician immediately.
