Lantus (generic name: insulin glargine) is a medication used to treat diabetes, a condition of elevated blood glucose levels. According to Drugs.com, it belongs to the group of medications called long-acting insulins and it works to lower the glucose (sugar) levels in your blood. Lantus is a clear and odorless medication that is given via an injection. Take Lantus as your doctor prescribes to prevent any side effects.
Common Side Effects
According to Drugs.com, insulin glargine's most common side effect is hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Symptoms of hypoglycemia include nausea, hunger, dizziness, sweating and tachycardia (fast heartbeat). It can also cause blurred vision, weakness, difficulty concentrating and nausea. Keep a sugar-filled beverage or snack with you at all times. Simply drinking orange juice or eating a candy bar can relieve your hypoglycemic reaction. Other prevalent side effects include itching, redness and swelling at the injection site.
Serious Side Effects
According to the Mayo Clinic, Lantus may cause such potentially life-threatening side effects as convulsions (seizures) or unconsciousness. Disorganized electrical activity in your brain can result in shaky movements of your entire body or extremities. You may become unconsciousness if you do not receive enough Lantus and your blood sugar remains extremely high.
Other Side Effects
According to the National Library of Medicine, Lantus may make you susceptible to a respiratory infections (such as bronchitis), the flu and sinusitis (sinus infections). In some cases, Lantus may lead to hypertension (high blood pressure), joint pain, back pain, diarrhea, cough and depression. Call your doctor right away if these symptoms continue and become concerning and she may change your Lantus dosage or medication.
Other Concerns
According to Drugs.com, it is unclear whether Lantus can harm your unborn baby or pass into breast milk. However, it is vital to tell your doctor whether you are pregnant or plan to breastfeed as a precautionary measure.
Drugs.com recommends avoiding Lantus if you are taking albuterol, reserpine, clonidine, guanethidine or a beta-blocker such as atenolol. Combining these medications with Lantus can make it difficult to distinguish if you are suffering from a hypoglycemic episode. Tell your doctor about your current medications.
Tell your doctor whether you have liver or kidney problems. According to the National Library of Medicine, Lantus can increase your risk of a hypoglycemic episode if you have a kidney or liver dysfunction. Your doctor may have to lower your Lantus dose to make it safer for you to take.
Avoid Lantus if you are allergic to insulin or any of its components. Serious side effects include wheezing, difficulty breathing, sweating, tachycardia (fast heartbeat) and fainting spells, says Drugs.com.
