Lantus, or insulin glargin, is a form of insulin used to treat type 2 diabetes in adults and type 1 diabetes in adults and children 6 years and older. Lantus is a long-acting insulin that is injected once a day. While Lantus can be effective in helping keep blood sugar levels under control, it may cause some serious and unwanted side effects. It is important to closely follow your personalized instructions about dosing and to report any side effects to your doctor.
Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, is the most common side effect of Lantus. In clinical trials, some have reported hypoglycemia that is severe enough to require the assistance of another person, parenteral glucose infusion or glucagon administration. The long-lasting effect of Lantus may prolong recovery from hypoglycemia. Severe hypoglycemia can lead to convulsions, seizures and unconsciousness and may result in confusion, temporary or permanent losses in brain function or death.
Antibody Production
Injection with Lantus can cause the production of antibodies to insulin, which may make the body more or less efficient in making use of the injected insulin. This could cause blood sugar levels to get too high or too low and may require dosage modification.
Skin Side Effects
Lantus can cause a skin reaction at the injection site, including redness, swelling, itching, lipidodystrophy (loss of fat), skin thickening (lipohypertrophy) or a depression in the skin (lipoatrophy). To minimize these complications, regularly rotating the injection site is recommended. Lantus can also cause a skin rash and itching all over the body.
Eye Side Effects
Lantus may increase the risk for certain eye conditions and vision side effects. People who show intense or rapid improvements in glucose control may develop temporary, reversible ophthalmologic refraction disorder or a worsening of diabetic retinopathy. Blurred vision has also been reported.
Severe Allergic Reactions
Lantus may cause an allergic reaction, characterized by symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing (trouble breathing), fast pulse, sweating, a rash all over the body and low blood pressure. Severe, potentially fatal allergic reaction affecting the entire body (anaphylaxis) may also occur.
Other Common Side Effects
Lantus may commonly cause a variety of side effects that may range in severity. Weight gain is particularly common, as is peripheral edema (swelling in the limbs), headache, nausea, nervousness, restless sleep, shakiness, dizziness or lightheadedness, drowsiness, excessive hunger and difficulty thinking. Some may also experience a tingling in the hands, feet, lips or tongue, nightmares, cool, pale skin, slurred speech and a feeling of being drunk.
Cancer
In July 2009, the Food and Drug Administration issued an alert indicating Lantus may be associated with increased risk of developing cancer after three of four research studies published prior to that time found that diabetics who were taking Lantus were more likely to get cancer. Shortly thereafter, the FDA questioned the validity of the results from those studies, stating inconsistent results within and across participants, in addition to flaws in study design, prevent firm conclusions from being drawn. Numerous commentaries have been published in medical journals echoing the FDA's concerns. Presently, the FDA does not recommend patients stop taking insulin glargine, and urges individuals consult with their doctors if they have concerns. The FDA will continue to review safety data regarding Lantus and issue a new advisory should they find more reliable evidence to clarify the debate.
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