INSULIN GLARGINE (Generic for LANTUS)

This medication is injected under the skin. Use it as directed. It is important to follow the directions given to you by your care team. Talk to your care team about how to adjust doses for activity and illness. Know what to do if you skip a meal. Keep taking insulin therapy unless your care team tells you to stop.
This medication comes with INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE. Ask your pharmacist for directions on how to use this medication. Read the information carefully. Talk to your pharmacist or care team if you have questions.
Check the label. Make sure you have the right insulin and supplies.
Always check the appearance of your insulin before using it. This insulin should be clear and colorless like water. Do not use if it is thick, cloudy, or colored.
Choose where to give the injection. This medication can be injected in the stomach, upper arms, or upper legs (thighs). Do not inject into skin that is thickened or has pits or lumps. Do not inject into skin that is irritated. Keep a chart of the areas you have injected. It is important to rotate your injection site.
It is important that you put your used needles and syringes in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or care team to get one.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be prescribed for children as young as 6 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

Visit your care team for regular health checks.
You may need blood work done while you are taking this medication. Your care team will monitor your HbA1C (A1C). This test shows what your average blood sugar level was over the past 2 to 3 months.
This medication may affect your coordination, reaction time, or judgment. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Sit up or stand slowly to reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Drinking alcohol with this medication can increase the risk of these side effects.
Learn how to check your blood sugar. Know the symptoms of low and high blood sugar and how to manage them.
Know the symptoms of low blood sugar and know how to treat it. Always carry a source of quick sugar with you. Examples include hard sugar candy or glucose tablets. Make sure others know that you can choke if you eat or drink if your blood sugar is too low and you are unable to care for yourself. Get medical help at once.
Tell your care team if you have high blood sugar. Your medication dose may change if your body is under stress. Some types of stress that may affect your blood sugar include fever, infection, and surgery.
Do not skip meals. Ask your care team if you should avoid alcohol. Many cough and cold products contain sugar or alcohol. These can affect blood sugar levels.
Make sure that you have the correct syringe for the type of insulin you use. Do not change the brand or type of insulin or syringe unless your care team tells you to. Switching insulin brand or type can affect your blood sugar enough to cause serious adverse effects.
Always keep an extra supply of insulin and related supplies on hand. Only use syringes once. Get rid of syringes and needles in a closed container to prevent accidental needle sticks.
Wear a medical ID bracelet or chain. Carry a card that describes your condition. List the medications and doses you take on the card.

It is important to follow your insulin routine as directed. Talk to your care team if you miss a dose. They can help you adjust your dosing routine. Do not take double doses.

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Storage and expiration dates for different insulin products may vary. Check the label for information on how to store your insulin. Talk to your care team if you have any questions.
Do not freeze. Protect from direct light and heat. Do not use insulin if it is exposed to temperatures above 37 degrees C (98.6 degrees F). Do not use insulin if it has been frozen.
-Unopened (not in-use) vials: Store at room temperature up to 30 degrees C (86 degrees F) for up to 28 days or refrigerated until the expiration date.
-Opened (in-use) vials: Store at room temperature up to 30 degrees C (86 degrees F) or refrigerated for up to 28 days.
To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:
-Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
-If you cannot return the medication, ask your pharmacist or care team how to get rid of this medication safely.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.