Lantus (Insulin Glargine Injection): Uses, Dosage & Side Effects in Pakistan

Lantus (Insulin Glargine) Uses, Dosage, Side Effects & Price in Pakistan

1. Quick Info (Mukhtasir Maloomat)

2. What is Lantus? (Lantus kya hai)

Lantus is a long-acting basal insulin analog manufactured by Sanofi-Aventis Pakistan. It contains Insulin Glargine, a modified insulin that begins working within 1-2 hours of injection, has no pronounced peak, and lasts approximately 24 hours.

Unlike rapid-acting insulins (which cover meals), Lantus provides steady background insulin coverage, controlling fasting blood glucose and between-meal glucose levels. It is used as a basal (background) insulin in Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes.

Critical safety note: Hypoglycaemia is the most important risk. Always keep glucose or sugar at hand. NEVER mix Lantus with any other insulin in the same syringe.

3. Uses (Fayde / Kis kaam aati hai)

• Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus — basal (background) insulin replacement
• Type 2 Diabetes — when oral agents are insufficient (basal insulin add-on)

4. Who Should Take (Kis ko leni chahiye)

• Adults and children with Type 1 Diabetes requiring 24-hour basal insulin coverage
• Type 2 Diabetics whose blood sugar is not controlled with oral medicines alone and require basal insulin
• Patients on basal-bolus regimen (Lantus for basal + rapid-acting insulin for meals)
• Pregnant women with Diabetes requiring basal insulin (specialist guidance essential)

5. When NOT to Take (Kab nahi leni chahiye)

• If you are allergic to Insulin Glargine or any of its excipients
• During episodes of hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar)
• Do NOT mix with any other insulin in the same syringe — including NovoRapid/Humalog
• Do NOT use if solution is cloudy, coloured, or contains visible particles
• Do NOT use frozen insulin — discard if frozen

6. Dosage (Kitni leni hai)

• Strictly as prescribed by diabetologist — individualized based on body weight, blood glucose pattern, prior insulin use, and activity

• Once daily at the same time each day (subcutaneous injection — same time daily is essential for steady 24-hour coverage)

• No fixed maximum — entirely individualized by diabetologist. Do not exceed the recommended limit without doctor guidance.

• If you miss a dose and remember, inject it immediately (same day). Take the next dose at the regular time. Never take a double dose — severe hypoglycaemia can occur.

7. How to Take (Kaise leni hai)

• Inject subcutaneously (under the skin) — into the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm

• Inject at the same time every day

• Inject at a different site each time — to prevent lipodystrophy

• When using the SoloStar pen: dial the correct dose, clean skin with alcohol swab, insert needle at 90° angle, inject slowly, hold 10 seconds after, then remove the needle

• NEVER mix with any other insulin in the same syringe — Lantus's acidic pH destroys both insulins when mixed

8. Best Time (Kab leni chahiye)

• As directed by the doctor — at bedtime or in the morning — consistent timing is essential

• Checking blood glucose before bedtime helps prevent hypoglycaemia (especially with bedtime dosing)

9. Empty Stomach or After Food (Khali pait ya khane ke baad)

Lantus is a basal insulin — it is not linked to meals. Inject at the time specified by the doctor regardless of whether you have eaten. Always continue eating — skipping meals while taking insulin increases the risk of hypoglycaemia.

10. Warnings (Ihtiyat)

• Always keep glucose tablets, fruit juice, or sugar available
• Patients taking beta-blockers — signs of hypoglycaemia may be masked
• Alcohol use significantly increases the risk of hypoglycaemia
• Lantus is a clear solution — if it is cloudy, DISCARD it — other insulins (NPH) are cloudy; mix-up is dangerous

• Do NOT inject during an active episode of hypoglycaemia
• Do not use frozen, expired, or discoloured insulin
• Do not share pen or needles — infection risk (HIV, Hepatitis)

11. Precautions (Ahm ehtiyaat)

• Unopened: Refrigerate at 2-8°C
• In-use SoloStar pen: Room temperature (below 30°C) for up to 28 days
• Do NOT freeze — discard frozen insulin
• Keep away from direct sunlight
• Keep out of the reach of children

• Regular blood glucose monitoring is necessary (fasting glucose particularly)
• HbA1c test every 3 months
• Regularly check injection sites for lipodystrophy

12. Side Effects (Nuksanat)

• Hypoglycaemia (sweating, trembling, confusion, hunger), Injection site reactions, Lipodystrophy at injection site, Weight gain

• Severe hypoglycaemia — loss of consciousness, seizure
• Severe hypokalemia (dangerously low potassium)
• Anaphylaxis / severe allergic reaction (very rare — emergency)

13. Drug Interactions (Dawaon ke sath reaction)

• Beta-blockers (Atenolol, Metoprolol) — mask hypoglycaemia symptoms
• Alcohol — significantly increases hypoglycaemia — avoid excessive alcohol
• Corticosteroids / sympathomimetics — raise blood glucose — insulin dose adjustment may be needed
• Other antidiabetics (Metformin, SU, gliptins) — additive glucose-lowering — monitor blood sugar closely

Always consult your doctor before starting any new medicine.

14. When to See Doctor (Kab doctor ke paas jayein)

• Loss of consciousness or seizure — severe hypoglycaemia — EMERGENCY
• Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) — EMERGENCY
• Repeated unexplained hypoglycaemia episodes — request a dose review from your doctor
• Lumps, hard tissue, or skin dimpling at the injection site — lipodystrophy
• Blood sugar consistently too high or too low despite correct dosing

15. Alternatives (Sasti Dusri Dawaein)

16. Price in Pakistan (Price kitni hai)

17. FAQs (Aksar poochay jane walay sawalat)

Q: Lantus insulin kis kaam aata hai?

A: Lantus (Insulin Glargine) is a long-acting basal insulin used for 24-hour blood sugar control in Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes. It controls fasting and between-meal blood glucose. Use only on a diabetologist's prescription.

Q: Lantus ke side effects kya hain?

A: The most common side effect is hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) — symptoms: sweating, trembling, confusion. In severe cases, loss of consciousness or seizure can occur — this is an emergency. Redness at the injection site, weight gain, and lipodystrophy can also occur.

Q: Lantus kaise lagaein?

A: Lantus is injected subcutaneously (under the skin) — into the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Inject at the same time every day. Rotate the site. NEVER mix with any other insulin in the same syringe. Learn the proper technique from your doctor or diabetic nurse.

Q: Lantus price in Pakistan kya hai?

A: The Lantus SoloStar pen is available in Pakistan for roughly Rs. 1,200-1,800 per pen. Check your local pharmacy or dawaai.pk for the final price.

Q: Lantus refrigerate karna zaroori hai?

A: Yes — store unopened Lantus at 2-8°C. Do NOT freeze — discard frozen insulin. Once opened (in-use) SoloStar pen can be used for 28 days at room temperature (below 30°C).

18. Medical Review (Medical jaiza)

Compiled by the PakVita Editorial Team · AI-assisted drafting with editorial review · Sourced from DRAP, WHO, BNF · Last updated: 2026-06-17

19. Disclaimer (Zaroori tanbeeh)

The information on this page is for awareness only. It is not medical advice. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine. PakVita is not responsible for any harm.