Uses
Insulin glargine (rDNA origin) injection is used to treat type 1 diabetes (condition in which the body does not produce insulin and therefore cannot control the amount of sugar in the blood). It is also used to treat people with type 2 diabetes (condition in which the body does not use insulin normally and, therefore, cannot control the amount of sugar in the blood) who need insulin to control their diabetes. In people with type 1 diabetes, insulin glargine must be used with another type of insulin (a short-acting insulin). In people with type 2 diabetes, insulin glargine also may be used with another type of insulin or with oral medication(s) for diabetes. Insulin glargine (rDNA origin) injection is a long-acting, manmade version of human insulin. Insulin glargine works by replacing the insulin that is normally produced by the body and by helping move sugar from the blood into other body tissues where it is used for energy. It also stops the liver from producing more sugar.
Over time, people who have diabetes and high blood sugar can develop serious or life-threatening complications, including heart disease, stroke, kidney problems, nerve damage, and eye problems. Using medication(s), making lifestyle changes (e.g., diet, exercise, quitting smoking), and regularly checking your blood sugar may help to manage your diabetes and improve your health. This therapy may also decrease your chances of having a heart attack, stroke, or other diabetes-related complications such as kidney failure, nerve damage (numb, cold legs or feet; decreased sexual ability in men and women), eye problems, including changes or loss of vision, or gum disease. Your doctor and other healthcare providers will talk to you about the best way to manage your diabetes.
Side Effects Of Insulin Glargine (rDNA origin) Injection
This medication may cause changes in your blood sugar. You should know the symptoms of low and high blood sugar and what to do if you have these symptoms.
Insulin glargine (rDNA origin) injection may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- redness, swelling, pain, or itching at the injection site
- changes in the feel of your skin, skin thickening (fat build-up), or a little depression in the skin (fat breakdown)
- fever, cough, sore throat, or other signs of infection
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience these symptoms, call your doctor immediately or get emergency treatment:
- rash, hives, or itching all over the body
- wheezing
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
- fast pulse
- sweating
- swelling of the eyes, face, lips, tongue, or throat
- hoarseness
- weakness
- muscle cramps
- abnormal heartbeat
- sudden weight gain
- swelling of ankles or feet
- shortness of breath
- vision changes
Insulin glargine (rDNA origin) injection may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while using this medication.
Warnings & Precautions
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your blood sugar and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) should be checked regularly to determine your response to insulin glargine (rDNA origin) injection. Your doctor will also tell you how to check your response to this medication by measuring your blood sugar levels at home. Follow these instructions carefully.
You should always wear a diabetic identification bracelet to be sure you get proper treatment in an emergency.
Do not let anyone else use your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Dosage Of Insulin Glargine (rDNA origin) Injection
Insulin glargine comes as a solution (liquid) to inject subcutaneously (under the skin). It is injected once a day. You should use insulin glargine at the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use insulin glargine exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Never use insulin glargine when you have symptoms of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or if you have checked your blood sugar and found it to be low.
Insulin glargine controls diabetes but does not cure it. Continue to use insulin glargine (rDNA origin) injection even if you feel well. Do not stop using insulin glargine without talking to your doctor. Do not switch to another brand or type of insulin or change the dose of any type of insulin you are using without talking to your doctor. Always check the insulin label to make sure you received the right type of insulin from the pharmacy.
Insulin glargine comes in vials and in dosing pens that contain cartridges of medication. Be sure you know what type of container your insulin glargine comes in and what other supplies, such as needles, syringes, or pens, you will need to inject your medication.
If your insulin glargine comes in vials, you will need to use syringes to inject your dose. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to show you how to inject insulin glargine using a syringe. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about the type of syringe you should use.
If your insulin glargine (rDNA origin) injection comes in pens, be sure to read and understand the manufacturer’s instructions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to show you how to use the pen. Follow the directions carefully, and always perform the safety test before use.
Never reuse needles or syringes and never share needles, syringes, or pens. If you are using an insulin pen, always remove the needle right after you inject your dose. Discard needles and syringes in a puncture-resistant container. Ask your doctor or pharmacist how to dispose of the puncture-resistant container.
Do not dilute insulin glargine (rDNA origin) injection and do not mix insulin glargine with any other type of insulin.
You can inject your insulin glargine in your upper arm, thigh, or stomach. Never inject insulin glargine into a vein or muscle. Change (rotate) the injection site within the chosen area with each dose; try to avoid injecting the same site more often than once every 1 to 2 weeks.
Always look at your insulin glargine before you inject it. It should be clear and colorless. Do not use your insulin glargine if it is colored, cloudy, or contains solid particles, or if the expiration date on the bottle has passed.
Do not use insulin glargine (rDNA origin) injection in an external insulin pump.
Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer’s information for the patient.
Other
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your blood sugar and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) should be checked regularly to determine your response to insulin glargine (rDNA origin) injection. Your doctor will also tell you how to check your response to this medication by measuring your blood sugar levels at home. Follow these instructions carefully.
You should always wear a diabetic identification bracelet to be sure you get proper treatment in an emergency.
Do not let anyone else use your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Source
All information has been provided courtesy of MedLinePlus from the National Library of Medicine and from the FDA.
