What is Lantus Solostar: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Take this medicine as prescribed. 

Please read the Patient Information sheet that comes included with the pen.

Use the Lantus SoloStar pen to give an injection at the same time of day each day.

When Lantus SoloStar is first prescribed, a healthcare provider will demonstrate how to administer an injection and where on the body to make an injection. 

There are also illustrated Instructions for Use that come with the pen. Please read and follow these instructions each time an injection is administered.

A caregiver should administer SoloStar injections for people who are blind or have vision problems.

How to prepare the Lantus SoloStar for an injection:

• Remove the SoloStar from the refrigerator one to two hours before administering an injection.

• Inspect the pen to make sure it contains the correct insulin, is undamaged, and that the medicine is clear, colorless, and free from particles. 

• If the SoloStar pen is damaged or the medicine is cloudy, discolored, or has floating particles, do not use it.

• Attach the needle to the pen. Always use a new needle for each injection.

• Perform a safety check as outlined in the Instructions for Use. 

• Select the dose on the SoloStar pen. 

How to prepare the skin for an injection:

• Injections are made into the skin. Do not inject Lantus into muscles or a vein.

• Lantus injections are given in the stomach area, thigh, or upper arm. Use a different area of the body for each injection.

• Do not inject Lantus into skin that is bruised, hard, scaly, tender, or scarred. 

• To prepare the skin, wash your hands and wipe the skin with an alcohol swab. Let dry.

How to administer an injection:

• Holding the pen perpendicular to the skin, insert the needle into the skin.

• Make sure you can clearly see the dose indicator.

• Press the injection button. The dose indicator will gradually move to “0.”

• When the dose indicator hits “0,” keep the needle inserted for another 10 seconds.

• At the end of 10 seconds, remove the needle from the skin.

• Replace the outer cap back on the needle. 

• Unscrew the needle from the injector and dispose of it in a sharps container.

Store unused Lantus pens in the refrigerator (36°F to 46°F). Do not freeze. Dispose of the medicine if it freezes.

Store used Lantus pens in a refrigerator or at room temperature (up to 86°F).

Used Lantus pens can be stored and reused for up to 28 days. After 28 days, dispose of any unused medicine.

Protect the SoloStar from light. 

Keep it out of the reach and sight of children.

Ask the prescribing healthcare professional what to do about a missed dose of a long-acting insulin like Lantus.

There are several options, but you should only take a missed dose following the explicit instructions of the prescriber. Depending on your unique circumstances: 

• A missed dose may be taken within a specified number of hours

• A remedial dose (lower dose) may be taken within a specified number of hours

• A missed dose can’t be taken at any time and blood sugar needs to be monitored and treated with short-acting insulin for the rest of the day

If you don’t have clear instructions from the prescriber, call or visit a doctor or urgent care.

If a dose is missed, remember to test blood sugar levels throughout the day.

Never take two doses of insulin to make up for a missed dose.

This medicine is not right for everyone. 

Do not use Lantus if you have:

• Known allergies to insulin glargine

• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)

People taking insulin need regular checkups and blood tests to make sure the treatment is effective. Keep all appointments.

Make sure other doctors and other healthcare providers are aware you’re taking insulin. 

Tell the prescriber if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Before starting Lantus, tell the prescriber if you have:

• Liver problems

• Kidney problems

• Heart problems or heart failure

Changes in what you eat or other aspects of your life can affect insulin treatment. The prescriber may need to adjust the dose. Always tell the prescriber about:

• Changes in physical activity

• Dietary changes

• Increased or decreased stress

• Illness or injury

• Stopping or starting medications 

Lantus can cause low blood sugar or low potassium. Know the symptoms and what to do if you experience them.

Because of the risk of hypoglycemia, insulin treatment increases the risk of accidents and injuries. Do not drive or do any other risky activity until you know how this medicine affects you. Be careful around the house and at work.

To avoid spreading or getting infections, never share your Lantus SoloStar pen or needles with others.

Do not inject Lantus into thickened or scarred skin. Doing so could make the dose less effective, increasing the risk of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia).

Many drugs affect blood sugar levels. People taking these drugs may need to have their Lantus dose modified. For this reason, inform the prescriber about all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements you use, even those that are taken every once in a while.

Immediately inform the prescriber if you start taking new drugs or supplements.

Inform the prescriber if you stop taking drugs.

Tell other doctors you are taking insulin before they prescribe new drugs.

Some drugs such as beta blockers mask the symptoms of low blood sugar, increasing the risk that a mild hypoglycemia may evolve into severe hypoglycemia. Talk to the doctor about proper precautions.

When combined with Type 2 diabetes drugs called thiazolidinediones, insulin increases the risk of fluid retention that could worsen or bring on heart failure.

Do not drink alcohol or use medications containing alcohol when taking insulin.