Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
The electronic medicines compendium (emc) no longer publishes a Summary of Product Characteristics for this product, which usually means it is no longer marketed in the UK. The patient leaflet below is kept for reference, but the product may not be available.
If you were prescribed this medicine, other products containing Insulin glargine may still be available. Do not stop your treatment — ask your pharmacist or GP what to use instead.
for Lantus contains insulin glargine. This is a modified insulin, very similar to human insulin. Lantus is used to treat diabetes mellitus in adults, adolescents and children aged 2 years and above. Diabetes mellitus is a disease where your body does not produce enough insulin to control the level of blood sugar. Insulin glargine has a long and steady blood-sugar-lowering action.
e Lantus Do not use Lantus
If your blood sugar is too low (hypoglycaemia), follow the guidance for hypoglycaemia (see box at the end of this leaflet). Skin changes at the injection site The injection site should be rotated to prevent skin changes such as lumps under the skin. The insulin may not work very well if you inject into a lumpy area (see How to use Lantus). Contact your doctor if you are currently injecting into a lumpy area before you start injecting in a different area. Your doctor may tell you to check your blood sugar more closely, and to adjust your insulin or your other antidiabetic medications dose. Travel Before travelling consult your doctor. You may need to talk about
Other medicines and Lantus Some medicines cause changes in the blood sugar level (decrease, increase or both depending on the situation). In each case, it may be necessary to adjust your insulin dose to avoid blood sugar levels that are either too low or too high. Be careful when you start or stop taking another medicine. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines. Before taking a medicine ask your doctor if it can affect your blood sugar level and what action, if any, you need to take. Medicines that may cause your blood sugar level to fall (hypoglycaemia) include:
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If you are not sure whether you are taking one of those medicines ask your doctor or pharmacist. Lantus with alcohol Your blood sugar levels may either rise or fall if you drink alcohol. Pregnancy and breast-feeding Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking any medicine. Inform your doctor if you are planning to become pregnant, or if you are already pregnant. Your insulin dose may need to be changed during pregnancy and after giving birth. Particularly careful control of your diabetes, and prevention of hypoglycaemia, is important for the health of your baby. If you are breast-feeding consult your doctor as you may require adjustments in your insulin doses and your diet. Driving and using machines Your ability to concentrate or react may be reduced if:
Lantus Always use this medicine exactly as your doctor has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure. Although Lantus contains the same active substance as Toujeo (insulin glargine 300 units/ml), these medicines are not interchangeable. The switch from one insulin therapy to another requires medical prescription, medical supervision and blood glucose monitoring. Please, consult your doctor for further information. Dose Based on your life-style and the results of your blood sugar (glucose) tests and your previous insulin usage, your doctor will:
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Technische Information / Technical information
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Kontur / Outline
Many factors may influence your blood sugar level. You should know these factors so that you are able to react correctly to changes in your blood sugar level and to prevent it from becoming too high or too low. See the box at the end of this leaflet for further information. Use in children and adolescents Lantus can be used in adolescents and children aged 2 years and above. Use this medicine exactly as your doctor has told you. Frequency of administration You need one injection of Lantus every day, at the same time of the day. Method of administration Lantus is injected under the skin. Do NOT inject Lantus in a vein, since this will change its action and may cause hypoglycaemia. Your doctor will show you in which area of the skin you should inject Lantus. With each injection, change the puncture site within the particular area of skin that you are using. How to handle the vials Look at the vial before you use it. Only use it if the solution is clear, colourless and waterlike, and has no visible particles in it. Do not shake or mix it before use. Make sure that neither alcohol nor other disinfectants or other substances contaminate the insulin. Do not mix Lantus with any other insulins or medicines. Do not dilute it. Mixing or diluting may change the action of Lantus. Always use a new vial if you notice that your blood sugar control is unexpectedly getting worse. This is because the insulin may have lost some of its effectiveness. If you think you may have a problem with Lantus, have it checked by your doctor or pharmacist. Insulin Mix-ups You must always check the insulin label before each injection to avoid mix-ups between Lantus and other insulins. If you use more Lantus than you should
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If you stop using Lantus This could lead to severe hyperglycaemia (very high blood sugar) and ketoacidosis (build-up of acid in the blood because the body is breaking down fat instead of sugar). Do not stop Lantus without speaking to a doctor, who will tell you what needs to be done. If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. 4. Possible side effects Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. If you notice signs of your blood sugar being too low (hypoglycaemia), take the action to increase your blood sugar straight away (see the box at the end of this leaflet). Hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) can be very serious and is very common with insulin treatment (may affect more than 1 in 10 people). Low blood sugar means that there is not enough sugar in your blood. If your blood sugar level falls too low, you may pass out (become unconscious). Serious hypoglycaemia may cause brain damage and may be life-threatening. For more information, see the box at the end of this leaflet. Severe allergic reactions (rare, may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people) – the signs may include large-scale skin reactions (rash and itching all over the body), severe swelling of skin or mucous membranes (angiooedema), shortness of breath, a fall in blood pressure with rapid heartbeat and sweating. Severe allergic reactions to insulins may become life-threatening. Tell a doctor straight away if you notice signs of severe allergic reactions. Other side effects Tell your doctor, pharmacist or nurse if you notice any of the following side effects:
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Rare reported side effects (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people)
not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
Lantus Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children. Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the carton and on the label of the vial after "EXP". The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. Unopened vials Store in a refrigerator (2°C – 8°C). Do not freeze or place next to the freezer or a freezer pack. Keep the vial in the outer carton in order to protect from light. Opened vials Once in use, the 5 ml vial may be stored for a maximum of 4 weeks in the outer carton not above 25°C and away from direct heat or direct light. Once in use, the 10 ml vial may be stored for a maximum of 4 weeks in the outer carton not above 30°C and away from direct heat or direct light.
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HYPERGLYCAEMIA AND HYPOGLYCAEMIA Always carry some sugar (at least 20 grams) with you. Carry some information with you to show you are diabetic.
Do not use it after this time period. It is recommended that the date of the first use be noted on the label. Do not use Lantus if you notice particles in it. Only use Lantus if the solution is clear, colourless and waterlike. Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment.
HYPERGLYCAEMIA (high blood sugar levels) If your blood sugar is too high (hyperglycaemia), you may not have injected enough insulin. Why does hyperglycaemia occur? Examples include:
What Lantus contains
Warning symptoms of hyperglycaemia Thirst, increased need to urinate, tiredness, dry skin, reddening of the face, loss of appetite, low blood pressure, fast heartbeat, and glucose and ketone bodies in urine. Stomach pain, fast and deep breathing, sleepiness or even loss of consciousness may be signs of a serious condition (ketoacidosis) resulting from lack of insulin.
What Lantus looks like and contents of the pack Lantus 100 units/ml solution for injection in a vial is a clear, colourless and waterlike solution. Each vial contains 5 ml of solution for injection (equivalent to 500 units) or 10 ml of solution for injection (equivalent to 1000 units). Pack sizes of 1, 2, 5 and 10 vials of 5 ml or 1 vial of 10 ml. Not all pack sizes may be marketed.
What should you do if you experience hyperglycaemia? Test your blood sugar level and your urine for ketones as soon as any of the above symptoms occur. Severe hyperglycaemia or ketoacidosis must always be treated by a doctor, normally in a hospital.
Marketing Authorisation Holder and Manufacturer Marketing Authorisation Holder Sanofi 410 Thames Valley Park Drive Reading Berkshire RG6 1PT UK Tel: 0800 035 2525 Email: [email protected]
HYPOGLYCAEMIA (low blood sugar levels) If your blood sugar level falls too much you may become unconscious. Serious hypoglycaemia may cause a heart attack or brain damage and may be life-threatening. You normally should be able to recognise when your blood sugar is falling too much so that you can take the right actions.
Manufacturer Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH, D‐65926 Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
Why does hypoglycaemia occur? Examples include:
This leaflet does not contain all the information about your medicine. If you have any questions or are not sure about anything, ask your doctor or pharmacist. This leaflet was last revised in April 2026
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Technische Information / Technical information Kontur / Outline
from fever,
you are aware of the problem. Be familiar with your warning symptoms. If necessary, more frequent blood sugar testing can help to identify mild hypoglycaemic episodes that may otherwise be overlooked. If you are not confident about recognising your warning symptoms, avoid situations (such as driving a car) in which you or others would be put at risk by hypoglycaemia. What should you do if you experience hypoglycaemia? 1. Do not inject insulin. Immediately take about 10 to 20 g sugar, such as glucose, sugar cubes or a sugar-sweetened beverage. Caution: Artificial sweeteners and foods with artificial sweeteners (such as diet drinks) are of no help in treating hypoglycaemia. 2. Then eat something that has a longacting effect in raising your blood sugar (such as bread or pasta). Your doctor or nurse should have discussed this with you previously. The recovery of hypoglycaemia may be delayed because Lantus has a long action. 3. If the hypoglycaemia comes back again take another 10 to 20 g sugar.
4. Speak to a doctor immediately if you are not able to control the hypoglycaemia or if it recurs. Tell your relatives, friends and close colleagues the following: If you are not able to swallow or if you are unconscious, you will require glucagon (a medicine which increases blood sugar) or an injection of glucose. These treatments are justified even if it is not certain that you have hypoglycaemia. It is advisable to test your blood sugar immediately after taking glucose to check that you really have hypoglycaemia.
Lantus 100 units/ml solution for injection in a vial comes as injection containing 100iu. Always follow the dose your doctor or pharmacist has given you, and read the leaflet that comes with the medicine.
The active substance in Lantus 100 units/ml solution for injection in a vial is insulin glargine.
Medicines with the same active substance, strength and form include: ABASAGLAR 100 units/mL KwikPen solution for injection in a pre-filled pen, ABASAGLAR 100 units/mL Tempo Pen solution for injection in a pre-filled pen, ABASAGLAR 100 units/mL solution for injection in a cartridge. In total there are 6 equivalent products. They are interchangeable only if your prescriber or pharmacist says so.
This leaflet reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for Lantus 100 units/ml solution for injection in a vial, as published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). The version printed inside your medicine’s packaging is the one that applies to you.
Whether a medicine is available over the counter or on prescription only depends on its licence. Check the leaflet, or ask your pharmacist — they can tell you straight away.
The text above reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for this medicine, restructured for easier reading.
Treatment of diabetes mellitus in adults, adolescents and children aged 2 years and above.
Posology
Lantus contains insulin glargine, an insulin analogue, and has a prolonged duration of action.
Lantus should be administered once daily at any time but at the same time each day.
The dose regimen (dose and timing) should be individually adjusted. In patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, Lantus can also be given together with orally active antidiabetic medicinal products.
The potency of this medicinal product is stated in units. These units are exclusive to Lantus and are not the same as IU or the units used to express the potency of other insulin analogues (see section 5.1).
Special population
Elderly population (≥65 years old)
In the elderly, progressive deterioration of renal function may lead to a steady decrease in insulin requirements.
Renal impairment
In patients with renal impairment, insulin requirements may be diminished due to reduced insulin metabolism.
Hepatic impairment
In patients with hepatic impairment, insulin requirements may be diminished due to reduced capacity for gluconeogenesis and reduced insulin metabolism.
Paediatric population
• Adolescents and children aged 2 years and older patients
Safety and efficacy of Lantus have been established in adolescents and children aged 2 years and older (see section 5.1). The dose regimen (dose and timing) should be individually adjusted.
• Children below 2 years of age
The safety and efficacy of Lantus have not been established. No data are available.
Switch from other insulins to Lantus
When switching from a treatment regimen with an intermediate or long-acting insulin to a regimen with Lantus, a change of the dose of the basal insulin may be required and the concomitant antidiabetic treatment may need to be adjusted (dose and timing of additional regular insulins or fast‑acting insulin analogues or the dose of oral antidiabetic medicinal products).
Switch from twice daily NPH insulin to Lantus
To reduce the risk of nocturnal and early morning hypoglycaemia, patients who are changing their basal insulin regimen from a twice daily NPH insulin to a once daily regimen with Lantus should reduce their daily dose of basal insulin by 20‑30% during the first weeks of treatment.
Switch from insulin glargine 300 units/ml to Lantus
Lantus and Toujeo (insulin glargine 300 units/ml) are not bioequivalent and are not directly interchangeable. To reduce the risk of hypoglycaemia, patients who are changing their basal insulin regimen from an insulin regimen with once daily insulin glargine 300 units/ml to a once daily regimen with Lantus should reduce their dose by approximately 20%.
During the first weeks the reduction should, at least partially, be compensated by an increase in mealtime insulin, after this period the regimen should be adjusted individually.
Close metabolic monitoring is recommended during the switch and in the initial weeks thereafter.
With improved metabolic control and resulting increase in insulin sensitivity a further adjustment in dose regimen may become necessary. Dose adjustment may also be required, for example, if the patient's weight or life‑style changes, change of timing of insulin dose or other circumstances arise that increase susceptibility to hypo‑ or hyperglycaemia (see section 4.4).
Patients with high insulin doses because of antibodies to human insulin may experience an improved insulin response with Lantus.
Method of administration
Lantus is administered subcutaneously.
Lantus should not be administered intravenously. The prolonged duration of action of Lantus is dependent on its injection into subcutaneous tissue. Intravenous administration of the usual subcutaneous dose could result in severe hypoglycaemia.
There are no clinically relevant differences in serum insulin or glucose levels after abdominal, deltoid or thigh administration of Lantus. Injection sites must be rotated within a given injection area from one injection to the next in order to reduce the risk of lipodystrophy and cutaneous amyloidosis (see section 4.4 and 4.8).
Lantus must not be mixed with any other insulin or diluted. Mixing or diluting can change its time/action profile and mixing can cause precipitation.
For further details on handling, see section 6.6.
Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.
Traceability
In order to improve the traceability of biological medicinal products, the name and the batch number of the administered product should be clearly recorded.
Lantus is not the insulin of choice for the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis. Instead, regular insulin administered intravenously is recommended in such cases.
In case of insufficient glucose control or a tendency to hyper‑ or hypoglycaemic episodes, the patient's adherence to the prescribed treatment regimen, injection sites and proper injection technique and all other relevant factors must be reviewed before dose adjustment is considered.
Transferring a patient to another type or brand of insulin should be done under strict medical supervision. Changes in strength, brand (manufacturer), type (regular, NPH, lente, long‑acting, etc.), origin (animal, human, human insulin analogue) and/or method of manufacture may result in the need for a change in dose.
Patients must be instructed to perform continuous rotation of the injection site to reduce the risk of developing lipodystrophy and cutaneous amyloidosis. There is a potential risk of delayed insulin absorption and worsened glycaemic control following insulin injections at sites with these reactions. A sudden change in the injection site to an unaffected area has been reported to result in hypoglycaemia. Blood glucose monitoring is recommended after the change in the injection site, and dose adjustment of antidiabetic medications may be considered.
Hypoglycaemia
The time of occurrence of hypoglycaemia depends on the action profile of the insulins used and may, therefore, change when the treatment regimen is changed. Due to more sustained basal insulin supply with Lantus, less nocturnal but more early morning hypoglycaemia can be expected.
Particular caution should be exercised, and intensified blood glucose monitoring is advisable in patients in whom hypoglycaemic episodes might be of particular clinical relevance, such as in patients with significant stenoses of the coronary arteries or of the blood vessels supplying the brain (risk of cardiac or cerebral complications of hypoglycaemia) as well as in patients with proliferative retinopathy, particularly if not treated with photocoagulation (risk of transient amaurosis following hypoglycaemia).
Patients should be aware of circumstances where warning symptoms of hypoglycaemia are diminished. The warning symptoms of hypoglycaemia may be changed, be less pronounced or be absent in certain risk groups. These include patients:
- in whom glycaemic control is markedly improved,
- in whom hypoglycaemia develops gradually,
- who are elderly,
- after transfer from animal insulin to human insulin,
- in whom an autonomic neuropathy is present,
- with a long history of diabetes,
- suffering from a psychiatric illness,
- receiving concurrent treatment with certain other medicinal products (see section 4.5).
Such situations may result in severe hypoglycaemia (and possibly loss of consciousness) prior to the patient's awareness of hypoglycaemia.
The prolonged effect of subcutaneous insulin glargine may delay recovery from hypoglycaemia.
If normal or decreased values for glycated haemoglobin are noted, the possibility of recurrent, unrecognised (especially nocturnal) episodes of hypoglycaemia must be considered.
Adherence of the patient to the dose and dietary regimen, correct insulin administration and awareness of hypoglycaemia symptoms are essential to reduce the risk of hypoglycaemia. Factors increasing the susceptibility to hypoglycaemia require particularly close monitoring and may necessitate dose adjustment. These include:
- change in the injection area,
- improved insulin sensitivity (e.g., by removal of stress factors),
- unaccustomed, increased or prolonged physical activity,
- intercurrent illness (e.g. vomiting, diarrhoea),
- inadequate food intake,
- missed meals,
- alcohol consumption,
- certain uncompensated endocrine disorders, (e.g. in hypothyroidism and in anterior pituitary or adrenocortical insufficiency),
- concomitant treatment with certain other medicinal products (see section 4.5).
Intercurrent illness
Intercurrent illness requires intensified metabolic monitoring. In many cases urine tests for ketones are indicated, and often it is necessary to adjust the insulin dose. The insulin requirement is often increased. Patients with type 1 diabetes must continue to consume at least a small amount of carbohydrates on a regular basis, even if they are able to eat only little or no food, or are vomiting etc. and they must never omit insulin entirely.
Insulin antibodies
Insulin administration may cause insulin antibodies to form. In rare cases, the presence of such insulin antibodies may necessitate adjustment of the insulin dose in order to correct a tendency to hyper‑ or hypoglycaemia (see section 5.1).
Medication errors
Medication errors have been reported in which other insulins, particularly short‑acting insulins, have been accidentally administered instead of insulin glargine. Insulin label must always be checked before each injection to avoid medication errors between insulin glargine and other insulins.
Combination of Lantus with pioglitazone
Cases of cardiac failure have been reported when pioglitazone was used in combination with insulin, especially in patients with risk factors for development of cardiac heart failure. This should be kept in mind if treatment with the combination of pioglitazone and Lantus is considered. If the combination is used, patients should be observed for signs and symptoms of heart failure, weight gain and oedema. Pioglitazone should be discontinued if any deterioration in cardiac symptoms occurs.
Excipients
This medicinal product contains less than 1 mmol (23 mg) sodium per dose, i.e. it is essentially 'sodium‑free'.
A number of substances affect glucose metabolism and may require dose adjustment of insulin glargine.
Substances that may enhance the blood‑glucose‑lowering effect and increase susceptibility to hypoglycaemia include oral antidiabetic medicinal products, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, disopyramide, fibrates, fluoxetine, monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors, pentoxifylline, propoxyphene, salicylates and sulfonamide antibiotics.
Substances that may reduce the blood-glucose-lowering effect include corticosteroids, danazol, diazoxide, diuretics, glucagon, isoniazid, oestrogens and progestogens, phenothiazine derivatives, somatropin, sympathomimetic medicinal products (e.g. epinephrine [adrenaline], salbutamol, terbutaline), thyroid hormones, atypical antipsychotic medicinal products (e.g. clozapine and olanzapine) and protease inhibitors.
Beta‑blockers, clonidine, lithium salts or alcohol may either potentiate or weaken the blood‑glucose‑lowering effect of insulin. Pentamidine may cause hypoglycaemia, which may sometimes be followed by hyperglycaemia.
In addition, under the influence of sympatholytic medicinal products such as beta‑blockers, clonidine, guanethidine and reserpine, the signs of adrenergic counter-regulation may be reduced or absent.
Pregnancy
For insulin glargine no clinical data on exposed pregnancies from controlled clinical studies are available. A large amount of data on pregnant women (more than 1000 pregnancy outcomes) indicate no specific adverse effects of insulin glargine on pregnancy and no specific malformative nor foeto/neonatal toxicity of insulin glargine. Animal data do not indicate reproductive toxicity.
The use of Lantus may be considered during pregnancy, if clinically needed.
It is essential for patients with pre‑existing or gestational diabetes to maintain good metabolic control throughout pregnancy to prevent adverse outcomes associated with hyperglycaemia. Insulin requirements may decrease during the first trimester and generally increase during the second and third trimesters. Immediately after delivery, insulin requirements decline rapidly (increased risk of hypoglycaemia). Careful monitoring of glucose control is essential.
Breast‑feeding
It is unknown whether insulin glargine is excreted in human milk. No metabolic effects of ingested insulin glargine on the breast‑fed newborn/infant are anticipated since insulin glargine as a peptide is digested into aminoacids in the human gastrointestinal tract. Breast‑feeding women may require adjustments in insulin dose and diet.
Fertility
Animal studies do not indicate direct harmful effects with respect to fertility.
The patient's ability to concentrate and react may be impaired as a result of hypoglycaemia or hyperglycaemia or, for example, as a result of visual impairment. This may constitute a risk in situations where these abilities are of special importance (e.g. driving a car or using machines).
Patients should be advised to take precautions to avoid hypoglycaemia whilst driving. This is particularly important in those who have reduced or absent awareness of the warning symptoms of hypoglycaemia or have frequent episodes of hypoglycaemia. It should be considered whether it is advisable to drive or use machines in these circumstances.
Summary of the safety profile
Hypoglycaemia (very common), in general the most frequent adverse reaction of insulin therapy, may occur if the insulin dose is too high in relation to the insulin requirement (see section 4.4).
Tabulated list of adverse reactions
The following related adverse reactions from clinical investigations are listed below by system organ class and in order of decreasing incidence (very common: ≥1/10; common: ≥1/100 to <1/10; uncommon: ≥1/1,000 to <1/100; rare: ≥1/10,000 to <1/1,000; very rare: <1/10,000; not known: cannot be estimated from the available data).
Within each frequency grouping, adverse reactions are presented in order of decreasing seriousness.
MedDRA system organ classes
Very common
Common
Uncommon
Rare
Very rare
Not known
Immune system disorders
Allergic reactions
Metabolism and nutrition disorders
Hypoglycaemia
Nervous system disorders
Dysgeusia
Eyes disorders
Visual impairment
Retinopathy
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
Lipohypertrophy
Lipoatrophy
Cutaneous amyloidosis
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders
Myalgia
General disorders and administration site conditions
Injection site reactions
Oedema
Description of selected adverse reactions
Metabolism and nutrition disorders
Severe hypoglycaemic attacks, especially if recurrent, may lead to neurological damage. Prolonged or severe hypoglycaemic episodes may be life‑threatening.
In many patients, the signs and symptoms of neuroglycopenia are preceded by signs of adrenergic counter‑regulation. Generally, the greater and more rapid the decline in blood glucose, the more marked is the phenomenon of counter‑regulation and its symptoms (see section 4.4).
Immune system disorders
Immediate‑type allergic reactions to insulin are rare. Such reactions to insulin (including insulin glargine) or the excipients may, for example, be associated with generalised skin reactions, angio‑oedema, bronchospasm, hypotension and shock, and may be life‑threatening.
Eyes disorders
A marked change in glycaemic control may cause temporary visual impairment, due to temporary alteration in the turgidity and refractive index of the lens.
Long-term improved glycaemic control decreases the risk of progression of diabetic retinopathy. However, intensification of insulin therapy with abrupt improvement in glycaemic control may be associated with temporary worsening of diabetic retinopathy. In patients with proliferative retinopathy, particularly if not treated with photocoagulation, severe hypoglycaemic episodes may result in transient amaurosis.
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
Lipodystrophy and cutaneous amyloidosis may occur at the injection site and delay local insulin absorption. Continuous rotation of the injection site within the given injection area may help to reduce or prevent these reactions (see section 4.4).
General disorders and administration site conditions
Injection site reactions include redness, pain, itching, hives, swelling, or inflammation. Most minor reactions to insulins at the injection site usually resolve in a few days to a few weeks.
Rarely, insulin may cause sodium retention and oedema particularly if previously poor metabolic control is improved by intensified insulin therapy.
Paediatric population
In general, the safety profile for children and adolescents (≤18 years of age) is similar to the safety profile for adults.
The adverse reaction reports received from post marketing surveillance included relatively more frequent injection site reactions (injection site pain, injection site reaction) and skin reactions (rash, urticaria) in children and adolescents (≤18 years of age) than in adults.
Clinical study safety data are not available for children under 2 years.
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.
Symptoms
Insulin overdose may lead to severe and sometimes long-term and life-threatening hypoglycaemia.
Management
Mild episodes of hypoglycaemia can usually be treated with oral carbohydrates. Adjustments in dose of the medicinal product, meal patterns, or physical activity may be needed.
More severe episodes with coma, seizure, or neurologic impairment may be treated with glucagon or concentrated intravenous glucose. Sustained carbohydrate intake and observation may be necessary because hypoglycaemia may recur after apparent clinical recovery.
Ask anything about Lantus 100 units/ml solution for injection in a vial. The assistant answers only from this leaflet — if the leaflet does not cover it, it will say so. It does not give medical advice.
Answers come from the patient leaflet published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). They are not medical advice. Ask a pharmacist or your GP if you are unsure. For urgent help call NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency.
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