Learn all about the generic drug Lantus Solostar here. Learn the side effects, precautions, dosage and other detailed information about this drug. This site is strictly informational and is not medical advice. Always talk with your doctor first before starting this medication or stopping it. 
Lantus Solostar®
What is Lantus Solostar®?
Lantus Solostar® is a brand name for a pre-filled pen containing insulin glargine, a long-acting form of insulin. A needle is attached to the pen in order to inject the insulin into the patient’s body.
Why is Lantus Solostar prescribed?
Lantus Solostar® is prescribed for the treatment of diabetes. It works by providing the necessary insulin the body needs to regulate blood sugar.
It can be used for the treatment of both Diabetes Type 1 and Diabetes Type 2. Like other forms of insulin, Lantus Solostar® must be refrigerated.
What is the dosage for Lantus Solostar?
Lantus Solostar® is injected once daily, under the skin (subcutaneously), at the same time each day. It is important to rotate locations on the body. Patients must be careful to never inject it intravenously, as this could cause an acute drop in blood sugar.
For Type 1 Diabetes, the Lantus Solostar® pen should only provide 1/3 of the daily dose of insulin. The rest of the daily amount should be made up of short-acting insulin doses given before meals.
For Type 2 Diabetes patients who haven’t used insulin before, the starting dosage is usually 10 units (0.2 units/kilogram of body weight). The dose is then adjusted according to blood glucose measurements under the supervision of your doctor or health care provider.
Dosages will vary if a patient has already been taking insulin and is switching from another regimen.
The Lantus Solostar® pens provide a total of 300 units (3 ml.) of insulin glargine.
Contraindications/Precautions
Do not use Lantus Solostar® if you have had any kind of allergic reaction to insulin in the past.
Also be sure to let your doctor know of any other allergies you may have, whether you are currently pregnant or plan to become pregnant, or if you are breastfeeding. Tell your doctor about your alcohol consumption.
You should also talk to your physician about any vitamins or herbal supplements you may be taking, and let him or her know if you have had any of the following:
- Liver problems
- Kidney problems
- Diabetic ketoacidosis
- Nerve problems
- High blood sodium levels
- Are on a low-salt diet
Lantus Solostar Interactions
Lantus Solostar® may interact with the following drugs. Please let your physician know if you are taking any of these drugs before starting Lantus Solostar®.
- Beta-blockers such as propranolol (Inderal®)
- Lithium
- Reserpine
- Blood pressure medications called ACE inhibitors (e.g, enalapril)
- Fenfluramine
- Antidepressants called MAOIs (e.g., Nardil®, Parnate®)
- Propoxyphene
- Disopyramide
- Fluoxetine
- Salicylates (e.g., aspirin)
- Sulfa drugs
- Corticosteroids
- Niacin
- Danazol
- Diuretics (e.g., Lasix® or hydrochlorothiazide)
- Epinephrine/albuterol
- Oral contraceptives/estrogen/progesterone
- Antipsychotic medications
- Glucagon
- Other diabetes medications (Metformin®, etc.)
- Thyroid medications
- Protease inhibitors (AIDS medications)
- Phenothiazine derivatives
- Isoniazid
These drugs may either decrease or increase blood sugar levels, so it is important your doctor be aware if you are taking any of these medications. This is not a complete list; be sure your doctor is aware of all medications you are taking.
Side Effects
The following side effects are most common with this drug. Call your doctor if they become acute or persistent.
- Dizziness/lightheadedness
- Drowsiness
- Pain at the injection site
Call your physician right away if you have any of the following serious side effects.
- Severe allergic symptoms such as swelling of the throat, tongue, lips, eyes or face; rash/hives, itching, or trouble breathing.
- Vision changes
- Chills
- Tachycardia (fast heartbeat)
- Headache
- Hoarseness
- Confusion
- Loss of consciousness/fainting
- Unusual hunger, thirst
- More frequent urination
- Shallow breathing, breathing too fast
- A feeling of nervousness or anxiety
- Seizures
- Sweet/fruity breath odor
- Swelling of legs or arms
Depending on your diet, your exercise levels, whether you are suffering from some other unrelated illness, your stress levels, and various other influences, you may experience either low or high blood sugar levels while you are being treated with this drug. The symptoms described above are signs of either low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) or high blood sugar (hyperglycemia). Either condition can be dangerous, so be sure to discuss all symptoms with your doctor.
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