lantus solostar
Pharmaranks rates Lantus Solostar 3.5/5 for recall safety — an independent score from its FDA recall history and its manufacturer's record. Lantus Solostar (Insulin Glargine Recombinant) is a medication supplied as an injection, solution.
Insulin Glargine Recombinant · by Sanofi Aventis US
Based on 1 source · Recall-safety score from FDA recall history — this product's own recalls and its manufacturer's record. Not an efficacy or quality rating. methodology →
This is one strength of Lantus
The FDA label is the same for every strength in this family, so the full page — with all 2 strengths — lives on Lantus.
- LantusInsulin Glargine Recombinant 100 UNITS/ML
- Lantus Solostar (this page)Insulin Glargine Recombinant 300 UNITS/3ML (100 UNITS/ML)
Key facts
- Active ingredient
- Insulin Glargine Recombinant
- Form
- Injectable
- Strength
- Insulin Glargine Recombinant 300 UNITS/3ML (100 UNITS/ML)
- Type
- Prescription (Rx)
- Brand or generic
- Brand-name
- Manufacturer
- Sanofi Aventis US
- FDA application
- BLA021081
What is Lantus Solostar?
From the FDA label:Insulin glargine is a long-acting human insulin analog produced by recombinant DNA technology utilizing a non-pathogenic laboratory strain of Escherichia coli (K12). Insulin glargine differs from human insulin in that the amino acid asparagine at position A21 is replaced by glycine and two arginines are added to the C-terminus of the B-chain. Insulin glargine has a molecular weight of 6063 Da. LANTUS (insulin glargine) injection is a sterile, clear and colorless solution for subcutaneous use in a 10 mL multiple-dose vial or a 3 mL single-patient use prefilled pen (LANTUS Solostar). Prefilled Pen (LANTUS Solostar) and Vial: Each mL contains 100 units of insulin glargine and the inactive ingredients: glycerol 85% (20 mg), m-cresol (2.7 mg), zinc (30 mcg), and Water for Injection, USP. The vial also contains polysorbate 20 (20 mcg). The pH is adjusted by addition of aqueous solutions of hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide. LANTUS has a pH of approximately 4.
How to use
Individualize dosage based on metabolic needs, blood glucose monitoring, glycemic control, type of diabetes, and prior insulin use. ( 2.1 , 2.2 , 2.3 , 2.4 ) Administer subcutaneously into the abdominal area, thigh, or deltoid once daily at any time of day, but at the same time every day. ( 2.1 ) Do not dilute or mix with any other insulin or solution. ( 2.1 ) Rotate injection sites to reduce risk of lipodystrophy and localized cutaneous amyloidosis. ( 2.1 ) See Full Prescribing Information for the recommended starting dosage in patients with type 2 diabetes and how to change to LANTUS from other insulins ( 2.3 , 2.4 ) Closely monitor glucose when switching to LANTUS and during initial weeks thereafter. ( 2.4 ) 2.1 Important Administration Instructions Always check insulin labels before administration [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Visually inspect LANTUS vials and SoloStar prefilled pens for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration. Only use if the solution is clear and colorless with no visible particles. Administer LANTUS subcutaneously into the abdominal area, thigh, or deltoid, and rotate injection sites within the same region from one injection to the next to reduce the risk of lipodystrophy and localized cutaneous amyloidosis. Do not inject into areas of lipodystrophy or localized cutaneous amyloidosis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) and…
Side effects
The following adverse reactions are discussed elsewhere: Hypoglycemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Hypoglycemia Due to Medication Errors [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] Hypokalemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] Adverse reactions commonly associated with LANTUS include hypoglycemia, allergic reactions, injection site reactions, lipodystrophy, pruritus, rash, edema, and weight gain. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact sanofi-aventis at 1-800-633-1610 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trial of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. The data in Table 1 reflect the exposure of 2,327 patients with type 1 diabetes to LANTUS or NPH in Studies A, B, C, and D [see Clinical Studies (14.2) ] . The type 1 diabetes population had the following characteristics: Mean age was 39 years. Fifty-four percent were male, 97% were Caucasian, 22% were Black or African American and 33% were Hispanic. The mean BMI was 25.1 kg/m 2 . The data in Table 2 reflect the exposure of 1,563 patients with type 2 diabetes to LANTUS or NPH in Studies E, F,…
Warnings
Important safety information
Never share a LANTUS SoloStar prefilled pen, insulin syringe, or needle between patients, even if the needle is changed. ( 5.1 ) Hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia with changes in insulin regimen : Make changes to a patient's insulin regimen (e.g., insulin strength, manufacturer, type, injection site or method of administration) under close medical supervision with increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring. ( 5.2 ) Hypoglycemia : May be life-threatening. Increase frequency of glucose monitoring with changes to: insulin dosage, concomitant drugs, meal pattern, physical activity; and in patients with renal or hepatic impairment and hypoglycemia unawareness. ( 5.3 , 6.1 ) Hypoglycemia due to medication errors : Accidental mix-ups between insulin products can occur. Instruct patients to check insulin labels before injection. ( 5.4 , 6.3 ) Hypersensitivity reactions : Severe, life-threatening, generalized allergy, including anaphylaxis, can occur. Discontinue LANTUS. Monitor and treat if indicated. ( 5.5 , 6.1 ) Hypokalemia : May be life-threatening. Monitor potassium levels in patients at risk of hypokalemia and treat if indicated. ( 5.6 ) Fluid retention and heart failure with concomitant use of thiazolidinediones (TZDs) : Observe for signs and symptoms of heart failure; consider dosage reduction or discontinuation of TZD if heart failure occurs. ( 5.7 ) 5.1 Never Share a LANTUS SoloStar Prefilled Pen, Insulin Syringe, or Needle Between Patients LANTUS SoloStar prefilled pens must never be shared between patients, even if the needle is changed. Patients using LANTUS vials must never re-use or share needles or syringes with another person. Sharing poses a risk for transmission of blood-borne pathogens. 5.2 Hyperglycemia or Hypoglycemia with Changes in Insulin Regimen Changes in an insulin regimen (e.g., insulin strength, manufacturer, type, injection site or method of administration) may affect glycemic control and predispose to hypoglycemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] or hyperglycemia. Repeated insulin injections into areas of lipodystrophy or localized cutaneous amyloidosis have been reported to result in hyperglycemia; and a sudden change in the injection site (to unaffected area) has been reported to result in hypoglycemia [see Adverse Reactions (6) ] . Make any changes to a patient's insulin regimen under close medical supervision with increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring. Advise patients who have repeatedly injected into areas of lipodystrophy or localized cutaneous amyloidosis to change the injection site to unaffected areas and closely monitor for hypoglycemia. For patients with type 2 diabetes, dosage adjustments of concomitant oral and antidiabetic products may be needed. 5.3 Hypoglycemia Hypoglycemia is the most common adverse reaction associated with insulins, including LANTUS. Severe hypoglycemia can cause seizures, may be life-threatening or cause death. Hypoglycemia can impair concentration ability and reaction time; this may place the patient and others at risk in situations where these abilities are important (e.g., driving or operating other machinery). Hypoglycemia can happen suddenly, and symptoms may differ in each patient and change over time in the same patient. Symptomatic awareness of hypoglycemia may be less pronounced in patients with longstanding diabetes, in patients with diabetic neuropathy, using drugs that block the sympathetic nervous system (e.g., beta-blockers) [see Drug Interactions (7) ] , or who experience recurrent hypoglycemia. The long-acting effect of LANTUS may delay recovery from hypoglycemia. Risk Factors for Hypoglycemia The risk of hypoglycemia after an injection is related to the duration of action of the insulin and, in general, is highest when the glucose lowering effect of the insulin is maximal. As with all insulins, the glucose lowering effect time course of LANTUS may vary in different patients or at different times in the same patient and depends on many conditions, including the area of injection as well as the injection site blood supply and temperature [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2) ] . Other factors which may increase the risk of hypoglycemia include changes in meal pattern (e.g., macronutrient content or timing of meals), changes in level of physical activity, or changes to concomitant drugs [see Drug Interactions (7) ] . Patients with renal or hepatic impairment may be at higher risk of hypoglycemia [see Use in Specific Populations (8.6 , 8.7) ] . Risk Mitigation Strategies for Hypoglycemia Patients and caregivers must be educated to recognize and manage hypoglycemia. Self-monitoring of blood glucose plays an essential role in the prevention and management of hypoglycemia. In patients at higher risk for hypoglycemia and patients who have reduced symptomatic awareness of hypoglycemia, increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring is recommended. 5.4 Hypoglycemia Due to Medication Errors Accidental mix-ups among insulin products have been reported. To avoid medication errors between LANTUS and other insulins, instruct patients to always check the insulin label before each injection [see Adverse Reactions (6.3) ] . 5.5 Hypersensitivity Reactions Severe, life-threatening, generalized allergy, including anaphylaxis, can occur with insulins, including LANTUS [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . If hypersensitivity reactions occur, discontinue LANTUS; treat per standard of care and monitor until symptoms and signs resolve. LANTUS is contraindicated in patients who have had hypersensitivity reactions to insulin glargine or one of the excipients. 5.6 Hypokalemia All insulins, including LANTUS, cause a shift in potassium from the extracellular to intracellular space, possibly leading to hypokalemia. Untreated hypokalemia may cause respiratory paralysis, ventricular arrhythmia, and death. Monitor potassium levels in patients at risk for hypokalemia, if indicated (e.g., patients using potassium-lowering medications, patients taking medications sensitive to serum potassium concentrations). 5.7 Fluid Retention and Heart Failure with Concomitant Use of PPAR-gamma Agonists Thiazolidinediones (TZDs), which are peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-gamma agonists, can cause dose-related fluid retention, when used in combination with insulin. Fluid retention may lead to or exacerbate heart failure. Patients treated with insulin, including LANTUS, and a PPAR-gamma agonist should be observed for signs and symptoms of heart failure. If heart failure develops, it should be managed according to current standards of care, and discontinuation or dose reduction of the PPAR-gamma agonist must be considered.
Who should not take Lantus Solostar
LANTUS is contraindicated: During episodes of hypoglycemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] In patients with hypersensitivity to insulin glargine or any of the excipients in LANTUS [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] During episodes of hypoglycemia ( 4 ) Hypersensitivity to insulin glargine or any of the excipients in LANTUS ( 4 )
Overdose — what happens if you take too much
Excess insulin administration may cause hypoglycemia and hypokalemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3 , 5.6) ] . Mild episodes of hypoglycemia can usually be treated with oral carbohydrates. Lowering the insulin dosage, and adjustments in meal patterns or exercise may be needed. More severe episodes of hypoglycemia with coma, seizure, or neurologic impairment may be treated with glucagon for emergency use or concentrated intravenous glucose. After apparent clinical recovery from hypoglycemia, continued observation and additional carbohydrate intake may be necessary to avoid recurrence of hypoglycemia. Hypokalemia must be corrected appropriately.
U.S. Poison Control: call or text 1-800-222-1222 (free, 24/7). In an emergency call 911. From the FDA label; not medical advice.
Interactions
Table 8 includes clinically significant drug interactions with LANTUS. Table 8: Clinically Significant Drug Interactions with LANTUS Drugs that May Increase the Risk of Hypoglycemia Drugs : Antidiabetic agents, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blocking agents, disopyramide, fibrates, fluoxetine, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, pentoxifylline, pramlintide, salicylates, somatostatin analogs (e.g., octreotide), sulfonamide antibiotics. GLP-1 receptor agonists, DPP-4 inhibitors, and SGLT-2 inhibitors. Intervention : Dosage reductions and increased frequency of glucose monitoring may be required when LANTUS is coadministered with these drugs. Drugs that May Decrease the Blood Glucose Lowering Effect of LANTUS Drugs : Atypical antipsychotics (e.g., olanzapine and clozapine), corticosteroids, danazol, diuretics, estrogens, glucagon, isoniazid, niacin, oral contraceptives, phenothiazines, progestogens (e.g., in oral contraceptives), protease inhibitors, somatropin, sympathomimetic agents (e.g., albuterol, epinephrine, terbutaline), and thyroid hormones. Intervention : Dosage increases and increased frequency of glucose monitoring may be required when LANTUS is coadministered with these drugs. Drugs that May Increase or Decrease the Blood Glucose Lowering Effect of LANTUS Drugs : Alcohol, beta-blockers, clonidine, and lithium salts. Pentamidine may cause hypoglycemia, which may sometimes be followed by hyperglycemia. Intervention : Dosage adjustment and increased frequency of glucose monitoring may be required when LANTUS is coadministered with these drugs. Drugs that May Blunt Signs and Symptoms of Hypoglycemia Drugs : Beta-blockers, clonidine, guanethidine, and reserpine. Intervention : Increased frequency of glucose monitoring may be required when LANTUS is coadministered with these drugs. Drugs that Affect Glucose Metabolism : Adjustment of insulin dosage may be needed. ( 7 ) Antiadrenergic Drugs ( e.g., beta-blockers, clonidine, guanethidine, and reserpine ): Signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia may be reduced or absent. ( 5.3 , 7 )
Dosage forms
Injectable
The forms currently marketed in the U.S., per the FDA National Drug Code Directory.
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Frequently asked questions
- How is Lantus Solostar rated?
- pharmaranks gives Lantus Solostar a composite score of 3.5 out of 5, currently based on 1 weighted source (FDA regulatory recall-safety data weighted highest). See our methodology at /how-we-rate.
- Is there a coupon or discount for Lantus Solostar?
- pharmaranks is an independent ratings site, not a pharmacy — we don't issue coupons or sell Lantus Solostar. To pay less, ask your prescriber or pharmacist whether a generic equivalent exists, check the manufacturer's copay/savings card and patient-assistance program, and compare a pharmacy discount card against your insurance copay. Prices vary by pharmacy, insurance, and location, so always confirm at the counter. This is general reference, not medical or financial advice.
- Who makes Lantus Solostar?
- Lantus Solostar is marketed by Sanofi Aventis US. You can see Sanofi Aventis US's full profile, rating, and other products on pharmaranks.
- Is Lantus Solostar a brand-name or generic drug?
- Lantus Solostar is a brand-name product with the active ingredient Insulin Glargine Recombinant.
- Is Lantus Solostar available over the counter?
- No. Lantus Solostar is a prescription (Rx) medication in the US — you need a prescription from a licensed clinician (in person or via telehealth); it isn't sold over the counter. For some conditions there are OTC alternatives — ask your pharmacist.
- What forms does Lantus Solostar come in?
- Lantus Solostar is currently marketed as injectable, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory.
- Is Lantus Solostar FDA-registered?
- Lantus Solostar is on record with the U.S. FDA under application number BLA021081. You can verify this on its official FDA label.
- Has Lantus Solostar been recalled by the FDA?
- Lantus Solostar has no FDA recalls recorded under its own application in the openFDA enforcement database. Its recall-safety score reflects its manufacturer's overall recall record. This is general reference, not medical advice — check the FDA recall database for the latest alerts.
- Is Lantus Solostar safe?
- There's no single safe-or-not verdict. pharmaranks gives Lantus Solostar a recall-safety score of 70/100, based on its FDA recall history (no recalls under its own FDA application) — not an efficacy or side-effect rating. Review its FDA-label side effects and warnings before use, and always consult a licensed professional.
- What are the side effects of Lantus Solostar?
- Lantus Solostar's side effects are taken directly from its FDA label. From the label: The following adverse reactions are discussed elsewhere: Hypoglycemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Hypoglycemia Due to Medication Errors [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] Hypokalemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] A… Both common and serious reactions are documented in full on this page. This is general reference from the FDA, not medical advice — always consult a professional.
Clinical content sourced from the FDA label via openFDA (U.S. FDA). View the FDA label on DailyMed → Provided for general reference only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional and the current prescribing information.
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lantus solostar
70/100