LANTUS® SoloSTAR® Pen FAQs
The questions and answers on this page are for educational purposes only. If you
have questions about your health or treatment, please ask your doctor or healthcare
provider.
Q: Do I use a new pen every time I inject?
A: No. Each LANTUS® SoloSTAR® pen contains 300 units of insulin and is good
for 28 days once it has been used. That means 28 days after you use your pen for
the first time, you will need to throw the pen away—even if there is still insulin
inside. You should never use your LANTUS® SoloSTAR® pen past its expiration
date. Do not share needles, insulin pens or syringes with others.
Q: Is it OK to use the same needle more than once?
A: No. Always attach a new sterile needle before each use. Using the same needle
may cause contamination, air bubbles, and other complications such as needle blocks.
Q: Do I need to keep my LANTUS® SoloSTAR® pen refrigerated after it is opened
or in use?
A: No. Do NOT refrigerate your pen once it is in use. Once you use your pen for
the first time, it will last up to 28 days when kept at room temperature (below
86º F).
Q: What do I do if there is not enough insulin left in the pen for my injection?
A: The LANTUS® SoloSTAR® pen prevents you from dialing past the number of
units left in the pen. If there isn’t enough insulin for your full dose, you can
complete your dose by calculating how much more you will need from a new pen. For
example: If you normally use 41 units and there are only 12 units left in your pen,
you will need 29 units from the new pen. Inject the remaining insulin from the first
pen, and then inject the appropriate amount with the new pen to complete your dose.
Or, you can just use a new pen for your full dose.
Q: How do I take care of the LANTUS® SoloSTAR® pen?
A: It’s important to protect your pen from dust and dirt, so you can clean the outside
of your SoloSTAR® pen by wiping it with a damp cloth. Do not run it under water
or use any soap or solvents.
Q: How do I get the LANTUS® SoloSTAR® pen?
A: The LANTUS® SoloSTAR® pen is available by prescription only. Ask your
doctor if the LANTUS® SoloSTAR® pen is right for you.
Q: Is the LANTUS® SoloSTAR® pen covered by insurance?
A: Yes. And under most insurance plans it’s the same co-pay as a vial and syringe,
except with the LANTUS® SoloSTAR® insulin pen, you can receive up to 500
more units of insulin per prescription depending on how the prescription is dispensed.
Ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider for more information.
Important Safety Information for Lantus®
Do not take Lantus® if you are allergic to insulin or any of the inactive ingredients
in Lantus®.
You must test your blood sugar levels while using insulin, such as Lantus®.
Do not make any changes to your dose or type of insulin without talking to your
healthcare provider. Any change of insulin should be made cautiously and only under
medical supervision.
Do NOT dilute or mix Lantus® with any other insulin or solution.
It will not work as intended and you may lose blood sugar control, which could be
serious. Lantus® must only be used if the solution is clear and colorless with
no particles visible. Do not share needles, insulin pens or syringes with others.
The most common side effect of insulin, including Lantus®, is low blood
sugar (hypoglycemia), which may be serious. Some people may experience
symptoms such as shaking, sweating, fast heartbeat, and blurred vision. Severe hypoglycemia
may be serious and life threatening. It may cause harm to your heart or brain. Other
possible side effects may include injection site reactions, including changes in
fat tissue at the injection site, and allergic reactions, including itching and
rash. In rare cases, some allergic reactions may be life threatening.
Tell your doctor about other medicines and supplements you are taking because they
can change the way insulin works. Before starting Lantus®, tell your doctor
about all your medical conditions including if you have liver or kidney problems,
are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding or planning to
breast-feed.
Lantus® SoloSTAR® is a disposable prefilled insulin pen. Please talk to your healthcare
provider about proper injection technique and follow instructions in the Instruction
Leaflet that accompanies the pen.
Click here for full prescribing information for Lantus®.
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here for information on Sharps Medical Waste Disposal.