Benefits and Risks of Insulin
Insulin may be a chance for successful blood sugar control, not a punishment for
failure.
Insulin is a hormone that’s naturally produced in the body. When you have type 2
diabetes, your body no longer makes enough insulin and your blood sugar rises.
Insulin is effective at lowering blood sugar levels. But some people may find the
idea of injecting insulin frightening. Truth is, needles can be scary.
The good news is that today’s insulin needles are small and thin and generally cause
little discomfort. Also, many people choose to take insulin in an easy-to-use pen,
like the LANTUS® SoloSTAR®
insulin pen.
So if your A1C is above your goal, don’t be afraid to ask your doctor if insulin
can help.
Talk to your doctor about the potential benefits and risks associated with insulin
use. The most common side effect of insulin, including LANTUS®, is low blood
sugar (hypoglycemia), which may be serious. 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.
"Even though the doctor said, 'Yes, you have diabetes.' I still was in denial. 'Oh, no, I don't have diabetes.' Everything was telling me I did."
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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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