LANTUS® SoloSTAR® Pen Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these straightforward steps EVERY TIME you use the LANTUS®
SoloSTAR® pen:
Step 1: Prepare for an injection
Step 2: Attach a new needle
Step 3: Perform a safety test
Step 4: Select your dose
Step 5: Inject your dose
Step 6: Remove the needle
Step 1: Prepare for an injection
- Before beginning, check the label on the insulin pen to ensure you are using the
correct insulin.
Step 2: Attach a new needle
- Keep the needle straight as you attach it.
- LANTUS® SoloSTAR® uses push-on or screw-on needles.
Step 3: Perform a safety test
- This removes air bubbles and ensures that the pen and needle are working properly. Select a dose of 2 units. Always perform the safety test before each injection.
- Take off the outer needle cap and keep it to remove the used needle after your injection. Then take off the inner needle cap and discard it.
- Hold the pen with the needle pointing upward. Tap the reservoir gently so any air bubbles rise up to the needle.
- Press the injection button all the way in. Check if insulin comes out of the needle. If insulin does not come out, check for air bubbles and repeat the test 2 more times to remove them.
- If no insulin comes out after the third time, try again with a new needle.
Step 4: Select your dose
- Be sure the dose window shows “0” following the safety test.
- Select your required dose. If you need a dose larger than 80 units, use 2 or more injections. (This example shows 30 units.)
Step 5: Inject your dose
- Using the method your healthcare professional showed you, insert the needle into the skin in either your upper arm, abdomen (stomach area), or thigh (upper leg).
- Press the injection button in all the way.
- Hold the button in that position. Slowly count to 10, then withdraw the needle.
Step 6: Remove the needle
- Always remove the needle after each injection.
- Put the outer needle cap back on the needle and use it to unscrew the needle from the pen.
- Dispose of the needle safely, as instructed by your healthcare provider (eg, in a sharps container).
- Put the cap on the pen.
If you can’t dial to the dose you want, check to see if you have enough insulin in the reservoir. If you have any other problems with the pen, first try changing the needle and repeating the safety test. Each LANTUS® SoloSTAR® is for use by one person only.
You should carefully read the instruction leaflet that comes with your pen for additional important information.
To view the PDF, you will need Adobe Reader. Download the Free Adobe Reader now >
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®.
Click
here for information on Sharps Medical Waste Disposal.