Lantus
Lantus questions and answers
Learn more about Lantus.
Q: Can lantus make your legs stiff?
I just started on lantus, and was in the hospital for a few days. my legs swelled (retained alot of fluid) from the IV's, and they were stiff and felt heavy. Finally today, it subsided, and my legs were getting back to normal. Now, I took my lantus (injected in my thigh) 2 hours ago, and my legs are sore and a little stiff again. could this actually be from the lantus?
A: That is NOT a known side effect of Lantus.
but is IS a known side effect of uncontrolled diabetes! It has to do with the beginns of Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy -- nerve damage in the extremeties caused by prolonged high blood sugars.
The fluid retention and swelling could be from kidney disease -- ANOTHER side effect of uncontrolled diabetes.
You need some more information from your doctor:
1) What is your current A1C reading? the A1C test takes a 90-day "average" of ALL your blood sugars, and is thus a superior indication of how well you are controlling the diabetes.
The A1C reading in a NORMAL person should be between 5 and 6. For a diabetic, a reading UNDER 7 is considered good. Any reading over 7 indicates out-of-control diabetes, and the higher the number the worse it is. An A1C reading over 8 is TERRIBLE!
2) What is your GFR (Glomular Filtration Rate)? This is a number indicating how well your kidneys are functioning. it is a percent, like 90%. This number is figured using a mathematical formula that considers your Blood Creatinine Reading, age, sex, weight, and ethnicity.
A number above 90% is "normal". A number BELOW 90 (like 75%) indicates kidney disease. A number below 20% indicates kidney failure.
So, call your doctor and ASK for these numbers. He may need you to come in for a blood draw for either of these.
But these two numbers are CRITICAL to a diabetic which might possibly have kidney disease.
Q: question about Lantus insulin for diabetes?
Has anyone experienced weakness or seizures using Lantus? I have been taking it for about 3 weeks now . I didn't feel this way before taking lantus. My doctor said that it isn't the lantus. I just want to make sure that no one else has experienced that.
A: i have not experienced seizures or weakness, but since being diagnosed and started taking insulin i have had vertigo [being very dizzy]. this may or may not be related to the lantus. but you should talk to your doctor about it.
Q: Can you take non-prescription painkillers while on Lantus?
My daughter has type 1 diabetes and takes Lantus once a day. Can she have Tylenol, Ibuprofen, etc.?
A: yes, however, i would not give her aspirin or anything that contains aspirin (has nothing to do with diabetes, has to do with age). and as always, follow the directions and if in doubt, call a pharmacist or an RN or the manufacturer as to what an appropriate dose is.
Q: I am not working and have no insurance my lantus cost is 269.00 amonth running out need help.?
I was laid-off in may i am taking three other prescription. I have been on lantus for about three years.I just can"t effortit at time.
A: Talk to your doctor, there may be a less expensive alternative until you can get either unemployment or another job.
Q: I have asthma and COPD and I took Lantus for my diabetes and I started itching and breathing real bad. ?
I think I am allergic to the dye in it. Is there a dye free insulin?
A: There is NO dyes in Lantus it is a clear liquid with nothing in it to see other than the clear liquid.
You sound like you are allergic to something in the Lantus. Go back to the doctor's office ASAP, like tomorrow morning or to the ER tonight.
I have asthma and COPD and take Lantus for my diabetes as well as loads of other medications.
The itching and breathing problems are signs of allergic reaction to something in the Lantus.
The other long acting insulin is Levemir and you might be able to take it without the reaction.
http://diabetes.about.com/od/equipmentandbreakthroughs/a/insulinchart.htm
Q: How much is a bottle of insulin? "Lantus"?
in the USA
My cat just got diagnosed with diabetes (yeah, no kidding) and I am trying to figure the budget adjustments. They get the same insulin as humans
A: Lantus is state of the art for the treatment of diabetes. You might check with a company such as "PetMeds.com" to see if they can offer a lower price. Otherwise, large pharmacies such as Sam's, Walmart or Costco have the best prices. You might also talk to your vet about prescribing a cheaper insulin such as Humulin. Animals sometimes actually do better on a less expensive alternative. My cat lived 10 years after the diagnosis of diabetes....to the ripe old age of 19!
Q: Anyone on Lantus insulin, just want to ask for your experience?
I am currently on nova rapid insulin 3 times a day and the longer acting Lantus insulin for the evening. I would just like to know anyone that is on this, what time they actually take their Lantus injection at night. As i am and have been every now and again experiencing high blood sugars in the morning. I have been taking this mixture for quite a while now, just wanted to know what other peoples experiences were. Thanks
A: I ended up in hospital on my third day of using Lantus due to my blood sugar levels fluctuating so wildly. (That's always been the case for me, and I've been diabetic for almost 29 years now.)
The consultant diabetologist decided to break down my evening injection dosage in half, and to get me having twice daily injections of Lantus.
Unfortunately, this didn't work for me either. The nursing staff were finding me in various states of unconsciousness 2 or 3 times a day.
Please believe me, I'm not trying to put you off using Lantus. It is, after all, meant to be one of the better long-acting insulins on the market. All I'm saying is you might like to mention that someone, who used to have twice daily injections of Lantus ... as proposed by a consultant diabetologist ... believes that this may be an option worth considering.
Whatever the outcome, I wish you the very best of luck for a healthy, complication-free future.
Q: Can I use a lantus glargine 3mL cartridge in a Humapen Luxura?
A: Yes.
Whilst I was on Lantus Glargine I found the pen delivery device they provided to be dreadful. The Humapen takes the cartridges perfectly fine but, according to my diabetic nurse, they are not allowed to give the Humapens out for that reason.
If you can persuade your nurse that you have 'broken' your current pen he/she may be willing to provide you with another.
|\/|artin
Q: why am i taking 100 units of lantus twice a day?
i have been a diabetic for almost 12 years. i have never taken any pills for it. i have always been insulin dependent. my doctor recently put me on lantus. i got on-line and read about it. i know three people who use lantus as well and they were all floored when i told them i take it twice a day. when i read on it, the article said that you take it only 2x a day as well. please answer if you have knowledge of lantus. if you wanna be a smart ass, carry your ass somewhere else!!
A: Lantus is a form of insulin that is long lasting.
It does not peak like other insulins. Most insulins work over a period of time... then their efficiency starts to wane.
Lantus tends to work for a longer period of time, maintaining normal blood glucose levels over a period of 24 hrs.
I have prescribed Lantus twice daily for diabetic patients. Although not commonly used twice a day, its use it completely within normal limits.
You Health Care Provider has probably done the lab work, cbc, HbgA1C and GTT tests and is probably looking for a treatment that will improve your numbers, by giving you an insulin that is "low maintenance" and that you will remain compliant to.
Hope this helps! :)
Q: How to store a Lantus insulin along with catridge ?
A: If it the one you are presently using, then you can keep it at room temperature for up to 4 weeks. Don't let it get too hot, and keep it out of the sun.
If it is one for future use, then you should store it in the refrigerator.
Don't freeze it and don't expose it to high temperatures.
Q: Lantus dosing - if you are taking a higher dose, as in 70 units, would it be best to split into 2 doses?
just wondering how lantus works if you split the dose into 12 hour increments, or how that works?
A: This is a question only your doctor can tell you. It's not a good idea to experiment without talking to the doc.
Q: I started taking Lantus. I know it's a "bed-time" medicine but I work nights. Can I take it during the day?
I am up at night but when i'm off, i'm up during the day. I don't have much consistency. Can I take it during the daytime instead?
A: You can take lantus at anytime you want, as long as you take it about the same time everyday.
I know of someone that takes it when they first wake up in the morning. They had trouble remembering to take it before they went to bed, and their Dr. suggested taking it in the morning when they first woke up.
I have also heard of people who take two doses 12 hours apart. That could possibly be appropriate for you as well, but you should probably talk to your Dr. to find help in finding the best way for you to take your Lantus. You may need to work with him/her to find the best for you because of your odd work schedule
Q: What is the diference between the hipoglycemia caused By glargine (Lantus) and other insulinch as REGULA?
IT IS sid that the hipoglycemia caused by lantus insulin may be different by hipoglycemia caused by another insulin. it may take longer to get better ? what should be done if hipoglicemia happened by Lantus insulin and how should i recogognize that hipo is caused by Lantus?
A: Lantus is a long acting insulin, therefore the only difference between the hypoglycemia caused by Lantus and the hypoglycemia caused by regular insulin is that the hypoglycemia caused by Lantus might be a little more tenacious in that the blood sugar will tend to dip again. Otherwise they are indistinguishable and have the same symptoms.
Q: Is there anywhere that will help me in getting lantus insulin?
A: You don't say which country you're at so my advice is for the USA.
Check with your medical insurance and also check with Social Security for advice of programs to help with obtaining medication for Diabetes when one can not afford such.
Q: Will Lantus cause a rapid weight gain?
I have been a type 2 diabetic for 5 years now. My BS have been extremely out of control for a while now,averaging 300. I just started Lantus 5 days ago and although my BS are much much better averaging 135 I have gained 4 pounds in a week. I have an active exercise program with Curves which I do 3 times a week. I have been strugling with my weight for a long time and have lost 45 pounds in the last 11 months, with 35 left to go. Now I'm afraid I will gain the weight back. Can anyone help me with some advice.
A: Any insulin will help you to gain some weight. however, I hate to say it, but a lot of your weight loss was also from the high blood sugars. you will probably gain a little weight back before you start losing it again. Keep up with the exercise, and you should be fine. the reason you gain some weight right after starting insulin is because with lower blood sugars you feel better and therefore eat more than when you were running high and didnt feel good. just keep those numbers down, and keep exerciseing and you will continue to lose weight. dont be discouraged by some gain...it happens.