Insulin Glarg Solostar Pen Inj 3ml
Overview
What is this medicine?
How to Use This Medicine
To use this medication correctly, follow your doctor's instructions and read all the information provided. This medication is administered via injection into the fatty tissue of the skin, typically in the thigh, belly area, or upper arm. If you will be self-administering the injection, your doctor or nurse will provide guidance on the proper technique.
Before use, wash your hands thoroughly. If you take this medication once daily, you can administer it at any time of day, but be sure to take it at the same time each day. Rotate the injection site with each use to avoid damaging the skin.
Important Administration Guidelines
Do not inject into skin that is thickened, has pits or lumps, or is irritated, tender, bruised, red, scaly, hard, scarred, or has stretch marks.
Do not use the medication if the solution appears cloudy, is leaking, or contains particles, or if the solution has changed color.
Remove all pen needle covers before injecting a dose (note that there may be two covers).
If you are unsure about the type of pen needle you have or how to use it, consult your doctor.
Do not transfer the medication from the pen to a syringe.
You may hear a clicking sound when preparing the dose, but do not rely on the clicks to determine the correct dose.
Remove the needle after each injection and do not store the device with the needle attached.
Dispose of used needles in a designated sharps disposal container and do not reuse needles or other items.
Additional Precautions
Do not mix this insulin with other types of insulin or liquids in the same syringe.
Follow the diet and exercise plan recommended by your doctor.
This medication is not suitable for use in an insulin pump. If you have questions, consult your doctor.
Storage and Disposal
Store unopened containers in the refrigerator, but do not freeze.
Do not use the medication if it has been frozen.
If an unopened container has been stored at room temperature, consult your doctor or pharmacist to determine how long it can be safely stored.
After opening, store the medication at room temperature for up to 28 days. Discard any unused portion after 28 days.
Missed Dose Instructions
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember.
If it is close to the time for your next injection, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule.
Do not take two doses at the same time or extra doses.
* If you are unsure about what to do if you miss a dose, consult your doctor.
Lifestyle & Tips
- Always check your blood sugar levels as directed by your doctor.
- Follow your prescribed diet plan and exercise regularly.
- Do not skip meals, even if you feel well.
- Rotate injection sites to prevent skin problems (lipodystrophy).
- Never share your insulin pen or needles with anyone else, even if the needle is changed.
- Always have a source of fast-acting sugar (e.g., glucose tablets, fruit juice, hard candy) available to treat low blood sugar.
- Inform your doctor about all other medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking.
Available Forms & Alternatives
Available Strengths:
- Insulin Aspart 100/ml Inj,10ml
- Insulin Aspa Mix 70/30 Inj Sus 10ml
- Insulin Aspart Penfill Inj, 3ml
- Insulin Aspart Flexpen Inj, 3ml
- Insulin Aspa Mix 70/30 Flexpen, 3ml
- Insulin Lispro Junior Kwikpen 5x3ml
- Insulin Lispro Prt Mix 75/25kwikpen
- Insulin Lispro 100u/ml Vial 10ml
- Insulin Lispro 100u/ml Kwikpen 3ml
- Insulin Glarg-Yfgn 100u/ml Sol 10ml
- Insulin Glarg-Yfgn 100u/ml Pen Inj
- Insulin Glarg Solostar Pen Inj 3ml
- Insulin Glargine 100u/ml, 10ml
- Insulin Degludec U100 Inj Vial 10ml
- Insuln Glargne Solstr U300 PN 1.5ml
- Insulin Glarg U300 Max Solstr Inj
Dosing & Administration
Adult Dosing
Condition-Specific Dosing:
Pediatric Dosing
Dose Adjustments
Renal Impairment:
Hepatic Impairment:
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption:
Distribution:
Elimination:
Pharmacodynamics
Safety & Warnings
Side Effects
While rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects when taking this medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical attention immediately:
Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash
+ Hives
+ Itching
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever
+ Wheezing
+ Tightness in the chest or throat
+ Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness
+ Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Signs of low potassium levels, including:
+ Muscle pain or weakness
+ Muscle cramps
+ An irregular heartbeat
Signs of infection, such as:
+ Fever
+ Chills
+ Severe sore throat
+ Ear or sinus pain
+ Cough
+ Increased or changed sputum production
+ Painful urination
+ Mouth sores
+ Wounds that won't heal
Signs of high blood pressure, including:
+ Severe headache or dizziness
+ Fainting
+ Changes in vision
Thick skin, pits, or lumps at the injection site
Swelling in the arms or legs
Low blood sugar, which may cause:
+ Dizziness or fainting
+ Blurred vision
+ Mood changes
+ Slurred speech
+ Headache
+ Feeling sleepy or weak
+ Shaking
+ Rapid heartbeat
+ Confusion
+ Hunger
+ Sweating
+ Seizures
If you experience low blood sugar, follow your doctor's instructions, which may include taking glucose tablets, liquid glucose, or consuming fruit juices.
Other Possible Side Effects
Most people experience few or no side effects when taking this medication. However, some individuals may encounter the following side effects. If they bother you or persist, contact your doctor:
Irritation at the injection site
Back pain
Diarrhea
Headache
Weight gain
Common cold symptoms
Nose or throat irritation
Flu-like symptoms
Joint pain
* Pain in the arms or legs
This is not an exhaustive list of potential side effects. If you have questions or concerns, consult your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:
- Symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia): sweating, shaking, dizziness, confusion, hunger, irritability, headache, blurred vision, slurred speech. Treat immediately with fast-acting sugar.
- Symptoms of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia): increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, blurred vision, headache. Contact your doctor if persistent.
- Signs of allergic reaction: rash, itching, swelling of face/tongue/throat, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. Seek immediate medical attention.
Before Using This Medicine
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the allergic reaction you experienced, including any symptoms that occurred.
Certain health conditions, including:
+ Acidic blood problems
+ Low blood sugar
This list is not exhaustive, and it is crucial to discuss all your health problems with your doctor.
Additionally, provide your doctor and pharmacist with a comprehensive list of all the medications you are taking, including:
Prescription medications
Over-the-counter (OTC) medications
Natural products
Vitamins
It is vital to verify that it is safe to take this medication in combination with all your other medications and health conditions. Never start, stop, or adjust the dosage of any medication without first consulting your doctor.
Precautions & Cautions
This drug may cause low blood sugar, which can lead to seizures, loss of consciousness, permanent brain damage, and even death if not properly managed. Consult your doctor to discuss ways to prevent and manage low blood sugar.
Additionally, this medication may cause low blood potassium levels. If left untreated, this can result in abnormal heart rhythms, severe breathing difficulties, and potentially death. It is crucial to discuss this risk with your doctor.
Until you understand how this drug affects you, avoid driving and other activities that require your full attention. Certain diabetes medications, such as pioglitazone or rosiglitazone, may increase the risk of heart failure, especially when used in combination with insulin. If you are taking one of these medications, consult your doctor to discuss the potential risks.
Ensure you have the correct insulin product and understand how to measure and prepare your dose. Insulin products are available in various containers, including vials, cartridges, and pens. If you have any questions or concerns, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Your blood sugar levels may be more challenging to control during periods of stress, such as illness, infection, injury, or surgery. Changes in your physical activity, exercise routine, or diet can also impact your blood sugar levels.
It is recommended that you wear a medical alert identification to ensure prompt treatment in case of an emergency. Avoid driving if you have experienced low blood sugar, as it can increase your risk of being involved in an accident.
Monitor your blood sugar levels as directed by your doctor. Regular blood tests will also be necessary to ensure the medication is not causing any adverse effects. Consult your doctor to discuss the best approach for managing your blood sugar levels.
Before consuming alcohol or using products that contain alcohol, consult your doctor to discuss the potential risks. Do not share your insulin product or any related devices, such as pens, cartridges, needles, or syringes, with others, as this can increase the risk of transmitting infections.
When using this medication in children, it is essential to exercise caution, as they may be more susceptible to side effects. Consult your doctor to discuss the potential risks and benefits.
If you are 65 or older, use this medication with caution, as you may be more prone to side effects. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, as they will need to discuss the potential benefits and risks with you.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Severe hypoglycemia (very low blood sugar)
- Confusion
- Seizures
- Loss of consciousness (coma)
What to Do:
If conscious, consume fast-acting carbohydrates (e.g., glucose tablets, fruit juice, regular soda). If unconscious or unable to swallow, administer glucagon injection (if available and trained) and seek immediate emergency medical attention. Call 911 or your local emergency number. Call 1-800-222-1222 for Poison Control.
Drug Interactions
Moderate Interactions
- Beta-blockers (may mask symptoms of hypoglycemia)
- Thiazolidinediones (TZDs) (increased risk of fluid retention and heart failure)
- Corticosteroids (may increase blood glucose, requiring higher insulin doses)
- Diuretics (thiazide and loop diuretics may cause hyperglycemia)
- Sympathomimetics (may cause hyperglycemia)
- Growth hormone (may cause hyperglycemia)
- Danazol (may cause hyperglycemia)
- Oral contraceptives (may cause hyperglycemia)
- Protease inhibitors (variable effects on glucose)
- Atypical antipsychotics (variable effects on glucose)
- Salicylates (high doses may lower blood glucose)
- Sulfonamide antibiotics (may lower blood glucose)
- MAO inhibitors (may lower blood glucose)
- ACE inhibitors (may lower blood glucose)
- Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) (may lower blood glucose)
- Alcohol (may potentiate hypoglycemic effect)
Monitoring
Baseline Monitoring
Rationale: To establish baseline glycemic control and guide initial dosing.
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy.
Rationale: To establish baseline glucose levels and guide initial dosing.
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy.
Rationale: To assess kidney function, as insulin clearance may be affected in renal impairment.
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy.
Rationale: To assess liver function, as insulin metabolism and glucose production may be affected in hepatic impairment.
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy.
Routine Monitoring
Frequency: Daily, multiple times per day (e.g., fasting, pre-meal, post-meal, bedtime) as directed by healthcare provider.
Target: Individualized, typically 80-130 mg/dL fasting/pre-meal, <180 mg/dL 1-2 hours post-meal.
Action Threshold: Below target range (hypoglycemia) or above target range (hyperglycemia) requiring dose adjustment or intervention.
Frequency: Every 3-6 months (or more frequently if glycemic control is unstable).
Target: Individualized, typically <7% for most adults.
Action Threshold: Above target range, indicating need for dose adjustment or therapy modification.
Frequency: Continuously, patient education is key.
Target: N/A
Action Threshold: Any occurrence of symptoms (e.g., sweating, tremor, confusion, hunger) requires immediate action (consume fast-acting carbohydrates).
Frequency: Daily, with each injection.
Target: N/A
Action Threshold: Presence of lipodystrophy, redness, swelling, or pain requires site rotation or medical evaluation.
Symptom Monitoring
- Symptoms of hypoglycemia: sweating, tremor, dizziness, confusion, hunger, irritability, headache, blurred vision, slurred speech, anxiety, rapid heartbeat, weakness, seizures, unconsciousness.
- Symptoms of hyperglycemia: increased thirst, increased urination, fatigue, blurred vision, headache, nausea, vomiting, fruity breath odor (ketoacidosis).
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Insulin glargine is generally considered safe and is often the preferred treatment for diabetes in pregnancy when diet and exercise are insufficient. Insulin requirements may change throughout pregnancy. Close monitoring of blood glucose is essential.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
Lactation
Insulin glargine is considered compatible with breastfeeding. Insulin is a large protein and is not excreted into breast milk in clinically significant amounts. It is not expected to cause adverse effects in a breastfed infant. Insulin requirements may be lower in breastfeeding mothers.
Pediatric Use
Insulin glargine (U-100) is approved for use in pediatric patients 6 years of age and older with Type 1 Diabetes and Type 2 Diabetes. Dosing must be individualized and carefully titrated based on blood glucose monitoring. Younger children may be more susceptible to hypoglycemia.
Geriatric Use
No overall differences in safety or effectiveness have been observed between elderly and younger patients, but greater sensitivity to insulin's effects and increased risk of hypoglycemia may occur in some older individuals. Renal and hepatic function should be monitored, and dose adjustments may be necessary. Start with lower doses and titrate carefully.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Insulin glargine (U-100) is a basal insulin, meaning it provides a steady, long-lasting effect to control fasting and between-meal glucose levels. It does not cover mealtime glucose excursions.
- Administer insulin glargine once daily at the same time each day, regardless of meals. Consistency in timing is important for optimal glycemic control.
- Never mix insulin glargine with other insulins or solutions in the same syringe or pen, as this can alter its time-action profile and lead to precipitation.
- Patients should be educated on proper injection technique, site rotation, and storage of the pen/vial.
- Hypoglycemia is the most common adverse effect. Patients should be aware of symptoms and how to treat them.
- Solostar pen is a disposable prefilled pen. Patients should be instructed on how to attach a new needle for each injection and perform a safety shot (air shot) before injecting.
Alternative Therapies
- Other long-acting insulins: Insulin detemir (Levemir), Insulin degludec (Tresiba), Insulin glargine U-300 (Toujeo)
- Intermediate-acting insulin: NPH insulin
- Rapid-acting insulins (for mealtime coverage): Insulin lispro, insulin aspart, insulin glulisine
- Short-acting insulins (for mealtime coverage): Regular insulin
- Oral antidiabetic agents (for Type 2 Diabetes): Metformin, sulfonylureas, DPP-4 inhibitors, SGLT2 inhibitors, GLP-1 receptor agonists (injectable, but not insulin), TZDs, meglitinides, alpha-glucosidase inhibitors.