INSULIN GLARGINE, LONG 100 IU/ml, 10ml, vial S

Lantus®

• In the WHO list of Essential Medicines 2023

Pancreatic hormone, antidiabetic

Long-acting insulin analogue

Action profile:

• onset of action: 3 - 6 hrs
• peak action: 12 hrs
• duration of action: 24 hrs

These action profiles are based on subcutaneous injections and are only approximations. They depend on the dose injected, the type and brand of insulin and are highly variable from one patient to another.

See Preliminary remarks on Insulins.

Diabetes in adults, adolescents and children aged 2 years and above.

Insulin to cover basal insulin needs.

Must be given as SC injection only, once daily, at the any time, but at the same time each day.

Before using insulin for the first time, store it at room temperature for 1 or 2 hours (cold insulin is more painful).

Preparation for administration:

• Wash hands.
• Check the insulin vial (type and strength of insulin, expiry date) and the solution (clear, colourless and aqueous).
• Use an insulin syringe with fixed needle: 1 ml syringe graduated in 2 IU or 0.5 ml syringe graduated in 1 IU (intended for children).
• Stir the insulin by gently rolling the vial between the palms of the hands.
• Pull air into the syringe and inject air into the vial.
• Draw up the required dose of insulin into the syringe.

How to administer SC insulin:

• Insulin can be injected into the abdomen (two fingers away from the belly button), upper arm, buttocks, hips, buttocks, or the front or side of the thigh.
• Injecting insulin in the same area repeatedly can cause lumps, swelling and thickened skin, and it may keep insulin from absorbing properly. See the picture below on “rotating” injection sites.
• Do not inject insulin into areas that have wounds or bruising.
• Clean the chosen injection site with soap and water. Allow to dry.
• Pinch the skin.
• Hold the syringe like a pencil at a 90-degree angle to the skin and insert the needle with one quick motion.
• Inject the dose of insulin. Wait for 5 seconds before removing the needle from the skin.
• Apply gentle pressure on the injection site with the finger for 5-10 seconds to keep insulin from leaking out.
• Do not recap the syringe. Safety discard the needle into a sharps container.