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 hours
• peak action: 12 hours
• duration of action: 24 hours

These action profiles are based on subcutaneous injections and are approximate. They depend on the dose injected, the type and brand of insulin, and can vary significantly from one patient to another.

See Preliminary remarks on Insulins.

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

Insulin to cover basal insulin requirements.

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

Before using insulin for the first time, allow it to reach 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 inspect the solution (it should be clear, colourless, and aqueous).
• Use an insulin syringe with a fixed needle: 1 ml syringe graduated in 2 IU or 0.5 ml syringe graduated in 1 IU (for children).
• Stir the insulin by gently rolling the vial between the palms of the hands.
• Draw air into the syringe and inject it into the vial.
• Draw 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.
• Repeatedly injecting insulin in the same area can cause lumps, swelling, and thickened skin, which may interfere with proper absorption of the insulin. See the picture below on “rotating” injection sites.
• Do not inject insulin into areas with wounds or bruising.
• Clean the chosen injection site with soap and water. Allow it 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 to the injection site with a finger for 5-10 seconds to prevent insulin from leaking out.
• Do not recap the syringe. Dispose of the needle safely in a sharps container.