Lantus is a long-acting synthetic form of the hormone insulin that is commonly used in the treatment of diabetes. Insulin is necessary to help the body properly use sugar, and some diabetics must inject themselves with insulin to lower their blood sugar levels. When diabetic patients are prescribed Lantus, the doctor will instruct them on proper injection techniques. It is important to inject the insulin deep into the skin, not into a vein or muscle tissue. Users should also make sure they are using the correct amount of insulin, because injecting too much or too little or the hormone can have dangerous side effects.
Injection Site Side Effects
It is fairly common for diabetics using Lantus and other insulin products to experience some mild irritation at the injection sites, including redness, tenderness, swelling, itching and pain. None of these side effects is cause for concern. Many people will experience injection-site irritation when they first begin using Lantus, but it will resolve itself in a few weeks.
Low Potassium Levels
In rare cases, patients using Lantus may develop a low potassium level, a condition called hypokalemia. Signs of hypokalemia include an irregular heartbeat or muscle cramps and weakness. If you develop any of the signs of a low potassium level, contact your doctor immediately.
Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia, a condition in which the blood sugar level is too low, can occur in diabetics who inject too much insulin. Hypoglycemia can also result from not consuming enough calories. Signs of hypoglycemia include dizziness, drowsiness, chills, blurred vision, cold sweats, shaking, a fast heartbeat, tingling in the hands and feet, fainting, hunger and headaches. If you experience a hypoglycemic reaction, you will need to quickly consume sugar, either in the form of glucose tablets or foods and beverages like table sugar, honey, candy, non-diet soda and fruit juice. If you experience hypoglycemia, you need to inform your doctor immediately.
Hyperglycemia
Hyperglycemia, or a high blood sugar level, can occur in Lantus users who inject too little insulin. Symptoms of hyperglycemia include a fruity breath odor, increased thirst, rapid breathing, increased urination, a flushed feeling, drowsiness and confusion. If you experience any signs of hyperglycemia, inform your doctor immediately, because your treatment plan may need to be altered.
Drug Interactions
Lantus is known to interact with several other types of drugs, in some cases causing possibly dangerous reactions or increasing the chance of side effects. For example, Lantus users increase the risk of having high or low blood sugar levels while also taking reserpine, beta-blockers, clonidine, lithium or guanethidine. Taking these drugs in combination with Lantus may also mask the signs of a low blood sugar level. Also, several drugs, when taken with Lantus, can increase the risk of a low blood-sugar level; those drugs include sulfonamide antibiotics, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, fibrates, disopyramide, fenfluramine, somatostatin analogs, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, oral diabetes drugs, fluoxetine, salicylates (such as aspirin), propoxyphene and pentamidine. Lantus is also less effective and may result in high blood sugar levels when taken with corticosteroids, diuretics, estrogen, atypical antipsychotics, thyroid hormones, progesterone, protease inhibitors, birth-control pills, phenothiazines, epinephrine, isoniazid, sympathomimetrics and somatropin.
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