From the Guidelines
When switching from Basaglar to Lantus, a unit-for-unit switch without dose adjustment is typically recommended, as both are insulin glargine products with similar pharmacokinetic profiles. This approach is supported by the fact that both medications are designed to provide steady insulin coverage over approximately 24 hours [ 1 ]. Start the first Lantus dose at the same time you would have administered your next scheduled Basaglar dose. For example, if you take 20 units of Basaglar daily in the evening, you would begin with 20 units of Lantus at your usual evening injection time.
Key Considerations
- Monitor your blood glucose more frequently during the first few days after switching to ensure your levels remain stable.
- If you notice any consistent patterns of high or low blood glucose, contact your healthcare provider for possible dose adjustments.
- Although both medications contain insulin glargine, there may be subtle differences in how your body responds to each formulation.
- Lantus and Basaglar are both long-acting basal insulins, but individual responses can vary [ 1 ].
Additional Guidance
Always consult with your healthcare provider before making this switch to ensure it's appropriate for your specific situation and to receive personalized guidance. They can help you determine the best course of action and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.
From the FDA Drug Label
- 4 Switching to Insulin Glargine from Other Insulin Therapies Dosage adjustments are recommended to lower the risk of hypoglycemia when switching patients to Insulin Glargine from other insulin therapies [see Warnings and Precautions (5. 3)]. When switching from: Once-daily TOUJEO (insulin glargine 300 units/mL) to once-daily Insulin Glargine (100 units/mL), the recommended starting Insulin Glargine dosage is 80% of the TOUJEO dosage that is being discontinued. Once-daily NPH insulin to once-daily Insulin Glargine, the recommended starting Insulin Glargine dosage is the same as the dosage of NPH that is being discontinued Twice-daily NPH insulin to once-daily Insulin Glargine, the recommended starting Insulin Glargine dosage is 80% of the total NPH dosage that is being discontinued
The information provided does not directly address switching from BASAGLAR to LANTUS. BASAGLAR and LANTUS are both insulin glargine products, but the label only provides guidance on switching from other insulin therapies, such as TOUJEO or NPH insulin, to Insulin Glargine. Since BASAGLAR is not mentioned, no conclusion can be drawn from the provided information 2 2.
From the Research
Switching from BASAGLAR to LANTUS
- The study 3 compared the glycemic control of BASAGLAR and LANTUS in adults with controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus using continuous glucose monitoring.
- The results showed that LANTUS had lower 24h mean blood glucose, 24h mean amplitude of glycemic excursion, and 24h standard deviation of blood glucose compared to BASAGLAR.
- The study 4 provided practical recommendations for healthcare providers on switching basal insulins in type 2 diabetes, including closely monitoring glycemic control and risk of hypoglycemia during the switching process.
- A unit-to-unit switching approach is usually recommended, but this conversion strategy may not be appropriate for all patients and types of insulin 4.
- The study 5 discussed the initiation, titration, and switching of basal insulins, highlighting the importance of individualized treatment and careful monitoring of patients' self-measured fasting plasma glucose.
Key Considerations
- When switching from BASAGLAR to LANTUS, healthcare providers should closely monitor patients' glycemic control and adjust the dose as needed 3, 4.
- The study 6 demonstrated that patient-managed insulin intensification strategies can be effective in achieving glycemic control, but this may not be directly applicable to switching from BASAGLAR to LANTUS.
- The study 7 showed that switching to basal-bolus insulin therapy can be effective and safe in long-term type 2 diabetes patients, but this study did not specifically compare BASAGLAR and LANTUS.