How do I administer Lantus Solostar (insulin glargine)?

From the Guidelines

To administer Lantus Solostar (insulin glargine), inject it subcutaneously once daily at the same time each day, following proper injection technique to optimize glucose control and insulin use safety, as outlined in the standards of medical care in diabetes 1. When administering Lantus Solostar, it is essential to follow the recommended injection procedures to ensure effective and safe use.

Key Steps for Administration:

• Before the first use, remove the pen from the refrigerator and let it warm to room temperature for 1-2 hours.
• Check that the insulin appears clear and colorless; do not use if cloudy or contains particles.
• Attach a new needle, prime the pen by dialing 2 units and pressing the injection button while pointing upward until insulin appears at the needle tip.
• Then dial your prescribed dose, insert the needle into your skin at a 90-degree angle in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm, and press the injection button completely.
• Hold for 10 seconds before removing the needle to ensure you get the full dose.
• Rotate injection sites with each dose to prevent lipodystrophy, as recommended for insulin administration 1.

Storage and Handling:

• Store unused pens in the refrigerator (36-46°F), but your current pen can be kept at room temperature (below 86°F) for up to 28 days.
• Never freeze insulin or expose it to direct heat or sunlight. Lantus is a long-acting basal insulin that provides steady insulin levels over 24 hours to help control blood glucose between meals and overnight, with its use and administration guided by the principles outlined in the standards of medical care in diabetes 1.

From the FDA Drug Label

Administer Insulin Glargine subcutaneously into the abdominal area, thigh, or deltoid, and rotate injection sites within the same region from one injection to the next to reduce the risk of lipodystrophy and localized cutaneous amyloidosis. The Insulin Glargine SoloStar prefilled pen dials in 1-unit increments. Use Insulin Glargine SoloStar prefilled pen with caution in patients with visual impairment who may rely on audible clicks to dial their dose. Administer Insulin Glargine subcutaneously once daily at any time of day but at the same time every day.

To administer Lantus Solostar (insulin glargine), follow these steps:

• Choose an injection site: Select a site on the abdominal area, thigh, or deltoid.
• Rotate injection sites: Rotate sites within the same region from one injection to the next.
• Use the SoloStar prefilled pen: Dial the dose in 1-unit increments, and use with caution if you have visual impairment.
• Administer subcutaneously: Inject once daily at the same time every day. 2

From the Research

Administration of Lantus Solostar

To administer Lantus Solostar, follow these steps:

• Ensure you have the correct device and insulin, as the SoloStar pen is designed for use with insulin glargine (Lantus) or insulin glulisine (Apidra) 3.
• The SoloStar pen has been shown to be easy to use, with a low injection force and accurate dosing 4, 5.
• Patients have reported high satisfaction with the SoloStar device, citing its ease of use and preference over other pens 6.

Key Features of the SoloStar Pen

• The pen is designed for single-patient use and is disposable 3.
• It has a simple and intuitive design, making it easy for patients to learn and use 4, 5.
• The pen has a low injection force, making it more comfortable for patients to use 5.
• The device is accurate and precise, delivering the correct dose of insulin 4.

Patient Satisfaction and Ease of Use

• Studies have shown that patients find the SoloStar pen easy to use and prefer it over other devices 4, 6.
• The pen has been designed with patient needs in mind, including features such as easy dose selection and reading 5, 6.
• Patients have reported high satisfaction with the SoloStar device, with many planning to continue using it 6.