From the Guidelines
Yes, Insulin Lantus (insulin glargine) pens are available in Canada, as evidenced by their approval and marketing throughout the country 1.
Key Points
- Lantus SoloSTAR pre-filled pens containing insulin glargine 100 units/mL are designed for ease of use with dial-up dosing in 1-unit increments.
- These disposable pens contain 3 mL of insulin solution (300 units total) and provide steady insulin coverage for approximately 24 hours.
- Lantus is a long-acting basal insulin analog typically administered once daily at the same time each day.
- The medication is available by prescription and is covered by many provincial drug plans and private insurance programs in Canada.
Storage and Administration
- Patients should store unopened Lantus pens in the refrigerator (2-8°C), while pens in use can be kept at room temperature (below 30°C) for up to 28 days.
- Lantus should not be mixed with other insulins and is administered subcutaneously, not intravenously.
Transitioning to Lantus
- For patients transitioning to Lantus from other insulin regimens, dosage adjustments and close monitoring by healthcare providers are typically necessary, as supported by the most recent guidelines 1.
Concentrated Insulin Preparations
- Concentrated insulin preparations, such as U-300 glargine, are available in prefilled pens to minimize the risk of dosing errors, and may be more convenient and comfortable for individuals with insulin resistance who require large doses of insulin 1.
From the Research
Availability of Insulin Lantus Pens in Canada
- Insulin Lantus (insulin glargine) is a long-acting, human insulin analogue used for basal insulin supplementation 2.
- While the provided studies do not directly address the availability of Insulin Lantus pens in Canada, they do discuss the use of insulin pen devices in general.
- A study from 2009 found that 72% of patients in Ontario, Canada, began insulin therapy using pen devices, increasing from 46% in 1998 to 86% in 2006 3.
- This suggests that insulin pen devices, including potentially Insulin Lantus pens, are available and commonly used in Canada.
- However, the specific availability of Insulin Lantus pens in Canada is not explicitly stated in the provided studies.
Insulin Pen Devices in Canada
- Insulin pen devices are designed to provide a convenient and easy means of insulin administration for patients 4.
- They offer many advantages over traditional insulin vial-and-syringe methods, including being less painful and often associated with greater patient preference and social acceptability 4.
- A study from 2009 found that insulin initiation by a specialist was positively associated with the use of pen devices in Ontario, Canada 3.
- This suggests that healthcare professionals in Canada may prefer and recommend insulin pen devices, including Insulin Lantus pens, for their patients.
Limitations and Considerations
- While the provided studies discuss the use and benefits of insulin pen devices, they do not provide direct evidence on the availability of Insulin Lantus pens in Canada 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Further research or information from healthcare professionals or pharmaceutical companies may be necessary to confirm the availability of Insulin Lantus pens in Canada.