From the Guidelines
Basaglar and Lantus can be switched at the same dose, but with caution and close monitoring of blood glucose levels, as subtle differences in absorption, distribution, and clinical effect may exist between these biosimilar insulins. While they are both insulin glargine products, considered therapeutically similar, minor manufacturing differences can affect their pharmacokinetics 1. When switching between these products, it's essential to monitor blood glucose levels more frequently for the first few days to weeks after the change and adjust the dose if needed. Some patients may require slight dose adjustments to maintain optimal glycemic control. Key considerations when switching between Basaglar and Lantus include:
- Monitoring blood glucose levels closely after the switch
- Adjusting the dose as needed to maintain optimal glycemic control
- Being aware of the potential for overbasalization, which can lead to hypoglycemia and mask insufficient mealtime insulin 1
- Evaluating the glucose-lowering treatment plan to better address postprandial hyperglycemia if signs of overbasalization are present 1 Healthcare providers should be involved in any insulin product switch to ensure proper monitoring and dose adjustment if necessary, and patients should not make this switch independently without medical supervision.
From the Research
Switching Between Basaglar and Lantus
- The provided studies do not directly compare Basaglar (Insulin glargine) and Lantus (Insulin glargine) in terms of switching at the same dose 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- However, studies have compared the efficacy and safety of different insulin glargine formulations, such as insulin glargine 300 U/mL (Gla-300) and insulin glargine 100 U/mL (Gla-100) 2.
- One study found that Gla-300 provided similar glycaemic control with less hypoglycaemia compared with Gla-100 in people with type 2 diabetes switching from twice-daily to once-daily basal insulin 2.
- Another study compared insulin degludec with insulin glargine U100 and found that insulin degludec resulted in a reduced rate of overall symptomatic hypoglycemic episodes in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes 5, 6.
- However, these studies do not provide direct evidence on switching between Basaglar and Lantus at the same dose.
Considerations for Switching
- When switching between different insulin formulations, it is essential to consider the individual patient's needs and response to the new insulin 3, 4.
- Factors such as dosage, administration time, and patient monitoring should be taken into account to ensure a safe and effective transition 5, 6.
- Healthcare professionals should consult the relevant clinical guidelines and product information when making decisions about switching insulin formulations 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.