Side Effects of Basaglar (Insulin Glargine)
The most common side effects of Basaglar (insulin glargine) include hypoglycemia, weight gain, injection site reactions, allergic reactions, and lipodystrophy at the injection site. 1
Common Side Effects
Hypoglycemia
- Most serious and common side effect
- Signs and symptoms include:
- Dizziness or light-headedness
- Sweating
- Confusion
- Headache
- Blurred vision
- Slurred speech
- Shakiness
- Fast heartbeat
- Anxiety, irritability, mood changes
- Hunger
Weight Gain
- Common side effect of insulin therapy
- May be managed through diet and exercise
Injection Site Reactions
- Local reactions at the site of injection:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Itching
- Pain
Skin Changes
- Lipodystrophy (pits in skin or thickened skin)
- Localized cutaneous amyloidosis (skin with lumps)
- Can be minimized by rotating injection sites
Serious Side Effects
Severe Allergic Reactions
- Whole body reactions requiring immediate medical attention:
- Rash over the whole body
- Trouble breathing
- Fast heartbeat
- Sweating
Hypokalemia
- Low potassium levels in the blood
- Can lead to cardiac arrhythmias
Heart Failure
- Risk increases when taking thiazolidinediones (TZDs) with insulin glargine
- Symptoms include:
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling of ankles or feet
- Sudden weight gain
Special Considerations
Nocturnal Hypoglycemia
- Insulin glargine has a lower risk of nocturnal hypoglycemia compared to NPH insulin due to its more stable 24-hour glucose-lowering profile 2
- This is one of the principal advantages of insulin glargine over NPH insulin 3
Overdose Risk
- Overdose can cause prolonged hypoglycemia (48-96 hours)
- May require continuous intravenous glucose infusion
- Can affect electrolytes and potentially cause acute hepatic injury 4
Administration Precautions
- Do not mix Basaglar with any other insulin or liquid medicine 1
- Only use insulin that is clear and colorless
- Do not use in insulin pumps or inject intravenously
- Rotate injection sites to reduce risk of lipodystrophy
- Store according to manufacturer recommendations
Drug Interactions
- Taking TZDs with insulin glargine may increase risk of heart failure 1
- Alcohol consumption may increase hypoglycemia risk
- Monitor closely when using with other medications that can affect blood glucose levels
Monitoring Recommendations
- Regular blood glucose monitoring is essential to detect and prevent hypoglycemia
- Be especially vigilant during the first four weeks after switching to insulin glargine, as this is when hypoglycemia risk is highest 5
- Patients should be educated on recognizing and managing hypoglycemic episodes
Understanding these side effects and taking appropriate precautions can help patients safely use Basaglar while minimizing adverse events and optimizing glycemic control.