How many days will an insulin glargine (Solostar) pen injector 100 units/ml last if 44 units are administered daily at bedtime?

Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: December 23, 2025View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

Insulin Glargine SoloStar Pen Supply Duration

A single insulin glargine SoloStar pen injector (100 units/mL, 3 mL) will supply approximately 6-7 days when administering 44 units at bedtime daily.

Calculation Breakdown

  • Each SoloStar pen contains 300 total units of insulin glargine (100 units/mL × 3 mL = 300 units) 1
  • With a daily dose of 44 units at bedtime, the pen will provide: 300 units ÷ 44 units/day = 6.8 days (approximately 6-7 days) 1
  • The SoloStar pen allows dose selection from 1 to 80 units in steps of 1 unit, making the 44-unit dose easily deliverable 1

Practical Dosing Considerations

  • This 44-unit daily dose falls within typical maintenance ranges for patients with type 2 diabetes, who generally require approximately ≥1 unit/kg/day due to insulin resistance 2
  • For a patient weighing approximately 44-88 kg, this dose represents 0.5-1.0 units/kg/day, which is within standard dosing parameters 2, 3
  • When basal insulin exceeds 0.5 units/kg/day and approaches 1.0 units/kg/day, consider adding prandial insulin rather than continuing to escalate basal insulin alone to avoid "overbasalization" 2, 3

Administration Guidelines

  • Insulin glargine should be administered at a consistent time each day (in this case, bedtime) to maintain stable blood glucose levels 2
  • The SoloStar pen is a single-patient-use prefilled pen that should never be shared with other people, even if the needle has been changed 1
  • Always use a new sterile needle for each injection to prevent blocked needles, contamination, and infection 1

Storage and Handling

  • Store unopened pens in the refrigerator 1
  • Take the pen out of the refrigerator at least 1 hour before injection, as cold insulin is more painful to inject 1
  • Do not use the pen after the expiration date printed on the label 1

Common Pitfall to Avoid

  • Do not use a syringe to remove insulin glargine from the SoloStar pen, as this can result in incorrect dosing 1
  • The pen plunger moves with each dose and will only reach the end of the cartridge when all 300 units have been administered 1

References

Guideline

Insulin Glargine Dosing and Administration

Praxis Medical Insights: Practical Summaries of Clinical Guidelines, 2025

Guideline

Initial Dosing for Lantus (Insulin Glargine) in Patients Requiring Insulin Therapy

Praxis Medical Insights: Practical Summaries of Clinical Guidelines, 2025

Related Questions

What is the recommended dosage and administration of insulin glargine (insulin glargine) for patients with diabetes?
What is the recommended starting dose for insulin glargine (insulin glargine) in patients with type 2 diabetes?
What are the guidelines for using Basaglar (insulin glargine) and managing its potential side effects?
What is Insulin Glargine (Lantus, insulin glargine)?
What is a reasonable once daily insulin dosing regimen for a first-time user?
Is a crutch substitute/knee scooter approved for an elderly patient with a recent open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) surgery for a bimalleolar fracture, given the lack of documentation stating inability to use crutches or standard walkers?
What is the best course of management for an elderly patient with cognitive decline, visual hallucinations, and a Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score of 17/30, accompanied by long-standing sleep disturbances and vivid dreams?
What is the management for a pregnant patient presenting with lower abdominal pain, mild vaginal bleeding, and a palpable uterus at the umbilicus, with fetal heart tones present and no signs of severe complications?
What is the recommended dose of apixaban (direct oral anticoagulant) for a 74-year-old patient with atrial fibrillation?
What is the treatment for cavitary lesions of the lung?
Is a noninvasive fractional flow reserve calculation after coronary CT angiography (FFR-CT) approved for a patient with a history of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), hypertension (HTN), and breast cancer, when ordered by a provider who is not a board-certified/board-eligible cardiologist?

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.