4 Common Side Effects of the Lantus Solostar Pen

The Lantus Solostar Pen is a type of insulin medication prescribed for Diabetes patients to help improve their blood sugar control. It is most commonly prescribed for adults with Type 1 or 2 Diabetes; it may also be prescribed to children ages six and older. In this article, we will learn about the most common side effects of Lantus Solostar.

A Lantus Solostar Pen contains approximately 3.64mg of insulin glargine, a long-acting insulin that is very similar to human insulin. It works long and steadily to lower blood sugar. One dose of the medicine can work well for up to 24 hours.

How to Properly Self-Administer A Lantus Solostar Pen

The Lantus Solostar Pen is an injectable type of insulin medication that can be self-administered. It is a more convenient alternative to a Lantus vial as it comes pre-filled in a cartridge with a disposable pen for personal use.

To self-administer a dose of Lantus Solostar, inject the Lantus Solostar pen subcutaneously (under the skin and not in a vein) into your upper arms, abdomen, or thighs. Make sure to avoid veins and muscles. And take the medicine at the same time every day and only as prescribed by your doctor.

Before each injection, make sure you check the cartridge before you inject the medicine. The solution should be clear, colorless, and water-like. If the solution looks cloudy, yellowish, or with particles, do not inject it and dispose of it properly. Lantus Solostar Pens are disposable. Don’t refill the pen or try to reuse any part of it in any way. Also, never share your Lantus Solostar Pen with anyone else to prevent transmission of disease.

4 Common Side Effects of the Lantus Solostar Pen

Like any medication, Lantus Solostar comes with side effects ranging from common to rare. To avoid any unwanted reaction—which can range from mild to severe and even life-threatening—only take Lantus Solostar with a prescription from your doctor and follow their instructions for self-administering the medicine. Only use the dosage prescribed to you and do not take other medicines or self-medicate without consulting your doctor.

You should also disclose all drugs, substances, or supplements you are taking as these may interact with Lantus, which may increase or decrease its effectiveness. If you’re pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or breastfeeding, you should also tell your doctor as the medicine may have an impact on your treatment and the health of your baby.

Because Lantus Solostar Pen is a medication, it may still have side effects even when taken exactly as prescribed. 

Most Common Side Effects when Taking Lantus

1. Low blood sugar

The most common side effect of Lantus Solostar injection is hypoglycemia, also known as low blood sugar. When one has low blood sugar, one may experience headaches, hunger, weakness, sweating, tremors or shakiness, irritability, trouble concentrating, rapid breathing, fast heartbeat, and in worst cases, fainting or even seizures.

Mild symptoms of hypoglycemia can happen. Be sure to watch out for them so you can address them immediately and prevent them from getting worse.

Please note that fainting and seizures are not safe and are indications of severe hypoglycemia, which can be fatal. If these are experienced, it is absolutely important to receive immediate medical attention from a certified healthcare professional.

2. Pain in the injection site

Another common side effect of any injectable type of medication is pain. Because of the way the medicine is administered, temporary pain may be experienced after injection. This shouldn’t last longer than a few days at most and should not be cause for concern.

To help with pain, don’t inject Lantus Solostar on the same site time and again. By varying the injection site, you avoid additional pain and lipodystrophy, wherein fat breakdown or buildup interferes with insulin absorption.

3. Redness, itching, or mild skin rash in the area of injection

When you inject yourself with Lantus Solostar Pen, you may experience some redness and itching, or you may develop a mild skin rash in the area of your skin where you injected the medicine. This is a temporary skin irritation that happens commonly and usually goes away after a few days or weeks so it should not be cause for alarm.

4. Thickening or hollowing of the skin in the area of injection

Another skin reaction that may happen when you inject yourself with Lantus Solostar Pen is the thickening or hollowing of the skin where you injected the medicine. Like any redness, itching, or mild rash, this is a normal side effect and should go away on its own in a few weeks and is not cause for alarm.

Uncommon Side Effects of Lantus Solostar Pen to Watch Out For

Lantus Solostar Pen is a type of insulin medication. People with insulin allergies should not take it and will experience negative reactions with Lantus Solostar Pens. If you experience any of the following: skin rash all over your body, difficulty breathing, fast heartbeats, feeling like you may pass out, swelling in your tongue or throat — you are likely experiencing insulin allergy. Seek immediate medical attention.

You also want to watch out for other adverse reactions from taking Lantus Solostar Pens. If you have rapid weight gain, your feet or ankles swell, or you have difficulty breathing, call your doctor immediately.

Also, if you experience leg cramping, constipation, irregular heartbeats or fluttering in your chest, increased thirst or urination, or you feel numb, tingly, weak, or even limp, you may have low potassium and should also call your doctor right away.

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