Insul Glargine

Insulin Glargine is indicated to improve glycemic control in adults and children with type 1 diabetes mellitus and in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Insulin Glargine is a sterile solution of insulin glargine for use as a subcutaneous injection. Insulin glargine is a recombinant human insulin analogue that is a long-acting (up to 24-hour duration of action), parenteral blood glucose lowering agent. Insulin Glargine is produced by recombinant DNA technology. Primary function of insulin glargine is regulation of glucose metabolism. Insulin and its analogues lower blood glucose by stimulation peripheral glucose uptake, primarily by skeletal muscle and fat, and by inhibiting hepatic glucose production. Insulin inhibits lipolysis and proteolysis and enhances protein synthesis.

A number of drugs affect glucose metabolism and may require dose adjustment.

The following substances may reduce the Insulin as well as Insulin glargine requirements: Oral anti-diabetic products, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, disopyramide, fibrates, fluoxetine, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, propoxyphene, pentoxifylline, salicylates and sulfonamide antibiotics.

The following substances may increase the Insulin as well as Insulin glargine requirements: Thiazides, glucocorticoids, thyroid hormones, beta-sympathomimetics, growth hormone and danazol. Beta-blockers, clonidine, lithium salts, and alcohol may either potentiate or weaken the blood-glucose-lowering effect of insulin.

Side effects of Insulin glargine are hypoglycemia, allergic reactions, injection site reaction, lipodystrophy, pruritus, and rash.

Pregnancy category C. Insulin glargine should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Lactation: It is unknown whether insulin glargine is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs, including human insulin, are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when Insulin glargine is administered to a nursing woman. Lactating women may require adjustments in insulin dose & diet.

Dose adjustment and monitoring: Blood glucose should be monitored in all patients treated with insulin. Insulin regimens should be modified cautiously and only under medical supervision.

Administration: Insulin glargine must not be diluted or mixed with any other insulin or solution. It should not be administered subcutaneously via an insulin pump or intravenously because severe hypoglycemia can occur.

Renal or hepatic impairment: Reduction in the Insulin glarginedose may require in these cases.

Use in Renal/ Hepatic impairment: Reduction in the insulin glargine doses may be required in these cases.

Long Acting Insulin

Insulin glargine overdose may result in hypoglycemia. Mild episodes of hypoglycemia can usually be treated with oral carbohydrates. Severe hypoglycemia may be treated with parenteral glucose or injections of glucagon. Adjustments in drug dosage, meal patterns, or exercise may be needed.

Store at 2° C to 8° C in a refrigerator. Do not freeze. In case of insulin for recent use need not to be refrigerated, try to keep it in a cool place and keep away from heat and light. The insulin in use can be kept under the room temperature for a month.