This article describes Lantus’s dosages and strengths and gives details on how to take it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for Lantus. If you want to know more about Lantus, see this overview article. It covers details about the drug’s uses and side effects, ways to save on cost, and more.
Lantus is a brand-name medication that comes as a solution for injection. Lantus is a biologic drug. (A biologic drug is sourced from living organisms.) It’s available in a biosimilar version called insulin glargine. A biosimilar is the generic version of a biologic drug. This article describes dosages of Lantus.
Need a diagnosis or prescription quickly? For certain health conditions, Optum Perks offers personalized on-demand care with no appointment required. For $25, answer a few questions online and receive a diagnosis and treatment plan from a board certified healthcare professional in 15 minutes or less. Get started here.
Form and strength of Lantus
Lantus comes as a solution that you inject under the skin:
| Form | Strength |
|---|---|
| vial for use with insulin syringe | 100 units/ milliliter (mL) |
| single-use, prefilled injection pen | 100 units/mL |
Dosage of Lantus
Doctors prescribe Lantus to manage blood sugar levels in adults and some children with diabetes.
This article describes the recommended dosages for Lantus. The drugmaker provides these dosages. In some cases, doctors may adjust your dosage from those shown below.
If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of Lantus without your doctor’s recommendation.
Usual recommended dosages of Lantus in adults
Doctors prescribe the Lantus dose individually and adjust it according to your personal needs, blood glucose results, and blood glucose goals. Lantus is often prescribed once daily, but you can administer it any time of day. It’s recommended that you inject the dose at the same time each day to keep levels of the drug consistent in your body.
In adults with type 1 diabetes, the recommended starting dose of Lantus is about one-third of your total daily insulin requirement. Your doctor will calculate your total daily insulin requirement based on your individual needs.
In adults with type 2 diabetes, the recommended starting dose of Lantus is 0.2 units per kilogram (kg), or up to 10 units once per day. One kg is approximately 2.2 pounds (lb).
Usually, doctors start by prescribing a low dosage of Lantus. Then, they’ll adjust it over time until the right dosage is reached. Ultimately, your doctor will prescribe the smallest dosage of Lantus that gives the desired outcome.
You should inject Lantus under the skin in the abdominal area, thigh, or muscle of the upper arm. Each time you administer Lantus, you should inject it in a different area. Do not inject Lantus in an area where the skin is broken, bruised, red, or hard. If you have questions about injecting Lantus, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Dosages of Lantus in children
Lantus dosing in children is the same as for adults. See “Usual recommended dosages of Lantus in adults” for dosage information.
Frequently asked questions
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Lantus and its dosage.
Can Lantus be taken twice a day?
It depends. It’s usually recommended that you inject Lantus once a day. However, studies have shown that twice per day dosing of Lantus is safe and beneficial in certain patients with diabetes. Based on your individual needs, your doctor may prescribe Lantus to be administered off-label twice per day.
With off-label use, doctors prescribe a drug for a purpose other than what it’s approved for. If you have questions about taking Lantus twice per day, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Is Lantus taken long term?
Yes, doctors typically prescribe Lantus as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely use it long term.
If you have questions about how long you should use Lantus, talk with your doctor.
Lantus coupon
Visit this page to access Optum Perks coupons and get price estimates for Lantus when you use the coupons. These coupons can provide significant savings on your prescription costs.
Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.
Download the free Optum Perks Discount Card to save up to 80% on some prescription medications.
Free prescription coupons
Seriously … free. Explore prices that beat the competition 70% of the time.
Get free cardOverdose of Lantus
It’s important that you do not use more Lantus than your doctor prescribes. Doing so can lead to harmful effects.
Symptoms of Lantus overdose
Symptoms of an overdose can include:
- low blood sugar levels, which can lead to seizure, coma, or loss of consciousness
- low potassium levels
What to do if you use too much Lantus
If you think you’ve used too much Lantus, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.