Basaglar is a medication and long-acting insulin that can be used for either Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes treatment and specifically with regulating blood sugar levels. With Type 2 diabetes treatment this insulin injection works to promote more sugar moving into cells and not remaining in the blood, while with Type 1 diabetes treatment it makes up for the body’s natural lack of insulin. It is typically used in combination with a mealtime insulin medication to get A1C hemoglobin test scores down to 7% of lower as a measure of effective blood sugar control. Basaglar insulin may also be prescribed for children ages 6 and up with Type 1 diabetes.
| Fact Table | |
|---|---|
| Formula | C267H404N72O78S6 |
| License | FDA approved |
| Bioavailability | low bioavailability |
| Legal status | Rx-Only |
| Chemical Name | Insulin glargine |
| Elimination half-life | 13 hours |
| Dosage (Strength) | 100 units/ml (pre-filled 3ml KwikPens), 100 units/ml (3ml cartridges) |
| Pregnancy | Consult your Healthcare Provider |
| Brands | Basaglar |
| Protein binding | Unknown |
| PubChem CID | Not Assigned |
| MedlinePlus | a600027 |
| ChEBI | Unknown |
| ATC code | A10AE04 |
| DrugBank | DB00047 |
| KEGG | D03250 |
| Routes of administration | Subcutaneous |
Standard dosage for Basaglar insulin is to take 1 injection per day.
Injection may be made into one of 3 acceptable injection sites: back of upper arms / abdomen (excluding a 2” radius around navel) / thighs.
Switch to a different injection site for each day’s injection, and most users alternate between them for each one. Repeated injections at the same site will increase the chance of lipodystrophy.
Take new pen out of fridge approximately 1 hour before planned injection.
Wash your hands.
Remove the pen cap and make sure the medication is clear and has no color.
Clean the rubber seal with an alcohol swab / attach a new pen needle for each injection.
Remove the paper tab and push the needle straight onto the pen.
Remove the outer pen needle cap and keep it for removing needle following injection.
Remove the inner needle cap and discard.
Turn the dose counter to 2 units and press the green injection button in fully until reading ‘0’ (zero) and check for a small amount of solution to come from the needle tip. Seeing this is required before you move to start the injection.
Turn dose counter until correct prescribed dose is loaded / inject the dose.
At the injection site, insert the needle into your skin at a 90-degree angle / press the green injection button down completely and hold it until ‘0’ shows in dose window / count to 5 before releasing the injection button and removing the needle / release the injection button and remove the needle from your skin.
Remove and discard needle only as shown in your medication.
Store your pen at room temperature following administering the first dose with it.
The active ingredient in Basaglar is Insulin Glargine.
Tell your doctor if you have any history of hypoglycemia, hypokalemia, heart failure, peripheral edema, or fluid retention before starting on Basaglar insulin.
Medication is not recommended for the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis.
Keep your Basaglar flexpen stored at the proper temperature as indicated in your medication.
Be sure to change needles as indicated and do not remove outer cap on pen until you are ready to give yourself an injection right away.
There is the possibility of negative drug interactions between Basaglar and other Rx medications, including:
Tell your doctor of all medications you are taking before receiving a medication and proceeding to buy Basaglar insulin from Canada.
Side effects from using Basaglar insulin are possible, and some users may experience low blood sugar levels, lightheadedness or dizziness, fatigue, sweating, headache, confusion, speech difficulties, or anxiety or irritability. If Basaglar side effects are experienced you may want to discontinue use and speak to your doctor again for insulin pen alternatives as part of Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes treatment.
What is Basaglar used for?
Basaglar is a long-acting insulin prescribed to control high blood sugar in adults and children with type 1 diabetes and in adults with type 2 diabetes.
Who should not take Basaglar?
Do not take Basaglar if you have symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) or an allergy to Basaglar or any of its ingredients.
What are the serious side effects of Basaglar?
Serious side effects can include low blood sugar, severe allergic reactions, and low potassium in the blood, which can lead to severe breathing problems, irregular heartbeat, and even death.
What are common side effects of Basaglar?
The most common side effects include low blood sugar, reactions at the injection site, itching, swelling, allergic reactions, changes in fat tissue at the injection site, rash, and weight gain.
How should Basaglar be administered?
Basaglar should be injected once a day at the same time each day. The dosage and timing may need to be adjusted based on factors like illness, stress, changes in weight, diet, or physical activity.
What is the recommended dosage for Basaglar?
For type 2 diabetes, the starting dose is 0.2 units/kg once daily or up to 10 units once daily. For type 1 diabetes, about 1/3 of the total daily insulin requirements, with the remainder satisfied by short- or rapid-acting insulin.
How should Basaglar dosage be titrated?
Increase the dose by 1 unit daily until the target fasting plasma glucose level is achieved. Dosage adjustments should be individualized and performed under medical supervision.
How do you transition to Basaglar from other insulins?
The dose of Basaglar should match the dose of Lantus. If transitioning from Toujeo or NPH insulin, start with 80% of the previous dose to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia. Adjustments may be required when switching from other intermediate- or long-acting insulins.
What are the storage guidelines for Basaglar?
Unopened Basaglar KwikPens should be stored in the refrigerator. Opened KwikPens can be stored at room temperature for up to 28 days. Do not freeze Basaglar, and protect it from direct heat and light.
Are there any special instructions for Basaglar’s administration device?
The Basaglar prefilled pen delivers between 1 and 80 units in a single injection. Use a new needle for each injection and avoid mixing Basaglar with any other type of insulin or solution. Do not refrigerate after the first injection, and dispose of the pen after 28 days.
