Like most drugs, Lantus may cause mild or serious side effects. The lists below describe some of the more common side effects that Lantus may cause. These lists don’t include all possible side effects.
Keep in mind that side effects of a drug can depend on:
- your age
- other health conditions you have
- other medications you take
Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you more about potential side effects of Lantus. They can also suggest ways to help reduce side effects.
Mild side effects
Here’s a short list of some of the mild side effects that Lantus can cause. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Or, you can read the patient information section in Lantus’ prescribing information.
Mild side effects of Lantus that have been reported include:
Mild side effects of many drugs may go away within a few days to a couple of weeks. But if they become bothersome, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
* For more information about this side effect, see the “Side effect focus” section below.
Serious side effects
Serious side effects from Lantus can occur, but they aren’t common. If you have serious side effects from Lantus, call your doctor right away. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number.
Serious side effects of Lantus that have been reported include:
* For more information about this side effect, see the “Side effect focus” section below.
Side effect focus
Learn more about some of the side effects Lantus may cause.
Weight gain
You may have weight gain while using Lantus. This was one of the most common side effects in studies of the drug.
Keep in mind that weight gain can also be caused by edema (fluid buildup), which is another common side effect of Lantus. Fluid buildup from Lantus usually happens in your ankles, feet, or legs.
What might help
Be sure to tell your doctor if you have weight gain while using Lantus. If your weight changes while using this medication, they may adjust your Lantus dosage.
Your doctor can also suggest ways to maintain a healthy weight with diet and exercise while using Lantus.
Hypoglycemia
You may have hypoglycemia (low blood sugar level) while using Lantus. This is the most common side effect of all insulins, including Lantus.
Hypoglycemia occurs when your blood sugar falls below a certain healthy level. For most people with diabetes, blood sugar level is considered low when it falls below 70 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL).
Hypoglycemia can lead to the following symptoms:
Severely low blood sugar can also cause seizures and loss of consciousness. If you have these conditions, you may not be able to respond to sound or touch.
What might help
To help prevent hypoglycemia with Lantus, your doctor will tell you how often to check your blood sugar level.
If you have symptoms of hypoglycemia, check your blood sugar level right away. If it’s below 70 mg/dL, the American Diabetes Association recommends that you follow the “15–15 rule.” To do this, you should eat at least 15 grams (g) of fast-acting carbohydrates. Wait 15 minutes, then check your blood sugar level again.
If your blood sugar level is still less than 70 mg/dL, eat another 15 g of fast-acting carbohydrates. Then, wait another 15 minutes to check your blood sugar. Repeat this cycle until your blood sugar level is at least 70 mg/dL.
Below are a few examples of sources that contain 15 g of fast-acting carbohydrates:
- 4 ounces (oz) of fruit juice
- 4 oz of regular (non-diet) soda
- glucose gel, powder, tablets, or liquid; check the product’s label for how much equals 15 g
- hard candy; read the candy’s label for how many pieces are equal to 15 g
In some cases, your blood sugar may be so low that someone else needs to help you treat it. Make sure a family member, friend, co-worker, or caregiver knows how to recognize and treat hypoglycemia.
Severe hypoglycemia is a medical emergency and should be treated right away. You or someone else should call 911 or your local emergency number if you have symptoms of this condition.
In case of emergency, your doctor may also prescribe glucagon along with your Lantus. (Glucagon helps prevent the effects of insulin during an episode of severe hypoglycemia.) Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you how to use glucagon for severe hypoglycemia.
Tell your doctor if you have hypoglycemia symptoms while using Lantus. They can help you understand what caused it. They can also suggest ways to help you avoid another hypoglycemia episode.
Reactions at your injection sites
You may have reactions at your Lantus injection sites. These side effects were common in studies of the drug.
Below are a few reactions that can happen around the area where Lantus is injected:
What might help
To lower your risk of reactions at your injection sites, it’s important to inject each dose of Lantus into a different area of your body. You can inject Lantus into your upper arms, upper thighs, or belly.
If you have any of the reactions listed above while using Lantus, avoid injecting the drug into that area until after the area has healed. And if you have persistent or bothersome injection site reactions while using Lantus, talk with your doctor.
Allergic reaction
Some people may have an allergic reaction to Lantus.
Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction can include:
- skin rash
- itchiness
- flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)
A more severe allergic reaction is rare but possible. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet. They can also include swelling of your tongue, mouth, or throat, which can cause trouble breathing.
Call your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to Lantus. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number.
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