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Lantus vs. Basaglar: A Comprehensive Comparison of Two Long-Acting Insulins

by Lily Fortin 14 Aug 2023

Diabetes management is sometimes a challenging task that requires a perfect knowledge of the condition, discipline, and constant education on this topic to find the most beneficial solutions for blood sugar control. Picking the correct insulin type to manage blood glucose is one of the essential steps to preserve one’s well-being and ensure no harm is caused to their general health statement once this process is ongoing. That’s one of the main reasons our readers find comparative articles like this helpful and gladly read them and share thoughts and experiences once we publish them.

So, here we are today with yet another comprehensive comparison of two popular insulin brands on the Insulin.Store website – Lantus and Basaglar. Find out everything you need to know before using these solutions, and join our supportive diabetes community. Support is vital when you deal with such health conditions, so let’s be together on this journey!

Please remember that all this blog’s details are presented for informational purposes only. Talking to a healthcare provider is vital during each stage of the treatment, so contact them and ask all the questions if any of them occur after reading this article.

The First Step – Definition

Insulin is a crucial hormone each person needs to live and manage blood sugar naturally; normally, it’s produced by the pancreas and does all the processes without us even knowing about such hustle inside the body. However, some individuals cannot produce enough insulin to manage blood glucose levels, or the organism doesn’t react correctly to the hormone and fails to break down glucose cells that must later be stored in the body cells and converted into energy when needed. Of course, we are talking about those living with diabetes mellitus.

Unveiling Basaglar’s Side Effects: Insights from Insulin.store Blog. Delve into a detailed exploration of the potential side effects associated with Basaglar insulin. Our blog provides a comprehensive overview of common and rare reactions, empowering individuals with essential information for their healthcare choices.

Thankfully, there is a solution you surely know about – insulin injection therapy (either daily or weekly). Such brands as Basaglar and Lantus belong to a basal insulin type meant to maintain blood sugar within normal range when a person doesn’t eat and when they sleep at night. As the tasks for these products are relatively similar, and their working principles may seem the same, we explained all the fundamental differences everyone should know before using them. But first, let’s look closely at the definitions.

What Is Basaglar?

Basaglear – insulin brand developed by Eli Lilly & Company and introduced to the world in 2015; it’s well-known as the first “biosimilar” insulin type approved by the Food and Drug Administration. It’s a long-lasting insulin, meaning it works slowly for 24 hours and has no peak. As with most long-acting medications, this one is typically prescribed with short-acting ones; the right formula must be created with a doctor after going through all required medical examinations.

Basaglar is only available in pen form, which is a preferable type for many individuals who don’t like carrying vials and syringes around in their bags. Using it is simple; the right way should be explained and demonstrated in the doctor’s office (at least the first time).

What Is Lantus?

Lantus is a long-acting insulin developed by the Sanofi manufacturer in 2000, making it one of the first long-lasting injectables for diabetes on the market. It’s an excellent replacement for multiple daily administrations, as basal insulins like that can work the whole day, making it easier to keep up with one’s daily routine. Just like with Basaglar, Lantus can be prescribed with rapid-acting insulins to provide a better effect throughout 24 hours.

This medication is available in the form of a vial and pen, so an individual can select the most comfortable option for them or switch from one to another (sometimes, it’s easier to keep vials at home and carry pens around when you travel).

How Effective Are Basaglar and Lantus?

When it comes to diabetes treatment, Lantus and Basaglar provide similarly positive results when used regularly. They both can be prescribed to people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes and should be used daily in the form of a single injection. Over time, these medications should help reduce one’s A1C to safer levels – the average blood glucose measurement performed every three months.

Independent research shows these brands are equally effective if used regularly according to all administration rules. Still, each body is unique, so some individuals benefit from these injectables more than others. Finding the right product and insulin dose is a journey, so don’t get too upset if Lantus or Basaglar don’t work for your needs.

Basaglar vs. Lantus – Key Differences

Lantus and Basaglar (also referred to as insulin glargine) are prescription medicines meant to prevent high blood sugar. They are safe, effective, and approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Still, knowing their main differences is essential, as many people confuse these products due to their similarities in certain aspects. So, what are the main differences you should remember:

  • Type 2 diabetes control. While Lantus is approved for the second diabetes type for adults and certain children, Basaglar is used for adult patients only. A medical specialist must calculate the dose according to one’s needs;
  • Drug forms. Lantus and Basaglar are available in the form of pre-filled pens, that’s true. However, Lantus also comes in vials; a syringe is needed for this formula to perform the administration session. This factor doesn’t affect the results of the treatment; the only thing it influences is the comfort of the insulin injection, as well as its transportation.

Basaglar vs Lantus Injections

Comparing Essential Details About the Injectables

Now that we know all the essentials about these insulins’ dissimilarities, let’s look closely at their basic features, as it’s also important for a better understanding of the products. Below, we’ll mention all the basics.

Treated Conditions

There are two types of diabetes – type 1 (chronic condition when the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin for blood sugar control) and type 2 (disease that occurs when the body can’t break down glucose in the blood properly). Thus, the right medication must be picked according to one’s needs:

  • Lantus can lower blood sugar in adults with type 1 and 2 diabetes, as well as in some children with the same condition;
  • Basaglar is prescribed to grownups only; the dose is calculated based on patients’ needs.

Administration Rules and Frequency

For better glycemic control, it’s essential to administer insulin correctly and timely. First of all, regarding the injection technique, there are a few things to remember. Always use sterile needles for the process (and new syringes if you prefer vials), clean the target area before administering the solution, and switch the spot regularly to prevent injection site reactions. As for the medications’ frequency, Basaglar and Lantus are long-lasting daily insulin types, meaning they must be used every day to treat diabetes properly.

Warning to Consider Before the Injection

Discussing all the warnings and limitations before using any injectables for glucose level control is important for people’s safety. It should be done in a doctor’s office after going through all required medical examinations that can tell more about a patient’s current conditions. It’s better to consider other insulins if a person lives with any of these issues:

  • Known allergies to insulin glargine or any other ingredients of the solution;
  • Diabetic ketoacidosis (a disease where high levels of ketones cause blood sugar control problems);
  • Age restrictions.

On top of that, a separate discussion should be conducted with a medical professional in regard to any of these aspects:

  • Current intake of medications that can’t work well with Basaglar or Lantus;
  • Kidney or liver problems;
  • Heart conditions;
  • Low potassium levels in the blood;
  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding (current or planned).

Side Effects and Negative Reactions

Sometimes, people have adverse reactions when they first start taking new medications for diabetes management. That’s why it’s essential to know all the risks and possible adverse reactions to bring them under control in time if any problems occur suddenly. Typically, these symptoms can be expected:

  • Sloght allergic reaction;
  • Local irritations in the administration spot;
  • Low blood sugar episodes (hypoglycemia);
  • Weight gain.

Of course, don’t exclude the chance of severe adverse effect development. If any both these are noticed, contacting a specialist is the first thing you must do to prevent conditions from worsening:

  • Blood sugar lowering to dangerous levels;
  • Severe allergies that cause trouble breathing, swollen throat or tongue, irregular heartbeat, etc.;
  • Heart failure;
  • Low potassium levels in the blood.

More About the Cost

Average Basaglar prices are typically cheaper than Lantus ones. It’s normally 25% more affordable than Lantus, but it’s better to check out the latest prices on Insulin.Store website to be sure the cost hasn’t changed. Sometimes, insurance may entirely or partially cover insulin expenses for an individual. Still, it’s better to cover this topic with your insurance provider to know all the nuances of your agreement.

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To buy insulin on Insulin.Store, you must create a personal account and fill in all the required information to be able to complete the order. A valid medical prescription is required to fulfill the purchase, so mind that when adding Basalar or Lantus to your cart.

The Summary: Basaglar vs. Lantus Insulin

Lantus and Basaglar are two long-lasting insulin brands known for their excellent work on diabetes management. They can be prescribed for people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus, and the dose is calculated based on one’s health peculiarities. As these are prescription medications, buying them over the counter is impossible, so make sure you have a valid prescription from your healthcare provider before trying to buy Basaglar or you want to order Lantus online. Once again, we would like to remind you that all details here are provided for information purposes only, so talking to a doctor about your condition is vital to create the best-performing treatment plan. Thank you for visiting the blog and reading this article; stay tuned for more exciting information here!

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