Patients can use an insulin glargine injection for better blood sugar control. These diabetes drugs can enhance glycemic control in pediatric and adult patients with type 1 diabetes. Insulin glargine decreases high blood sugar by inhibiting hepatic glucose production and stimulating peripheral glucose uptake. It can’t treat diabetic ketoacidosis. It is also not recommended for people with hypersensitivity to Basaglar or its ingredients.
Basaglar (insulin glargine) prescription available online
If you are suffering from type 2 or type 1 diabetes and have high blood sugar levels, Basaglar can help. Get a new prescription or refill of Basaglar from a board-certified doctor online.*
About Basaglar
Some conditions that Basaglar is known to treat include diabetes mellitus in children and adults. For adults, insulin glargine can treat type 1 or 2 diabetes. For children over 6 years old, insulin glargine can treat type 1 diabetes but not type 2. Basaglar is available only by prescription. These prescription drugs can only be purchased as brand-name meds. There is no generic version available.
Basaglar may be prescribed as a solution that comes in prefilled pens. These pens are used as a subcutaneous injection. Patients inject Basaglar into the fatty tissue, just above the muscle tissue and under the skin. It’s always important to follow the specific instructions on your prescription, as they can vary based on the formulation and dosage that you are prescribed.
If you are prescribed Basaglar, complete the entire course of the long-acting insulin unless your doctor specifically tells you to stop.
If you don’t complete your prescription, the long-acting insulin may not fully treat your diabetes mellitus.
Basaglar uses
There are two FDA-approved uses for Basaglar: for glycemic control in type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Your online medical professional may prescribe it twice daily, but this is an off-label use. It’s also possible that your healthcare provider may prescribe it for other reasons not listed here. Ask your online doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about why a particular insulin medication is prescribed.
Glycemic control for type 1 diabetes
Glycemic control for type 2 diabetes
These diabetes drugs can lower blood sugar in type 2 diabetic patients. After injecting insulin, the active ingredient in the product is released gradually and consistently into the bloodstream. Insulin is a hormone that following an insulin glargine injection, helps improve blood sugar control. These diabetes drugs are effective in lowering blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
Basaglar side effects
The side effects associated with taking Basaglar are typically moderate. Most Basaglar side effects are associated with lipodystrophy and the need to change injection sites.
Basaglar has some common side effects. They may include:
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Damaged tissue on the injection site
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Injection site reactions, such as warmth, swelling, and redness
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Weight gain
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Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
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Stuffy or runny nose
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Cough
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Back pain
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Poor vision
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General discomfort
Other side effects, which are less common but might be more severe, could include:
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Constant or severe pain after injecting insulin
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Vomiting, nausea, or dizziness
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Excessive bleeding (particularly in users with bleeding disorders)
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Pain in the legs, arms, or joints
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Decreased appetite
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Loss of voice
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Loss of pleasure or interest
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Diarrhea
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Hypersensitivity
You should call your doctor if you notice any of these side effects or develop other new or concerning symptoms. Side effects linked with insulin glargine, the active ingredient in Basaglar include low blood sugar, edema, rash, pruritus, injection site reactions, and allergic reactions.
Some users also experience sudden weight gain from these prescription medicines. According to reports, 1-10% of cases experience injection site reactions. The most common side effects include injection site pain, inflammation, redness, and swelling.
Hypersensitivity is rare. Hypersensitivity side effects can include both systemic and local reactions. Local side effects are present in the form of local edema, pruritus, and erythema on the injection side. Most minor side effects of insulin glargine subside on their own in several days to weeks.
If you have troublesome side effects, tell your doctor. The healthcare provider might suggest that you lower the total daily insulin dose. They can also advise you on injecting insulin glargine products and minimizing the discomfort and pain at the injection site.
How to take Basaglar
Your pharmacist will provide you with instructions on how to take your Basaglar prescription.
Be sure to read your prescription label and follow the instructions. Call your doctor or pharmacy if you have any questions.
Basaglar can come in different forms and doses, so be sure to follow the specific instructions on your prescription. The starting Basaglar dose is typically prescribed at 0.2 units/kg daily. The maximum Basaglar dose for patients with type 2 diabetes is 10 units, once a day. However, the dose can vary based on the patient’s body weight. Some specific instructions may include that if the user weighs around 110 lbs (50kg), their dose could be 10 units a day.
You will be injecting the correct insulin dose at the exact same time, every day. You will also be changing the injection site to avoid pain and discomfort. Talk with your doctor if you develop any medical conditions while injecting insulin. Talk with your doctor if you made any changes to your fitness level or diet.
Talk with your doctor if you notice changes in weight gain, blood sugar level (like too low blood sugar or too high blood sugar), liver, and kidney function. Your age, body weight, and severity of the diabetes you are trying to treat can affect Basaglar’s dosage. The doctor might change the dosage based on these factors.
What to avoid while taking Basaglar
It is important to note that Basaglar can interact with 3 diseases. When taking Basaglar, it is important to avoid food and alcohol interactions. Otherwise, you can experience moderate, major, and minor reactions. Basaglar can interact with ACE inhibitors, birth control pills, anabolic steroids, beta-blockers, MAO inhibitors, niacin, and more.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist if it is acceptable to consume alcohol while taking Basaglar.
Some research shows that regular alcohol consumption may increase the dangers of side effects and negatively affect the blood sugar level. Alcohol may also reduce the medication’s ability to do its job, making it harder to keep the glucose in check.
There are 3 disease interactions with insulin glargine, which include hypoglycemia, hypokalemia, and liver/renal disease. You shouldn’t be using an insulin glargine injection if you have hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), diabetic coma, or allergic reactions to insulin or any of the ingredients in insulin pens.
Medication alternatives to Basaglar
When Basaglar is not an option, doctors can suggest Toujeo, Lantus, and Levemir. These are all long-acting insulins that can be as efficient as Basaglar. If your healthcare provider prefers to put you on another treatment altogether, they may suggest another medicine, like Acarbose (Precose) or alpha-glucosidase inhibitors in another drug class. Here are some common doctor-recommended alternatives based on your health issue:
Type 2 diabetes mellitus
Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors are a group of antidiabetic meds for managing type 2 diabetes. Two medications in this class are available. These are miglitol (Glyset) and acarbose (Precose). They can keep the blood sugar from skyrocketing after a meal. These diabetes drugs often reduce the A1C (the “average” of glucose control over the past 3 months) by around 0.5% to 0.8%. Side effects often include diarrhea, belly pain, gas, and upset stomach.
Diabetic ketoacidosis
Insulin therapy can help reverse diabetic ketoacidosis. Patients receive insulin through a vein, alongside electrolytes and fluids. This is usually done in the hospital. Side effects can include weight gain, constipation, swelling, itching, and redness at the injection site.
Type 1 or type 2 diabetes
Tresiba (insulin degludec) is an ultra-long-acting insulin. This diabetes drug is more effective at avoiding low blood sugar during the night in patients with type 2 or type 1 diabetes. It can work up to 42 hours, while Basaglar works over 24 hours. Side effects can include colds, weight gain, diarrhea, rash, itching, etc
Basaglar prescription FAQs
How much does Basaglar cost?
The subcutaneous solution of a 15 ml supply can cost roughly $353. But, the price will vary based on the pharmacy. Discounts and coupons can help reduce the cost.
How can I refill my Basaglar prescription?
Basaglar is only available via prescription. Book a virtual appointment with one of our top rated board-certified doctors to request a prescription or refill of Basaglar. After a qualifying evaluation, your prescription will be electronically sent to your local pharmacy.
Who should not take Basaglar?
Don’t take insulin glargine if you are allergic to insulin or if you are having diabetic ketoacidosis or low blood sugar. Tell your doctor if you can’t keep your blood sugar in check. These insulin pens are not approved for use in patients younger than 6 years.
How long can you keep Basaglar out of the fridge?
You should keep the insulin pens in the fridge. You can also store unused or used products at room temperature for 28 days.
Is it better to take Basaglar in the morning or at night?
Take a Basaglar dose every day, at the same time. For example, if you take it at night before you go to sleep at 10 pm, then the next dose should be the next day at 10 pm as well. The same thing applies if you take a morning dose.
Does Basaglar cause weight gain?
One of the side effects of Basaglar is weight gain. This is a common side effect that can pose a problem for those trying to curb the extra pounds.
What happens if I miss a dose of Basaglar?
Take a dose as soon as you remember. But, if it is about time for the next one, skip the missed dose and inject it at the usual time.
What happens if I take too much Basaglar?
You may experience some side effects. After taking higher doses, your blood sugar may become unstable. Tell your doctor if you think you took too much.
3 simple steps to request your Basaglar prescription online
Book a Basaglar prescription request appointment.
Talk to your medical provider regarding your Basaglar prescription.
Pick up your Basaglar prescription.
Basaglar prescription pricing details
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Sources:
PlushCare is dedicated to providing you with accurate and trustworthy health information.
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FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) Label: "FDA Label - Basaglar (insulin glargine injection)." FDA. Accessed on December 14, 2023, at https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2019/205692s021s024s025lbl.pdf.
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Basaglar Official Website: "Basaglar - Insulin Glargine Injection." Basaglar. Accessed on December 14, 2023, at https://www.basaglar.com/.
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Cleveland Clinic: "Insulin Glargine Injection." Cleveland Clinic. Accessed on December 14, 2023, at https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/19802-insulin-glargine-injection.
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Mayo Clinic: "Insulin Glargine (Recombinant) - Subcutaneous Route." Mayo Clinic. Accessed on December 14, 2023, at https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/insulin-glargine-recombinant-subcutaneous-route/description/drg-20067770.
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