Basaglar insulin is a medicine that contains insulin glargine in its composition, indicated for the treatment of diabetes mellitus type 2 or diabetes mellitus type 1 in people who require long-acting insulin to control high blood sugar levels.
This medicine can be purchased in pharmacies or drugstores in the form of a disposable injector pen called Basaglar KwikPen, containing 3 mL of insulin glargine, or a refill with 2 or 3 units called Basaglar, and should only be used under medical advice.
Basaglar insulin is a medicine with the same characteristics as Lantus, which is the reference medicine for this treatment, being a cheaper option but with the same efficacy and safety.
What is it for
Basaglar insulin is indicated for the treatment of diabetes mellitus type 2 and from diabetes mellitus type 1, in adults or children over 2 years of age, who require the action of long-acting insulin to control excess blood sugar, and must be recommended by a doctor.
This medication works by lowering glucose levels in the bloodstream, allowing it to be used by the body’s cells throughout the day and is generally used with other types of fast-acting insulin or oral antidiabetics. Understand the main medications used to treat diabetes, and when insulin is indicated.
What is the difference between Basaglar and Lantus insulin?
Both Basaglar insulin and Lantus insulin have insulin glargine in their composition, at a dose of 100 units of insulin glargine per mL of solution, derived from recombinant DNA, that is, they have the same type of long-acting insulin in their composition. , with the same effect, which begins to act a few hours after being applied to the skin, having a constant effect for a period of 24 hours.
However, despite having the same action and efficacy, Basaglar insulin is a biosimilar medicine to Lantus insulin, which is the reference medicine, which means that there may be differences in the structure of the molecule and in the stages of the manufacturing process of the medicine. insulin glargine.
Therefore, the use or replacement of one insulin for another should only be done with the guidance of the doctor responsible for the treatment.
How to use
Basaglar insulin must be used through injections applied to the subcutaneous layer of the skin of the abdomen, thigh or arm. Applications are made once a day, always at the same time, at the dose recommended by the doctor, on an individual basis.
It is important to change the application sites to avoid reactions at the injection site, such as redness or swelling. Learn how to give an insulin injection.
Before applying Basaglar insulin, it is important to wash your hands with water and neutral soap, and clean the area of skin to be applied with a cotton pad moistened with alcohol, allowing it to dry naturally.
You must always make sure that the dose of Basaglar insulin in the pen is correct for application.
The Basaglar insulin pen must be stored in a refrigerator, at temperatures between 2º and 8ºC, and it is advisable not to store it in the refrigerator door, as opening and closing the door constantly can cause temperature variations in the insulin. Furthermore, after starting to use the Basaglar insulin pen, it is valid for 28 days and must be discarded after this period.
Possible side effects
Some of the most common side effects that can be caused by using Basaglar insulin are hypoglycemia, redness, swelling, pain or itching at the injection site, abnormal distribution of fat in the body, swelling or weight gain.
Basaglar insulin can cause serious allergic reactions that require immediate medical attention. Therefore, you should stop treatment and seek the nearest emergency room if you experience symptoms such as difficulty breathing, a feeling of a closed throat, swelling in the mouth, tongue or face, or generalized itching. Know how to identify the symptoms of an allergic reaction.
Who shouldn’t use
Insulin Basaglar should not be used by children under 2 years of age or by people allergic to insulin glargine or any of the components of the medicine’s formula.
