insulin glargine at a glance
Medicine class
Long-acting basal insulin analogue
Toujeo licensed use
Diabetes mellitus in adults, adolescents and children aged 6 years and over
Administration
Injected under the skin using the prescribed insulin device
Main safety risk
Low blood glucose, including potentially severe hypoglycaemia
What is insulin glargine used for?
Toujeo is licensed to treat diabetes mellitus in adults, adolescents and children aged 6 years and over. Insulin glargine supplies basal insulin in type 1 diabetes and can provide basal insulin in type 2 diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes mellitus
Type 2 diabetes mellitus
How does insulin glargine work?
Insulin glargine activates insulin receptors, increasing glucose uptake by muscle and fat while reducing glucose production by the liver. After injection under the skin, it forms a deposit that releases insulin gradually.
insulin glargine preparations and strengths
Injection
Route: Parenteral
Strengths: 100 units/mL, 300 units/mL
How to take insulin glargine
Use the exact insulin and pen prescribed, following the device instructions and training from the diabetes team.
Inject under the skin of the abdomen, upper arm or thigh; do not inject into a vein or use in an insulin pump.
Rotate injection sites to reduce fatty lumps and abnormal deposits that can alter absorption.
Check the insulin name, strength and pen. The solution should be clear, colourless and free from visible particles.
Use a new sterile needle for each injection, perform the pen safety test and discard the needle in a sharps container.
Never withdraw Toujeo from its pre-filled pen with a syringe, mix or dilute it, or share the pen.
insulin glargine side effects
Common or expected effects
- Hypoglycaemia, which may cause sweating, shaking, hunger, dizziness, palpitations, blurred vision or confusion
- Fatty thickening or lumps at repeatedly used injection sites
- Injection-site redness, pain, itching, swelling or inflammation
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe or prolonged hypoglycaemia causing marked confusion, seizures or unconsciousness
- Rare immediate allergic reaction with widespread rash, facial or throat swelling, breathing difficulty, low blood pressure or shock
insulin glargine in pregnancy
Insulin can be used during pregnancy, and good glucose control is important for both parent and baby. Toujeo may be considered when clinically needed, although direct pregnancy experience with this formulation is limited. Contact diabetes and maternity teams when planning pregnancy or becoming pregnant because monitoring and insulin requirements can change.
insulin glargine while breastfeeding
Insulin glargine can be used while breastfeeding. Ingested insulin is expected to be broken down in the infant’s gut, so adverse effects are unlikely. Maternal insulin requirements may change; additional specialist advice is appropriate for a premature or unwell infant.
insulin glargine interactions
Medicines that alter glucose metabolism can change insulin requirements or make hypoglycaemia harder to recognise. Check with a clinician or pharmacist before starting or stopping medicines or supplements.
Other glucose-lowering medicines
The combined effect can increase the likelihood of hypoglycaemia.
ACE inhibitors
These may increase susceptibility to hypoglycaemia.
Beta-blockers
These can alter glucose control and may mask warning symptoms such as tremor or palpitations.
Common questions about insulin glargine
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What type of insulin is insulin glargine?
It is a long-acting insulin analogue that provides background, or basal, insulin.
Is Toujeo the same as other insulin glargine products?
It contains insulin glargine but is more concentrated than 100 units/ml products and is not directly interchangeable with them.
Can insulin glargine brands be switched without medical advice?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.