What is Basaglar Uses, warnings & interactions
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Get started todayBasaglar KwikPen (insulin glargine) is a long-acting type of insulin that is manufactured by Eli Lilly and Company. It was approved in 2015 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat hyperglycemia (high blood sugar levels) in adults and pediatric patients aged 6 years and older. It is typically used along with diet and exercise to manage blood glucose levels in diabetic patients. Basaglar KwikPen is available as a disposable, single-patient-use prefilled insulin pen.
What is Basaglar KwikPen used for?
Basaglar KwikPen (insulin glargine) is a long-acting basal insulin used along with diet and exercise to help reduce blood sugar levels. It is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to improve glycemic control in adults and pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus and adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Basaglar KwikPen is not indicated to treat diabetic ketoacidosis.
How does Basaglar KwikPen work?
Basaglar KwikPen (insulin glargine) is a biological medication that is similar to naturally made (endogenous) insulin. The main activity of insulin, including Basaglar KwikPen, is to regulate glucose metabolism. It does this by promoting the uptake of glucose into muscle and adipose tissue (fat) and preventing glucose production in your liver. Insulin also inhibits the breakdown of fat (lipolysis) and protein (proteolysis).
What are the most commonly prescribed doses of Basaglar KwikPen?
- 3ml KwikPen of 100mg/ml Basaglar
Before taking Basaglar KwikPen
Before starting Basaglar KwikPen, tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following medical conditions:
- Liver or kidney problems
- Heart failure or heart disease
- Are pregnant, planning on becoming pregnant, or are breastfeeding
How to take Basaglar KwikPen
- Read the Full Prescribing Information, Patient Information, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide that comes with your Basaglar KwikPen.
- Use Basaglar KwikPen exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes it to you. Do not change your dose or stop taking Basaglar KwikPen without discussing it with them.
- Check your prescription label and pen every time you take your insulin dose to ensure you are using the correct insulin.
- Basaglar KwikPen is typically given as an injection under the skin of your stomach area, buttocks, upper legs, or upper arms once daily at any time of the day but at the same time every day. Do not reuse needles. Use a new needle with each Basaglar KwikPen injection. Reusing needles can lead to a serious infection or cause you to get the wrong insulin dose.
- Dispose your used pen needles in a sharps container or a hard plastic container with a secure lid. Do not throw them away in your household trash.
- Rotate your injection site with each dose of Basaglar Kwikpen. You can use the same area of the body but do not use the same spot.
- Basaglar KwikPen is a clear and colorless solution. Do not use it if it is cloudy, colored, or has particles in it.
- You should not use Basaglar Kwikpen in an insulin pump or inject Basaglar Kwikpen intravenously (in your vein). Do not mix Basaglar KwikPen with other insulin products.
- Store unused Basaglar KwikPens in the refrigerator at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C). Do not freeze Basaglar KwikPen or use it if it’s been frozen. Unused pens can be used until the expiration date on the label if it has been kept in the refrigerator.
- In-use pens can be stored at room temperature between 15°C-30°C (59°F-86°F) away from heat and light. You should dispose of the pen you are currently using after 28 days.
- Always keep Basaglar KwikPen and all other medications out of the reach of children.
Basaglar KwikPen contraindications
Basaglar KwikPen is contraindicated in patients who have any of the following medical conditions:
- Allergic reaction to Basaglar KwikPen or any of its inactive ingredients.
- Are having an active episode of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar level) or diabetic ketoacidosis.
Basaglar KwikPen warnings
- You should never share your Basaglar KwikPen, needles, or syringes with another person.
- The risk of severe hypoglycemia is increased with changes to your insulin dose, diet, or physical activity. It is also increased if you add additional diabetic medications such as short-acting insulins. Make sure you are familiar with the symptoms of hypoglycemia, which include shakiness, nervousness, fast heartbeat, sweating, chills, confusion, drowsiness, and extreme hunger.
- Severe allergic reactions have occurred with Basaglar KwikPen. Discontinue Basaglar KwikPen immediately and seek medical assistance if you have any signs of anaphylaxis.
- Increased risk of hypokalemia (low potassium levels) with the use of Basaglar KwikPen. Your doctor may monitor your potassium levels if indicated.
- Increased risk of edema and heart failure when Basaglar KwikPen is used along with thiazolidinediones (TZDs) such as Avandia (rosiglitazone).
Most common side effects of Basaglar KwikPen
The most common possible side effects of Basaglar KwikPen include:
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
- Injection site reactions
- Itching
- Rash
- Weight gain
- Edema
- Loss of fat tissue (lipodystrophy)
- Headache
Basaglar KwikPen can cause serious side effects including:
- Serious hypersensitivity reactions including hives, angioedema, and trouble breathing
Contact your healthcare provider for medical advice about any side effects you experience while taking Basaglar KwikPen. You can report your side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Basaglar KwikPen drug interactions
When Basaglar KwikPen is taken with other drugs, it may change the way they work and increase the frequency and severity of side effects. Make sure your doctor is aware of all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements you take. Some major drug interactions with Basaglar KwikPen include:
- Other diabetic medications
- ACE inhibitors
- Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs)
- Sulfonamide antibiotics
- Atypical antipsychotics
- Estrogens, progesterones, and oral contraceptives
- Thyroid hormones
- Beta-blockers
- Diuretics
- Corticosteroids
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
- Alcohol
Basaglar KwikPen alternatives
There are other diabetes treatments that your healthcare professional can prescribe if Basaglar KwikPen is not the right medication for you. Some alternative FDA-approved treatment options include:
- Lantus (insulin glargine)
- Lantus SoloStar (insulin glargine)
- Toujeo SoloStar (insulin glargine)
- Levemir (insulin detemir)
- Tresiba (insulin degludec)
- Tresiba FlexTouch (insulin degludec)
How does Basaglar KwikPen compare with Lantus SoloStar (insulin glargine)?
Basaglar and Lantus SoloStar both contain the active ingredient insulin glargine. They are both approved to treat type 1 diabetes in certain pediatric patients and adults as well as type 2 diabetes in adults. Basaglar is considered a biosimilar or a follow-on drug to Lantus. Lantus is considered a biological medication. So while they contain the same active ingredient, they cannot be substituted for each other. They are both dosed once daily and have most of the same side effects and drug interactions.
Clinical studies comparing the 2 medications found them to be equally safe and effective in treating patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) does not recommend one drug over the other in diabetes treatment.
There is currently no generic alternative available for either medication. Basaglar has an average cost of around $400 for #5, 3ml KwikPens while Lantus SoloStar costs approximately $500 for #5, 3ml prefilled pens.
Basaglar KwikPen FAQs
How long does Basaglar KwikPen stay in your system?
Based on the fact that the plasma half-life of human endogenous insulin is approximately 5 to 6 minutes, Basaglar KwikPen will stay in your bloodstream for around 30 minutes after the last dose.
How do I store Basaglar KwikPen?
Store unused Basaglar KwikPens in the refrigerator at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C). Do not freeze Basaglar KwikPen or use it if it’s been frozen. Unused pens can be used until the expiration date on the label if it has been kept in the refrigerator.
In-use pens can be stored at room temperature between 15°C-30°C (59°F-86°F) away from heat and light. You should dispose of the pen you are currently using after 28 days.
How long does it take for Basaglar KwikPen to start working?
Basaglar KwikPen is slowly released after injection under your skin. It will take approximately 90 minutes after the injection to start working and will last around 24 hours.
Can you take Basaglar KwikPen while you are pregnant or breastfeeding?
There is no clinical data on the use of Basaglar KwikPen in pregnant women to know if there is a risk for birth defects or miscarriage. Basaglar KwikPen should be used during pregnancy only if the possible benefits outweigh the potential risk to the fetus. While naturally made insulin is found in breast milk, it is not known whether Basaglar KwikPen is excreted in breast milk or the effects it may have on the infant. You should always discuss the risks and benefits of any medication with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, plan on becoming pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
Should I take Basaglar KwikPen in the morning or at night?
Basaglar KwikPen should be administered once daily. It can be taken at any time of the day but it should be taken at the same time every day.
Is there a generic for Basaglar KwikPen?
Currently, there is no generic for Basaglar KwikPen available on the market. However, you can still save on brand-name drugs like Basaglar KwikPen through NiceRx if eligible for assistance.