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Lantus for opticlik. Lantus OptiClik: Comprehensive Guide to Insulin Glargine for Diabetes Management

What is Lantus OptiClik. How does insulin glargine work for diabetes. What are the key features of Lantus SoloStar insulin pen. How much does Lantus OptiClik cost. Are there patient assistance programs available for Lantus. What are the important safety considerations for using Lantus.

Understanding Lantus OptiClik: A Long-Acting Insulin Solution

Lantus OptiClik is a brand name for insulin glargine, a long-acting insulin analog used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. It belongs to the insulin drug class and is primarily prescribed for managing both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. As a basal insulin, Lantus OptiClik works by providing a steady release of insulin throughout the day, helping to control blood sugar levels between meals and overnight.

How does Lantus OptiClik differ from other insulin formulations? Unlike rapid-acting insulins that are taken before meals, Lantus OptiClik is designed to be administered once daily, typically at the same time each day. This consistent dosing schedule helps maintain a more stable baseline insulin level, reducing the frequency of insulin injections for many patients.

Key Features of Lantus OptiClik

  • Long-acting insulin analog (insulin glargine)
  • Once-daily dosing
  • Available in cartridge form for use with the OptiClik insulin delivery device
  • Concentration: 100 units/mL

The Role of Insulin Glargine in Diabetes Management

Insulin glargine, the active ingredient in Lantus OptiClik, plays a crucial role in diabetes management. But how exactly does it work in the body? When injected subcutaneously, insulin glargine forms micro-precipitates in the tissue, which slowly release small amounts of insulin over an extended period. This mechanism of action results in a relatively constant concentration/time profile over 24 hours with no pronounced peak.

Why is a steady insulin release important for diabetes control? By providing a consistent baseline of insulin, Lantus OptiClik helps:

  1. Regulate fasting blood glucose levels
  2. Reduce the risk of nighttime hypoglycemia
  3. Improve overall glycemic control
  4. Decrease the need for multiple daily injections

Lantus OptiClik vs. Lantus SoloStar: Understanding the Differences

While both Lantus OptiClik and Lantus SoloStar contain the same active ingredient (insulin glargine), they differ in their delivery systems. Lantus OptiClik uses cartridges that are loaded into a reusable OptiClik pen device, while Lantus SoloStar is a disposable prefilled pen. How do these differences impact patient use?

Lantus SoloStar Features

  • Disposable prefilled pen
  • Large print dosing window for easy reading
  • Push-button injection mechanism
  • Small, thin needles for reduced discomfort
  • Dial-in dose for precise insulin delivery

The choice between OptiClik and SoloStar often depends on patient preference, dexterity, and healthcare provider recommendations. Some patients may find the SoloStar pen easier to use, while others might prefer the OptiClik system for its reusable nature.

Cost Considerations and Insurance Coverage for Lantus OptiClik

The cost of Lantus OptiClik can be a significant factor for many patients. Without insurance, the price for a 15 mL supply (5 x 3 mL cartridges) of Lantus OptiClik is approximately $326, or about $21.75 per unit. However, actual costs may vary depending on the pharmacy and location.

Is Lantus OptiClik covered by insurance? Many insurance plans do cover Lantus OptiClik, but coverage and copayment amounts can vary widely. Patients are advised to check with their insurance provider for specific coverage details.

Cost-Saving Options

  • Generic alternatives (insulin glargine)
  • Prescription discount cards
  • Manufacturer coupons or savings programs
  • Patient assistance programs (for eligible individuals)

While a generic version of insulin glargine is available and may offer cost savings, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before switching insulin products.

Patient Assistance and Savings Programs for Lantus

For patients who struggle with the cost of Lantus, several assistance programs and savings options may be available. What types of programs exist to help patients afford their insulin?

  • Manufacturer savings cards: Sanofi, the maker of Lantus, offers a savings program for commercially insured patients that can reduce out-of-pocket costs to as low as $0 per month, with a maximum benefit of $99 per month.
  • Patient assistance programs: While specific programs for Lantus OptiClik were not identified, pharmaceutical companies often offer assistance for uninsured or underinsured patients who meet certain eligibility criteria.
  • Nonprofit organizations: Some nonprofit organizations provide assistance for diabetes medications, including insulin.
  • State assistance programs: Certain states have implemented insulin cost-cap laws or other assistance programs for residents with diabetes.

Patients are encouraged to explore these options and discuss them with their healthcare provider or a patient advocate to find the most suitable assistance program for their situation.

Administration and Usage Guidelines for Lantus OptiClik

Proper administration of Lantus OptiClik is crucial for effective diabetes management. How should patients use this medication?

  1. Timing: Administer once daily at the same time each day.
  2. Injection site: Rotate injection sites within the recommended areas (abdomen, thigh, or upper arm) to reduce the risk of lipodystrophy.
  3. Dosage: Follow the prescribed dosage carefully. Do not adjust the dose without consulting a healthcare provider.
  4. Storage: Unopened cartridges should be refrigerated. Once in use, cartridges can be kept at room temperature for up to 28 days.
  5. Device preparation: Ensure the OptiClik device is properly loaded and primed before each use.

It’s important to note that Lantus OptiClik should not be mixed with other insulins or diluted. Patients should always use a new needle for each injection to minimize the risk of contamination and ensure accurate dosing.

Safety Considerations and Potential Side Effects

While Lantus OptiClik is generally well-tolerated, patients should be aware of potential side effects and safety considerations. What are the most common side effects of insulin glargine?

  • Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
  • Injection site reactions (redness, swelling, itching)
  • Weight gain
  • Edema (swelling)
  • Lipodystrophy (changes in fat tissue at the injection site)

Severe allergic reactions, although rare, can occur. Patients should seek immediate medical attention if they experience signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing, rapid heartbeat, or sweating.

It’s crucial for patients to monitor their blood glucose levels regularly and to be aware of the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia. Proper education on managing low blood sugar is an essential part of using Lantus OptiClik safely.

Lantus OptiClik Cartridge Prices, Coupons, Copay & Patient Assistance

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Lantus OptiClik Cartridge
(insulin glargine)

is a member of the insulin drug class and is commonly used for
Diabetes – Type 1, and Diabetes – Type 2.

The cost for Lantus OptiClik Cartridge subcutaneous solution (100 units/mL) is around $326 for a supply of 15 milliliters, depending on the pharmacy you visit. Quoted prices are for cash-paying customers and are not valid with insurance plans. This price guide is based on using the Drugs.com discount card which is accepted at most U.S. pharmacies.

A generic version of Lantus OptiClik Cartridge is available. See insulin glargine prices (from $128.93 for 10 milliliters).

Lantus OptiClik Cartridge prices

Subcutaneous Solution

QuantityPer unitPrice
15 (5 x 3 milliliters)$21. 75$326.32

Important: When there is a range of pricing, consumers should normally expect to pay the lower price.
However, due to stock shortages and other unknown variables we cannot provide any guarantee.

Lantus OptiClik Cartridge Coupons, Copay Cards and Rebates

Lantus OptiClik Cartridge offers may take the form of printable coupons, rebates, savings or copay cards, trial offers, or free samples.
Certain offers may be printable from a website while others may require registration, completing a questionnaire, or obtaining
a sample from a medical professional.

Drugs.com Printable Discount Card

The free Drugs.com Discount Card works like a coupon and can save you up to 80% or more off the cost of prescription medicines,
over-the-counter drugs and pet prescriptions.

Print Free Discount Card

Note: This is a drug discount program, not an insurance plan. Valid at all major chains including Walgreens, CVS Pharmacy,
Target, WalMart Pharmacy, Duane Reade and 65,000 pharmacies nationwide.

No manufacturer promotions could be found for this medication.

Patient Assistance & Copay Programs for Lantus OptiClik Cartridge

Patient assistance programs (PAPs) are typically sponsored by pharmaceutical companies and offer cost-free or discounted medicines,
as well as copay programs, to individuals with low income or those who are uninsured/under-insured and meet specific criteria.
Eligibility requirements for each program may vary.

No Patient Assistance Programs were found for this medication. However, your healthcare provider may have more information concerning specific programs available in your area.

More about Lantus OptiClik Cartridge (insulin glargine)

  • Check interactions
  • Compare alternatives
  • Reviews (2)
  • Latest FDA alerts (4)
  • Side effects
  • Dosage information
  • During pregnancy
  • Drug class: insulin

Related treatment guides

  • Diabetes, Type 1
  • Diabetes, Type 2

Lantus SoloStar Insulin Pen | Lantus® (insulin glargine injection) 100 Units/mL

FEATURES OF LANTUS SOLOSTAR

ONCE-A-DAY

SMALL, THIN NEEDLES

“It’s such a small needle…it is very thin, so I hardly feel a thing. ” – JOSÉ, TREATING WITH LANTUS®️ SINCE 2007

Discomfort level associated with administration varies from person to person.

LARGE PRINT DOSING WINDOW

“The large window and big numbers are a real plus for me.” – JULIE, TAKING LANTUS® SOLOSTAR® SINCE 2009

Individual results may vary.

DIAL-IN DOSE

“When I use the pen, I know I’m getting the dose I dial every time.” – CLIFF, TAKING LANTUS SINCE 2010

PUSH-BUTTON INJECTION

“The features of the pen make it easier for me to use than a vial and syringe.” – AUDELLE, TAKING LANTUS SOLOSTAR SINCE 2007

To learn how to use the Lantus® SoloStar® pen, watch this video.

Interested in learning about how to use Lantus with a vial and syringe? Learn how.

Do NOT reuse needles. Needle not included with pen. Ultra-Fine is a trademark of Becton, Dickinson and Company.

JOSÉ MASTERS HIS DAILY ROUTINE*. WATCH NOW

*Users personal statements. Individual results may vary.

Discomfort level associated with administration varies from person to person.

Rotate your injection sites as instructed by your healthcare provider to reduce your risk of getting lipodystrophy (pitted or thickened skin) and localized cutaneous amyloidosis (skin with lumps). Do not use the same spot for each injection or inject where the skin is pitted, thickened, lumpy, tender, bruised, scaly, hard, scarred or damaged.

Important Safety Information Full Prescribing Information

Download the Lantus SoloStar Injection Guide

GOT QUESTIONS?

See our FAQs. We’ll give you the answers to some of the most common questions asked about diabetes—and Lantus.

SEE OUR FAQS

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If you are commercially insured, pay as low as $0 and no more than $99*. No insurance? We have an offer for you, too. Terms and restrictions apply*.

SIGNUP NOW

READY TO USE LANTUS?

Check out the “How to Use” video, learn about adjusting your dose, and more.

SEE HOW, NOW!

What is Lantus

® (insulin glargine injection) 100 Units/mL?

Prescription LANTUS is a long-acting man-made-insulin used to control high blood sugar in adults and children with diabetes mellitus.

  • LANTUS is not for use to treat diabetic ketoacidosis

Ultrashort insulin to help diabetics | News

The new prandial insulin apidra in combination with the OptiClick pen delivery system can be used with long-acting insulins, in particular basal insulin lantus, providing a combined basal-bolus approach to the treatment of hyperglycemia. This was announced in Paris by Sanofi-Aventis.

A new insulin is now available for prescribing by physicians in the US to achieve glycemic control in adult patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. OptiClik is also approved for use with Lantus, the only non-peak 24-hour once-daily insulin.

Apidra has a faster onset of action and a shorter duration of action than regular regular human insulin and gives diabetic patients greater flexibility in using insulin at mealtimes than regular regular insulin, as well as patients whose BMI varies from overweight to severe obesity. Visceral obesity combined with increased BMI may affect rapid insulin absorption, making prandial glycemic control difficult, especially in overweight patients.

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Which insulin is suitable for which insulin pump pen or pen injector how to find out

Date of: December 12, 2022
Author: Medvedev Oleg

There are more and more names of insulins. In Test-Strip stores, visitors are increasingly asking the question of which insulin is suitable for a particular reusable syringe pen? I like to simplify life, so I decided to bring clarity to all this!

In the materials of the article, some names of models of syringe pens that have already been discontinued are used. I do this on purpose, because a person’s insulin changes, but the devices themselves remain. But this applies only to mechanical syringe pens or, as they are also called, dispensers and pen injectors.

Penfill or disposable pen

In Russia, it is not important for the state in what form of release to buy insulin for diabetics. The doctor does not care what to prescribe to the patient. Therefore, it is up to the diabetic who receives this insulin on preferential terms, go for free. If you want to use penfill (from the words pen – pen and fill – fill, it turned out to be penfill) for reusable syringe pens – ask the doctor to prescribe them. We need disposable syringe pens filled with insulin – no problem, the doctor will prescribe them. Are you using an insulin pump? Then it doesn’t matter to you in what form you receive this insulin.

Penfill

Penfill with insulin is a small ampoule the size of an AA battery, with a volume of 3 ml. They are suitable for reusable syringe pens or conventional insulin syringes. In addition to insulin, almost every manufacturer produces its own reusable syringe pens and therefore tries to make sure that its penfill ampoule is suitable only for native reusable syringe pens. Insulin is insulin, but business is business. Therefore, penfills differ from each other, despite the fact that each of them has a standard volume and shape.

NovoNordisk, a manufacturer of such well-known insulins as NovoRapid, Actrapid NM, NovoMix 30, Protafan, Mixtard 30 NM and Levemir, produces penfills with a special plastic cap containing thread for winding a disposable needle. After the penfill is over, I advise you to remove this plastic cap and keep it for yourself, and not throw it away.

Very many times employees of Test-Poloska stores have encountered and continue to encounter situations when a diabetic first buys a syringe pen and only then goes to an endocrinologist to prescribe insulin. As a result, it turns out that the prescribed insulin is not suitable for this pen.

Attention! On all NovoNordisk reusable pens, the thread for winding the needle is located on the PENFILL itself. This is an important difference from other manufacturers that thread the top of the pen itself! And yet, the syringe pen should be chosen ONLY for insulin, and not vice versa.

Flexpen Disposable Pen

Of course, “flexpen” is a household name, because one of the first disposable syringe pens with NovoRapid insulin, manufactured by NovoNordisk, began to be called flexpen. At Eli Lilly, Humalog insulin is available in a disposable QuickPen pen. Sanofi-Aventis produces Apidra insulin in a SoloStar disposable syringe pen. I call all this “flexpen”. Well, it’s easier for me.

In essence, inside disposable flexpen are the most common penfills. Yes, yes, only in NovoNordisk flexpen are these ordinary penfills installed without plastic caps. Now focus. If suddenly the endocrinologist by mistake or due to the lack of penfills, for example, NovoRapida issued a flexpen with NovoRapid, then breaking it in half, you can pull the penfill out of the plastic shell and put on it the cap that I asked for (a little higher in the text ) do not throw away. Voila. Such a penfill can be safely inserted into the Novopen 3, Novopen 4 or Novopen Echo reusable syringe pen.

In the same way, carefully and carefully breaking the QuickPen into two parts, you will receive an ampoule with Humalog, which can be inserted into the Humapen Ergo, Humapen Ergo II, Humapen Luxura without any cap. or “Humapen Savvio”. All Eli Lilly pens that are currently on sale and in stock are listed on the website of the Test-Poloska chain of stores at the link: www. test-poloska.ru/developers/elililly/

Needles for disposable and refillable syringe pens

Disposable needles for syringe pens are always universal. Any needle can be easily and simply screwed onto any syringe pen. It just needs to be remembered. Universal size – 8 mm. Some people prefer 5 or 6 mm needles, but I myself have always used 8 mm. Although at an early stage of the disease, for some reason, the endocrinologist told me to prescribe 12.7. The thickness of the skin (and insulin should only penetrate under the skin) is the same for all people! Needles are huge. I advise you to choose the most inexpensive ones, since you will not notice any difference. You can order the necessary needles for syringe pens here: www.test-poloska.ru/catalog/syringepens/insulinpen_needles_universal/

Pen Insulin step Name of insulin in penfills, 3 ml Pen Type Manufacturer
HumaPen Ergo 1 RinLins, Humalog, Humalog Mix, Humulin NPH, Humulin Regular, Gensulin, Biosulin, Rosinsulin mechanical
HumaPen Ergo II 1 RinLins, Humalog, Humalog Mix, Humulin NPH, Humulin Regular, Gensulin, Biosulin, Rosinsulin mechanical
HumaPen Luxura 1 RinLins, Humalog, Humalog Mix, Humulin NPH, Humulin Regular, Gensulin, Biosulin, Rosinsulin mechanical
HumaPen Savvio 1 RinLins, Humalog, Humalog Mix, Humulin NPH, Humulin Regular, Gensulin, Biosulin, Rosinsulin mechanical
HumaPen DT 0. 5 RinLins, Humalog, Humalog Mix, Humulin NPH, Humulin Regular, Gensulin, Biosulin, Rosinsulin children’s, mechanical
Novopen 3 1 Fiasp, NovoRapid, NovoMix, Protafan, Levemir, Aktrapid, Mikstard mechanical
Novopen 4 1 Fiasp, NovoRapid, NovoMix, Protafan, Levemir, Aktrapid, Mikstard mechanical
Novopen Echo 0.5 Fiasp, NovoRapid, NovoMix, Protafan, Levemir, Aktrapid, Mikstard children’s, electronic
OptiPen Pro 1 1 Rinlinz, Lantus, Apidra, Insuman, Insuman Basal, Biosulin electronic
opticclick 1 Cartridge Lantus Opticlik 1 electronic
Biomatic Pen 2 1 Rinlinz, Biosulin, Lantus, Apidra, Insuman, Insuman Basal electronic
Autopen Classic 1 RinLins, Humalog, Humalog Mix, Humulin NPH, Humulin Regular, Gensulin, Biosulin, Rosinsulin mechanical
Autopen Classic 2 RinLins, Humalog, Humalog Mix, Humulin NPH, Humulin Regular, Gensulin, Biosulin, Rosinsulin mechanical
ComfortPen 1 RinLins, Humalog, Humalog Mix, Humulin NPH, Humulin Regular, Gensulin, Biosulin, Rosinsulin mechanical
Rinsapen II 1 RinLins, Humalog, Humalog Mix, Humulin NPH, Humulin Regular, Gensulin, Biosulin, Rosinsulin, Rinsulin mechanical

Mechanical or electronic

This beautiful table shows that all pens are divided into mechanical and electronic. To set the required dose of insulin on a mechanical syringe pen, you need to turn a special wheel located at the end of the pen. And on the analog screen, numbers will appear opposite the special mark. The electronic syringe pen runs on built-in and non-replaceable batteries. More precisely, a digital display works from them, on which the dialed dose is displayed. A set of insulin doses also occurs – from the rotation of a mechanical rotary mechanism.

Manufacturers came up with the idea that as soon as the built-in battery runs out, the user will run to buy a new syringe pen. That is, someone will be able to earn all the time. Technically, even with a dead battery, you can dial a dose of insulin on an electronic syringe pen, but for this you will need to listen for clicks when typing. Personally, I am a supporter of classic mechanical syringe pens.

Hocus Pocus Ear Trick

One day, it happened… pens disappeared. There were none. And there was nothing to inject insulin with except syringes. On sale, if memory serves, only the expensive syringe pen “Humapen Luxura” remained. And it was necessary to inject “Lantus” or “Apidra” – history will definitely not remember this. Nobody wanted to inject with syringes. And we came up with this…

A characteristic feature of the Humapen Luxura syringe pen is that the two halves of the pen are screwed together along a very strong and reliable thread. Penfill of the Apidra did not want to enter. Then we inserted the penfill into one part of the Humapen Luxura syringe pen, wound the needle and opened it, and then started screwing the two parts of the pen together. Excess insulin came out of the penfill, the piston moved and voila. So insulin “Apidra” found its life in a new pen, completely not intended for him. And there are many such tricks. Try.

In this article about pen syringes, the author describes a method that allows using the Humapen Luxura or Humapen Savvio syringe pen with Lantus or Apidra insulins. Yes, technically it looks nice, but the author misses such a detail as the inner diameter of the cartridge itself. The inner diameter of the Humalog insulin cartridge (of the entire HUMA group) is 9.57 mm, and the inner diameter of the Lantus cartridge is already 9.47 mm. Thus, the area of ​​the Lantus plunger reaches 70.4 mm 2 and the Humalog plunger is 71.9 mm 2 . The slightly thicker Humalog penfill contains slightly more insulin for each mm of penfill length. That is, 1.02 or 2% more. With Humalog in the Sanofi pen (for Lantus), the actual dose will be 98% of what the user is typing, and if Lantus is inserted into Humapen Luxura or Humapen Savvio, then you will already receive 102% of what the user is typing doses.

1 “Lantus Opticlic Cartridge” is a penfill soldered into one replaceable part (half) of the handle. That is, half of the pen with electronic filling is a permanent part that is stored by the user. The second part with insulin is replaceable. Sold or issued by a doctor. There are five replacement parts in the package. Such cartridges are produced only with Lantus insulin.

2 Biomatic Pen is in fact a completely copied domestic analogue of the Optipen Pro 1 syringe pen. Releases the Pharmstandard device.

All typographical errors in this article belong to Oleg Medvedev.

When reprinting, please keep typos and an active link to my favorite site www.test-poloska.ru.

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