What are the Indications for the Basaglar KwikPen?
Basaglar is a long-acting insulin that works evenly over 24 hours and reduces blood sugar levels in adults and children 6 years and older with type 1 diabetes and adults with type 2 diabetes.
How is the Basaglar KwikPen used?
Storage
Basaglar KwikPens should be stored in its original packaging and unopened in a refrigerator at 36-46°F (2-8°C). It should not be frozen and if it has been frozen, it should not be used.
When you start using your pen, it can be stored at room temperature up to 86°F (30°C) for up to four weeks. Do not expose Basaglar to direct heat and avoid exposing it to light.
Keep out of reach of children and do not use it after it has expired.
Instruction
Use the Basaglar KwikPen as prescribed and follow the instructions given by your healthcare provider. They will determine the right dose and schedule based on your individual needs and medical history.
Do not change your dosage and take more than what is prescribed or stop using the Basaglar KwikPen without consulting with your doctor. You can take Basaglar any time during the day, but it must be taken at the same time each day.
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember, but if it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose as scheduled. Do not catch up by taking two doses at once. Contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical care if you took more than the prescribed dose. Taking more than one dose of Basaglar in a 24-hour period can cause a drop in your blood sugar levels.
Your doctor will instruct you on how to properly use the Basaglar KwikPen and where to inject yourself. It must be injected under the skin of the stomach area, buttocks, upper legs, or upper arms. Rotate the injection site each time and do not inject directly into your veins. Avoid injecting it where the skin is thickened, has lumps, or is bruised, scaly, hard, scarred, damaged, or tender.
Only use Basaglar which is clear and colorless. If it is cloudy or slightly colored, return it to your pharmacy for a replacement. Do not mix it with any other type of insulin.
Use a new needle for every injection to avoid serious infection or the wrong dose of insulin. You must never share your Basaglar KwikPen with anyone, even if the needle has been changed. It poses a high risk of transferring serious infections between each other.
Dosage
The Basaglar KwikPen is available as a disposable pre-filled pen and contains 100 units of insulin glargine per 1 milliliter (ml) of solution.
The starting dose varies from person to person. Your doctor will typically start you on the lowest dosage and gradually increase it until your blood sugar levels are where they should be.
Your dosage will depend on the condition being treated, any other medical conditions you have, other medications you take, your diet, weight, stress levels, and your age.
The recommended dose is usually between 1 and 80 units per injection.
You might need to review your dosage if:
- you start exercising or there is a change in your physical activity
- you gain or lose weight
- experience an increase in stress
- suffer from an illness
- change your diet
- take other medications
Side Effects
It’s important to understand that although the Basaglar KwikPen is FDA-approved, it comes with side effects that may or may not affect you.
Before use, you should discuss possible side effects with your doctor or pharmacist.
Common Side Effects
Not all side effects require medical attention. As your body adjusts to Basaglar, side effects may go away. Tell your doctor if you experience the following symptoms, and they become severe or do not go away on their own:
- Low blood sugar
- Swelling
- Fluid retention
- Itching
- Allergic reactions
- Minor
- Minor reactions or changes in the fatty tissue (lipodystrophy) at the injection site
- Rash
- Weight gain
Serious Side Effects
Severe adverse reactions while using the Basaglar KwikPen may occur. Seek emergency medical care or call 911 if you experience any of these symptoms:
- Low blood sugar: dizziness or light-headedness, headache, shakiness, irritability, sweating, blurred vision, rapid heartbeat, mood change, confusion, slurred speech, anxiety, hunger, seizures, or coma
- Severe allergic reaction: a rash over your whole body, swelling of the face, tongue, or throat, extreme drowsiness/dizziness/confusion, trouble breathing, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, or sweating.
- Low potassium in your blood:leg cramps, constipation, abnormal heartbeat, fluttering in the chest, increased thirst/urination, numbness/tingling, muscle cramps, or severe fatigue/weakness. It can lead to respiratory failure, paralysis, and even death.
- Heart failure:shortness of breath, swelling of ankles and feet, and sudden weight gain.
- High blood sugar:thirst, increased urination, confusion, drowsiness, flushing, rapid breathing, and a fruity breath odor.
The information above does not list all possible side effects. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you experience any side effects not listed. You or your doctor may report side effects to the FDA by calling 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings & Precautions
Never share your Basaglar KwikPen with anyone else, even if the needle has been changed.
The use of Basaglar is contraindicated in cases of hypoglycemia or diabetic ketoacidosis.
Basaglar should form part of a complete treatment plan, that also includes diet, exercise, weight control, foot care, eye care, dental care, and blood sugar testing. Make sure you maintain your diet and exercise routines, and take your medication as changing any of these factors can affect your blood sugar levels.
Interactions & Contraindications
Before using the Basaglar KwikPen, tell your doctor or pharmacist:
- If you take any medications, herbal supplements, or vitamins
- If you take any other prescription medication, especially thiazolidinediones (TZDs)
- About all your medical conditions and illnesses, especially if you have heart failure, or heart, liver, or kidney problems.
- If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
Thiazolidinediones (TZDs)
Using TZDs with the Basaglar KwikPen may cause heart failure to worsen, or heart failure to develop in some users, even without any prior heart problems. Contact your doctor right away if you experience any heart failure symptoms, like shortness of breath, swelling of the ankles or feet, sudden weight gain, or if the symptoms get worse. Your doctor may need to change or discontinue treatment with TZDs and Basaglar.
Alcohol
Alcohol consumption and the use of other drugs that contain alcohol can affect your blood sugar levels when taking Basaglar and should be avoided.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
It is unknown if the Basaglar KwikPen will harm an unborn or breastfeeding child. If you become pregnant or start nursing, speak to your doctor who will reassess your insulin needs and determine the safest way to manage your diabetes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Disclaimer
Pharma Giant provides medical information to help you better understand medications and medical conditions.This content is for informational use only and does not replace advice from a licensed medical practitioner. Consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting or changing any medication. All our partners follow strict safety standards set by their country’s health authorities to make sure you receive safe and high-quality medications.
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