Optisulin (Insulin Glargine)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Optisulin Used For?
Optisulin contains insulin glargine, a modified insulin that is very similar to human insulin. It serves as a substitute for the insulin naturally produced by your pancreas.
Primary Uses
Optisulin is used to reduce high blood sugar (glucose) levels in people with diabetes mellitus. It is a long-acting insulin that may be used in combination with rapid-acting human insulin or oral diabetes medications as prescribed by your doctor.
How It Works
Optisulin is a long-acting insulin that works for 24 hours to help control blood sugar levels throughout the day. It provides steady insulin coverage to help manage diabetes mellitus.
Good to know: Optisulin is not addictive.
How to Take Optisulin
Your doctor will determine how much Optisulin you need each day and may adjust your dose based on your blood sugar levels. Optisulin should be used once daily at the same time every day.
Dosage Instructions
Inject Optisulin under the skin into your thighs, upper arms, or the front of your waist (abdomen). Change the injection site within the area each day to reduce the risk of skin problems. Do not use the exact same spot for each injection. Do not inject where skin has pits, is thickened, has lumps, is tender, bruised, scaly, hard, or into scars or damaged skin. Keep the cartridge or injection pen at room temperature for 1-2 hours before use as cold insulin is more painful to inject.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you forget to take your insulin dose, test your blood sugar level as soon as possible. Since Optisulin is long-acting and works for 24 hours, missing a dose may cause high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia). However, taking a dose at another time may increase your risk of low blood sugar. Plan in advance with your doctor so you know what to do if you miss a dose. Contact your doctor for specific advice if you’re unsure what to do.
Important: Do NOT use a double dose of your insulin. If you double a dose, this may cause low blood sugar levels.
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Injection site reactions (redness, swelling, rash, itching)
- Skin changes at injection sites (lumps, pits, thickening)
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) – symptoms include cold sweat, cool pale skin, fatigue, drowsiness, nervousness, tremor, rapid heartbeat, confusion, excessive hunger, vision changes, headache, nausea
- Severe hypoglycemia – loss of coordination, slurred speech, confusion, loss of consciousness, seizures
- High blood sugar (hyperglycemia) – symptoms include drowsy feeling, flushed face, thirst, loss of appetite, fruity breath odor, blurred vision, frequent urination
- Severe hyperglycemia – heavy breathing, fast pulse, nausea, vomiting, dehydration, loss of consciousness
- Allergic reactions – rash, itching, hives, shortness of breath, wheezing, swelling of face, lips, tongue or other body parts
Important Warnings
There are important safety considerations before using Optisulin. Make sure to discuss your complete medical history with your doctor.
Who Should Not Take Optisulin
Do not use Optisulin if you are allergic to insulin glargine or any ingredients listed. Do not use if you are experiencing low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia). Do not use after the expiry date or if packaging is damaged. Do not use if the product appears cloudy, discolored, contains particles, or if the injection pen/cartridge appears damaged. Do not give to children less than 6 years of age as there is no experience with use in this age group.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have kidney problems, liver problems, drink alcohol, do not eat regular meals, do a lot of exercise, or are ill or feeling unwell. Alcohol, diet, exercise, and your general health all affect diabetes control.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Check with your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant. Talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed. Pregnancy may make managing your diabetes more difficult.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Optisulin and affect how it works. Tell your doctor about all medicines, vitamins, or supplements you are taking.
- Oral antidiabetic medicines for type 2 diabetes
- Blood pressure, blood flow, cholesterol and heart medications
- Pain and inflammation medications
- Some antidepressants
- Sulfonamide antibiotics
- Corticosteroids, glucagon and other hormonal therapies
- Estrogens, progestogens, oral contraceptives
- Fluid and glaucoma medications
- Tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS treatments
- Some psychiatric medicines
- Adrenaline (epinephrine) and asthma medications such as salbutamol, terbutaline
- Heart medications, especially beta-blockers
Alcohol & Driving
Be careful with alcohol consumption and driving while using Optisulin, as both can affect your blood sugar control and safety.
Alcohol
Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol. Alcohol may mask the symptoms of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), making it harder to recognize when your blood sugar is dangerously low.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Optisulin affects you. Be especially careful not to let your blood sugar levels fall too low, as this can impair your ability to drive safely.
Storage
For cartridges: Keep unopened cartridges in a refrigerator at 2-8°C. Do not freeze – discard if frozen. Once inserted into injection pen, keep below 30°C (not in refrigerator) and discard within 28 days. For pre-filled pens: Keep unopened pens in refrigerator at 2-8°C. Before first use, store at room temperature for 1-2 hours. Once in use, keep below 30°C and discard within 28 days. Do not leave near heat or direct light.
Overdose Information
If you accidentally use too much Optisulin, your blood sugar may become dangerously low (hypoglycemia) and you may need urgent medical attention. Immediately phone the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department, even if you have no symptoms. For mild hypoglycemia, immediately consume sugary food or drink such as 5-7 jelly beans, 3 teaspoons of sugar or honey, 1/2 can of sugar-containing soft drink, or 2-3 glucose tablets, then follow up with extra carbohydrates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Optisulin is a long-acting insulin that works for 24 hours, providing steady blood sugar control throughout the day.
No, Optisulin is not addictive.
Test your blood sugar level as soon as possible. Since missing a dose may cause high blood sugar, but taking it at another time may cause low blood sugar, contact your doctor for specific advice about what to do.
No, do not mix Optisulin with any other insulin or solution. It should be used as prescribed by your doctor.
Inject into your thighs, upper arms, or the front of your waist (abdomen). Change the injection site within the area each day and avoid using the exact same spot repeatedly.
Always carry some sugary food or drink with you, such as jelly beans, sugar, honey, or glucose tablets, in case you experience low blood sugar symptoms.
Keep unopened cartridges and pens in the refrigerator at 2-8°C. Once in use, keep below 30°C and discard within 28 days. Never freeze or leave near heat or direct light.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.