Lantus is a long-acting insulin glargine medication that’s been in use since 2000. Basaglar, which was approved in 2015, also contains insulin glargine; however, this doesn’t mean the two drugs can be used interchangeably. This is because insulin glargine in Basaglar is made differently.
For this reason, patients typically compare these two insulin medications to determine which one is more effective and cost-efficient.
In this article, you will learn about Basaglar and Lantus, their differences, side effects, cost, and more.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your doctor or diabetes care team before making changes to your treatment plan.
Quick Facts
- Similar efficacy: Both Basaglar and Lantus contain insulin glargine, providing long-acting insulin for diabetes management.
- Different formulations: Basaglar is available only as a pen (KwikPen), while Lantus offers both pen and vial options.
- Cost difference: Generally, Basaglar tends to be less expensive than Lantus, making it a more affordable option for many.
- Chemical structure: Basaglar and Lantus share the same chemical structure, but they are not interchangeable.
- Side effects: Similar adverse effects, mainly injection site reactions, hypoglycemia, weight gain, and rare allergic reactions.
Overview of Each Product
Both Basaglar and Lantus contain the active ingredient called insulin glargine. It’s a long-lasting insulin that provides insulin for 24 hours and takes 1.5h to 2h to take effect. However, the two medications are not the same as insulins are made differently.
Basaglar – Mechanism, Indications, Key Traits
Basaglar is an FDA-approved follow-on biologic medication (“copy” of insulin) that mimics the steady, long-lasting action of Lantus (which is a biologic medication). It is prescribed to children with type 1 diabetes and adults with type 2 diabetes.
- Formulation: Exclusively available in pen form (KwikPen), with the Tempo Pen option linking to a smartphone app for dose tracking.
- Indications: Long-acting basal insulin to improve blood glucose stability.
- Key traits: Similar efficacy to Lantus, typically lower cost, and no automatic substitution allowed at the pharmacy without a doctor’s approval.
Lantus – Mechanism, Indications, Key Traits
Lantus is also an FDA-approved long-acting insulin analog containing insulin glargine. It’s injected once daily and provides consistent effects for 24 hours. Same as Basaglar, it also takes 1.5h to 2h to start working.
- Formulation: Available as pre-filled SoloStar pens and multi-dose vials.
- Indications: For blood sugar control in type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
- Key traits: Widely prescribed, flexible delivery options, and proven long-term safety profile.
Basaglar vs. Lantus: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Basaglar | Lantus |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Insulin glargine | Insulin glargine (brand name) |
| Dosing | Once daily, via pen only | Once daily, pen or vial options |
| Efficacy | Similar to Lantus, achieves comparable blood sugar reduction | Proven efficacy in large clinical trials |
| Onset & Duration | Onset: 1.5–2 hours, lasts ~24 hours | Onset: 1.5–2 hours, lasts ~24 hours |
| Side effects | Injection site reactions, hypoglycemia, weight gain | Similar to Basaglar, injection site reactions, hypoglycemia |
| Cost | Usually lower (starts at ~$260) | Slightly higher (starts at ~$420) |
| Approval status | FDA-approved analog, not interchangeable | FDA-approved brand name |
| Limitations | Cannot be automatically substituted | No automatic substitution by pharmacists |
Basaglar vs. Lantus: Differences & Similarities Explained
Similarities
When comparing Basaglar insulin vs. Lantus, there are a few similarities, including:
- Contain the long-acting ingredient is insulin glargine
- Take effect in about 1.5h to 2h and lasts for 24h
- Provide similar, consistent blood glucose-lowering effects
- Administered once daily subcutaneously (under the skin) in the stomach, thigh, or upper arm
Differences
Lantus and Basaglar serve the same purpose, but they still share key differences:
- Chemical structure: Despite sharing the same chemical structure, Basaglar and Lantus are not used interchangeably because the two insulins are made differently.
- Dosage: The two medications are administered subcutaneously, but their dosages differ depending on the formulation.
- Basaglar: 3mL multiple-dose pen
- Lantus: 3mL multiple-dose pen OR 10mL multi-dose vial
- Formulation options: Basaglar is available in an injection pen form (KiwiPen and Tempo Pen), while Lantus is available in both injection pen (SoloStar) and vial forms.
- Cost: Basaglar typically costs less, offering potential savings, especially with insurance coverage. Lantus is typically more expensive, but the price may be reduced with savings cards, assistance programs, and Insulin Outlet.
Clinical Trials
Clinical trials show Basaglar and Lantus deliver nearly identical blood sugar control.
In type 1 diabetes (ELEMENT 1 study), A1C reductions were similar at 24 weeks (Basaglar –0.35% vs. Lantus –0.46%, P>0.05).
In type 2 diabetes (ELEMENT 2), both reduced A1C by about 1.3% at 24 weeks (Basaglar –1.29% vs. Lantus –1.34%, P>0.05), with no differences in fasting glucose, insulin doses, or safety outcomes.
Basaglar vs. Lantus: Use Cases & Which Might Be Better for You
When to Choose Basaglar
- If cost is a concern, and your insurance prefers follow-on biologic medications.
- If you prefer the simplicity of a pen-only formulation.
- If you’re switching from another once-daily basal insulin and your healthcare provider recommends a cost-effective equivalent.
- When you want a predictable, steady 24-hour insulin with low variability and no peak – similar to Lantus.
- If you’re managing type 1 or type 2 diabetes and need a basal insulin that works well alongside mealtime insulin or oral medications.
When to Choose Lantus
- If you need flexibility with vial options.
- If your healthcare provider suggests a more established brand.
- When insurance coverage or patient assistance programs make Lantus more affordable or easier to access than Basaglar.
- When your prescriber prefers the original insulin glargine formulation, especially if you’ve had stable results on it.
- If your clinician recommends staying with Lantus due to your specific blood sugar patterns or past response to therapy.
- When you want a long-acting insulin with a long track record, extensive clinical data, and proven results in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Special Populations
- Basaglar and Lantus are not recommended if you are allergic to one of the ingredients.
- Patients with renal or hepatic impairments should always consult their healthcare providers to choose the right medication and dosage.
- Patients with obesity should also consult with their healthcare providers to adjust the dosage and for continuous blood glucose monitoring.
- Switching between these insulins requires medical supervision, especially to avoid hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia.
Basaglar vs. Lantus: Risks, Side Effects & Warnings
When administering Lantus or Basaglar, you can expect similar side effects. The most common one is hypoglycemia, a low blood glucose level.
Other common adverse effects include injection site reactions, weight gain, sweating, and a fast heartbeat.
Serious side effects are rare but require immediate medical attention: allergic reactions, hypokalemia (low potassium levels), and severe hypoglycemia.
Monitoring Requirements
When prescribed Basaglar or Lantus, it’s recommended to regularly check blood sugar and consult with your healthcare provider to prevent any complications.
Warnings
Patients should not switch formulations (or interchange Basaglar and Lantus) without medical guidance, and insulin doses should be carefully adjusted to prevent hypoglycemia.
Drug Interactions
Lantus and Basaglar may be less effective when used in combination with certain medications. Medications that may increase the risk of hypoglycemia when used together with Lantus or Basaglar include:
- Insulin-releasing medications (e.g., sulfonylurea drugs)
- Glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists (semaglutide drugs like Ozempic)
- Fluoroquinolone antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin)
Basaglar vs. Lantus: Cost & Coverage
Basaglar KwikPens
$149.99Comparing Basaglar Kwikpen vs. Lantus SoloStar pens, you can notice a difference in price:
| Basaglar | Lantus | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price in the U.S pharmacy | Starts at ~$330 per pack | Starts at ~$420 per pack |
| Price at Insulin Outlet | $149.99 per pack | $179.99 per pack |
| Insurance Coverage | Typically preferred in many plans due to lower cost | Widely covered but often more expensive |
For patients without insurance, there are a few ways to reduce the expense:
| Financial Assistance | Basaglar | Lantus |
|---|---|---|
| GoodRx discounts | Patients can find Basaglar and Lantus at discounted prices in local pharmacies. These prices may be limited and not available at all pharmacies. | Patients can find Basaglar and Lantus at discounted prices in local pharmacies. These prices may be limited and not available at all pharmacies. |
| Savings Cards* | Pay as little as $35 a month with the Lilly Insulin Value Program. | Pay as little as $35 for a 30-day supply, valid up to 10 packs per fill with the Lantus Savings and Support. |
*Not available for patients with any state, federal, or government-funded healthcare programs.
Save on Basaglar and Lantus with Insulin Outlet
One effective way to reduce the cost of medication is to order from Canada. Canadian prices are significantly lower than in the U.S., and the quality and authenticity of Basaglar and Lantus are the same.
What’s important is to order your prescription from a reliable place, and Insulin Outlet is one of the most trusted networks of Canadian pharmacies among Americans.
- Enjoy our express delivery with orders being processed within 1 business day
- Convenient online ordering with medications delivered straight to your door
- Place an order on our user-friendly platform and claim limited discounts as a registered user
- Save smart on your medical expenses with lower prices on authentic medication in Canada
- Receive 10% off on your first order with the WELCOME10 coupon code
Here is how much you can save:
| Basaglar | Lantus | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price in the U.S. Pharmacy | ~$330 per pack | ~$420 per pack |
| Price at Insulin Outlet | $149.99 per pack | $179.99 per pack |
| Difference vs U.S. Pharmacy | +$180.01 | +$240.01 |
| ORDER NOW | ORDER NOW |
Place your order online, upload your valid prescription, and your medication will be delivered within 10 days, helping you save money without sacrificing quality or safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Basaglar interchangeable with Lantus?
No, Basaglar and Lantus are not interchangeable. Consult your doctor if you need to switch between these insulins to avoid side effects like hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia.
Which one leads to more weight loss?
Neither is specifically associated with weight loss; both can cause weight gain over time.
How is dosing converted?
Doses are typically equivalent, but any change should be supervised by a healthcare professional to avoid hypoglycemia.
Do Basaglar and Lantus cost the same or differ?
Basaglar generally costs less, with significant savings potential depending on insurance and discounts.However, you can also enroll in the manufacturer’s assistance programs to save on Lantus.
Do Lantus and Basaglar have different side effects?
The side effect profiles of Lantus and Basaglar are similar and may include fast heartbeat, weight gain, sweating, and other effects. Rare allergic reactions and hypoglycemia are concerns for both.
Conclusion & Next Steps
Both Basaglar and Lantus are effective long-acting insulins with similar safety profiles and benefits. Choosing between the two will depend on your doctor’s recommendations, cost, and formulation preference.
Consulting your healthcare provider will help you find the best option tailored to your specific needs.
If you already have your prescription for Basaglar or Lantus, Insulin Outlet is your trusted platform for affordable and authentic insulin medication.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your doctor or diabetes care team before making changes to your treatment plan.
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