Lantus vs Basaglar – Differences, Similarities, Costs, Side Effects

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Posted by Prescription Hope - See Editorial Guidelines (Last Updated On: Wed Apr 26 2023)

Patients with diabetes often require insulin to control their blood sugar levels. However, choosing which insulin may be difficult, considering there are multiple insulins that are similar in nature. So, in this article, we’ll discuss Lantus vs Basaglar to help you better understand the differences and similarities.

Before getting into the details, we’ll provide you with a brief overview.

Lantus vs Basaglar: Lantus and Basaglar are both insulin glargine prescribed to treat patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. These long-acting insulins are very similar, but they are not interchangeable. Sanofi is the manufacturer of Lantus. Eli Lilly and Boehringer Ingelheim manufacture Basaglar.

Now, here is what you need to know about Lantus vs Basaglar.

Insulin Glargine

Insulin glargine is a long-acting insulin that is manmade. Patients with type 1 diabetes will use insulin glargine in combination with rapid-acting insulin. Patients with type 2 diabetes may use insulin glargine alone or in combination with another insulin to treat their condition.

Insulin glargine is injected subcutaneously at the same time every day. It should not be administered if you are having signs and symptoms of low blood sugar. This medication will either come in insulin pens or vials.

You should not mix insulin glargine with another insulin or switch this type of insulin out with any other type of insulin without consulting your doctor. This type of insulin should also never be used in an insulin pump.

Differences Between Lantus vs Basaglar

One of the first notable differences between Lantus vs Basaglar is the year that each was developed and introduced to the market. Lantus was developed in 2000 and is one of the most popular insulin medications used. Basaglar was not made until 2015.

It is important to note that patents protect brand-name medications by being copied. So, the patent of Lantus did not expire until 2015, which is why Eli Lilly was able to start producing similar insulin that is now called Basaglar.

With insulin being a biological drug made from living organisms, there cannot be generic insulin. There can be, however, a biosimilar. This is partly due to how complex biological drugs are.

So, many refer to Basaglar as being a biosimilar to Lantus. This is because the same active chemical component is present in each insulin. However, Basaglar may be chemically different than Lantus. Despite this, its effectiveness is very similar or equivalent to Lantus.

On the other hand, the FDA does not refer to Basaglar as being a biosimilar. Lantus was not introduced under the Affordable Care Act, which is required for a follow-up medication to be approved and labeled as a biosimilar.

Which One is Better – Lantus vs Basaglar

With Lantus being around for much longer, it may have more research to back up its efficacy. So, many may lean towards Lantus as being the better one among the two.

However, Basaglar is still manufactured by a large pharmaceutical company. Plus, any medication that is on the market has to be approved by the FDA. So, the safety and efficacy of Basaglar are determined before it can become available to an individual.

When it comes to determining which one is better between Lantus and Basaglar, there is no direct answer. With Basaglar being a biosimilar, it provides individuals with the same effect as Lantus. The better option for you specifically may depend on which one your insurance covers more of.

How to Take Lantus and Basaglar

Insulin glargine has to be injected subcutaneously. So, regardless of if you are using Lantus or Basaglar, it has to be injected. There are different methods you can use for injecting your insulin, though.

Lantus can come in either the form of an insulin pen or a vial. If you use the vial, then you will need to inject the insulin using a syringe. It is important that when you are using a vial that you never mix or dilute the insulin with any other substance. Do not share or reuse any syringes, either.

Basaglar only comes in the form of an insulin pen, known as the Basaglar KwikPen. The Lantus and Basaglar insulin pens are very similar in the way in which they are used. The pens have 300 units per pen and have a dial that allows you to adjust your dose. Each pen will require pen needles to inject Lantus and Basaglar.

Side Effects of Lantus and Basaglar

The most common side effect of both Lantus and Basaglar is low blood sugar. Hypoglycemia is severe and can be life-threatening. Symptoms of low blood sugar include:

• dizziness or light-headedness
• sweating
• confusion
• headache
• blurred vision
• slurred speech
• shakiness
• fast heartbeat
• anxiety
• irritability
• mood change
• hunger

Other possible side effects of Lantus include:

• swelling
• weight gain
• low potassium levels
• injection site reactions
• including changes in fat tissue at the injection site
• allergic reactions.

Other possible side effects of Basaglar include:

• allergic reactions
• minor reactions where you have injected Basaglar
• changes in fat tissue where you have injected Basaglar
• itching
• rash
• swelling
• weight gain

If you have questions about any side effects you have, then consult your doctor.

The Cost Difference Between Lantus vs Basaglar

Basaglar is cheaper than Lantus, but it is still very expensive for individuals. The out-of-pocket costs for each Lantus and Basaglar are as follows:

• The cash price for Lantus is $425 for 5 pens (300 units each) or about $285 for one vial (1000 units).
• The cash price for Basaglar is $326 for 5 pens (300 units each).

Keep in mind that this price is the one you would pay if you did not go through insurance. Depending on the type of insurance you have, the price you pay will vary. Through Prescription Hope’s medication access service, you can expect to pay just $60.00 a month through Prescription Hope’s medication access service, regardless of the amount of insulin you need, if you are eligible.

Conclusion

We hope this has given you a better understanding of Lantus vs Basaglar. If you have farther questions about how to inject insulin or if long-acting insulin is right for you, then talk to your doctor.

We, as much as anyone, understand that affording insulin and many other medications can be tough. If you are paying more than $60.00 a month through Prescription Hope’s medication access service for your medication, then Prescription Hope may be able to help with our medication access service. We work with pharmaceutical manufacturers to provide you with your medicine at a set, affordable cost. Enroll with us to see if you are eligible.

Are Lantus and Basaglar interchangeable?

Lantus and Basaglar have both been proven to be effective, but they are not interchangeable since one is not the generic version of the other. The pharmacist will not be able to substitute one for the other without the doctor's approval.

What is the difference between Lantus and Basaglar?

The main difference between Lantus and Basaglar is the cost, as Basaglar is slightly less expensive. They may also vary in potential side effects, depending on the patient's risk.