Insulin glargine 100 IU/ml: uses, price & cheaper substitutes
Prescription required (Schedule H)
Common uses: Type 1 diabetes – as the long-acting "basal" insulin, together with a mealtime insulin; Type 2 diabetes when tablets alone no longer control blood sugar.
Listed MRPs range from ₹113.33 to ₹217.33 per ml across 7 listings. Use only on a doctor's prescription.
Price comparison
| Brand | Manufacturer | Pack | MRP | ₹ / ml | As on |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Insulin Glargine Injection IP 100 IU per mlJan Aushadhi | Jan Aushadhi (PMBJP) | 3 ml | ₹340.00 | ₹113.33 | 19 October 2026 |
| Basalog | Biocon | 5 ml | ₹841.73 | ₹168.35 | 19 October 2026 |
| Xglar | Eris Lifesciences Ltd | 5 ml | ₹893.27 | ₹178.65 | 19 October 2026 |
| Nobeglar | Mankind Pharma Ltd | 3 ml | ₹624.64 | ₹208.21 | 19 October 2026 |
| Glaritus | Wockhardt Ltd | 3 ml | ₹640.84 | ₹213.61 | 19 October 2026 |
| Basugine | Lupin Ltd | 3 ml | ₹651.95 | ₹217.32 | 19 October 2026 |
| Lantus | Sanofi India Ltd | 3 ml | ₹651.98 | ₹217.33 | 19 October 2026 |
MRPs as printed/listed on the date shown; actual price may vary.
Uses
- Type 1 diabetes – as the long-acting "basal" insulin, together with a mealtime insulin.
- Type 2 diabetes when tablets alone no longer control blood sugar.
- Providing a steady background insulin level over 24 hours with one injection a day.
How to take it
Inject the dose your doctor sets under the skin once a day at the same time each day – commonly at bedtime. Use the thigh, upper arm or stomach, rotating sites and avoiding lumpy, bruised or scarred skin; never inject into a vein or muscle. Check the insulin is clear and colourless – do not use it if cloudy or expired. Do not mix it with other insulins in the same syringe. Use a new needle for every injection and never share pens. Keep unopened pens or vials in the fridge (never freeze); a pen in use is kept at room temperature and discarded after 28 days. Know the signs of low sugar (sweating, shaking, hunger, confusion) and keep glucose or sugar with you. Do not change the dose or brand without your doctor.
Side effects
Common
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) – sweating, shaking, hunger, fast heartbeat, confusion.
- Redness, pain, itching or swelling at the injection site.
- Thickening or dents in the skin at injection sites if you do not rotate.
- Weight gain.
Serious
Stop and get medical help urgently if you notice any of these.
- Severe low blood sugar causing fainting, fits or unconsciousness – emergency.
- Severe allergic reaction – rash all over, wheezing, swelling of the face or throat.
- Low potassium – muscle cramps, weakness, irregular heartbeat.
- Sudden weight gain with swollen ankles or breathlessness (fluid retention, especially with pioglitazone).
Safety information
Alcohol
Alcohol can cause delayed low blood sugar and hide its warning signs. Ask your doctor about safe limits and never drink on an empty stomach.
Pregnancy
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding. Insulin needs change in pregnancy and your doses will be reviewed closely.
Kidney problems
Tell your doctor about kidney disease – insulin requirements often fall and the dose may need reducing to avoid hypoglycaemia.
Liver problems
Tell your doctor about liver disease; insulin needs may change.
Children
Used in children with diabetes under a paediatric diabetes team; doses are individual.
Missed dose
Ask your doctor in advance what to do and write it down. Do not take a double dose, and check your sugar more often that day.
Interactions
- Other diabetes medicines (metformin, glimepiride, sitagliptin) – more risk of low sugar; doses are balanced by your doctor.
- Steroids (prednisolone, dexamethasone) – raise blood sugar and may need higher insulin doses.
- Beta-blockers (atenolol, metoprolol) – can hide the warning signs of low sugar.
- Pioglitazone – fluid retention and heart failure risk with insulin.
- Illness, fasting, exercise and diet changes alter insulin needs – check sugar more often and tell your doctor.
Frequently asked questions
What is Lantus used for?
Lantus is insulin glargine, a long-acting insulin injected once a day to give steady background insulin in type 1 and type 2 diabetes. It is usually combined with tablets or a mealtime insulin.
When should I inject Lantus – morning or night?
Once a day at the same time every day. Many people inject at bedtime, but morning works too. Do not switch times without asking your doctor.
Lantus vs Basalog – what is the difference?
Both are insulin glargine 100 IU/ml. Basalog is a biosimilar made in India; Lantus is the original brand. Do not switch between brands without your doctor adjusting and monitoring.
How long can I keep a Lantus pen after opening?
An opened pen is kept at room temperature, away from heat and sunlight, and discarded after 28 days even if insulin remains. Unopened pens stay in the fridge.
Can I take insulin glargine with alcohol?
Alcohol can cause delayed low blood sugar and mask the symptoms. If you drink, do so with food, in moderation, and check your sugar.
Is Lantus safe in pregnancy?
Insulin is the usual treatment for diabetes in pregnancy, and glargine is used when a doctor decides. Tell your doctor as soon as you know you are pregnant, because doses change.
What should I do if my sugar goes low after Lantus?
Take 15 g of fast sugar – glucose tablets, sugar, juice – recheck after 15 minutes and repeat if still low, then eat a snack. If someone is drowsy or unconscious, do not give anything by mouth; call for emergency help.
Can I mix Lantus with other insulin in one syringe?
No. Insulin glargine must never be mixed or diluted with other insulins. Use separate injections.
Does insulin glargine need a prescription?
Yes. All insulins are prescription medicines in India and the dose must be set and adjusted by your doctor.
Sources
- MedlinePlus – Insulin glargine (19 October 2026)
- NPPA Pharma Sahi Daam (ceiling prices) (19 October 2026)
- PMBI Jan Aushadhi Product & MRP List (19 October 2026)
Medyzen Editorial Team · Last updated
This page is general information, not medical advice. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without asking a doctor or pharmacist. Terms