Long-acting insulin (Antidiabetic)
Last reviewed July 2026
Who is this for?
Insulin glargine is a long-acting insulin injection that works slowly and steadily over 24 hours to help lower and control your blood sugar levels, much like the natural insulin your body is supposed to produce.
Binds to insulin receptors on muscle, fat, and liver cells, activating glucose uptake and utilization while suppressing hepatic glucose production and lipolysis. Provides sustained hyperglycaemic control over 24 hours through prolonged absorption from subcutaneous tissue.
Diabetes (sugar disease), both Type 1 diabetes and Type 2 diabetes when tablets alone are not enough to control blood sugar
Prescription Required
You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.
Explore this drug
If you miss your daily dose, take it as soon as you remember, then go back to your regular schedule the next day. Do not take a double dose. Check your blood sugar frequently and contact your doctor if your sugar levels stay high.
Always buy your insulin from a reputable pharmacy and check that it has been properly stored in a fridge, as insulin from roadside sellers or unregulated shops may have been damaged by heat and will not work properly. Learn to recognize the signs of low blood sugar (shaking, sweating, confusion) and always carry a sugary snack or drink with you. Never share your insulin pen with another person, even if you change the needle, as this can spread infections.
Some diabetes tablets like glimepiride or metformin can increase the blood-sugar-lowering effect, so your doctor may need to adjust doses. Alcohol can cause your blood sugar to drop dangerously low when combined with insulin, so drink with caution or avoid it. Certain blood pressure medicines (like atenolol or propranolol) can hide the warning signs of low blood sugar, making it harder to know when your sugar is too low.
Check your specific combination
Is it safe to take Insulin with your other drugs?
Consult your doctor before using insulin glargine during pregnancy or breastfeeding, as your doctor may continue it or switch you to another insulin, since controlling blood sugar during pregnancy is very important for you and your baby.
Store unopened insulin in a refrigerator (2–8°C), not in the freezer. Once opened, the pen or vial can be kept at room temperature (below 30°C) for up to 28 days, but do not refrigerate after opening. Keep away from direct sunlight and heat, which is very important in Nigeria's hot climate. Always keep out of reach of children.
For information only: not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.
Names this drug is sold under, especially in Nigerian and West African pharmacies
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Counterfeit Drug Warning
Fake drugs are a serious problem in Nigeria. Always buy from a registered pharmacy. If the packaging looks different from what is described above, do not use it.