Insulin glargine sold, among others, under the brand name Lantus (manufactured and marketed by Sanofi) is a long-acting modified form of medical insulin, used in the management of type1 and type2 diabetes. It is injected just under the skin. Effects generally begin an hour after use.
Common side effects include low blood sugar, problems at the site of injection, itchiness, and weight gain. Other serious side effects include low blood potassium. NPH insulin rather than insulin glargine is generally preferred in pregnancy.[8] After injection, microcrystals slowly release insulin for about 24 hours. This insulin causes body tissues to absorb glucose from the blood and decreases glucose production by the liver.
Insulin glargine was patented, but the patent expired in most jurisdictions in 2014. It was approved for medical use in the United States in 2000.[9] It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines.[10]