Basaglar is a long-acting basal insulin used to improve blood sugar control in adults and children with diabetes. Its active ingredient, insulin glargine U-100, releases slowly to provide a steady “background” insulin level for about 24 hours. Basaglar is supplied primarily as the KwikPen® prefilled pen (100 units/mL) and, in some countries, as 3-mL cartridges for compatible reusable pens.
In this clear, patient-friendly guide, you’ll learn what Basaglar is, how it works, when doctors prescribe it, how to use it correctly, possible side effects, safety tips, and answers to the most-searched questions (KwikPen, vs Lantus, generic name, cartridges, price & coupons, insulin pen price, and more).
Quick disclaimer: This article is educational and not a substitute for medical advice. Always follow your clinician’s instructions and your personalized diabetes plan.
What Is Basaglar?
Basaglar is the brand name for insulin glargine injection, 100 units/mL. It’s a long-acting human insulin analog designed for once-daily dosing at the same time each day. Basaglar acts as basal insulin, covering your body’s insulin needs between meals and overnight. People with type 1 diabetes use it with a rapid-acting mealtime insulin; many with type 2 diabetes start Basaglar when pills and lifestyle changes are not enough.
Available forms
- Basaglar KwikPen®: Disposable prefilled pen (3 mL = 300 units) that delivers 1-unit increments.
- Cartridges (availability varies by region): 3-mL cartridges for approved reusable pens.
Generic name: Insulin glargine (U-100). Basaglar is a follow-on/biosimilar to Lantus®; it contains the same insulin molecule and strength and is used in similar ways.
How Does Basaglar Work?
After subcutaneous injection, insulin glargine forms micro-precipitates in the fatty tissue. These slowly dissolve, releasing small amounts of insulin throughout the day and night:
- Peak-less profile: Smoother, more predictable background coverage.
- Fasting control: Helps bring morning glucose and between-meal numbers into range.
- Once daily: Most people inject once at the same time; a minority split the dose if directed by a clinician.
Do not mix Basaglar with other insulins, do not put it in an insulin pump, and do not inject it intravenously.
Common Uses of Basaglar
Doctors prescribe Basaglar to:
- Type 1 diabetes (adults & children): Provide basal coverage in a multiple daily injection plan together with rapid-acting insulin.
- Type 2 diabetes (adults): Improve control when oral/GLP-1/SGLT2 therapies are insufficient; often started as first basal insulin.
- Hospital or steroid-related hyperglycemia: Selected cases under supervision.
Basaglar is not for diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)—that requires IV insulin and close monitoring.
Basaglar Dosage and Administration
Your exact regimen is set by your prescriber. The ranges below are common starting points to discuss with your team.
Starting doses
Type 1 diabetes
- Total daily insulin (TDI) often starts at 0.2–0.4 units/kg/day (adjusted for age, weight, and clinical context).
- Basal portion (Basaglar): commonly 30–50% of the TDI; the rest is rapid-acting insulin for meals and corrections.
Type 2 diabetes
- Start 10 units once daily or 0.2 units/kg/day, given at the same time each day.
- Titrate by +2 units every 3 days (or +10–15% weekly) until fasting glucose hits your target (often 80–130 mg/dL unless your clinician sets a different range).
Switching from other insulins
- From another glargine U-100 (e.g., Lantus): usually unit-for-unit.
- From twice-daily NPH: often reduce the total daily NPH by ~20% and give Basaglar once daily.
- From detemir or degludec: follow your prescriber’s conversion and monitoring plan.
Where and how to inject
- Sites: Abdomen, outer thighs, back of upper arms, or buttocks.
- Rotate sites with each dose to reduce lumps or indentations (lipodystrophy).
- Timing: Same time daily—morning or bedtime per your plan.
Step-by-step (KwikPen®)
- Confirm the label: “Basaglar 100 units/mL.”
- Inspect: solution must be clear and colorless—no particles.
- Attach a new pen needle (4–8 mm is typical). Never reuse needles.
- Prime: dial 2 units, hold pen needle up, tap bubbles, press injection button until a drop appears (repeat if needed).
- Dial your dose.
- Insert at 90° into fatty tissue; press and hold until the window shows “0”, then count to 10 before removing.
- Dispose of the needle safely in a sharps container.
Missed dose: Take it as soon as you remember the same day, then return to your schedule. If you’re unsure, check glucose more often and call your care team. Do not double.
Side Effects of Basaglar
Common (usually mild/moderate)
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) — shakiness, sweating, hunger, headache, fast heartbeat, irritability, trouble concentrating.
- Treat with 15 g fast carbohydrates (glucose tabs/gel, juice), recheck in 15 minutes, repeat if needed; follow with a snack/meal.
- Injection-site reactions (redness, itching, mild swelling).
- Weight gain as glucose control improves.
- Peripheral edema (fluid retention).
Less common but important
- Severe hypoglycemia → seizure or unconsciousness; treat with glucagon (e.g., Baqsimi®) and call emergency services.
- Hypokalemia (low potassium), particularly with high doses or medications that lower potassium.
- Generalized allergy (rare): hives, wheeze, swelling—seek emergency care.
- Lipodystrophy/cutaneous amyloidosis from repeated injections in the same spot—rotate sites to prevent erratic absorption.
Warnings and Precautions
- Never share pens or needles; even with new needles, sharing can transmit infections.
- Do not mix or dilute Basaglar; not for pumps or IV use.
- Sick-day plan: Illness, vomiting/diarrhea, reduced intake, or strenuous activity can change insulin needs—follow your written plan and check ketones if advised.
- Driving & machinery: Avoid if glucose is low or trending down; keep fast carbs within reach.
- Heart failure with TZDs: Combining insulin with pioglitazone/rosiglitazone may cause or worsen edema/heart failure; watch weight and breathing.
- Renal/hepatic impairment, older adults: Higher hypoglycemia risk—start conservatively, monitor closely.
- Pregnancy & breastfeeding: Basal insulin is routinely used; expect frequent dose adjustments and tighter targets per your team.
Drug and Product Interactions
Some medicines increase or decrease insulin needs or mask low-glucose symptoms. Keep an updated medication list.
- May increase hypoglycemia risk: sulfonylureas, GLP-1 agonists, ACE inhibitors/ARBs, MAO inhibitors, quinolones, salicylates, alcohol, fluoxetine, pentamidine.
- May increase glucose levels/needs: corticosteroids, diuretics, thyroid hormones, oral contraceptives, sympathomimetics, some antipsychotics.
- May mask low-glucose warning signs: beta-blockers, clonidine, guanethidine—rely on glucose checks rather than symptoms.
- TZDs + insulin: monitor for edema/heart failure.
- SGLT2 inhibitors: helpful for control but learn sick-day rules to minimize euglycemic DKA risk.
Basaglar vs. Other Basal Insulins
- Basaglar vs Lantus: Same molecule (insulin glargine U-100), similar duration and effect. Basaglar is a follow-on/biosimilar; pharmacy substitution depends on local formulary rules.
- Basaglar vs Levemir (detemir): Detemir may require twice-daily dosing in some people; weight and hypoglycemia profiles can differ slightly.
- Basaglar vs Tresiba (degludec U-100/U-200): Tresiba has an ultra-long duration (>24 h) and a more flexible dosing window; cost/coverage vary.
- Which is best? The right choice balances coverage, cost, insurance, and your response—work with your clinician.
Cost, Availability & “Over-the-Counter” Status
- Prescription-only.
- Manufacturer: Eli Lilly.
- Price/coupons: Search interest often includes “Basaglar coupon,” “$35 insulin,” “KwikPen price,” “manufacturer coupon,” “insulin pen price.” Costs vary by region and insurance. Ask about copay caps, patient assistance, and pharmacy savings programs.
- No OTC Basaglar; safe use requires training and monitoring.
Special Section: KwikPen vs. Cartridges vs. Syringes
KwikPen (prefilled, disposable)
- Pros: convenient; easy dial; no vial needed.
- Use for up to 28 days at room temp once opened; keep away from heat and sunlight.
- Delivers 1-unit increments; confirm you can see and feel the dial.
Cartridges (where available)
- For approved reusable pens; follow the pen maker’s instructions.
- Do not refill or use in non-approved pens.
Pen needles
- Length 4–8 mm is common; your educator can advise the best size.
- New needle every time; hold the pen pressed for a slow 10-count to reduce leak-back.
- Dispose in an FDA-cleared sharps container (or local equivalent).
Proper Diabetes Care With Basaglar
- Check fasting glucose daily while titrating; use a logbook or app.
- Set targets with your team (fasting, pre-meal, post-meal, bedtime).
- Carry glucose tablets/gel and medical ID indicating you use insulin.
- Keep an emergency glucagon product (e.g., Baqsimi®) if recommended.
- Coordinate nutrition and activity with your dosing; expect lower needs after intense exercise or on lighter-eating days.
- Travel smart: Pack insulin and supplies in carry-on luggage; protect from heat/freezing; bring a backup pen and prescriptions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Is Basaglar the same as Lantus?
Both contain insulin glargine U-100 and provide comparable basal coverage. Basaglar is a follow-on/biosimilar to Lantus; your plan’s formulary determines which one is preferred.
Q2. What’s the generic name for Basaglar?
Insulin glargine (100 units/mL).
Q3. How often do I take Basaglar?
Usually once daily at the same time. Do not change timing or split the dose unless your clinician directs it.
Q4. Where should I inject it?
Abdomen (at least 2 inches from the navel), outer thighs, back of upper arms, or buttocks. Rotate sites with every injection.
Q5. Can I mix Basaglar with other insulin?
No. Do not mix or dilute Basaglar and do not use it in an insulin pump.
Q6. My fasting sugar is still high—what now?
Follow your titration plan (for example, increase by 2 units every 3 days) until you reach your fasting target, or contact your clinician for guidance.
Q7. What are the most common side effects?
Hypoglycemia, injection-site reactions, weight gain, and mild swelling.
Q8. How do I store my pens?
Unopened: refrigerate (2–8 °C/36–46 °F), never freeze. In-use: room temperature (below ~30 °C/86 °F) for 28 days, protected from heat and sunlight.
Q9. What happens if I miss a dose?
If you remember on the same day, take it and resume your schedule. If unsure, check glucose more often and call your care team. Do not double.
Q10. Can Basaglar cause low potassium?
Insulins can shift potassium into cells, occasionally causing hypokalemia—more likely with high doses or certain medicines. Your clinician will monitor if you’re at risk.
Q11. What needles work with the KwikPen?
Most single-use pen needles (BD, NovoFine, etc.) are compatible; your pharmacy can recommend 4–8 mm lengths.
Q12. How much does Basaglar cost?
Pricing varies by insurance and pharmacy. Ask about manufacturer coupons, $35 insulin programs, or patient assistance if cost is an issue.
Q13. Can I use Basaglar if I’m pregnant?
Basal insulin is commonly used during pregnancy; your team will set custom targets and adjust doses frequently.
Q14. What’s the difference between a cartridge and a KwikPen?
Both contain the same insulin. Cartridges fit reusable pens; the KwikPen is prefilled and disposable. Choose based on cost, availability, and preference.
Final Thoughts
Basaglar (insulin glargine U-100) is a reliable, once-daily basal insulin that helps stabilize fasting and between-meal blood sugars. When used correctly—consistent timing, good injection technique, steady titration, and site rotation—it can meaningfully improve A1C and day-to-day stability.