Complete adverse effect profile including incidence rates and management
Important Safety Information
This is not a complete list of all possible side effects. Contact your healthcare provider if you experience any unexpected symptoms. For serious or life-threatening side effects, seek emergency medical attention immediately.
Hypoglycemia (most significant — risk lower than NPH but still present)
Injection site reactions (lipodystrophy, pain, erythema, swelling)
Weight gain (insulin is anabolic)
Edema (fluid retention with initiation or intensification)
Severe hypoglycemia (can cause coma, seizures, brain injury, death)
Hypokalemia (insulin drives potassium into cells)
Anaphylaxis and severe hypersensitivity reactions (rare)
Lipohypertrophy at injection sites (from repeated injections at same site — reduces absorption)
Insulin resistance
Vision changes (from glucose fluctuations)
Like all medications, Insulin Glargine can cause side effects. However, not everyone who takes this medication will experience them. Many side effects are dose-dependent and may improve as your body adjusts to the medication. Others may require dose adjustment or medical attention.
Contact your healthcare provider promptly if you experience:
Seek immediate emergency medical care if you experience signs of: