Basaglar (insulin glargine) is a prescription brand-name medication. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved it to improve blood sugar levels in:
- adults with type 2 diabetes
- adults and children ages 6 years and older with type 1 diabetes
Basaglar contains the active drug insulin glargine. It’s classified as a long-acting insulin. Insulin glargine is a
Basaglar is given as a subcutaneous injection. The drug comes in two forms: single-use KwikPens and single-use Tempo Pens.
For information about the dosage of Basaglar, including its strength and how to take the drug, keep reading. For a comprehensive look at Basaglar, see this article.
This article describes typical dosages for Basaglar provided by the drug’s manufacturer. When taking Basaglar, always follow the dosage prescribed by your doctor.
Below is information about approved Basaglar dosages for treating type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Basaglar forms
Basaglar comes as a single-use, prefilled pen called the KwikPen. It also comes as a single-use, prefilled pen called the Tempo Pen. The Tempo Pen is the same as the KwikPen, but you can also connect it to a smartphone app to track your insulin doses.
Both forms of Basaglar are given as a subcutaneous injection.
Basaglar strength
Both the Basaglar KwikPen and Tempo Pen come in one strength: 100 units of insulin glargine per 1 milliliter (ml) of solution. Each single-use pen contains 3 ml of drug solution.
Typical dosages
Your doctor will likely start you with a low dosage of Basaglar. Then they’ll adjust your Basaglar dosage over time to reach the amount that’s right for you. Your doctor will ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.
The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
Note: Regardless of the condition Basaglar is prescribed to treat, you’ll inject the medication once a day. You may inject Basaglar at any time of day, but you should take your dose at the same time every day.
The maximum dose that either form of Basaglar prefilled pens can deliver is 80 units.
Dosage for type 1 diabetes
The typical starting dosage of Basaglar for treating type 1 diabetes is about one-third of your total daily insulin dosage. (The rest of your total daily dosage should typically be given before or after meals.)
Your total daily insulin dosage is based on your body weight, measured in kilograms (kg). One kg equals about 2.2 pounds (lb). Dosages usually range from 0.4 units/kg to 1 unit/kg per day.
Below is an example of a Basaglar dosing chart for type 1 diabetes:
| Body weight | Prescribed daily insulin dosage | Total daily insulin dosage | Starting daily dosage of Basaglar |
| 82 kg (about 180 lb) | 0.6 units/kg | 49 units | 16 units |
Your doctor will determine what your specific Basaglar dosage should be. Talk with your doctor about the correct dosage for your condition.
Dosage for type 2 diabetes
For treating type 2 diabetes, the typical starting Basaglar dosage is 0.2 units/kg, up to a maximum starting dosage of 10 units per day. Your doctor will then adjust your dosage based on test results, such as your blood glucose levels.
Talk with your doctor about the dose of Basaglar that’s right for you.
Children’s dosage
Basaglar is approved to improve blood sugar levels in children ages 6 years and older with type 1 diabetes.
The children’s dosage of Basaglar is the same as the dosage for adults. For details, see “Dosage for type 1 diabetes” above.
Long-term
Basaglar is typically prescribed as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Basaglar is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely take it long term.
If you miss a dose of Basaglar, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time.
You should not take more than one dose of Basaglar within 24 hours, unless your doctor advises you to do so. Taking more than one dose of Basaglar within 24 hours may increase your risk of serious side effects, including hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or timer on your phone or downloading a reminder app. A kitchen timer can work, too.
Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about Basaglar dosages.
Is there a dosing calculator for Basaglar?
The manufacturer of Basaglar doesn’t offer a dosing calculator for you to use.
Your doctor may use a dosing calculator to determine your Basaglar dosage. They may also use one to determine your total daily dose of insulin. These dosing calculators are intended for use by healthcare professionals. If you have questions about how your Basaglar dose was calculated, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
How do the doses of Basaglar and Lantus compare?
If your doctor is switching you to Basaglar from Lantus, your Basaglar dose will probably be the same as your Lantus dose. This is because they contain the same active drug (insulin glargine) in the same strength: 100 units per milliliter (ml) of solution.
Be sure to take the exact dose your doctor prescribes to you.
If you have additional questions about a dose conversion between Basaglar and Lantus, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Basaglar comes in two forms: single-use KwikPens and single-use Tempo Pens.
Both forms of Basaglar are given as subcutaneous injections. Your doctor will help determine which form is best for you and can teach you how to self-inject Basaglar.
You’ll inject Basaglar into one of the following locations:
- abdomen, at least 2 inches (in) away from your belly button
- buttocks
- thighs
- upper arms
Needle and pen information
Needles aren’t included with either Basaglar KwikPens or Tempo Pens. You’ll need a separate prescription from your doctor. The manufacturer of Basaglar recommends using the needle brand Becton, Dickinson and Company with your pen.
Needles aren’t meant to be used more than once. Be sure to use a new needle each time you inject a dose of Basaglar.
Basaglar KwikPens and Tempo Pens, on the other hand, are meant to be used more than once. The number of doses each pen provides varies depending on the dose your doctor prescribes. You can use KwikPens and Tempo Pens for up to 28 days after opening them. After 28 days, you should throw away opened pens in a
Where to find instructions
The manufacturer of Basaglar provides step-by-step instructions for injecting Basaglar KwikPen and Basaglar Tempo Pen. They also provide video instructions for injecting Basaglar.
You can also download the app called Beginning Basaglar, available for iPhone and iPad as well as Android devices. This app contains instructions and helpful tips for using Basaglar.
If you have additional questions about how to use Basaglar, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can walk you through the steps for giving yourself an injection of Basaglar.
The Basaglar dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors. These include:
- the type and severity of the condition you’re using Basaglar to treat
- your weight
- your blood sugar level goals
- your history of blood sugar management
- past insulin dosages, if you’ve used insulin before
Other medical conditions you have can also affect your Basaglar dosage. Talk with your doctor about the dose of Basaglar that’s right for you.
Dosage adjustments
Your doctor may adjust your Basaglar dosage depending on several factors. These include:
- changes in your physical activity
- changes in your meal patterns
- changes to your health, such as sickness
- changes in liver or kidney function
If you have additional questions about dosage adjustments and Basaglar, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
It’s important that you don’t inject more Basaglar than your doctor prescribes. Taking more Basaglar than your doctor prescribes may lead to serious side effects.
Symptoms of an overdose
Symptoms of a Basaglar overdose can include:
- Severe hypoglycemia (very low blood sugar levels), which can include:
- Hypokalemia (low potassium level), which can cause symptoms such as:
- heart palpitations (feeling as if your heart has extra or skipped beats)
- muscle spasms (muscle cramps)
If you take more than the recommended amount of Basaglar
Call your doctor right away if you believe you’ve taken too much of Basaglar. Another option is to call the American Association of Poison Control Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. If you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.
The dosages in this article are typical dosages provided by the drug manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Basaglar for you, they will prescribe the dosage that’s right for you. Always follow the dosage that your doctor prescribes for you.
As with any drug, never change your dosage of Basaglar without your doctor’s recommendation. If you have questions about the dosage of Basaglar that’s right for you, talk with your doctor.
Besides learning about dosage, you may want other information about Basaglar. These additional articles might be helpful to you:
- More about Basaglar. For information about other aspects of Basaglar, refer to this article.
- Side effects. To learn about side effects of Basaglar, see this article. You can also look at the Basaglar prescribing information.
- Details on diabetes. For details about diabetes, see our diabetes hub as well as this list of diabetes articles.
Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
