Larsulin Pen Cartridge 3 ml vial

Larsulin Pen Cartridge – Insulin Glargine 100 IU/ml Long-Acting Injection

What is Larsulin Pen Cartridge?

Larsulin Pen Cartridge is a long-acting basal insulin analogue containing insulin glargine 100 IU/ml in a 3 ml cartridge format, manufactured by Lars Medico Ltd., Bangladesh. The pen cartridge is loaded into a compatible reusable insulin pen device for convenient, precise, needle-free preparation — each dose dialled and delivered without handling syringes. It provides once-daily, peakless, 24-hour basal insulin coverage — the same clinical profile as the Larsulin 10 ml vial but in a pen-compatible format suited to patients who prefer modern pen delivery. Larsulin is a locally manufactured biosimilar to Lantus (Sanofi), providing affordable insulin glargine access across Bangladesh.

Generic Name and Composition

Each ml contains: 100 IU insulin glargine (rDNA origin). Glargine differs from human insulin structurally: A21 asparagine replaced by glycine, and two arginines added at the B-chain C-terminus. These changes make glargine soluble in the acidic cartridge (pH 4) but cause it to precipitate as micro-aggregates at subcutaneous physiological pH — dissolving slowly over 24 hours to produce a flat, peakless absorption profile with no pronounced glucose-lowering peak.

Indications

• Type 1 diabetes — basal insulin component of a basal-bolus regimen
• Type 2 diabetes — once-daily basal insulin to control fasting glucose
• Patients preferring pen delivery over syringe-based injection
• Patients seeking a locally manufactured, affordable insulin glargine alternative

How It Works — Mechanism of Action

After SC injection, glargine micro-precipitates form at the injection site. These dissolve at a constant, slow rate — releasing insulin monomers steadily over 24 hours. The resulting flat, peakless action profile mimics physiological basal insulin secretion: suppressing hepatic glucose output and maintaining low-level peripheral glucose uptake between meals and overnight, without nocturnal peaks that increase hypoglycaemia risk.

Dosage and Administration

Once daily at the same time each day. Load the pen cartridge into the compatible reusable pen device per manufacturer instructions. Prime the pen (2 IU air shot) before first use. Starting dose in Type 2 (insulin-naive): 10 IU/day; titrate by 2 IU every 3 days to fasting glucose target. Inject SC into abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Rotate sites. Do not mix with other insulins in the same cartridge or pen.

Side Effects

Very common: Hypoglycaemia. Common: Injection site reactions, lipohypertrophy, weight gain. Uncommon: Lipoatrophy, peripheral oedema, visual changes at treatment initiation. Rare: Hypersensitivity reactions, anaphylaxis.

Drug Interactions

Enhance hypoglycaemia: OADs, GLP-1 agonists, SGLT-2 inhibitors, ACE inhibitors, MAO inhibitors, salicylates, alcohol. Reduce effect: Corticosteroids, glucagon, thyroid hormones, sympathomimetics, thiazides, oral contraceptives. Mask symptoms: Beta-blockers, clonidine.

Contraindications

• Active hypoglycaemia
• Hypersensitivity to insulin glargine or any excipient
• IV use (pen cartridges are for SC injection only)

Pregnancy and Lactation

Pregnancy: Limited data; many specialists prefer NPH or detemir in pregnancy. Consult obstetrician and endocrinologist. Lactation: Not expected to pass into breast milk in clinically significant amounts.

Precautions and Warnings

• Larsulin Pen Cartridge is a clear, colourless solution. Discard if cloudy, discoloured, or particulate — this indicates degradation or contamination.
• Never mix with other insulins. Mixing destroys the pH-dependent micro-precipitate mechanism and alters the extended action profile.
• Prime pen before first use and after each cartridge change — prevents dose inaccuracy from air bubbles.
• Do not freeze the cartridge. Do not expose to heat or direct sunlight.

Overdose

Hypoglycaemia. Mild: oral glucose or carbohydrate. Severe: IV dextrose 20–50% or IM glucagon 1 mg. Glargine's 24-hour duration means prolonged glucose monitoring is necessary — maintain IV glucose infusion until all glargine effect has cleared.

Storage Instructions

• Unopened cartridge: 2–8 degrees C. Do not freeze.
• In-use cartridge (loaded in pen): Below 25 degrees C. Protect from light and heat.
• Discard 28 days after first use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What pen device is compatible with Larsulin Pen Cartridge?
The Larsulin Pen Cartridge (3 ml, standard ISO dimensions) is compatible with most universal 3 ml reusable insulin pen devices available in Bangladesh. Confirm compatibility with the specific pen manufacturer. Lars Medico and major pharmacies in Bangladesh typically advise on compatible pen models.

Q2: Is the Larsulin Pen Cartridge the same as Larsulin 100IU vial?
Both contain identical insulin glargine 100 IU/ml. The 10 ml vial is used with U-100 syringes and offers a lower cost per IU — suited for higher daily doses or cost-sensitive situations. The 3 ml pen cartridge requires a reusable pen device and is better suited for travel, precise dosing, and patients who prefer pen injection over syringes.

Q3: How do I switch from the Larsulin vial to the pen cartridge?
The dose in IU remains the same — no dose conversion is needed. Load the cartridge into your compatible pen, prime it, and inject the same number of units at the same time of day. Your fasting glucose targets and titration schedule do not change.

Q4: Who manufactures Larsulin?
Lars Medico Ltd., Bangladesh — a domestic pharmaceutical company producing insulin glargine as a locally manufactured biosimilar to Lantus (Sanofi). Larsulin provides an affordable, Rx-grade insulin glargine option for Bangladeshi patients with both vial and pen cartridge formats.

Medical Disclaimer: For educational purposes only. Larsulin Pen Cartridge is Rx-only. Consult your diabetologist before starting or changing insulin therapy. DiabetesStore.com.bd is a licensed online pharmacy in Bangladesh.