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Diabetes pen medications have been around for multiple decades with long-acting insulin analogs have revolutionized diabetes care. These types of medications provide a steady supply of insulin for up to 24 hours. Among these, Basaglar and Lantus are the focus of this article.
Whether Basaglar is a biosimilar or follow-on medication has been debated over the years since both have been released. Patients often have questions about their creation, uses, and price. This comparison answers all of those and provides up-to-date information on these two diabetes medications.
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Lantus is the original insulin glargine product, becoming widely used after its approval in 2000. It is produced by Sanofi and established the standard for long-acting insulin analogs.
Basaglar hit the market (after approval) in 2015 as a “follow-on” to Lantus. This means it contains the same active ingredient (insulin glargine) and functions through identical mechanisms of action in the body as Lantus. Manufactured by Eli Lilly and Company, it was one of the first “follow-on” insulins in the U.S. market.
While these may be referred to as biosimilar insulins, there are a few key things that make these medications different and unable to be interchanged freely.
| Basaglar | Lantus | |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Eli Lilly and Company | Sanofi |
| Active Ingredient | Insulin glargine | Insulin glargine |
| Delivery Methods | KwikPen, Vial | SoloStar pen, vial |
| Duration of Action | Up to 24 hours | Up to 24 hours |
| Concentration | 100 units/mL | 100 units/mL |
| Average Cost | $261.53 for a carton of 5 | $35 for a carton of 5 |
Basaglar is a follow-on biologic to Lantus, developed after the original product’s patent expiration. Basaglar entered the market as a more affordable alternative. The manufacturing processes, while similar, are conducted at different facilities under different quality control systems.
It’s often assumed to be a biosimilar or generic to Lantus, however, it was created before there was approval on the definition of biosimilars for Insulin. While it isn’t legally classified as one, it is still similar.
The cost of these two is heavily factored by whether or not a patient has insurance. Insurance providers prefer Basaglar, which translates into lower costs for the insured. Paying out of pocket however and Lantus has the lower cost.
Both medications use specialized pens or vials of medication. Lantus uses the SoloStar pen system, while Basaglar uses the KwikPen delivery device. These are the same thing with their own fancy names. The Basaglar Tempo Pen differs though, having a smartphone app that tracks insulin doses.
While clinically equivalent, some patients report subtle differences in their experience with each medication. These differences might include slight variations in blood sugar control or injection site reactions, while they may not be seen as significant medically, they can make a world of difference for the patient.
Basaglar and Lantus work in exactly the same way in a patient’s body. They are both long-acting insulins that work steadily throughout the day to control blood sugar with only one injection per day under the skin. They start working, peak, and last for the same amount of time in the body. Both work equally well for both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes and help lower blood sugar and A1C levels in the same way.
Made slightly differently, but they do the same job in the body just as effectively. A doctor can help a patient choose which one might be better for them based on factors like cost and insurance coverage, rather than how well they work.
Clinical studies have consistently demonstrated therapeutic equivalence between Basaglar and Lantus. Both medications show comparable effectiveness in:
Common side effects are similar for both medications and include:
The introduction of Basaglar as a follow-on option has influenced the insulin market in some pretty noticeable ways. Without insurance, Basaglar often comes with a higher retail price compared to Lantus, but insurance switches that around, leaving Basaglar as the cheaper option.
Accessibility is key for both medication providers luckily. Sanofi offers the Lantus Copay Savings Program, while Eli Lilly offers the Basaglar Savings Card. Many more biosimilar medications have kept the insulin pen competitive in theory. American markets still see many patients with concerns on their diabetes medication costs.
Trying to decide between the two medications is often harder because of their similarities. If faced with the option, consider:
Doctors are also invaluable when making the decision.
Basaglar and Lantus represent highly similar treatment options for diabetes management, with the main differences lying in cost, branding, and delivery systems rather than clinical efficacy. Individual patient treatment plans are most important when discussing which one is best.
After speaking to a healthcare provider for the best option, check out MyRX Outlet affordable diabetes medication options from Canada.
When it comes down to it, the main difference is cost and individual responses to the medication.
While similar, they are not interchangeable. If a patient needs the other when already prescribed one, their doctor will write a new script.
Both are the same strength
Written & Reviewed By
The MyRx Team
The MyRx Outlet team is a dedicated group of healthcare professionals and pharmacists dedicated to delivering up-to-date and accurate information on medications and key healthcare topics. With years of experience in the healthcare field, our team is passionate about supporting individuals in reaching their health and wellness goals through our articles.
The information provided here is for educational purposes only and is not intended to serve as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. It should not be taken as an endorsement of any specific medication or treatment. Individual health conditions and responses to treatment can vary greatly; therefore, this information should not be seen as a guarantee of safety, suitability, or effectiveness for any particular individual. Always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized medical advice and before making any decisions regarding your health or treatment plans.
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