Basaglar® KwikPen Long‑Acting Insulin Glargine 100 units/mL

What Basaglar® Is and How It Works

Basaglar® KwikPen is a prefilled insulin pen containing insulin glargine 100 units/mL. It is a long‑acting basal insulin used to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, and in pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes. The Basaglar KwikPen delivers small, steady amounts of insulin over 24 hours to help manage fasting and between‑meal glucose. The focused strength and format match the common need for a basal option in an easy pen device. The Basaglar KwikPen provides 300 units per 3 mL pen; most cartons contain five pens.

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Insulin glargine forms microprecipitates in the subcutaneous tissue. These slowly release active insulin that has a flat profile without a pronounced peak. Basaglar is injected once daily at the same time each day. It is not for intravenous use, not for insulin pumps, and should not be mixed or diluted with other insulins. Basaglar KwikPen is manufactured by Eli Lilly.

Common pack details and terminology you may see include: Basaglar KwikPen 100 units/mL, Basaglar KwikPen 100U/mL pen, and Basaglar 100 unit/mL KwikPen. The pen supports dosing in one‑unit steps. Needle size is not included; standard pen needles are used.

Dosage and Usage

• Initiation in type 2 diabetes: many adults start at 10 units once daily or 0.1–0.2 units/kg once daily, then titrate based on fasting glucose under prescriber guidance.
• Initiation in type 1 diabetes: basal insulin often provides about one‑third to one‑half of total daily insulin; dosing is individualized by the healthcare provider.
• Switching from Lantus (insulin glargine U‑100) or another once‑daily glargine: often unit‑to‑unit at the same total daily dose, with monitoring.
• Switching from Toujeo (insulin glargine U‑300): a lower Basaglar dose is commonly used initially; careful monitoring is required.
• Switching from NPH twice daily: a 20% dose reduction is often used when converting to once‑daily glargine; follow prescriber direction.
• Missed dose: clinical guidance often advises taking the dose when remembered if there is enough time before the next scheduled dose; otherwise skip and resume the regular schedule. Do not double doses. Confirm an individualized plan with the prescriber.
• Injection sites: abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Rotate sites within the same region to reduce lipodystrophy.
• Using the KwikPen device: attach a new pen needle; prime with 2 units until a drop appears; dial the prescribed dose; insert at 90 degrees; press and hold the button until the dose window returns to 0 and count slowly to 10 before removing the needle; remove and discard the needle safely; recap the pen. Do not share pens.
• Needle size: Basaglar KwikPen is compatible with most pen needles (commonly 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, or 8 mm). The choice depends on patient factors and prescriber advice.

• Storage (unopened): refrigerate at 2–8 °C (36–46 °F). Do not freeze. Keep in the carton to protect from light.
• Storage (in use): keep at room temperature (below 30 °C/86 °F) and discard after 28 days. Do not freeze or expose to heat/sunlight.
• Travel tips: keep pens with you in a cool carry‑on; use an insulated pouch with cold packs if needed; do not place pens directly against ice packs; bring extra needles; pack a copy of your prescription and supplies for delays.
• Handling: check the label for 100 units/mL; inspect solution (should be clear and colorless); never use if frozen, cloudy, or with particles.

Benefits and Savings

Basaglar can lower fasting plasma glucose and improve A1C when titrated to target. The flat 24‑hour profile helps reduce overnight variability compared with intermediate‑acting insulin. The KwikPen is simple to dial, discreet, and portable. Many patients appreciate once‑daily dosing without mixing.

Ordering from a Canadian pharmacy can offer meaningful value. Typical customers save about 60–80% versus common US retail prices, depending on the Basaglar KwikPen price at local pharmacies. Multi‑month supplies and bulk promotions can reduce the per‑month cost. You can set gentle reorder reminders so you never run short.

Looking for extra value? See our basaglar kwikpen discount coupons page for current promotions.

Side Effects and Safety

• Common: hypoglycemia, injection‑site reactions (redness, itching), lipodystrophy or skin thickening, mild edema, and weight gain.
• Less common: rash, pruritus, or allergic reactions.
• Metabolic: hypokalemia may occur, especially with high doses or diuretics.
• Device‑related: bruising or pain at the injection site; ensure correct technique and needle length.

Serious reactions include severe hypoglycemia, significant allergic reactions, and fluid retention (risk may increase with thiazolidinediones). Seek urgent care for severe symptoms. Risk of low blood sugar increases when Basaglar is used with rapid‑acting insulin or sulfonylureas; dose adjustments of mealtime agents may be needed. Do not use Basaglar for diabetic ketoacidosis. Do not mix with other insulins or use in an insulin pump.

Onset Time

Basaglar starts to work within about 1–2 hours after injection and has a relatively peakless action lasting up to 24 hours. Fasting glucose improvements can appear within the first few days as the dose is titrated. A1C changes usually evolve over 8–12 weeks. When switching from another basal insulin, allow several days of consistent dosing to see the full effect, and monitor per prescriber direction.

Compare With Alternatives

Lantus (insulin glargine U‑100) is the reference brand with a nearly identical profile. Clinical studies support similar efficacy and safety between Basaglar and Lantus for basal control. If a vial and syringe format is preferred, consider Lantus® Vial. Dosing and monitoring remain individualized.

Toujeo (insulin glargine U‑300) is a more concentrated glargine with a longer, flatter profile and often a different starting dose. Tresiba (insulin degludec) offers an ultra‑long duration and flexible dosing windows. NPH insulin is an older, lower‑cost option with twice‑daily dosing and a distinct peak.

For mealtime coverage, rapid‑acting insulins are paired with a basal like Basaglar. One option is Apidra® SoloStar Pens, which deliver insulin glulisine for prandial spikes. Choice of rapid‑acting insulin depends on response, cost, and availability.

Combination Therapy

• Basal‑bolus: Basaglar once daily plus rapid‑acting insulin with meals; adjust mealtime doses to reduce hypoglycemia risk.
• With metformin: a common foundation in type 2 diabetes; titrate Basaglar while maintaining metformin.
• With GLP‑1 receptor agonists: can improve A1C with less weight gain; basal dose reductions may be considered.
• With SGLT2 inhibitors: may aid weight and blood pressure; monitor for hypoglycemia and ketone risk in type 1 diabetes.
• With sulfonylureas: consider lowering sulfonylurea dose to reduce hypoglycemia.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Basaglar is suitable for adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes who need basal insulin, and for children with type 1 diabetes as indicated. It should not be used in people with hypersensitivity to insulin glargine or during episodes of diabetic ketoacidosis. Caution is advised in those with hypoglycemia unawareness, renal or hepatic impairment, or frequent nocturnal lows. Pregnancy and breastfeeding needs are assessed individually.

To manage the Basaglar KwikPen cost, compare pack sizes and consider multi‑month orders when appropriate. Prices vary by dose and quantity. You can use email reminders to prompt refills before pens run out. Buying several packs together can lower the effective monthly price of Basaglar 100 unit/mL KwikPen. Many shoppers compare the price of Basaglar KwikPen with local options such as GoodRx or Walmart, then choose the most predictable source.

Authoritative Sources

Eli Lilly Basaglar (insulin glargine) US Prescribing Information

Health Canada Drug Product Database: Basaglar insulin glargine

FDA Labeling and Medication Guide for Basaglar

Order Basaglar® from YouDrugstore: add to cart, upload your prescription, and we ship with prompt, express, cold‑chain handling.

This content is educational and does not replace advice from your healthcare professional. Always follow your prescriber’s instructions for diagnosis, treatment, and dosing.