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GlucaGen (injection)

Generic names: glucagon injection [GLOO-ka-gon]
Trade names: GlucaGen HypoKit Glucagon emergency kit for low blood sugar; Gvoke HypoPen Gvoke PFS
Drug class: glucose-elevating agents

What is GlucaGen?

GlucaGen increases blood sugar. It also slows the involuntary movements of the stomach, intestines, and other muscles that help with digestion.GlucaGen treats hypoglycemia. This medicine can also be used to diagnose certain stomach and intestine disorders during an x-ray examination.GlucaGen can also be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.

GlucaGen side effects

If you experience any of the following: hives, difficulty breathing, rapid heartbeat, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat,

If you notice any of these skin changes in your genital, genital, or leg areas, call your doctor immediately.

  • Redness;
  • Itching;
  • Blistering;
  • Other skin lesions or sores

Glucagen side effects may include:

  • Nausea, vomiting,
  • An injection can cause swelling.

There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. Contacting the FDA in case of side effects is easy at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

GlucaGen is only to be used if a person has hypoglycemia, cannot eat, or passes out. Make sure you are familiar with how to administer this medication before you use it. Anticipate treatment of hypoglycemia immediately as low blood sugar can result in seizures, coma or even death.If you are allergic or lactose intolerant, you should avoid using GlucaGen.

Before you take this drug

This medicine should not be used if:

  • A tumour of the pancreas;
  • A tumour of the adrenal cortex (pheochromocytoma).

GlucaGen is only to be used if a person cannot eat, is unconscious, or has a seizure.

Tell your doctor if:

  • You have a tumour in the pancreas.
  • You haven't eaten regularly in the past.
  • You have had low blood sugar for a long time.

Do not administer this medicine to an infant without consulting a doctor.GlucaGen should not harm a baby in utero, but treating hypoglycemia quickly would be more important than any potential risks.Breastfeeding may not be possible while taking this medication. You should ask your doctor if there are any risks.It may not be possible in an emergency to inform your carers that you are breastfeeding or pregnant. Be sure to tell any doctor who is caring for you or your baby that you've taken this medication.

How to take GlucaGen?

As soon as hypoglycemia is detected, it should be treated. Low blood sugar can result in seizures, coma or even death.GlucaGen can be injected into a vein, muscle, or under the skin. This medicine is used for severe hypoglycemia. You should call your doctor each time you take this medicine.Please follow all directions provided with your medication, including reading and following all applicable directions for use. If any are unclear to you or require clarification from either your physician or pharmacist.Before you use GlucaGen, make sure you understand how to administer it. A child's dose is less than that of an adult. The dose for a child may also depend on the weight of the child. Do not forget to follow your doctor's instructions.Before using GlucaGen, you may need to dilute it with a liquid. If you are using injections on your own, make sure that you know how to mix and store them.Only prepare an injection when you are prepared to administer it.If the colour of your medicine has changed or if it contains particles, do not use it. For new medication, call your pharmacist.After the injection, you should consume a source of sugar that acts quickly (fruit juices, glucose, hard candies, raisins, or non-diet soft drinks) and then have a small snack or meal, such as a cheese and crackers sandwich or a meat and cracker.Get emergency medical attention if you are a carer after administering GlucaGen. In the event that the patient doesn't improve in 15 minutes, it may be necessary to give a second dose.Stress, illness, surgery, or alcohol consumption can affect blood sugar levels. Consult your doctor before changing the dose or schedule of your medication.Follow your diet, medications, and exercise regimens closely to avoid severe hypoglycemia.Store GlucaGen at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and light. Don't refrigerate or freeze. Do not keep any medicine that you haven't used. Use GlucaGen only after the date of expiration has passed.Use the medication immediately after opening the foil pouch. Store the auto-injectors or prefilled syringes in the foil bag.

What happens if I miss the dose?

Since GlucaGen can be used whenever needed, there is no daily dosage schedule.If symptoms persist after using GlucaGen, call your doctor immediately.

What happens if you overdose?

Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.Overdose symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, or a rapid pulse.

What should be avoided?

Avoid alcohol. Alcohol can cause your blood sugar to drop.

Interaction with other drug

Other medicines can also affect your blood glucose, and some can even increase or decrease the effect of medications used to treat diabetes. You may also experience fewer hypoglycemia symptoms when taking certain drugs, making it more difficult to detect low blood sugar. These include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This list does not include all possible interactions. Inform your doctor of all medications you begin or stop taking.