What is Glucagon?
Glucagon increases blood sugar. It also slows the involuntary movements of the stomach, intestines, and other muscles that help with digestion.Glucagon is a prescription medication used to treat extremely low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia).Glucagon can also be used to stop stomach movements during radiologic (x-ray) examinations to diagnose certain disorders in the stomach or intestines.Glucagon comes in auto-injectors, prefilled syringes, and injection vials.
Warnings
Glucagon is only used when a person can't eat or passes out. Immediate treatment of hypoglycemia should be sought, since low blood sugar can result in seizures, coma or even death.If you are allergic or lactose intolerant, you should not take glucagon. You also shouldn't use it if your adrenal gland or pancreas have a tumour (pheochromocytoma).You should avoid driving or doing any other task or action that requires alertness until you've eaten sugar or have consumed a sugary product like regular soft drinks or fruit juice. You should avoid these tasks and actions until you are fully alert.This medicine (glucagon injectors and prefilled needles) can cause low blood sugar in patients with certain types of pancreatic tumours (glucagonoma or insulinoma). Low blood sugar can cause seizures, confusion, fainting, and even death. Get medical attention immediately if you experience signs of low sugar after using glucagon.
Before you take this drug
This medicine should not be used if:
- A tumour of the pancreas;
- A tumour of the adrenal cortex (pheochromocytoma).
Glucagon 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.The use of glucagon should not harm an unborn child, but treating hypoglycemia quickly would be more important than any potential risks.Breastfeeding may not be possible while taking this medication. You should consult your doctor if you are concerned about 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.
Similar/related drugs
Lexiscan, Mannitol, Baqsimi, Arginine, Tubersol, Gastrografin, and Diazoxide
How to take glucagon?
Follow the instructions of your doctor when using glucagon. The hypoglycemia must be treated as soon as possible. Low blood sugar can result in seizures, coma or even death.Glucagon can be injected into a vein, a muscle, or under the skin. You will be taught how to administer the emergency injections in cases of severe hypoglycemia. After each glucagon shot, call your doctor.Please read and follow all directions provided with your medication, especially those regarding usage and storage. If there are any unclear points, consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist immediately for guidance.Before you use glucagon, 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 glucagon, 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.Never prepare an injection until it is time for its administration. If the colour of your medicine has changed or if it contains particles, do not use it. For new medication, call your pharmacist.You should consume a sugary source that acts quickly (such as fruit juice, glucose gels, hard candies, raisins, or non-diet soft drinks) after the injection. Then, you may want to eat something small, such as a cheese and cracker snack or a sandwich.Get emergency medical attention if the patient doesn't improve in 15 minutes. You may need to give a new injection.Stress can affect blood sugar levels. Other factors that may influence blood sugar include illness, surgery, or alcohol consumption. 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 glucagon at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not freeze or refrigerate. Do not keep any medicine that you haven't used. The expiration dates on this label have passed.Use the medication immediately after opening the foil pouch. Store the auto-injectors or prefilled syringes in the pouch.
What happens if I miss the dose?
Since glucagon can be used when needed, there is no daily schedule.If symptoms persist after using glucagon, 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, diarrhea, a rapid heartbeat, and high blood pressure. (severe headaches, blurred vision, or pounding in the neck or ears).
What should be avoided?
Avoid alcohol. Alcohol can cause your blood sugar to drop.
Side effects of Glucagon
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergy to glucagon, seek immediate medical attention: itching, difficulty breathing, rapid or slower heartbeat, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat.If you notice any of these skin changes in your face, legs, or genital region, call your doctor immediately.
- Redness;
- Itching;
- Blistering;
- Other skin lesions or sores
Common side effects of glucagon 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 directly can be done at 1-800-FDA-1088 if side effects arise from taking prescription.
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, which can make it difficult to detect low blood sugar. These include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.This list does not cover every possible interaction.. Inform your doctor of all medications you begin or stop taking.
