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Gvoke

Generic names: glucagon injection [GLOOkagon]
Trade names: Gvoke HypoPens, Gvoke PFSs, Gvoke Kits
Drug class: glucose-elevating agents

What is Gvoke?

Gvoke increases blood sugar.Gvoke can be used to treat hyperglycemia. The HypoPen auto injector, the pre-filled syringes (PFS), the vials and syringe kits, and the Gvoke are administered subcutaneously (under the skin).Gvoke can be used by adults and children with diabetes (over 2 years old).

Warnings

Only use Gvoke if you are unable to eat or pass out.As soon as one suspects hypoglycemia, treatment must begin immediately - as low blood sugar levels can lead to seizures, coma or even death.Gvoke should not be used if you're allergic to lactose or glucagon or have a tumour in the adrenal gland or pancreas.

Before you take this drug

Gvoke should not be used if:

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

Only use Gvoke to treat hypoglycemia if the patient is unable or unwilling to eat, is having a seizure, or is unconscious.

Tell your doctor about the following to ensure that Gvoke is right for you:

  • 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.

Glucagon 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 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.

How to take Gvoke?

Gvoke can be injected subcutaneously (subcutaneous injection). This injection will be demonstrated to you in the event of severe hypoglycemia. After using this medication, call your doctor.Gvoke comes in a single-dose auto-injector (SDA), single-dose pre-filled syringes (PFS), and vial-and-syringe kits.As soon as hypoglycemia is detected, it should be treated. Low blood sugar can result in seizures, coma or even death.Please read and follow all instructions for use that come with your medication. If you do not understand the instructions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.Before you use a Gvoke, make sure you understand how to administer it. The dose that is appropriate for children is less than the dose recommended for adults. The dose for a child may also depend on the weight of the child. Do not neglect to follow your physician's orders.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, eat an appetiser or small meal, such as cheese, crackers, or a meat and cheese sandwich.Get emergency medical attention if you're a carer after administering Gvoke. In the event that the patient doesn't improve in 15 minutes, it may be necessary to give a second dose.Stress can affect blood sugar levels. Other factors that may influence blood sugar include illness, surgery, or alcohol consumption. Consult your doctor before making any changes to your medication or dose schedule.Follow your diet, medications, and exercise regimens closely to avoid severe hypoglycemia.Store Gvoke away from moisture, light, and heat. Do not freeze or refrigerate. Do not keep any medicine that you haven't used. Gvoke should not be used after the date of expiration printed on the label.Use your medication promptly after opening its foil pouch.. Store the injector or prefilled syringe in the foil bag.

Details on dosage

Adult dose for hypoglycemia:Gvoke Auto-Injector and Prefilled Syringes Kit: 1 mg once subcutaneouslyThe usual paediatric dose for hypoglycemia is

Gvoke Auto-Injector Kit with Prefilled Syringes and Vials
Weight less than 45 kg: 2–12 years old: 0.5 mg once subcutaneously
Weight 45 kg and above: 2 to 12-year-olds: 1 mg once subcutaneously
12 years and older: 1 mg once subcutaneously
If the response is delayed, you may need to repeat the dose.
Comments:
After the patient responds to the treatment, additional carbohydrates are given to replenish liver glycogen. This will prevent hypoglycemia from recurring.
Patients who don't respond to the treatment should be given IV glucose.
Uses: To treat severe hypoglycemia among patients aged 2 years and older.

What happens if I miss the dose?

Gvoke does not have an established daily dosage schedule, as it is only used when needed.If symptoms persist after using Gvoke, call your doctor immediately.

What happens if I overdose?

Call 1-800-222-1222 immediately if you suspect an accidental poisoning and require help or seek immediate medical care.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 Gvoke

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

If you notice any of these skin changes in your genital area, groin, o or legs, call your doctor immediately.

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

Gvoke may cause side effects such as:

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

There may be other side effects. Call your physician if experiencing side effects; for reporting purposes call the FDA directly at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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 hypoglycemic 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 encompass every possible interaction. Inform your doctor of all medications you begin or stop taking.