What is glucagon?
Glucagon is a hormone produced in the pancreas. It increases blood sugar levels.
Glucagon is used to treat insulin coma or insulin reaction resulting from severe hypoglycemia
(low blood sugar).
Glucagon may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking glucagon?
Familiarize yourself with the directions included in the glucagon product before you have to use
it. This information handout is not intended to replace the specific directions provided with the product.
If you did not receive specific directions with your glucagon product talk to your doctor or healthcare
provider.
Make sure that your relatives and close friends know that if you become unconscious they
should seek medical assistance. Glucagon may have been prescribed so that members of your
household can give the injection if you become hypoglycemic and are unable to take sugar by mouth. If
you are unconscious, glucagon can be given while awaiting medical assistance. Show your family
members and others where you keep the kit and how to use it. They need to know how to use it before
you need it. They can practice giving a shot by giving you your normal insulin shots. It is important that
they practice. A person who has never given a shot probably will not be able to do it in an emergency.
Glucagon works to treat hypoglycemia when there is liver glycogen. Glucagon will not work
properly if you are fasting, or have low levels of adrenaline, chronic hypoglycemia or hypoglycemia
caused by drinking too much alcohol.
Because glucagon depletes glycogen stores, you must be given sugar by mouth as soon as you
are able to take it after you have responded to the treatment. This will prevent the occurrence of
secondary hypoglycemia.
Talk to your doctor if you have been prescribed glucagon and have a tumor that releases
glucagon or insulin.
Early symptoms of hypoglycemia (low blood glucose) include:
-
sweating
-
drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, lightheadedness;
-
sleep disturbances, anxiety, restlessness;
-
palpitation, tremor, unsteady movement;
-
hunger;
-
slurred speech;
-
depressed mood;
-
tingling in the hands, feet, lips, or tongue;
-
headache;
-
personality changes; or
-
abnormal behavior, irritability or inability to concentrate.
If not treated, a patient may progress to severe hypoglycemia reaction that
can include disorientation, seizures, unconsciousness, or death.
If you have any of these early symptoms you may need some form of carbohydrate. Patients
should always carry a quick source of sugar, such as candy mints or glucose tablets. The prompt
treatment of mild hypoglycemic symptoms can prevent severe hypoglycemic reactions. If the patient
does not improve or if administration of carbohydrate is impossible, glucagon should be given or the
patient should be treated with intravenous glucose at a medical facility.
Give glucagon if:
-
the patient is unconscious;
-
the patient is unable to eat sugar or a sugar-sweetened
product;
-
the patient is having a seizure;
-
repeated administration of sugar or a sugar-sweetened
product such as a regular soft drink or fruit juice does not improve the patient's condition.
Milder cases of hypoglycemia should be treated promptly by eating sugar or
a sugar-sweetened product.
Glucagon is not active when taken by mouth.
Glucagon does not cross the human placenta barrier, and may be used in the treatment of
severe hypoglycemia during pregnancy. However, always tell your doctor or healthcare provider if you
are pregnant before using any medication.
Breast-feeding following treatment of severe hypoglycemia with glucagon does not put your
baby at risk. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions.
Glucagon (as a powder) should be stored in the refrigerator. However, do not freeze it in order
to prevent damage to the syringe.
The GlucaGen vial should be protected from light. GlucaGen HypoKit can be stored at room
temperature for 18 months provided that the expiration date is not exceeded.
Reconstituted glucagon should be used immediately after preparation. Do not store for later use.
How should I take glucagon?
Familiarize yourself with the directions included in the glucagon product before you have to use
it. This information handout is not intended to replace the specific directions provided with the product.
If you did not receive specific directions with your glucagon product talk to your doctor or healthcare
provider.
Do not prepare glucagon for injection until you are ready to use it. WARNING: THE
PATIENT MAY BE IN A COMA FROM SEVERE HYPERGLYCEMIA (HIGH BLOOD
GLUCOSE) RATHER THAN HYPOGLYCEMIA. IN SUCH A CASE, THE PATIENT WILL
NOT RESPOND TO GLUCAGON AND REQUIRES IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION.
Read the specific directions that come with your glucagon product. Talk to your doctor or
health care provider if you did not receive specific directions on how to use this product.
Act quickly. Prolonged unconsciousness may be harmful. Turn patient on his/her side to prevent
them from choking.
What happens if I miss a dose of glucagon?
Glucagon should only be administered in emergency situations to patients with severe low blood
sugar who are unable to take sugar by mouth. A missed dose is unlikely, however, if you have any
questions regarding a glucagon dose talk to your healthcare provider.
Where can I get more information about glucagon?
Your pharmacist has information about glucagon written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of glucagon?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these
signs of an allergic
reaction:
hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Less serious side effects may include nausea and vomiting, or rapid heartbeats.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical
advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about glucagon?
Familiarize yourself with the directions included in the glucagon product before you have to use
it. This information handout is not intended to replace the specific directions provided with the product.
If you did not receive specific directions with your glucagon product talk to your doctor or healthcare
provider.
Make sure that your relatives and close friends know that if you become unconscious they
should seek medical assistance. Glucagon may have been prescribed so that members of your
household can give the injection if you become hypoglycemic and are unable to take sugar by mouth. If
you are unconscious, glucagon can be given while awaiting medical assistance. Show your family
members and others where you keep the kit and how to use it. They need to know how to use it before
you need it. They can practice giving a shot by giving you your normal insulin shots. It is important that
they practice. A person who has never given a shot probably will not be able to do it in an emergency.
What should I avoid while taking glucagon?
Do not make changes in your normal diet or exercise routines without first talking to your
doctor. These changes will affect your blood sugar.
Do not use alcohol without the approval of your doctor. It lowers blood sugar, and you
may experience dangerously low blood sugar levels.
What other drugs will affect glucagon?
The effect of injected glucagon is not known to be influenced by medicines other than insulin
and indomethacin (Indocin).Talk to your doctor if you are taking indomethacin (Indocin) and have been
prescribed glucagon.
Glucagon may increase the anticoagulant effect of warfarin.
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all drugs that you are taking, including over-the-counter
cough, cold, allergy, sleep, diet pills, vitamins, minerals, and herbal products Many other drugs may
affect your blood sugar levels.
What happens if I have an overdose of glucagon?
