This information from Lexicomp® explains what you need to know about this medication, including what it’s used for, how to take it, its side effects, and when to call your healthcare provider.
Brand Names: US
Baqsimi One Pack; Baqsimi Two Pack; GlucaGen Diagnostic [DSC]; GlucaGen HypoKit [DSC]; Gvoke HypoPen 1-Pack; Gvoke HypoPen 2-Pack; Gvoke Kit; Gvoke PFS
Brand Names: Canada
Baqsimi; GlucaGen; GlucaGen HypoKit
What is this drug used for?
- It is used to treat low blood sugar.
- If your child has been given this drug for some other reason, talk with the doctor about the benefits and risks. Talk with the doctor if you have questions or concerns about giving this drug to your child.
What do I need to tell the doctor BEFORE my child takes this drug?
- If your child is allergic to this drug; any part of this drug; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell the doctor about the allergy and what signs your child had.
- If your child has any of these health problems: Pheochromocytoma or certain types of pancreas tumors (glucagonoma, insulinoma).
- If your child has a weak adrenal gland, has not had food or water for a long time, or has low blood sugar often.
This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this drug.
Tell the doctor and pharmacist about all of your child’s drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe to give this drug with all of your child’s other drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug your child takes without checking with the doctor.
What are some things I need to know or do while my child takes this drug?
- Tell all of your child’s health care providers that your child is taking this drug. This includes your child’s doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
- Check your child’s blood sugar as you have been told by the doctor.
- Have your child avoid tasks or actions that call for alertness until your child has eaten sugar or a product that has sugar in it like a regular soft drink or fruit juice. Have your child avoid these tasks or actions until your child feels fully alert.
- Low blood sugar can happen with this drug in people who have certain types of pancreas tumors (glucagonoma, insulinoma). Very low blood sugar can lead to seizures, confusion, passing out, and sometimes death. Get medical help right away if signs of low blood sugar happen after using this drug. This includes dizziness, headache, feeling sleepy, feeling weak, shaking, a fast heartbeat, confusion, hunger, or sweating.
If your child is pregnant or breast-feeding a baby:
- Talk with the doctor if your child is pregnant, becomes pregnant, or is breast-feeding a baby. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to your child and the baby.
What are some side effects that I need to call my child’s doctor about right away?
WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your child’s doctor or get medical help right away if your child has any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Signs of high or low blood pressure like very bad headache or dizziness, passing out, or change in eyesight.
- A fast heartbeat.
- Blisters; scaly, red, itchy, or painful skin; or if the skin starts to break down.
What are some other side effects of this drug?
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your child’s doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother your child or do not go away:
All injection products:
- Irritation where the shot is given.
- Feeling tired or weak.
- Pale skin.
- Diarrhea, upset stomach, or throwing up.
- Headache.
Nose spray:
- Signs of a common cold.
- Nose or throat irritation.
- Upset stomach or throwing up.
- Headache.
These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your child’s doctor. Call your child’s doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to your national health agency.
How is this drug best given?
Give this drug as ordered by your child’s doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
All products:
- Be sure you know how to use before an emergency happens. Read the package insert and instructions for use that come with this drug. If you have any questions about how to use this drug, talk with the doctor or pharmacist.
- Someone else may have to give this drug. Be sure others know where this drug is stored and how to give it if needed.
- Get medical help right away after using this drug.
- Throw away any part left over after the dose is given.
- If there has been no response after 15 minutes, a second dose can be given as you have been told.
- After your child is able to eat or drink safely, have your child eat or drink a product that has sugar in it, like fruit juice. You will also need to give your child a product that has sugar in it that lasts longer, like crackers with cheese or peanut butter. Follow what the doctor has told you.
Nose spray:
- Do not give this drug by mouth. Use in your child’s nose only. Keep out of your child’s mouth and eyes (may burn).
All injection products:
- Some products need to be given into the fatty part of the skin. Some products need to be given into a muscle. Talk with the doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure how to use this drug.
- If you will be giving your child the shot, your child’s doctor or nurse will teach you how to give the shot.
- It may be given into a vein by a doctor or other health care provider.
- Some products need to be mixed before using. If the product needs to be mixed, do not mix until you are ready to use it. Use right away after mixing.
- Do not mix this drug until you are ready to use it.
- Do not use if the solution is cloudy, leaking, or has particles.
- Different brands of this drug may be clear or have a slight color. Be sure you know what your brand needs to look like when ready to use. Do not use if the solution changes color. If you are not sure, talk with the pharmacist.
- Do not inject through clothes.
- Each container is for one use only. Use right after opening. Throw away any part of the opened container after the dose is given.
- Throw away needles in a needle/sharp disposal box. Do not reuse needles or other items. When the box is full, follow all local rules for getting rid of it. Talk with a doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
- If this drug expires, get a refill before a dose is needed.
What do I do if my child misses a dose?
- This drug is given on an as needed basis. Do not give to your child more often than told by the doctor.
How do I store and/or throw out this drug?
All injection products:
- Store at room temperature. Do not refrigerate or freeze.
- Store in the outer carton to protect from light.
Prefilled syringes and auto-injectors:
- Store in foil pouch until ready for use.
Nose spray:
- Store at room temperature.
- Keep this drug in the shrink wrapped tube until you are ready to use it.
All products:
- Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
- Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
General drug facts
- If your child’s symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your child’s doctor.
- Do not share your child’s drug with others and do not give anyone else’s drug to your child.
- Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your child’s doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This generalized information is a limited summary of diagnosis, treatment, and/or medication information. It is not meant to be comprehensive and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or assess potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a specific patient. It is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for the medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a health care provider based on the health care provider’s examination and assessment of a patient’s specific and unique circumstances. Patients must speak with a health care provider for complete information about their health, medical questions, and treatment options, including any risks or benefits regarding use of medications. This information does not endorse any treatments or medications as safe, effective, or approved for treating a specific patient. UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates disclaim any warranty or liability relating to this information or the use thereof. The use of this information is governed by the Terms of Use, available at https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/know/clinical-effectiveness-terms.
Last Reviewed Date
2024-01-17
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