Glucagon

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; GlucaGen HypoKit; 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.
• It is used to quiet the GI (gastrointestinal) tract so it may be x-rayed.
• It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take this drug?

• If you are allergic to this drug; any part of this drug; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• If you have an adrenal gland tumor called pheochromocytoma.
• If you have certain types of pancreas tumors (glucagonoma, insulinoma).
• If you have a weak adrenal gland, have not had food or water for a long time, or have low blood sugar often.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this drug.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this drug with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take this drug?

For all uses of this drug:

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take this drug. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• 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.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.

For treating low blood sugar:

• Check your blood sugar as you have been told by your doctor.
• Avoid driving and doing other tasks or actions that call for you to be alert until you have eaten sugar or a product that has sugar in it like a regular soft drink or fruit juice. Avoid these tasks or actions until you feel fully alert.

For a procedure:

• Avoid driving and doing other tasks or actions that call for you to be alert until you eat a meal.
• If you have diabetes, talk with your doctor. High blood sugar has happened in people who have diabetes after this drug is given. If you have questions, talk with your doctor.
• If you have heart disease, talk with your doctor. This drug may raise blood pressure and heart rate. This may be life-threatening.

What are some side effects that I need to call my 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 doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

For all uses of this drug:

• 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.

For a procedure:

• Signs of high blood sugar like confusion, feeling sleepy, unusual thirst or hunger, passing urine more often, flushing, fast breathing, or breath that smells like fruit.

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 doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you 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 doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to your national health agency.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

How is this drug best taken?

Use this drug as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

For treating low blood sugar:

• 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.
• If there has been no response after 15 minutes, a second dose can be given as you have been told.
• After you are able to eat or drink safely, eat or drink a product that has sugar in it, like fruit juice. You will also need to have a product that has sugar in it that lasts longer, like crackers with cheese or peanut butter. Follow what your doctor has told you.

Nose spray:

• Do not take this drug by mouth. Use in your nose only. Keep out of your mouth and eyes (may burn).
• Each container is for one use only. Use right after opening. Throw away any part of the opened container after the dose is given.

All injection products (for treating low blood sugar):

• 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 yourself the shot, your 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 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.

For a procedure:

• It is given as a shot into a muscle or vein.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

For treating low blood sugar:

• This drug is taken on an as needed basis. Do not take more often than told by the doctor.

For a procedure:

• This drug will be given in a health care setting.

How do I store and/or throw out this drug?

All injection products (for treating low blood sugar):

• 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.

For a procedure:

• This injection will be given to you in a healthcare setting. You will not store it at home.

For all uses of this drug:

• 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 symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else’s drugs.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your 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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