Glucagon

The active ingredient in Glucagon is glucagon. Glucagon is a hormone that your pancreas makes to help regulate your blood sugar (glucose) levels. Glucose, the primary sugar in your bloodstream, comes from the carbohydrates found in food and drink. When blood sugar drops too low, glucagon signals the body to release glycogen, stored sugar in the liver, into the bloodstream, which raises blood sugar levels. It also works by relaxing the smooth muscles of the stomach and other digestive organs for diagnostic testing.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide, before using Glucagon. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Glucagon:

• For low blood sugar, administer a glucagon injection subcutaneously (under the skin) in the lower belly, outer thigh, or outer upper arm.
• Some products, such as GlucaGen or GVoke (pre-filled syringe), can also be administered intramuscularly or intravenously under physician supervision.
• Before you require their assistance, make sure your relatives, close friends, and carers understand where you keep your glucagon and how to administer it correctly.
• After administering glucagon, your carer should immediately phone for emergency medical assistance.
• When you can safely swallow food or drink, your carer should provide you with a fast-acting supply of sugar (such as a standard soft drink or fruit juice) as well as a slow source of sugar (such as crackers and cheese or a meat sandwich).
• Unpunctured vials remain suitable for use until the expiration date indicated on the label.

The most common side effects of Glucagon include:

• Injection site reactions.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Lightheadedness or dizziness.
• Headaches.
• High blood sugar (hyperglycemia).
• Low blood pressure.
• Sleepiness.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Glucagon. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Serious allergic reactions: hives, skin rash, itching, swelling of face or tongue, difficulty breathing.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Glucagon. You should always consult your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Glucagon, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including whether you have:

• Pheochromocytoma, a tumor in the adrenal gland located above the kidneys.
• Insulinomas or glucagonomas, which are tumors in the pancreas.
• Pancreatectomy.
• Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia (MEN). This is a rare hereditary disorder in which tumors develop in multiple endocrine system glands, including the pancreas.
• An allergic reaction to glucagon or any of the components in glucagon injections or nasal powder, including lactose.
• Adrenal gland issues.
• Not eaten food or drink in a long time (prolonged fasting or hunger).
• Chronic hypoglycemia or a persistently low blood sugar level.
• Diabetes mellitus.
• Heart issues.

• People with pheochromocytoma.
• People with an insulinoma (a tumor that makes too much insulin).
• Use as a diagnostic aid in people with a glucagonoma (a tumor that makes too much glucagon).

Glucagon typically works very quickly. If your blood sugar is still low after 15 minutes, a second Glucagon injection may be administered. You should get immediate medical attention after receiving Glucagon. If given intramuscularly or subcutaneously, plasma glucose concentrations should increase within 10 minutes.

When Glucagon is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions.

Diabetes: Glucagon is commonly administered via injection beneath the skin or into the muscles of the buttocks, upper arm, or thigh.

Adults and toddlers weighing 20 kilograms (44 pounds) or more: A single dose of 1 mg (1 mL) is given for extremely low blood sugar. If your blood sugar remains low after 15 minutes, another 1 mg dose can be administered while waiting for emergency medical assistance.

Children weighing less than 20 kg (44 lbs): A single dose of 0.5 mg (0.5 mL) is given for extremely low blood sugar. If your child's blood sugar remains low after 15 minutes, another 0.5 mg dose can be administered while they wait for emergency medical assistance.

Imaging procedures: Your healthcare practitioner will often administer glucagon (Glucagen) as an injection into the vein (intravenously, IV) or into the muscle. The dosage varies depending on the imaging process.

Store at room temperature and keep out of reach of children.

Eli Lilly is the pharmaceutical company that manufactures Glucagon.

There are several lower-cost generic versions of Glucagon.

There is no specific way to stop taking Glucagon. However, it is best to speak to your healthcare provider before doing so.

It is unknown if glucagon would harm your unborn baby; however, immediately treating hypoglycemia would outweigh the dangers associated with using this medicine. Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant.

Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.