Key facts about Glucagon
What dosages is Glucagon available in?
Glucagon is available as an intranasal device containing one dose of Glucagon 3 mg.
What is Glucagon used for?
Glucagon is an anti-hypoglycemic and is used to treat severely low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) in adults and children age 4 years and older with diabetes.
How does Glucagon work?
Glucagon contains Glucagon, which is a natural hormone your body releases to raise blood sugar. Typically, your body stores the sugar you get from food in your liver until it needs the sugar at a later time. When your blood sugar is too low, Glucagon tells your body to release the stored sugar into your bloodstream. When this happens, your blood sugar level goes up. Usually, your body can sense and control your blood sugar levels. But this system doesn’t work as well if you have diabetes or if you take too much insulin. Glucagon works to raise your blood sugar levels if they become too low.
How do I take Glucagon?
Glucagon is typically dosed as 3 mg (1 intranasal device) sprayed into a single nostril as needed for very low blood sugar. If your blood sugar is still low after 15 minutes, another 3 mg dose from a new device can be given while waiting for emergency medical help.
Is it safe for me to take Glucagon?
Glucagon is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you. You should not use this medication if you have any of the following:
- Pheochromocytoma
- Insulinoma
- Known hypersensitivity to Glucagon or to any of the excipients
Glucagon Common Side Effects
Common side effects of Glucagon:
- Watery eyes
- Stuffy nose
- Itchy nose
- Runny nose
- Nausea
- Eye redness
- Sneezing
Glucagon Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with Glucagon. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Serious allergic reactions: hives, itching, swelling of face or tongue, difficulty breathing
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on Glucagon
The following medications may interact with Glucagon:
- Beta-blockers: Patients taking beta-blockers may have a transient increase in pulse and blood pressure
- Indomethacin: In patients taking indomethacin Glucagon may lose its ability to raise glucose or may produce hypoglycemia
- Warfarin: Glucagon may increase the anticoagulant effect of warfarin
Who makes Glucagon?
Various FDA-approved generic manufacturers
Is Glucagon safe in pregnancy?
Based on a small number of studies, Glucagon hasn’t been shown to cause harm to pregnant mothers or unborn babies. But to be safe, always make sure to check with your provider before using Glucagon if you’re pregnant.
