Home : Drugs A - Z : Glucagon

What is this medicine?
GLUCAGON (GLOO ka gon) occurs naturally in the body. It increases blood sugar. This medicine is used as an emergency treatment for severely low blood sugar in diabetic patients, especially if they are not able to take sugar by mouth. It is also used as a diagnostic aid in X-ray examinations of the stomach and other digestive organs.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What is the price of this medication and similar alternatives?

This pricing information is subject to change at the sole discretion of DS Pharmacy. This pricing information was updated 09/2009. For the most current and up-to-date pricing information, please visit www.drugstore.com. Actual costs to patients will vary depending on the use of specific retail or mail-order locations and health insurance copays.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• chest pain or fast, irregular heartbeat
• difficulty breathing
• dizziness or light headedness
• muscle cramps
• unusual weakness

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• nausea, vomiting
• rash, itching

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

How should I use this medicine?
This medicine is for injection into a muscle. You will be taught how to prepare and give this medicine. Instructions for mixing and giving the injection are included in the package. Before an emergency arises, you and the person(s) most likely to give you the injection should read these instructions carefully. Use exactly as directed. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

It is important that you put your used needles and syringes in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or healthcare provider to get one.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this medicine may be prescribed for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?
This does not apply.

What may interact with this medicine?
This medicine is only used during an emergency. Significant drug interactions are not likely during that time.

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

Who should NOT use this medication?

• Known hypersensitivity to glucagon or any ingredient in the formulation.
• Pheochromocytoma. (See Pheochromocytoma under Cautions.)
• Glucagon (rDNA origin, GlucaGen^®): Insulinoma. (See Insulinoma under Cautions.)

What should I watch for while using this medicine?
If you often have periods of low blood sugar, keep this kit with you at all times. Wear a medical identification bracelet or chain to say you have diabetes, and carry a card that lists all your medications.

Show your family members and others where you keep this kit and how to use it. They need to know how to use it before you need it. They can practice by giving you your normal insulin shots. It is important that they practice. A person who has never given you a shot will probably not be able to do it in an emergency.

Symptoms of low blood sugar vary from person to person. Learn to recognize your own. They can include: confusion, cool, pale skin or cold sweats, drowsiness, extreme hunger, fast heartbeat, headache, nausea, vomiting, nervousness or anxiety, shakiness or unsteadiness, tiredness, weakness, or visual changes. Eat or drink something sweet (fruit juice, honey, soft drinks, sugar or sugar water, or syrup) if you get these symptoms. If you do not feel better, ask someone to help you get to a doctor, health care professional or emergency room right away. Do not attempt to drive yourself. Also, remind the person that he/she may need to give you a glucagon injection before medical treatment is available.

After a response to an injection of glucagon, you should eat or drink some carbohydrates to prevent secondary hypoglycemia.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• pancreatic tumors
• pheochromocytoma
• an unusual or allergic reaction to glucagon, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

Can I stop taking the medication if I feel better?
As a general rule, you should always take your medications exactly as prescribed and do not change the dosage or stop taking the medication without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.

I am on so many medications; do I have to take them all?
This is called polypharmacy—many different medications being used at the same time by one person. Sometimes, being on multiple medications is acceptable and appropriate but at other times it may be problematic. If you are receiving your medications from multiple physicians you need to ensure that they all know what medications you are taking. The best way to do this is to make a list of all the medications you are currently using, including all nutritional supplements, homeopathic remedies, vitamins and over-the-counter drugs (if possible, also include all the diseases you have been diagnosed with). Give a copy to every doctor who takes care of you so they have it on file, this way they can avoid duplicating medications and perhaps even try to consolidate some. After every doctor's visit remember to update the list accordingly. Also, as much as you possibly can, try to use the same pharmacy to fill all your prescriptions, this way any potential drug interactions can be caught and averted.