What is glucagon?
Glucagon is a hormone produced in the pancreas. It increases blood sugar levels. Glucagon is used to treat insulin coma or insulin reaction resulting from severe hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Glucagon may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
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What are the possible side effects of glucagon?
Severe side effects are very rare, although nausea and vomiting may occur occasionally. A few
people may be allergic to glucagon or to one of the inactive ingredients in glucagon, or may experience
rapid heart beat for a short while. If you experience any other reactions which are likely to have been
caused by glucagon, contact your doctor.
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How should I use glucagon?
Familiarize yourself with the directions included in the glucagon product before you have to use it. This information handout is not intended to replace the specific directions provided with the product. If you did not receive specific directions with your glucagon product talk to your doctor or healthcare provider. Do not prepare glucagon for injection until you are ready to use it. WARNING: THE PATIENT MAY BE IN A COMA FROM SEVERE HYPERGLYCEMIA (HIGH BLOOD GLUCOSE) RATHER THAN HYPOGLYCEMIA. IN SUCH A CASE, THE PATIENT WILL NOT RESPOND TO GLUCAGON AND REQUIRES IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION.
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What is the most important information I should know about glucagon?
Familiarize yourself with the directions included in the glucagon product before you have to use it. This information handout is not intended to replace the specific directions provided with the product. If you did not receive specific directions with your glucagon product talk to your doctor or healthcare provider. Make sure that your relatives and close friends know that if you become unconscious they should seek medical assistance. Glucagon may have been prescribed so that members of your household can give the injection if you become hypoglycemic and are unable to take sugar by mouth. If you are unconscious, glucagon can be given while awaiting medical assistance. Show your family members and others where you keep the kit and how to use it. They need to know how to use it before you need it. They can practice giving a shot by giving you your normal insulin shots. It is important that they practice. A person who has never given a shot probably will not be able to do it in an emergency.
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What happens if I miss a dose?
Glucagon should only be administered in emergency situations to patients with severe low blood sugar who are unable to take sugar by mouth. A missed dose is unlikely, however, if you have any questions regarding a glucagon dose talk to your healthcare provider.
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What other drugs will affect glucagon?
The effect of injected glucagon is not known to be influenced by medicines other than insulin and indomethacin (Indocin).Talk to your doctor if you are taking indomethacin (Indocin) and have been prescribed glucagon. Glucagon may increase the anticoagulant effect of warfarin. Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all drugs that you are taking, including over-the-counter cough, cold, allergy, sleep, diet pills, vitamins, minerals, and herbal products Many other drugs may affect your blood sugar levels.
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Can I take this if I am pregnant or trying to get pregnant or if I am breastfeeding?
Glucagon has been assigned to pregnancy category B by the FDA. Animal studies have failed to reveal evidence of impaired fertility or fetal harm. There are no controlled data in human pregnancy. Glucagon is only recommended for use during pregnancy when benefit outweighs risk.
There are no data on the excretion of glucagon into human milk. The manufacturer recommends that caution be used when administering glucagon to nursing women.
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What does my medication look like?
Glucagon is available with a prescription under the brand name GlucaGen. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.
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What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected. Symptoms of a glucagon overdose may include nausea and vomiting.
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What should I discuss with my health care provider before taking glucagon?
Familiarize yourself with the directions included in the glucagon product before you have to use it. This information handout is not intended to replace the specific directions provided with the product. If you did not receive specific directions with your glucagon product talk to your doctor or healthcare provider. Make sure that your relatives and close friends know that if you become unconscious they should seek medical assistance. Glucagon may have been prescribed so that members of your household can give the injection if you become hypoglycemic and are unable to take sugar by mouth. If you are unconscious, glucagon can be given while awaiting medical assistance. Show your family members and others where you keep the kit and how to use it. They need to know how to use it before you need it. They can practice giving a shot by giving you your normal insulin shots. It is important that they practice. A person who has never given a shot probably will not be able to do it in an emergency.
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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.
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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.
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