Glucagon (By injection)
GLOO-ka-gon
Treats severe low blood sugar. Also may be used during imaging tests.
Drug classes
Beta-Adrenergic Blocker Antagonist, Diagnostic Agent, Gastric Function, Gastrointestinal Agent, Glucose Regulation, Antihypoglycemic (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Glucagon injection is an emergency medicine used to treat severe hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) in diabetes patients treated with insulin who have passed out or cannot take some form of sugar by mouth.
Glucagon injection is also used as a diagnostic aid during X-ray tests of the stomach and bowels. This is to improve test results by relaxing the muscles of the stomach and bowels.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Once a medicine has been approved for marketing for a certain use, experience may show that it is also useful for other medical problems. Although these uses are not included in product labeling, glucagon injection is used in certain patients with the following medical conditions or undergoing certain medical procedures:
Overdose of beta-adrenergic blocking medicines
Overdose of calcium channel blocking medicines
Removing food or an object stuck in the esophagus
Hysterosalpingography (x-ray examination of the uterus and fallopian tubes)
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Injectable
Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin, into a muscle, or into a vein.
This medicine comes with patient instructions. A family member or friend should be taught how to give you this medicine in case of an emergency. Follow all directions from your doctor about what to do when you have low blood sugar. Make sure you get emergency help after you use glucagon. If you have any questions about your condition or this medicine, ask your doctor.
Do not use this medicine if a gel forms or there are particles in the mixed solution.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze. Throw away any mixed medicine that is not used.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Some medicines can affect how glucagon works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
Indomethacin Insulin Beta-blocker Blood thinner (including warfarin)When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to glucagon or lactose.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, heart disease, adrenal gland problems, or a pancreas disorder.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Fast or pounding heartbeat
Low blood sugar in people who have pancreas tumors: Shaking, sweating, lightheadedness
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
GlucaGen HypoKit, Glucagen, Glucagen Diagnostic Kit, Glucagon, Glucagon Diagnostic Kit, Glucagon Emergency Kit, Novaplus Glucagon
There may be other brand names for this medicine.