GlucaGen HypoKit (Glucagon)

Description

Glucagon for Injection is used by adults and pediatric patients who have diabetes to treat severe low blood sugar. It may also be used to temporarily halt the movement of the gastrointestinal tract in adults during radiologic examinations.

Directions

The instructions that come with your Glucagon prescription should be followed. Go over the information with your family or caregivers. If you have any questions or concerns, you should talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Glucagon Kits include a single-use vial of 1 mg Glucagon for Injection and a prefilled syringe of 1 mL of diluent for Glucagon.

Incorporate 1 mL of diluent into the glucagon vial. The vial should be swirled gently until the powder has dissolved and any particles can't be seen. Make sure that there are no particles or discoloration within the vial. The solution should be clear. If the solution appears cloudy or contains particulate matter, you should not use it. Next, the appropriate dose of Glucagon should be drawn up. Inject Glucagon subcutaneously, intramuscularly, or intravenously. Only healthcare professionals should perform intravenous injection. You should dispose of any unused medication after use. 

Recommended dosage for the treatment of severe low blood sugar in adults and pediatrics who weigh 20 kg or more: inject 1 mg (1 mL) subcutaneously or intramuscularly into the upper arm, thigh, or buttocks. Another dose may be administered while waiting for emergency care if there is no response to the glucagon after 15 minutes.

Recommended dosage for treatment in pediatrics who weigh under 20 kg: Inject 0.5 mg (0.5 mL) or dose equal to 20 mcg to 30 mcg per kg subcutaneously or intramuscularly into the upper arm, thigh, or buttocks. Another dose may be administered while waiting for emergency care if there is no response to the glucagon after 15 minutes.

Store Glucagon for Injection at temperatures between 68°F-77°F (20°C-25°C).

Ingredients

Each Glucagon Emergency Kit includes 1 mg Glucagon for Injection and a prefilled syringe containing 1 mL of diluent. 

Contraindications

If you have pheochromocytoma or insulinoma, you should not use glucagon. 

If you have any allergy to glucagon or any of its excipients, you should not use glucagon.

If you have glucagonoma, you should not use glucagon as a diagnostic aid. 

Cautions

• Before beginning treatment with glucagon, tell your doctor:
• If you have any allergies
• About any medications you may take
• Drug interactions can occur with use of other medications such as beta blockers, indomethacin, anticholinergic drugs, warfarin, and insulin. Ask your doctor if you do not know whether or not you take these medications.
• If you have any health conditions
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding 
• Patients with insulinoma may experience low blood sugar that may require treatment with oral or intravenous glucose.
• Severe allergic reactions can occur with glucagon. Immediately seek emergency attention if you develop a rash, trouble breathing, low blood pressure, or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Patients who do not have enough glycogen present in their liver may not respond as well to glucagon. Patients who are in starvation, have adrenal insufficiency, or have chronic low blood sugar may not have enough glycogen. These patients may require treatment with glucose.
• A skin rash called necrolytic migratory erythema may be caused by continuous administration of glucagon. Once treatment with glucagon is ceased, this condition goes away.
• High blood sugar in patients with diabetes may be caused by using glucagon as a diagnostic aid.
• High blood pressure and rapid heart rate in patients with heart disease may be caused by using glucagon as a diagnostic aid. 
• Patients with glucagonoma may experience secondary low blood sugar with the use of glucagon. 

Side Effects

Immediately talk to your doctor if you develop side effects that persist or bother you. Some side effects associated with glucagon for Injection include: reactions at the injection site, nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, weakness, paleness of the skin, diarrhea, drowsiness, and low blood pressure.

Reference:

1. Glucagon for Injection, for subcutaneous, intramuscular, or intravenous use. Indianapolis, IN: Lilly USA, LLC; 2021.

About Dr. Savannah Muncy (Page Author)

Dr. Muncy (PharmD) studied science and education as an undergraduate before attending the Appalachian College of Pharmacy where she completed her PharmD in three years. She is currently using her pharmacy and healthcare expertise to write medical content for clients all around the world. She is focused on delivering the most current, accurate, and engaging information to healthcare professionals and patients. Read More....