Description
Glucagon for Injection is used to treat severe low blood sugar in adults and pediatric patients who have diabetes. It's also used to temporarily stop gastrointestinal tract movement in adults during radiologic examinations.
Fact Table
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Formula
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C153H225N43O49S
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License
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US DailyMed, EU EMA
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Bioavailability
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significantly lower
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Legal status
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Rx-Only
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Chemical Name
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Glucagon
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Elimination half-life
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26 minutes
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Dosage (Strength)
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One Kit
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Pregnancy
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Consult doctor
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Brands
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GlucaGen HypoKit
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Protein binding
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Not Available
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PubChem CID
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16132283
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MedlinePlus
|
a682480
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ChEBI
|
5391
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ATC code
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H04AA01
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DrugBank
|
DB00040
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KEGG
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D00116
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Routes of administration
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Nasal, intravenous (IV), intramuscular injection (IM), subcutaneous injection
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Directions
Follow the instructions that come with your Glucagon Kit prescription. Review the information with your family or caregivers. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about any questions or concerns you may have regarding your prescription.
Glucagon Emergency Kits come with a single-dose vial of 1 mg Glucagon for Injection and a prefilled syringe that contains 1 mL of diluent for Glucagon.
One mL of diluent should be incorporated into the glucagon vial. Gently swirl the vial until the powder has dissolved and you don't see any particles. Inspect the vial to ensure that there are no particles or discoloration. The solution should appear clear. Do not use it if the solution appears cloudy or contains particulate matter. Draw up the appropriate dose of glucagon. Glucagon should be immediately injected subcutaneously, intramuscularly, or intravenously. Intravenous use should only be performed by a healthcare professional. After use, dispose of any unused medication.
Recommended dosage for treating severe low blood sugar in adults and pediatrics who weigh at least 20 kg: inject 1 mg (1 mL) subcutaneously or intramuscularly into the upper arm, thigh, or buttocks. While waiting to receive emergency care, another dose may be given if there is no response after 15 minutes.
Recommended dosage for pediatrics who weigh less than 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. While waiting to receive emergency care, another dose may be given if there is no response after 15 minutes.
Glucagon for Injection should be stored at temperatures between 68°F-77°F (20°C-25°C).
Ingredients
Each Glucagon Emergency Kit comes with 1 mg Glucagon for Injection and a prefilled syringe containing 1 mL of diluent.
Contraindications
Do not use Glucagon if you have pheochromocytoma or insulinoma.
Do not use Glucagon if you are allergic to glucagon or any of its excipients.
Do not use Glucagon as a diagnostic aid if you have glucagonoma.
Cautions
- Before you receive a prescription for Glucagon, talk to your doctor about the following:
- Your allergies
- Your medications
- Drug interactions can occur with certain medications, including beta blockers, indomethacin, anticholinergic drugs, warfarin, and insulin. Ask your doctor if you are unsure whether or not you take these medications.
- Your health problems
- Your pregnancy or breastfeeding status
- Low blood sugar may occur in patients with insulinoma. Oral or intravenous glucose may be necessary.
- Glucagon may cause severe allergic reactions. Seek emergency care immediately if you develop a rash, trouble breathing, low blood pressure, or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Glucagon may not work as well in patients who do not have enough glycogen present in their liver. Patients who are in starvation, have adrenal insufficiency, or have chronic low blood sugar may not have enough glycogen. Glucose may be the treatment of choice in these patients.
- Continuous administration of glucagon may cause a skin rash called necrolytic migratory erythema. This condition goes away once glucagon is stopped.
- Glucagon as a diagnostic aid may cause high blood sugar in patients with diabetes.
- Glucagon as a diagnostic aid may cause high blood pressure and rapid heart rate in patients with heart disease.
- Secondary low blood sugar may occur in patients with glucagonoma who use glucagon.
Side Effects
Tell your doctor if you experience bothersome or persistent side effects. Glucagon for Injection can cause side effects including reactions at the injection site, nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, weakness, paleness of the skin, diarrhea, drowsiness, and low blood pressure.
Reference:
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....
IMPORTANT NOTE:
The above information is intended to increase awareness of health information and does not suggest treatment or diagnosis. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Product Code : 56