Glucagen (Glucagon)

Glucagen is indicated for the rapid treatment of severe hypoglycemia in individuals with diabetes mellitus and for emergency situations where blood glucose falls to critically low levels.

• Acute reversal of hypoglycemia when oral glucose is ineffective or unavailable.
• Use in diabetic patients experiencing insulin‑induced hypoglycemia.
• Administration by trained caregivers or medical personnel during a hypoglycemic emergency.
• Treatment of hypoglycemia in patients unable to swallow or absorb oral carbohydrates.
• Optional use in diagnostic testing of pancreatic alpha‑cell function under medical supervision.

Glucagen may cause a range of physiological responses after injection; most are transient and related to its glucose‑raising action.

Common

• Nausea or vomiting, typically occurring within minutes after injection.
• Flushing or a sensation of warmth, often localized to the face or upper body.
• Headache that is mild to moderate in intensity and usually resolves spontaneously.

Serious

• Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) presenting with difficulty breathing, swelling, or rash.
• Cardiac arrhythmia, such as rapid or irregular heartbeat, observed in susceptible individuals.
• Persistent hyperglycemia that may require additional medical evaluation and treatment.

When using Glucagen, healthcare providers and patients should observe specific precautions to minimize risks and ensure effective treatment of hypoglycemia.

• Verify hypoglycemia with a blood glucose measurement before administration, unless the situation is life‑threatening.
• Use the correct dose and injection technique; improper dosing may lead to inadequate response or hyperglycemia.
• Store the product according to label instructions, protecting it from light and extreme temperatures.
• Do not reuse the prefilled syringe or needle; discard after a single use to avoid contamination.
• Monitor the patient’s blood glucose after injection and be prepared to repeat dosing if glucose remains low.
• Exercise caution in patients with known pheochromocytoma or insulinoma, as glucagon may exacerbate symptoms.
• Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should only receive Glucagen when the potential benefit outweighs potential risk.

Glucagen can interact with other medications or substances that affect glucose metabolism or cardiovascular function; awareness of these interactions helps prevent adverse outcomes.

Avoid

• Beta‑blockers, which may mask typical signs of hypoglycemia after glucagon administration.
• Long‑acting insulin analogues administered shortly before glucagon, as they may prolong low glucose periods.
• MAO inhibitors combined with sympathomimetic agents, increasing risk of hypertensive episodes.

Use with caution

• Oral hypoglycemic agents (e.g., sulfonylureas, meglitinides) that may cause recurrent hypoglycemia.
• Anticholinergic drugs that could interfere with glucagon’s effect on glycogenolysis.
• Medications that affect cardiac conduction (e.g., class I antiarrhythmics) due to potential arrhythmia risk.