Health Library

Glucagon (By injection)

Glucagon (GLOO-ka-gon)

Treats severe low blood sugar. Also may be used during imaging tests.

Brand Name(s):

GlucaGen HypoKit, Glucagen, Glucagen Diagnostic Kit, Glucagon Emergency Kit, Glucagon Novaplus

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin of your stomach, thigh, or upper arm, 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.
• A nurse or other trained health professional will give you GlucaGen® as a diagnostic aid during imaging tests.
• Gvoke® is available as autoinjector (HypoPen), prefilled syringe, or vial and syringe kit.
• Check the liquid in the autoinjector, syringe, or vial. It should be clear and colorless to pale yellow. Do not use it if it is cloudy, discolored, or has particles in it.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep your medicine and supplies in the original packages until you are ready to use them. 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 beta-blockers, indomethacin, insulin, anticholinergic medicine, or blood thinner (including warfarin).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, heart disease, adrenal gland problems, a pancreas problems, diabetes mellitus, low blood sugar that does not go away, or if you have not had food or water for a long time.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • High blood pressure
  • Serious skin reactions, including necrolytic migratory erythema (NME)
  • Changes in blood sugar levels
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

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
• Blistering, peeling, red skin rash in the face, groin, buttocks, or legs
• Fast or pounding heartbeat, fainting, dizziness, lightheadedness
• Shaking, trembling, sweating, hunger, confusion

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Headache
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain
• Pain, itching, burning, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the shot was given
• Pale skin
• Unusual sleepiness, drowsiness, tiredness, or weakness

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

Last Updated: 9/6/2024