DrugindexOnline^{2nd edition}

Generic Name: Glucagon (Emergency) (GLOO-ka-gon)
Brand Name: GlucaGen

Glucagon is used for:

Treating insulin coma or insulin reaction resulting from severe low blood sugar and diabetes in patients who are unable to take sugar by mouth. Glucagon also may be used to treat certain conditions as determined by your doctor.

Glucagon is a hormone. It works by stimulating the liver to release glucose into the blood.

Do NOT use Glucagon if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Glucagon
• you have tumors on your adrenal gland or pancreas

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Glucagon :

Some medical conditions may interact with Glucagon . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have adrenal gland problems or diabetes, or are malnourished

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Glucagon . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Beta-blockers (eg, propranolol) because the effectiveness of Glucagon may be decreased
• Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin) because its action and side effects, including increased risk of bleeding, may be increased by Glucagon

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Glucagon may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Glucagon :

Use Glucagon as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Glucagon comes with an additional patient leaflet. Read it carefully and reread it each time you get Glucagon refilled.
• Carefully follow the instructions for use, and be sure family members, friends, and coworkers know how to give you Glucagon . Contact your health care provider if you have questions about use. Symptoms of low blood sugar include the following: sweating; dizziness; irregular heartbeat; tremor; hunger; restlessness; tingling in the hands, feet, lips, or tongue; lightheadedness; inability to concentrate; headache; drowsiness; sleep disturbances; anxiety; blurred vision; slurred speech; depressed mood; irritability; abnormal behavior; unsteady movement; personality changes.
• If Glucagon contains particles or is discolored, or if the vial is cracked or damaged in any way, do not use it.
• After mixing, use immediately. Throw away any unused portion. Do not use after the date stamped on the bottle.
• Keep this product, as well as syringes and needles, out of the reach of children. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials. Dispose of properly after use. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to explain local regulations for proper disposal.
• If you miss a dose of Glucagon , contact your doctor right away.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Glucagon .

Important safety information:

• Always carry a quick source of sugar such as candy or glucose tablets to take at the first warning sign of a low blood sugar reaction.
• Make sure your relatives or close friends know that medical attention is always required if you become unconscious. Patients who are unconscious because of high blood sugar will not respond to Glucagon and should not be given candy or glucose tablets.
• You will need to test your blood or urine often to check your sugar level.
• LAB TESTS, including blood glucose levels, may be performed to monitor your progress. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Glucagon during pregnancy. It is unknown if Glucagon is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using Glucagon , check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

Possible side effects of Glucagon :

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Nausea.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); fainting; vomiting.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088) or at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org/findyour.htm), or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include diarrhea; rapid pulse; vomiting.

Proper storage of Glucagon :

Before mixing, store Glucagon at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. After mixing, use immediately. Keep Glucagon out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Glucagon , please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Glucagon is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Glucagon . If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.