GlucaGen (injection)
Generic name:glucagon (injection) [ GLOO-ka-gon ]
Brand names: GlucaGen, GlucaGen HypoKit, Glucagon Emergency Kit for Low Blood Sugar, Gvoke HypoPen, Gvoke PFS
Drug class:Glucose elevating agents
What is GlucaGen?
GlucaGen is a hormone that increases blood sugar levels. It also slows involuntary muscle movements of the stomach and intestines that aid in digestion.
GlucaGen is used to treat hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). This medicine is also used during a radiologic (x-ray) examination to help diagnose certain disorders of the stomach or intestines.
GlucaGen may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
GlucaGen should be used to treat hypoglycemia only if the person cannot eat, passes out, or is having a seizure. Be sure you know how to give a this medicine before you need to use it. Hypoglycemia should be treated as quickly as possible. Having low blood sugar for too long can cause seizure, coma, or death.
You should not use GlucaGen if you are allergic to GlucaGen or lactose, or if you have a tumor of the pancreas (insulinoma) or adrenal gland (pheochromocytoma).
Before taking this medicine
You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to GlucaGen or lactose, or if you have:
a tumor of the pancreas (insulinoma); or
a tumor of the adrenal gland (pheochromocytoma).
GlucaGen should be used to treat hypoglycemia only if the person is unable to eat, or is unconscious or having a seizure.
Tell your doctor if:
you have any tumor of the pancreas;
you have not recently eaten on a regular basis; or
you have chronic low blood sugar.
Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.
GlucaGen is not expected to harm an unborn baby, but quickly treating hypoglycemia would outweigh any risks posed by using this medicine.
It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.
In an emergency situation it may not be possible to tell your caregivers if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Make sure any doctor caring for your pregnancy or your baby knows you have received this medicine.
How should I use GlucaGen?
Hypoglycemia should be treated as quickly as possible. Having low blood sugar for too long can cause seizure, coma, or death.
GlucaGen is injected under the skin, into a muscle, or into a vein. You will be shown how t...
