This medication is the same as your body's own glucagon,
a natural substance that raises blood sugar by causing the body to release
sugar stored in the liver. It is used to treat very low blood sugar
(hypoglycemia) that may cause you to need help from others. Make sure a
family member or caregiver knows where you keep this medication and how to
use it before you need their help.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet and Instructions
for Use provided by your pharmacist when you get this medication and each
time you get a refill. Be sure to keep this medication handy in case it is
needed. Learn ahead of time how to properly give this medication. Each
nasal spray device can be used only one time. If you have any questions,
ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Caregivers should know the symptoms of low blood sugar
(see also Precautions section) and be instructed on how to give glucagon if
needed. An episode of very low blood sugar should be treated right away to
prevent serious effects (such as brain damage).
Remove the glucagon spray from the package only when you
are ready to use it. Gently insert the tip of the spray nozzle into one
nostril, then firmly press the plunger to give the dose. This medication
does not need to be inhaled to work. After giving this medication, get
medical help right away. If the person is unconscious, turn the person on
their side. If the person does not wake up after 15 minutes, another dose
may be given, if available.
When the person wakes up and is able to swallow, a quick
sugar source (such as glucose tablets, juice) should be given. Glucagon is
only effective for a short time, and low blood sugar may return. The blood
sugar level should be kept up by eating snacks such as crackers, cheese, a
meat sandwich, or milk.
Always call your doctor right away when an episode of
very low blood sugar has happened. You may need more medical treatment, or
your insulin dose and diet may need to be adjusted.
Nausea, vomiting, headache, runny/stuffy nose,
nose/throat itching, or watery eyes may occur. If any of these effects last
or get worse, tell your doctor promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before using glucagon, tell your doctor or pharmacist if
you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product
may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or
other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- tumor in the pancreas (insulinoma)
- adrenal gland problem (such as Addison's disease,
pheochromocytoma)
- not eating/poor eating habits
- frequent low blood sugar
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) is more likely if you do
not consume enough calories from food, or if you do unusually heavy
exercise. Symptoms include sudden sweating, shaking, fast heartbeat,
hunger, blurred vision, dizziness, or tingling hands/feet. It is a good
habit to carry glucose tablets or gel to treat low blood sugar. If you
don't have these reliable forms of glucose, rapidly raise your blood sugar
by eating a quick source of sugar such as table sugar, honey, or candy, or
drink fruit juice or non-diet soda. Tell your doctor about the reaction
right away. To help prevent low blood sugar, eat meals on a regular
schedule, and do not skip meals. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to
find out what you should do if you miss a meal.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this
medication.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk.
However, it is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor
before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669.
Do not share this medication with others.
Attend a diabetes education program to learn more about
how to manage your diabetes with medications, diet, exercise, and regular
medical exams.
Learn the symptoms of high and low blood sugar and how
to treat low blood sugar. Check your blood sugar regularly as
directed.
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture.
Do not unwrap the device until you are ready to use it. Do not store in the
bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.
Your condition can cause complications in a medical
emergency. For information about enrolling in MedicAlert, call
1-888-633-4298 (US) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
