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Medicines and Drugs
Find information on thousands of medicines and drugs on common names, uses, how to use, side effects, precautions, storage, drug interactions, overdose symptoms, what to do if you miss a dose and more.
Glucagon,human recombinant injection
Drug Name Glucagon,human recombinant injection
Glucagon,human recombinant injection Drug Category GLUCAGON RECOMBINANT - INJECTION
Glucagon,human recombinant injection Drug Information
IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.
GLUCAGON RECOMBINANT - INJECTION
(GLUE-kuh-gone)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Glucagon, Glucagon Emergency Kit
USES: Glucagon is a hormone used to quickly increase blood sugar levels in diabetics with low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Glucagon is also used as a diagnostic aid during x-ray examination of the stomach, intestines, and colon (decreases GI motility).
OTHER USES: Glucagon may also be used to treat the symptoms of overdose of some medications.
HOW TO USE: Inject this medication into a vein (IV), a muscle (IM), or under the skin (SC), as directed by your doctor. Learn all preparation and usage instructions for this medication. After preparation, use the medication immediately. Discard any unused liquid. If you have questions about any of this information, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Before using, check the product visually for particles or discoloration (cloudiness). After the product has been mixed with the liquid provided, the medication should be clear, with a water- like consistency. If particles or discoloration are present, do not use the liquid. When treating severely low blood glucose (hypoglycemia) and if the patient is unconscious, inject the glucagon and turn the patient on their side to avoid choking if they vomit. The doctor must be called immediately. The patient should regain consciousness in less than 15 minutes. If not, a second dose may be given. A sugar source (e.g., glucose tablets, juice) should be given when the patient regains consciousness. Glucagon is only effective for 90 minutes and is to be used only until the patient is able to swallow. The blood sugar level should be kept up by eating snacks consisting of crackers, cheese, half a sandwich, or a glass of milk. The blood sugar should be checked hourly for three to four hours after regaining consciousness. Notify your doctor immediately when an episode of low blood sugar has occurred. Your insulin dose and diet may need to be adjusted. Closely monitor your blood sugar level to prevent it from getting too low.
SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea and vomiting may occur, but these may also be signs of low blood sugar. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: This medication should not be used if you have the following medical condition: adrenal gland problems (e.g., pheochromocytoma). Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: tumors of the pancreas (e.g., insulinoma), heart disease, high blood pressure, any allergies. All patients with diabetes should have a glucagon emergency kit available. Friends and relatives of a diabetic patient should know the symptoms of low blood sugar and be instructed on how to give glucagon if necessary. The patient should be treated as soon as possible during an episode of low blood sugar in order to prevent serious effects (e.g., brain damage). Detailed patient instructions are provided with the medication. Be sure to read them completely and if you have any questions about the information, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Be aware of the symptoms of low blood sugar: stomach pain, mental/mood changes, chills, cold sweats, cool skin, drowsiness, hunger, rapid heart rate, headache, nausea, vomiting, shakiness, vision changes, weakness. Eat or drink a source of sugar (e.g., glucose tablets) if you experience these symptoms. Have someone take you to the hospital immediately if your symptoms do not improve. Emergency medical aid is needed. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is unknown if glucagon passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication you may use, especially: "blood thinners" (e.g., warfarin), beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol). Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include severe nausea or vomiting; fast, irregular heartbeat; severe headache.
NOTES: Do not share this medication with others. Laboratory and/or medical tests will be performed to monitor your condition.
MISSED DOSE: Not applicable.
STORAGE: Follow all directions on the product package for proper storage. Consult your pharmacist if you are uncertain how to store this medication. After mixing with the supplied liquid, this medication should be used immediately. Discard any unused liquid left in the vial.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
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