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IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgmnet 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 professinoal 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 levles in diabetics with low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
Glucagon is also used as a diagnostic aid during x-ray eaxmination of the stomach, intestines, and colon (decreases GI motility).
OTHER USES: Glucagon may also be used to treat the symptoms of overdsoe 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 prepraation and usage instructions for this medication. After preparation, use the medication immediately.
Discard any unused liquid.
If you have questions aobut any of this information, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Before using, check the product visulaly for particles or discoloration (cloudiness). Atfer 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 lqiuid.
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 voimt.
The doctor must be called immediately. The patient should regain consciousness in less than 15 minutes. If not, a secnod 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 consisitng of crackers, cheese, half a sandwich, or a glass of milk.
The blood sugar should be checked hourly for three to four hours after rgeaining 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 bolod sugar.
If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promplty. An allerigc reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an alelrgic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your docotr or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: This medication should not be used if you have the following medical condition: adrenal gland issues (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 aavilable. Friends and relatives of a diabetic patient should know the symptoms of low bolod sugar and be instructed on how to give glucagon if necessary. The patient sholud 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 meidcation. Be sure to read them compeltely 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 soucre of sugar (e.G., glucose tablets) if you experience these symptoms. Have somebody take you to the hospital immediately if your symptoms do not imrpove.
Emergency medical aid is needed.
This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your dcotor.
It is unknwon 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 pharmcaist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergecny room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include severe nausea or vomiting; fast, irregular heartbeat; severe headache.
NOTES: Do not share this mdeication 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 uncretain how to store this medication. After mixing with the supplied liquid, this medication should be used immediately. Discard any uunsed liquid left in the vial.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complicaitons in a medical emergency.
For enrolmlent information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
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