Discontinuation Notice

Novo Nordisk is permanently discontinuing the manufacture and distribution of GlucaGen® HypoKit® in the U.S. on July 1, 2024.  

This is due to an ongoing global shortfall of pre-filled syringes from an external vendor. In the U.S. market, alternative hypoglycemia rescue medications are available and therefore Novo Nordisk has made the decision to prioritize supply of GlucaGen® HypoKit® in markets around the world that have no alternative treatment options.

Our top priority is always the health and safety of the patients that use our products. We made this decision after careful consideration given that patients will be able to access alternative treatments in the US.

In advance of this upcoming discontinuation, we recommend that you proactively talk to your healthcare provider about alternative treatment options to ensure continuity of care. 

Should you have any additional questions, please reach out to the Novo Nordisk Customer Care Center at (800) 727-6500.

Text: double click to edit.

Be prepared for very low blood sugar

Be prepared for a severe hypoglycemic event

GlucaGen® is a prescription medicine used to treat very low blood sugar (severe hypoglycemia) in people with diabetes and as a diagnostic aid during certain radiologic tests to temporarily stop stomach movement in adults.

GlucaGen® contains an injection of glucagon, and works by triggering the liver to release stored sugar, raising blood sugar levels. It is injected under the skin, similar to how insulin is injected. Do not use GlucaGen® if you have a tumor in the gland on top of your kidneys (adrenal gland) called a pheochromocytoma, you have a tumor in your pancreas called an insulinoma, you are allergic to glucagon or any of the ingredients in GlucaGen®, or you have a tumor in your pancreas called a glucagonoma because it could cause low blood sugar when used for your radiology tests.

Your health care provider might prescribe GlucaGen® HypoKit® for the following reasons:

  • Works fast - GlucaGen® HypoKit® begins to raise blood sugar levels within about 10 minutes after an injection
  • Goes with you - No refrigeration needed, so you can keep GlucaGen® HypoKit® handya
  • Protective, bright orange case - Designed to be easier to find
  • Picture instructions - The instructions on the protective case show family and friends how to give an injection if you suffer a severe hypoglycemic episode
Display of the GlucaGen® (glucagon) HypoKit®

aGlucaGen® may be stored up to 24 months at controlled room temperature 68° to 77° prior to reconstitution. Do not freeze. Keep in original package to protect from light.

 

Speak with your health care provider or your diabetes care team about how GlucaGen® HypoKit® can help in the event of a severe hypoglycemic episode.

  • Show family, friends, coworkers, and teachers how to use the kit - just in case.
  • It may be a good idea to ask your doctor for two prescriptions, so you have one GlucaGen® HypoKit® at work and one at home.
  • Check the expiration date. Do not use expired glucagon.

Remember, if you are having a severe hypoglycemic episode, you will not be able to treat yourself. You will need help from others around you. Make sure your family, friends, and coworkers know where to find and how to use the GlucaGen® HypoKit®.

GlucaGen® is glucagon.

What is GlucaGen® (glucagon) for injection 1mg/mL?

GlucaGen® is a prescription medicine used to treat very low blood sugar (severe hypoglycemia) in people with diabetes and as a diagnostic aid during certain radiologic tests to temporarily stop stomach movement in adults. It is not known if GlucaGen® is safe and effective for use in children to temporarily stop stomach movement during radiologic tests.

Important Safety Information

Who should not use GlucaGen®?

Do not use GlucaGen® if:
  • you have a tumor in the gland on top of your kidneys (adrenal gland) called a pheochromocytoma.
  • you have a tumor in your pancreas called an insulinoma.
  • you are allergic to glucagon or any of the ingredients in GlucaGen®.
  • you have a tumor in your pancreas called a glucagonoma because it could cause low blood sugar when used for your radiology tests.

What should I tell my doctor before using GlucaGen®?

Before using GlucaGen®, tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

  • have kidney problems. Tumors on your kidneys called pheochromocytomas
  • have adrenal gland problems (adrenal insufficiency)
  • have pancreas problems. Tumors in your pancreas called insulinomas or glucagonomas
  • have not had food or water for a long time (prolonged fasting or starvation)
  • have low blood sugar that does not go away (chronic hypoglycemia)
  • have diabetes mellitus
  • have heart problems
  • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if GlucaGen® will harm your unborn baby
  • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if GlucaGen® passes into your breast milk

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over the counter medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements. GlucaGen® may affect the way other medicines work, and other medicines may affect how GlucaGen® works.

How should I use GlucaGen®?

  • Use GlucaGen® exactly as your doctor tells you to
  • Make sure that you and your family know how to use GlucaGen® the right way before you need it
  • Act quickly. Having very low blood sugar for a period of time may be harmful
  • Call for emergency medical help right after you use GlucaGen®
  • Eat sugar or a sugar-sweetened product such as a regular soft drink or fruit juice as soon as you are able to swallow
  • Tell your doctor each time you use GlucaGen®. Your doctor may need to change the dose of your diabetes medicines

What are the possible side effects of GlucaGen®?

GlucaGen® may cause serious side effects, including:

  • High blood pressure. GlucaGen® can cause high blood pressure in certain people with tumors in their adrenal glands called pheochromocytoma
  • Low blood sugar. GlucaGen® can cause low blood sugar in patients with tumors in their pancreas called insulinomas and glucagonomas by making too much insulin in their bodies. Very low blood sugar can cause passing out (loss of consciousness), confusion, seizures, and death. Talk to your doctor about how to tell if you have low blood sugar and what to do if this happens while using GlucaGen® for injection. Know your symptoms of low blood sugar. Follow your doctor’s instructions to treat low blood sugar.
  • Allergic reactions. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction to GlucaGen® may include rash, difficulty breathing, or low blood pressure (hypotension)
  • Skin rash. A skin rash commonly related to tumors in the pancreas
  • High blood sugar. If you receive GlucaGen® before your radiology test, it can cause high blood sugar in people with diabetes mellitus. Your doctor will check your blood glucose levels during treatment with GlucaGen®.
  • Heart problems. If you have heart problems and receive GlucaGen® before your radiology test, you may have an increase in your blood pressure and pulse. Your doctor will monitor your heart when using GlucaGen® during treatment.

The most common side effects of GlucaGen® include:

  • Injection site reactions
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Feeling sleepy or drowsy
  • Pale skin
  • Diarrhea
  • Lack of energy
  • Lower blood pressure

Please click here for the GlucaGen® Prescribing Information and GlucaGen® Patient Information.

GlucaGen® is a prescription medication.

Talk to your doctor about the importance of diet and exercise in your treatment plan.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

If you need assistance with prescription drug costs, help may be available. Visit pparx.org or call 1-888-4PPA-NOW.