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) that can happen in people who have diabetes and use insulin.

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 are allergic to either glucagon or lactose, have a tumor of the adrenal gland called a pheochromocytoma, or have a tumor of the pancreas called insulinoma.

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

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.

 

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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.

Selected Important Safety Information

Who should not use GlucaGen®?

Do not use GlucaGen® if:

  • you are allergic to glucagon or lactose or any of the ingredients in GlucaGen®
  • 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

Indications and Usage

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 who use insulin.

Important Safety Information

Who should not use GlucaGen®?

Do not use GlucaGen® if:

  • you are allergic to glucagon or lactose or any of the ingredients in GlucaGen®
  • 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

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
  • have pancreas problems. Tumors in your pancreas called 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 heart problems
  • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant
  • 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 should I avoid while using GlucaGen®?

While using GlucaGen® do not:

  • drive or operate machinery until you have eaten sugar or a sugar-sweetened product such as a regular soft drink or fruit juice

What are the possible side effects of GlucaGen®?

GlucaGen® may cause serious side effects, including:

  • High blood pressure. High blood pressure is common after taking GlucaGen® and can be severe
  • 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
  • Allergic reactions. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction to GlucaGen® may include rash, difficulty breathing, or low blood pressure (hypotension)

The most common side effects of GlucaGen® include:

  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • temporary fast heartbeat or pounding in your chest (tachycardia)

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.