Glucagen

Glucagen is an injectable solution that contains the peptide hormone glucagon as its active ingredient. Marketed in the European Union as a prescription‑only product, it is supplied in a strength suitable for emergency use. Glucagon belongs to the anti‑hypoglycemic agent class and raises blood glucose by stimulating hepatic glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis. The medication is administered intramuscularly or subcutaneously during severe hypoglycemia and requires prompt administration.

Glucagen is indicated for the rapid treatment of severe hypoglycemia in individuals with diabetes mellitus and for emergency situations where blood glucose falls to critically low levels.

- Acute reversal of hypoglycemia when oral glucose is ineffective or unavailable. - Use in diabetic patients experiencing insulin‑induced hypoglycemia. - Administration by trained caregivers or medical personnel during a hypoglycemic emergency. - Treatment of hypoglycemia in patients unable to swallow or absorb oral carbohydrates. - Optional use in diagnostic testing of pancreatic alpha‑cell function under medical supervision.

Glucagen may cause a range of physiological responses after injection; most are transient and related to its glucose‑raising action.

Common: - Nausea or vomiting, typically occurring within minutes after injection. - Flushing or a sensation of warmth, often localized to the face or upper body. - Headache that is mild to moderate in intensity and usually resolves spontaneously.

Serious: - Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) presenting with difficulty breathing, swelling, or rash. - Cardiac arrhythmia, such as rapid or irregular heartbeat, observed in susceptible individuals. - Persistent hyperglycemia that may require additional medical evaluation and treatment.

When using Glucagen, healthcare providers and patients should observe specific precautions to minimize risks and ensure effective treatment of hypoglycemia.

- Verify hypoglycemia with a blood glucose measurement before administration, unless the situation is life‑threatening. - Use the correct dose and injection technique; improper dosing may lead to inadequate response or hyperglycemia. - Store the product according to label instructions, protecting it from light and extreme temperatures. - Do not reuse the prefilled syringe or needle; discard after a single use to avoid contamination. - Monitor the patient’s blood glucose after injection and be prepared to repeat dosing if glucose remains low. - Exercise caution in patients with known pheochromocytoma or insulinoma, as glucagon may exacerbate symptoms. - Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should only receive Glucagen when the potential benefit outweighs potential risk.

Glucagen can interact with other medications or substances that affect glucose metabolism or cardiovascular function; awareness of these interactions helps prevent adverse outcomes.

Avoid: - Beta‑blockers, which may mask typical signs of hypoglycemia after glucagon administration. - Long‑acting insulin analogues administered shortly before glucagon, as they may prolong low glucose periods. - MAO inhibitors combined with sympathomimetic agents, increasing risk of hypertensive episodes.

Use with caution: - Oral hypoglycemic agents (e.g., sulfonylureas, meglitinides) that may cause recurrent hypoglycemia. - Anticholinergic drugs that could interfere with glucagon’s effect on glycogenolysis. - Medications that affect cardiac conduction (e.g., class I antiarrhythmics) due to potential arrhythmia risk.