Why is this medicine prescribed?
Glucagon nasal powder is used for emergency treatment of very low blood sugar (severe hypoglycemia). Glucagon nasal powder is in a class of medications called glycogenolytic agents. It works by causing the liver to release stored sugar to the blood.
Are there other uses for this medicine?
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
How should this medicine be used?
Glucagon nasal powder comes as a powder in a device to spray into the nose. It does not need to be inhaled. Use as needed to treat very low blood sugar. It is given as one dose, but if you don't respond after 15 minutes another dose from a new device may be given. Each glucagon nasal powder device contains a single dose and should be used only once. Glucagon nasal powder can be used even if you have a cold.
Use glucagon nasal powder exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Use at the first sign of severe hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). After using the glucagon nasal powder, turn the patient onto their side to prevent choking if they vomit. Immediately contact a doctor and get emergency medical treatment. An unconscious person with hypoglycemia will usually wake up within 15 minutes. If the person does not awaken within 15 minutes after a dose, give one more dose. Feed the person a fast-acting source of sugar (e.g., regular soft drink or fruit juice) and then a long-acting source of sugar (e.g., crackers, cheese or a meat sandwich) as soon as they awaken and are able to swallow.
You or a caregiver will be shown how to use the medicine before your first dose. You will also be given the instructions for use. Read these carefully.Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions on how to use the medicine.
It is important that all patients have a household member who knows the symptoms of low blood sugar and how to administer glucagon. If you have low blood sugar often, keep glucagon nasal powder with you at all times. You and a family member or friend should be able to recognize some of the signs and symptoms of low blood sugar (i.e., shakiness, dizziness or lightheadedness, sweating, confusion, nervousness or irritability, sudden changes in behavior or mood, headache, numbness or tingling around the mouth, weakness, pale skin, sudden hunger, clumsy or jerky movements). Try to eat or drink a food or beverage with sugar in it, such as hard candy or fruit juice, before it is necessary to administer glucagon.
To use the glucagon nasal powder follow these steps:
- Hold the glucagon nasal powder device with your thumb on the bottom of the plunger and your first and middle fingers on either side of the nozzle.
- Gently insert the nozzle tip into one nostril until your fingers on either side of the nozzle are against the bottom of your nose.
- Push the plunger firmly all the way in until the green line on the bottom of the plunger can no longer be seen.
- Throw away the used device. Each device contains only one dose and cannot be reused.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before using glucagon nasal powder,
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to this medication, any part of this medication, or any other medications, foods or substances. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about the allergy and what symptoms you had.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements and herbal products you are taking or plan to take while using glucagon nasal powder. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
- tell your doctor if you have pheochromocytoma (tumor on a small gland near the kidneys) or insulinoma (tumor in the pancreas). Your doctor will probably tell you not to use glucagon nasal powder.
- tell your doctor if you have poor nutrition, ongoing episodes of low blood sugar levels, or problems with your adrenal glands.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
What should I do in case of overdose?
In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help . If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.
Symptoms of overdose may include the following:
- nausea
- vomiting
- fast heartbeat
What side effects can this medicine cause?
Glucagon nasal powder may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- nausea
- vomiting
- change in the ways things taste or smell
- headache
- sore or irritated nose or throat
- itchy nose, throat, eyes, or ears
- runny or stuffed nose
- watery or red eyes
- sneezing
- fast heartbeat
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms stop using glucagon nasal powder and call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:
- rash, hives, swelling of face, eyes, lips, or throat, difficulty breathing or swallowing
Glucagon nasal powder may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while using this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online ( https://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch ) or by phone ( 1-800-332-1088).What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?
Keep this medication in the shrink-wrapped tube it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Do not remove the shrink wrap or open the tube before you are ready to use it, or the medication may not work properly. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).
Keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers are not child-resistant. Always lock safety caps. Place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. https://www.upandaway.org Dispose of unneeded medications in a way so that pets, children, and other people cannot take them. Do not flush this medication down the toilet. Use a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist about take-back programs in your community. Visit the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website https://goo.gl/c4Rm4p for more information.What other information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. If your glucagon nasal powder has been used, be sure to get a replacement right away. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
Keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines, vitamins, minerals, and dietary supplements you are taking. Bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to the hospital. You should carry the list with you in case of emergencies.