Glucagen

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Do not share this product with others.

Attend a diabetes education program to learn more about how to manage your diabetes with medications, diet, exercise, and regular medical exams.

Learn the symptoms of high and low blood sugar and how to treat low blood sugar. Check your blood sugar regularly as directed.

Not applicable.

Different brands of this medication have different storage needs. Check the product package for instructions on how to store your brand, or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information about enrolling in MedicAlert, call 1-888-633-4298 (US) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).

Read the Patient Information Leaflet and Instructions for Use Leaflet provided by your pharmacist when you get this medication and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

An episode of very low blood sugar should be treated right away to prevent serious effects (such as brain damage). Be sure to keep this medication handy in case it is needed. You and your caregiver must learn ahead of time how to properly give this medication. Caregivers should also know the symptoms of low blood sugar (see also Precautions section).

Before using, check this product for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely.

Inject this medication into a muscle or under the skin as directed by the doctor. The dosage is based on your age. Children's dosage is also based on weight. After giving this medication, get medical help right away.

If the person is unconscious, turn the person on their side to prevent choking in case they vomit. If the person does not wake up after 15 minutes, another dose may be given, if available.

When the person wakes up and is able to swallow, give them a quick sugar source (such as glucose tablets, juice). Glucagon only works for a short time, and low blood sugar may return. Keep the blood sugar level up by eating snacks such as crackers, cheese, a meat sandwich, or milk.

Always call your doctor right away when an episode of very low blood sugar has happened. You may need more medical treatment, or your insulin dose and diet may need to be adjusted.

Before using glucagon, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as latex used in some products), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: tumor of the pancreas (insulinoma), adrenal gland problems (such as Addison's disease, pheochromocytoma), not eating/poor eating habits, frequent low blood sugar.

Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) is more likely if you do not consume enough calories from food, or if you do unusually heavy exercise. Symptoms include sudden sweating, shaking, fast heartbeat, hunger, blurred vision, dizziness, or tingling hands/feet. It is a good habit to carry glucose tablets or gel to treat low blood sugar. If you don't have these reliable forms of glucose, rapidly raise your blood sugar by eating a quick source of sugar such as table sugar, honey, or candy, or drink fruit juice or non-diet soda. Tell your doctor right away about the reaction and the use of this product. To help prevent low blood sugar, eat meals on a regular schedule, and do not skip meals. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to find out what you should do if you miss a meal.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this medication.

It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk, but it is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call 1-844-764-7669.