Glucagon injection FAQ

Glucagon injection is used for emergency treatment of very low blood sugar (severe hypoglycemia). It is also used to slow down movement in the digestive system during certain X-ray lab tests. Glucagon is in a class of medications called glycogenolytic agents. It works by causing the liver to release stored sugar to the blood. It also works by relaxing digestive muscles for X-ray lab testing.

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory.

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Do not refrigerate or freeze it. Dispose of the medication after the expiration date on the device or the carton and be sure to have a replacement available.

Glucagon comes as a solution (liquid) in a prefilled syringe, an auto-injector device, and a vial to inject subcutaneously (just under the skin). It also comes as a powder to be mixed with a provided liquid to be injected subcutaneously, intramuscularly (into the muscle), or intravenously (into a vein). Inject as needed to treat very low blood sugar. To slow down the digestive system during X-ray lab tests, it is injected by a doctor or nurse in a medical facility.

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

Glucagon should be stored at room temperature, away from direct sunlight. Do not expose the kit to very hot or cold temperatures.

When administering glucagon , put the patient into the recovery position (on their side) to aid their breathing. The glucagon kit will usually consist of a syringe, a vial of powder and a vial of liquid. The instructions in the kit will give details of how to mix these for injection. Glucagon can be injected into the arm, thigh or buttocks. There is no danger of overdose with glucagon. Glucagon can cause vomiting so make sure the patient remains in the recovery position to prevent the chances of choking.

When injected, glucagon is absorbed into the blood stream and travels to the liver where it signals the liver to release glucose into the blood. Glucagon can be expected to take about 10-15 minutes to raise blood glucose back to safer levels.

Glucagon is for use when someone is suffering severe hypoglycemia and is unable to treat themselves. Glucagon may be given if the patient is: unconscious having a seizure unable to take anything sweet to raise their blood glucose or the patient has taken glucose by mouth which has not produced a raise in their blood glucose levels Read about the symptoms of hypoglycemia Check the expiry date on the kit before administering. If the kit is out of date, call instead for emergency help.