Drug Detail:Glucagen (injection) (Glucagon (injection) [ gloo-ka-gon ])
Generic Name: GLUCAGON HYDROCHLORIDE 1mg in 1mL;
Dosage Form: hypokit
Drug Class: Glucose elevating agents
2.1 Important Administration Instructions for Using the GlucaGen HypoKit to Treat Severe Hypoglycemia
GlucaGen is for subcutaneous, intramuscular, or intravenous injection. Administer intravenously ONLY under medical supervision.
Instruct patients and their caregivers on the signs and symptoms of severe hypoglycemia. Because severe hypoglycemia requires the help of others to recover, instruct the patient to inform those around them about GlucaGen and its Instructions for Use. Administer GlucaGen as soon as possible when severe hypoglycemia is recognized.
Instruct the patient or caregiver to read the Instructions for Use at the time they receive a prescription for GlucaGen. Emphasize the following instructions to the patient or caregiver:
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- Using the supplied prefilled syringe, carefully insert the needle through the rubber stopper of the vial containing GlucaGen powder and inject all the liquid from the syringe into the vial.
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- Shake the vial gently until the powder is completely dissolved and no particles remain in the fluid. The reconstituted solution should be clear and colorless. Inspect visually for particulate matter and discoloration. If the resulting solution is cloudy or contains particulate matter do not use.
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- The reconstituted solution is 1 mg per mL glucagon.
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- Immediately after reconstitution, using the same syringe, withdraw the correct dose of GlucaGen.
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- Inject the solution subcutaneously or intramuscularly in the upper arm, thigh, or buttocks. In addition, healthcare providers may administer intravenously.
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- Call for emergency assistance immediately after administering the dose.
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- If there has been no response after 15 minutes, an additional dose of GlucaGen may be administered while waiting for emergency assistance.
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- When the patient has responded to the treatment and is able to swallow, give oral carbohydrates to restore the liver glycogen and prevent recurrence of hypoglycemia.
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- Discard any unused portion.
2.2 Dosage in Adults and Pediatric Patients for Using the GlucaGen HypoKit to Treat Severe Hypoglycemia
Adults and Pediatric Patients Weighing 25 kg or More or for Pediatric Patients with Unknown Weight 6 Years and Older
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- The recommended dosage is 1 mg (1 mL) injected subcutaneously or intramuscularly into the upper arm, thigh, or buttocks, or intravenously.
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- If there has been no response after 15 minutes, an additional 1 mg dose (1 mL) of GlucaGen may be administered using a new kit while waiting for emergency assistance.
Pediatric Patients Weighing Less Than 25 kg or for Pediatric Patients with Unknown Weight Less Than 6 Years of Age
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- The recommended dosage is 0.5 mg (0.5 mL) injected subcutaneously or intramuscularly into the upper arm, thigh, or buttocks, or intravenously.
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- If there has been no response after 15 minutes, an additional 0.5 mg dose (0.5 mL) of GlucaGen may be administered using a new kit while waiting for emergency assistance.
For GlucaGen Diagnostic Kit and the GlucaGen 10-pack:
2.3 Important Administration Instruction for Using GlucaGen Diagnostic Kit and the GlucaGen 10-pack as a Diagnostic Aid
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- Reconstitute GlucaGen with 1 mL of Sterile Water for Injection. Using a syringe, withdraw all of the Sterile Water for Injection (if supplied) or 1 mL Sterile Water for Injection and inject into the GlucaGen vial.
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- Shake the vial gently until the powder is completely dissolved and no particles remain in the fluid. The reconstituted fluid should be clear and colorless. Inspect visually for particulate matter and discoloration. If the resulting solution is cloudy or contains particulate matter do not use.
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- The reconstituted solution is 1 mg per mL glucagon.
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- Immediately after reconstitution, inject the solution intravenously or intramuscularly into upper arm, thigh, or buttocks.
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- Discard any unused portion.
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- After the end of the diagnostic procedure, give oral carbohydrates to patients who have been fasting, if this is compatible with the diagnostic procedure.
2.4 Dosage in Adults for Using GlucaGen Diagnostic Kit and GlucaGen for Injection Single-Dose Vial as a Diagnostic Aid
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- The recommended diagnostic dose for relaxation of the stomach, duodenal bulb, duodenum, and small bowel is 0.2 mg to 0.5 mg administered intravenously or 1 mg administered intramuscularly; the recommended dose to relax the colon is 0.5 mg to 0.75 mg administered intravenously or 1 mg to 2 mg administered intramuscularly [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2)].
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- The onset of action after an injection will depend on the organ under examination and route of administration [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2)].
