Glucagon 1 mg/mL

Enjoy the convenience and discreet packaging when you order Glucagon 1 mg/mL from The Drug Company. Treat diabetes with confidence, as per your doctor's advice, and save money by having your medications mailed to your home at a discount. If you require Glucagon 1 mg/mL for your health and well being, there are several ways to save money and still order your prescription. One method is to order from a Canadian pharmacy. Another is to order a generic substitute. Speak with your doctor and view our selection of rx and otc items for sale at our online store. You also always have the option of calling toll free 1-888-254-3038, or using our online chat tool.

Directions for the User

Notice: The expiry date should be checked regularly and a new kit purchased when approaching expiry date. Do not use this kit after the date stamped on the outside of the box. Glucagon should be used immediately after mixing with diluent.

1. Glucagon is an emergency drug to be used only under the direction of a physician. People in regular contact with a person with diabetes should become familiar with the following instructions before the emergency arises.

2. In case of insulin coma or severe insulin reactions, where carbohydrates cannot be taken, administer glucagon and call a physician promptly.

3. Inject glucagon in the same way that insulin is injected (see following directions). Turn the patient on his/her side.

4. Inject glucagon in the same way that insulin is injected (see following directions). Turn the patient on his/her side.

5. The patient usually awakens within 15 minutes. Feed the patient as soon as he/she awakens and is able to swallow.

6. There is no danger of overdosage.

7. If recommended by physician, give ½ of the mixed dose of glucagon to small children.

Indications

Glucagon is indicated for the treatment of hypoglycemia (low blood glucose). Symptoms of low blood glucose include:

• sweating

• dizziness

• drowsiness

• sleep disturbances

• palpitation

• tremor

• hunger

• restlessness

• tingling in the hands, feet, lips, or tongue

• lightheadedness

• inability to concentrate

• headache

• anxiety

• blurred vision

• slurred speech

• depressive mood

• irritability

• abnormal behavior

• unsteady movement

• personality changes

If not treated, the patient may progress to severe hypoglycemia which can include:

• disorientation

• unconsciousness

• seizures

• death

• palpitations

The occurrence of early symptoms calls for prompt and, if necessary, repeated administration of some form of carbohydrate, for example, candy, orange juice, corn syrup, honey or lumps of sugar. If improvement does not occur or if administration of carbohydrate is impossible, glucagon should be given. Glucagon, a naturally occurring substance produced by the pancreas, is helpful because it enables the patient to produce his/her own blood glucose to correct the hypoglycemic state. The patient can then take carbohydrate by mouth. In this way, severe hypoglycemic reactions can be avoided, and diabetic control will be easier to accomplish. Patients who are unable to take sugar orally, or who are unconscious, require an injection of glucagon or should be treated with intravenous administration of glucose at a medical facility. The physician should always be notified promptly whenever severe hypoglycemic reactions occur.

Note: The patient with diabetes may also be in coma from diabetic acidosis (hyperglycemia) rather than from hypoglycemia and in such cases will not respond to glucagon. These patients require immediate medical attention for the treatment of the diabetic acidosis. Contact the physician immediately.

To Prepare Glucagon for Use (see package insert for illustrations)

Note: Glucagon should not be prepared for injection until the emergency arises.

1. Remove the flip-off seal from the vial (bottle) of glucagon.

2. Remove the needle protector from the syringe, and inject the entire contents of the syringe into the bottle of glucagon. Do not remove the plastic clip from the syringe. Remove syringe from the bottle.

3. Swirl bottle gently until glucagon dissolves completely. Glucagon should not be used unless the solution is clear and of a water-like consistency.

To Administer Glucagon (see package insert for illustrations)

Use the same technique as for injecting insulin.

1. Using the same syringe, hold bottle upside down and, making sure the needle tip remains in solution, withdraw all of the solution (1 mg mark on syringe) from bottle. The plastic clip on the syringe will prevent the plunger from being pulled out of the syringe; however, if the plastic plunger rod separates from the rubber stopper, simply reinsert the rod by turning it clockwise.

2. The usual adult dose is 1 mg (1 unit). For children weighing less than 44 lb (20 kg), give 1/2 adult dose (0.5 mg). For children, withdraw 1/2 of the solution from the bottle (0.5 mg mark on syringe). Discard unused portion.

Using the following directions, inject Glucagon immediately after mixing

1. Cleanse injection site on buttock, arm, or thigh with alcohol swab.

2. Insert the needle into the fatty tissue under the cleansed injection site, and inject all of the glucagon solution. There is no danger of overdose. Apply light pressure at the injection site, and withdraw the needle. Press an alcohol swab against the injection site.

3. Turn the patient on his/her side. When an unconscious person awakens, he/she may vomit. Turning the patient on his/her side will prevent him/her from choking.

Feed the patient as soon as he/she awakens and is able to swallow.

Give the patient a fast-acting source of sugar (such as a regular soft drink or sweetened orange juice) and a long-acting source of sugar (such as crackers and cheese or a meat sandwich).

If the patient does not awaken within 15 minutes, give another dose of glucagon and call a physician immediately.