What you should know about GlucaGen™ Kit 1 mg
Please read this carefully before using this medicine. This leaflet provides a summary of the information available on the medicine. If you have any questions or are not sure about anything, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
The name of this medicine is GlucaGen™ Kit 1 mg (Powder for injection with accompanying diluent for preparation of Glucagon Injection BP). It contains Glucagon (rys) which is identical to the glucagon produced by the human pancreas. Glucagon increases blood sugar levels and is used for the treatment of acute hypoglycaemic reactions ("hypo" or low blood sugar) which may occur in diabetics taking insulin or oral hypoglycaemic agents.
Instructions for Reconstitution
More detailed information about GlucaGen™ is given below.
GlucaGen™ is used for the treatment of acute hypoglycaemic reactions ("hypo" or low blood
sugar) which may occur in diabetics taking insulin or oral hypoglycaemic agents.
The glucagon acts by releasing sugar into the blood stream from glycogen stored in the liver.
GlucaGen™ is also used in hospitals to temporarily stop movement of the bowels during
examinations of the gastrointestinal tract by radiography or endoscopy.
* Giving the medicine
- GlucaGen™ is given by injection; it may be given subcutaneously, intramuscularly or intravenously.
- GlucaGen™ is contra-indicated in patients with known or suspected phaeochromocytoma, insulinoma or glucagonoma.
- The vial containing GlucaGen™ has a protective, tamper-evident plastic cap. This must be pushed off before use. The cap cannot be replaced once it has been taken off. If the cap is not securely fastened to a new vial, the pack should be returned to the pharmacy.
- Before injection, a solution of GlucaGen™ must be prepared using the diluent provided in the pack. Carefully read the Instructions for Reconstitution.
- Following reconstitution, if the solution is not clear (solid particles or particles with the appearance of fibres are present), it must not be used for injection.
- Treatment of Acute Hypoglycaemia
- Glucagon is often prescribed for treatment of hypoglycaemia so that close friends or relatives can give the injection if you become hypoglycaemic and are unable to take sugar by mouth. In this case it is important to follow your doctor's instructions on how to give the injection .
- Follow your doctor's instructions concerning the appropriate dose for treating hypoglycaemia. [The recommended dose for treatment of hypoglycaemia in diabetes (adults and children) is 0.5 to 1 mg (20 microgram/kg)].
- Following injection of glucagon, carbohydrate must be given (eg glucose tablets or sugar) by mouth as soon as sufficient recovery has taken place. This will restore the stored sugar (glycogen) in the liver, and prevent the blood sugar falling again.
- If recovery has not taken place within 10 minutes of the glucagon injection a doctor must be called immediately so that intravenous glucose can be given.
- Use in Radiography or Endoscopy
The dose ranges from 0.2 to 2 mg depending on the diagnostic techniques used and the route of administration. The usual diagnostic dose for relaxation of the stomach, duodenal bulb, duodenum and small bowel is 0.2 to 0.5 mg given intravenously or 1 mg given intramuscularly; the usual dose to relax the colon is 0.5 to 0.75 mg intravenously or 1 to 2 mg intramuscularly.
** Possible problems with GlucaGen™
- Glucagon has relatively few and minor side effects consisting mainly of nausea and vomiting, especially when the dose is more than 1 mg.
- Glucagon has an opposite effect to insulin on blood sugar levels.
- Caution must be observed if GlucaGen™ is used in diabetics as an adjunct in radiography or endoscopy of the gastro-intestinal tract. Since Glucagon is a protein, there is theoretical possibility of hypersensitivity.
Use during pregnancy and lactation
Glucagon does not cross the placenta. Experience of the use of glucagon during pregnancy is limited to the treatment of hypoglycaemia in a small number of pregnant diabetics; in this group all pregnancies were completed successfully and there was no evidence of harmful effects on the infants.
***Storage of GlucaGen™ Kit
- Store your packs of GlucaGen™ Kit in a refrigerator at 2° to 8°C.
- A pack carried for use may be kept at normal surrounding temperature (maximum 25°C) for up to 18 months.
- the expiry date printed on the outside of the pack is for storage in a refrigerator. Do not use the GlucaGen™ Kit after this date.
- If you are keeping a pack at normal surrounding temperature, write the date when you take it out of the refrigerator on the outside. If you have not used the GlucaGen™ in the meantime, discard the pack after 18 months from this date, or at the expiry date, whichever is the sooner.
- the glucagon solution should be prepared immediately prior to use. Any portion of the contents remaining after use should be discarded.
What's in the medicine
GlucaGen™ Kit 1 mg consists of a vial containing glucagon (rys) as hydrochloride 1 mg (1 iu) and lactose EP 107 mg, together with a syringe containing 1 ml Water for Injections EP
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