What is Glucagon Injection: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects and More

Glucagon injection is a life-saving medication that rapidly raises blood sugar levels during severe hypoglycemia (dangerously low blood sugar). This hormone works like your body's natural emergency response system, quickly releasing stored sugar from your liver when you need it most.

Think of glucagon as your body's built-in glucose rescue team. When blood sugar drops to dangerous levels and you can't eat or drink, this injection steps in to prevent serious complications like seizures or loss of consciousness.

What is Glucagon Injection?

Glucagon injection is a synthetic version of a hormone your pancreas naturally produces. It's designed specifically for emergency situations when someone with diabetes experiences severe low blood sugar and cannot consume food or drinks safely.

This medication comes in pre-filled pens, auto-injectors, or powder forms that need mixing before use. The injection works within minutes to raise blood glucose levels, making it an essential emergency tool for people with diabetes and their families.

Unlike regular diabetes medications that lower blood sugar, glucagon does the opposite. It tells your liver to release stored glucose into your bloodstream, providing the quick energy boost your body desperately needs during a hypoglycemic emergency.

What is Glucagon Injection Used For?

Glucagon injection treats severe hypoglycemia when someone cannot eat or drink to raise their blood sugar safely. This typically happens when blood glucose levels drop below 70 mg/dL and the person is unconscious, having seizures, or unable to swallow.

The medication is primarily prescribed for people with type 1 diabetes, though those with type 2 diabetes who use insulin may also need it. It's particularly important for individuals who experience frequent low blood sugar episodes or have a history of severe hypoglycemic reactions.

Healthcare providers also use glucagon injections in medical settings for diagnostic procedures. During certain imaging tests like CT scans of the abdomen, glucagon helps relax intestinal muscles for clearer pictures.

How Does Glucagon Injection Work?

Glucagon injection works by binding to specific receptors in your liver, triggering the rapid breakdown of stored glucose called glycogen. This process, known as glycogenolysis, releases glucose directly into your bloodstream within 5-10 minutes of injection.

This medication is considered a strong and fast-acting emergency treatment. Unlike slower-acting treatments, glucagon doesn't rely on your digestive system to work. It bypasses the stomach entirely, making it effective even when someone is unconscious or vomiting.

The injection also stimulates your liver to create new glucose from other substances in your body, though this secondary effect takes longer to develop. This dual action ensures both immediate and sustained blood sugar elevation during critical situations.

How Should I Take Glucagon Injection?

Glucagon injection should only be given when someone is experiencing severe hypoglycemia and cannot safely consume food or drinks. The medication is injected into muscle tissue, typically in the thigh, upper arm, or buttocks.

You don't need to worry about food timing with glucagon injections since they're used during emergencies when eating isn't possible. However, once the person regains consciousness and can swallow safely, they should consume fast-acting carbohydrates like juice or glucose tablets.

The injection site should be clean, but don't delay treatment to find alcohol wipes during an emergency. Rotate injection sites if multiple doses are needed, though this is rarely necessary. Always call emergency services after giving glucagon, even if the person seems to recover quickly.

How Long Should I Take Glucagon Injection For?

Glucagon injection is not taken on a regular schedule like daily medications. Instead, it's an emergency rescue medication used only when severe hypoglycemia occurs and traditional treatments aren't possible.

Each injection provides a single dose for one hypoglycemic episode. Most people will see their blood sugar rise within 5-15 minutes after injection, though the full effect may take up to 30 minutes to develop completely.

You should always have unexpired glucagon available if you're at risk for severe hypoglycemia. Replace expired kits according to the expiration date, typically every 12-24 months depending on the specific product. Your healthcare provider will determine if you need to keep glucagon on hand based on your individual diabetes management and history.

What Are the Side Effects of Glucagon Injection?

Glucagon injection can cause several side effects, though remember that during a severe hypoglycemic emergency, the benefits far outweigh these temporary discomforts. Most side effects are mild and resolve on their own within a few hours.

The most common side effects you might experience include nausea and vomiting, which affect many people who receive glucagon injections. These symptoms typically start within 30 minutes of injection and usually subside within 2-3 hours.

Here are the side effects you might encounter, organized from most common to less frequent:

• Nausea and vomiting (very common)
• Headache and dizziness
• Fatigue and weakness
• Stomach pain or cramping
• Injection site reactions like redness or swelling
• Rapid heartbeat
• Sweating

These reactions are generally your body's response to the rapid increase in blood sugar and the stress of the hypoglycemic episode itself. Most people feel significantly better once their blood sugar stabilizes, even if some mild side effects persist.

Rare but serious side effects can include severe allergic reactions, though these are extremely uncommon. Signs of a serious allergic reaction include difficulty breathing, severe swelling, or widespread rash. If these occur, seek immediate medical attention.

Who Should Not Take Glucagon Injection?

Very few people should avoid glucagon injection when facing severe hypoglycemia, as the medication is generally safer than allowing dangerously low blood sugar to continue. However, there are some specific situations where extra caution is needed.

People with known allergies to glucagon or any ingredients in the injection should inform their healthcare providers about alternative emergency treatments. Additionally, those with certain rare tumors called pheochromocytomas should use glucagon with extreme caution, as it may trigger dangerous blood pressure spikes.

Individuals with insulinomas (insulin-producing tumors) may experience prolonged low blood sugar after glucagon wears off, requiring extended medical monitoring. People with severely depleted glycogen stores, such as those with prolonged fasting or chronic alcoholism, may not respond as effectively to glucagon.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women can safely receive glucagon injections during hypoglycemic emergencies, as the risks of severe low blood sugar outweigh any potential medication risks. Always discuss your specific medical history with your healthcare provider when developing your diabetes emergency plan.

Glucagon Injection Brand Names

Several glucagon injection products are available, each with different delivery methods and preparation requirements. The most common brand names include Baqsimi (nasal powder), Gvoke (pre-filled pen), and Zegalogue (auto-injector).

Baqsimi offers a unique nasal spray option that doesn't require injection, making it easier for family members or caregivers who may be uncomfortable with needles. Gvoke and Zegalogue come as ready-to-use pens that don't require mixing, simplifying emergency use.

Traditional glucagon emergency kits like Glucagon Emergency Kit require mixing powder with liquid before injection, though many of these are being replaced by newer, more user-friendly options. Your healthcare provider will help you choose the best option based on your lifestyle, insurance coverage, and personal preferences.

Glucagon Injection Alternatives

While glucagon injection remains the gold standard for treating severe hypoglycemia, several alternatives exist depending on the situation and severity of low blood sugar. For mild to moderate hypoglycemia when the person is conscious and can swallow, fast-acting carbohydrates are the first choice.

Glucose tablets, gels, or liquids work quickly for conscious individuals experiencing hypoglycemia. These options include products like glucose tabs, cake frosting, or regular soda. However, these alternatives only work when someone can safely consume them orally.

In hospital settings, healthcare providers may use intravenous dextrose (sugar solution) to rapidly raise blood glucose levels. This method is particularly useful when IV access is already available or when glucagon might not be effective due to depleted glycogen stores.

Some people explore continuous glucose monitors with automated insulin delivery systems to help prevent severe hypoglycemia episodes altogether. While these technologies don't replace glucagon for emergencies, they can significantly reduce the frequency of severe low blood sugar events.

Is Glucagon Injection Better Than Oral Glucose?

Glucagon injection and oral glucose serve different purposes in diabetes management, making direct comparison somewhat like comparing a fire extinguisher to a smoke detector. Each has its specific role in keeping you safe from hypoglycemia.

Oral glucose treatments like tablets or gels work wonderfully when you're conscious and can swallow safely. They're faster to use, don't require injection, and effectively raise blood sugar in mild to moderate hypoglycemia. Most people should try oral treatments first when they feel low blood sugar coming on.

However, glucagon injection becomes irreplaceable when someone is unconscious, having seizures, or unable to swallow safely. In these severe situations, oral glucose can be dangerous as it might cause choking or aspiration into the lungs.

Think of oral glucose as your first line of defense for manageable low blood sugar episodes, while glucagon injection serves as your emergency backup for life-threatening situations. Having both options available gives you comprehensive protection against different levels of hypoglycemia.