What is Glucagon Nasal Route: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects and More

Glucagon nasal route is a life-saving emergency medication that comes as a nasal spray to treat severe low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) in people with diabetes. This quick-acting hormone helps raise your blood sugar levels when you're unconscious or unable to swallow glucose tablets or sugary drinks.

Think of it as your emergency backup plan when diabetes catches you off guard. The nasal spray delivers glucagon directly through your nose, making it much easier for family members or friends to help you during a diabetes emergency.

What is Glucagon Nasal Route?

Glucagon nasal route is a synthetic version of glucagon, a hormone your pancreas naturally makes to raise blood sugar levels. It comes in a ready-to-use nasal spray device that doesn't require mixing or injections.

Your body normally releases glucagon when blood sugar drops too low. This medication mimics that natural process by telling your liver to release stored glucose into your bloodstream. The nasal spray works within 15 minutes, making it perfect for emergency situations when every second counts.

Unlike injectable glucagon that requires preparation, the nasal spray is pre-loaded and ready to use. This makes it much more user-friendly for caregivers who might feel anxious about giving injections during stressful emergencies.

What is Glucagon Nasal Route Used For?

This medication treats severe hypoglycemia (dangerously low blood sugar) in people with diabetes who are unconscious or unable to take sugar by mouth. It's specifically designed for emergency situations when someone cannot help themselves.

You might need glucagon nasal spray if your blood sugar drops below 70 mg/dL and you experience confusion, seizures, or loss of consciousness. These episodes can happen when you take too much insulin, skip meals, exercise more than usual, or drink alcohol without eating enough food.

The medication is also used when someone with diabetes becomes so confused or agitated from low blood sugar that they refuse to eat or drink anything sweet. In these situations, the nasal spray can be a safer alternative than trying to force food or liquid into their mouth.

How Does Glucagon Nasal Route Work?

Glucagon nasal route works by signaling your liver to break down stored glycogen into glucose and release it into your bloodstream. This process typically raises blood sugar levels within 15 minutes of administration.

The medication is considered moderately strong and highly effective for emergency situations. When you spray it into your nostril, the glucagon absorbs through the nasal tissues and enters your bloodstream quickly, bypassing the digestive system entirely.

Your liver acts like a glucose storage facility, and glucagon is the key that unlocks those energy reserves. The nasal spray delivers enough glucagon to trigger this release, even when you're unconscious or unable to respond normally.

How Should I Take Glucagon Nasal Route?

Glucagon nasal spray should only be used during severe hypoglycemic emergencies when you cannot take glucose by mouth. The person helping you should remove the shrink wrap and red safety seal, then insert the device tip into one nostril.

Here's how someone should help you use it during an emergency:

1. Remove the shrink wrap from around the tube
2. Remove the red safety seal from the bottom
3. Insert the device tip into your nostril until their fingers touch the outside of your nose
4. Press the plunger firmly all the way down with their thumb
5. Remove the device and call emergency services immediately

You don't need to inhale, sniff, or prime the device. The medication works even if you have a stuffy nose or cold. After using the spray, someone should turn you on your side to prevent choking if you vomit, which can happen as your blood sugar normalizes.

How Long Should I Take Glucagon Nasal Route For?

Glucagon nasal route is designed for single emergency use only. Each device contains one dose and cannot be reused after activation.

The medication typically works within 15 minutes and lasts for about 1-2 hours. Once you regain consciousness and can swallow safely, you should eat a snack containing carbohydrates and protein to prevent your blood sugar from dropping again.

You should seek immediate medical attention after using glucagon nasal spray, even if you feel better. Your doctor needs to evaluate why the severe low blood sugar occurred and may need to adjust your diabetes medications to prevent future episodes.

What Are the Side Effects of Glucagon Nasal Route?

Common side effects of glucagon nasal spray include nausea, vomiting, headache, and upper respiratory tract irritation. These symptoms usually occur as your blood sugar levels normalize and typically resolve within a few hours.

Most people experience some discomfort after using this medication, which is completely normal. The nausea and vomiting happen because glucagon affects your digestive system while working to raise blood sugar levels.

Here are the side effects you might experience, grouped by how commonly they occur:

Common side effects (experienced by many people):

• Nausea and vomiting
• Headache
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Redness or irritation in the nostril
• Watery eyes
• Feeling tired or weak

Less common side effects:

• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Increased heart rate
• Sweating
• Stomach discomfort
• Throat irritation

Rare but serious side effects:

• Severe allergic reactions (difficulty breathing, swelling of face or throat)
• Persistent high blood sugar
• Severe or prolonged vomiting

These side effects are generally temporary and indicate that the medication is working to restore your blood sugar levels. However, you should still seek medical attention after using the spray to ensure your safety and prevent future episodes.

Who Should Not Take Glucagon Nasal Route?

You should not use glucagon nasal spray if you have a known allergy to glucagon or any ingredients in the medication. People with certain rare tumors called pheochromocytoma or insulinoma should also avoid this medication.

The medication may not work effectively if you haven't eaten for several days, have chronic low blood sugar, or suffer from adrenal insufficiency. In these conditions, your liver may not have enough stored glucose to release.

Here are situations where glucagon nasal route might not be appropriate:

Definite contraindications (never use):

• Known allergy to glucagon or any spray ingredients
• Pheochromocytoma (rare adrenal gland tumor)
• Insulinoma (rare pancreatic tumor)

Use with extreme caution:

• Prolonged fasting or starvation
• Chronic hypoglycemia
• Adrenal insufficiency
• Severe liver disease
• Elderly patients with heart conditions

If you have any of these conditions, work with your doctor to develop alternative emergency plans for treating severe low blood sugar episodes.

Glucagon Nasal Route Brand Names

The main brand name for glucagon nasal spray is Baqsimi, manufactured by Eli Lilly and Company. This is currently the only FDA-approved nasal glucagon product available in the United States.

Baqsimi comes in a single-use, pre-filled nasal spray device that delivers 3 mg of glucagon powder. The device is designed to be simple enough for family members, friends, or coworkers to use during an emergency.

Your insurance may cover Baqsimi, but coverage varies by plan. The manufacturer offers patient assistance programs that might help reduce costs if you meet certain eligibility requirements.

Glucagon Nasal Route Alternatives

Several alternatives exist for treating severe hypoglycemia, though each has different advantages and limitations. Injectable glucagon has been the traditional emergency treatment, but it requires mixing and can be intimidating for caregivers to use.

Here are the main alternatives to consider:

Injectable glucagon options:

• Glucagon Emergency Kit (requires mixing powder with liquid)
• Gvoke (pre-filled pen, no mixing required)
• Zegalogue (pre-filled syringe, ready to use)

Non-medication emergency options:

• Glucose gel or tablets (only if conscious and able to swallow)
• Cake frosting or honey under the tongue (if semi-conscious)
• Emergency medical services with IV glucose

The nasal spray offers unique advantages because it doesn't require injections and works even if you're unconscious. However, injectable options may be more suitable for people with chronic nasal congestion or those who prefer traditional methods.

Is Glucagon Nasal Route Better Than Injectable Glucagon?

Glucagon nasal route offers several advantages over injectable glucagon, particularly in terms of ease of use and caregiver comfort. The nasal spray requires no mixing, no needles, and can be administered quickly during high-stress emergency situations.

The nasal spray works just as effectively as injectable glucagon in raising blood sugar levels. Studies show both forms typically restore consciousness within 15 minutes, making them equally reliable for emergency treatment.

Here's how they compare in key areas:

Advantages of nasal spray:

• No needles or injections required
• Pre-loaded and ready to use
• Easier for caregivers to administer
• Less intimidating for family members
• Works even if you're unconscious
• Smaller, more portable device

Advantages of injectable glucagon:

• Longer track record of use
• May be more familiar to healthcare providers
• Sometimes less expensive
• Not affected by nasal congestion

The choice between nasal and injectable glucagon often comes down to personal preference and your caregiver's comfort level. Many families find the nasal spray easier to use correctly during emergencies.