What is Dasiglucagon: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects and More

Dasiglucagon is a prescription medication that acts like a hormone your body naturally makes called glucagon. It's specifically designed to treat severe low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) in people with diabetes when they can't take sugar by mouth. This medication comes as a ready-to-use injection that can be given under the skin during emergencies.

What is Dasiglucagon?

Dasiglucagon is a synthetic version of glucagon, a hormone that tells your liver to release stored sugar into your bloodstream. When someone with diabetes experiences dangerously low blood sugar and becomes unconscious or unable to swallow, this medication can quickly raise their blood sugar levels. It's engineered to be more stable than natural glucagon, which means it doesn't need to be mixed before use.

The medication works by binding to the same receptors in your liver that natural glucagon uses. This triggers your liver to break down stored glycogen into glucose, which then enters your bloodstream to raise your blood sugar levels. Think of it as your body's emergency backup system for getting sugar when you need it most.

What is Dasiglucagon Used For?

Dasiglucagon treats severe hypoglycemia in adults and children with diabetes who are 6 years old and older. This medication is specifically for emergency situations when blood sugar drops so low that the person becomes unconscious, has seizures, or cannot safely swallow liquids or food. It's not meant for everyday blood sugar management.

Your doctor might prescribe this medication if you're at risk for severe low blood sugar episodes. People who take insulin or certain diabetes medications are more likely to experience these dangerous drops in blood sugar. Having dasiglucagon available gives you and your family members a way to help during these scary situations.

How Does Dasiglucagon Work?

Dasiglucagon is considered a strong and fast-acting medication for emergency situations. It works by mimicking your body's natural glucagon hormone, which acts like an emergency signal to your liver. When you inject dasiglucagon, it travels to glucagon receptors in your liver and tells them to immediately start breaking down stored sugar.

Within 15 minutes of injection, your liver begins releasing glucose into your bloodstream. Most people see their blood sugar start to rise within this timeframe, though it can take up to 30 minutes for full effect. The medication typically keeps working for about 90 minutes, giving you time to get additional help or eat something to maintain stable blood sugar.

How Should I Take Dasiglucagon?

Dasiglucagon comes as a pre-filled pen or prefilled syringe that you inject under the skin of your thigh or upper arm. You don't need to eat anything before using this medication since it's used when someone can't eat or drink safely. The injection should be given as soon as possible when someone has severe low blood sugar.

Here's how the injection process typically works. First, remove the cap from the pen and place it firmly against the injection site. Press the button to deliver the full dose, then hold it in place for about 10 seconds. After giving the injection, call emergency services immediately and stay with the person until help arrives.

Store your dasiglucagon at room temperature away from light and heat. Don't refrigerate it, and check the expiration date regularly. Make sure family members, friends, or coworkers know where you keep it and how to use it in case of emergency.

How Long Should I Take Dasiglucagon For?

Dasiglucagon is used only during emergency situations, not as a daily medication. Each injection is a one-time dose given when someone experiences severe low blood sugar. You don't take this medication on a regular schedule like other diabetes medications.

After using dasiglucagon, the person should eat a meal or snack containing carbohydrates once they're awake and able to swallow safely. This helps maintain stable blood sugar levels after the medication wears off. Your doctor will want to review what caused the severe low blood sugar episode to help prevent future emergencies.

What Are the Side Effects of Dasiglucagon?

Most people experience some side effects after receiving dasiglucagon, and this is completely normal given the emergency nature of its use. The most common side effects happen because your body is responding to both the severe low blood sugar and the medication's effects on your system.

Common side effects you might experience include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Headache
• Injection site reactions like redness or pain
• Feeling tired or weak
• Dizziness

These symptoms usually improve within a few hours as your blood sugar stabilizes and your body recovers from the emergency.

Less common but more serious side effects can include severe allergic reactions, though these are rare. Signs of a serious allergic reaction include difficulty breathing, swelling of your face or throat, or severe rash. If any of these symptoms occur, seek emergency medical attention immediately.

Some people might experience blood sugar levels that swing too high after using dasiglucagon. This happens because the medication can sometimes overcorrect the low blood sugar. Your healthcare team will monitor your blood sugar levels and adjust your diabetes management plan if needed.

Who Should Not Take Dasiglucagon?

Dasiglucagon isn't suitable for everyone, and there are specific situations where it shouldn't be used. People with certain medical conditions or those taking specific medications may not be good candidates for this treatment.

You should not use dasiglucagon if you have:

• Known allergy to dasiglucagon or any of its ingredients
• A tumor of the pancreas called insulinoma
• A tumor of the adrenal glands called pheochromocytoma

These conditions can make dasiglucagon dangerous because it might cause severe complications or make existing health problems worse.

Tell your doctor about all your medical conditions before getting a prescription for dasiglucagon. People with heart disease, kidney problems, or liver disease may need special monitoring. Your doctor will also want to know about any medications you're taking, including blood thinners, since dasiglucagon can affect how some medications work.

Pregnant or breastfeeding women should discuss the risks and benefits with their healthcare provider. While dasiglucagon can be used during pregnancy if needed for severe hypoglycemia, your doctor will want to carefully weigh the emergency benefits against any potential risks.

Dasiglucagon Brand Names

Dasiglucagon is sold under the brand name Zegalogue in the United States. This is currently the only brand name available for this specific formulation of glucagon. Zegalogue comes as a ready-to-use injection that doesn't require mixing, which makes it easier to use during emergencies.

Other glucagon products exist with different brand names, but they have different formulations and preparation requirements. Zegalogue's main advantage is that it's stable and ready to use immediately, unlike older glucagon products that require mixing before injection.

Dasiglucagon Alternatives

Several other emergency treatments for severe hypoglycemia are available if dasiglucagon isn't suitable for you. These alternatives work in similar ways but may have different preparation requirements or delivery methods.

Your doctor might consider these alternatives:

• Glucagon injection (traditional powder form that requires mixing)
• Baqsimi (glucagon nasal powder)
• Gvoke (ready-to-use glucagon injection)
• Proglycem (for specific types of hypoglycemia)

Each of these options has its own benefits and considerations. Some require mixing before use, while others are administered through the nose instead of injection. Your healthcare provider will help you choose the best option based on your specific needs, lifestyle, and medical history.

Is Dasiglucagon Better Than Glucagon?

Dasiglucagon offers some advantages over traditional glucagon, particularly in emergency situations. The main benefit is that dasiglucagon comes ready to use, while traditional glucagon requires mixing a powder with liquid before injection. This can save precious time during a hypoglycemic emergency.

Traditional glucagon has been used safely for decades and is very effective at raising blood sugar levels. However, the mixing step can be challenging for family members or bystanders who are stressed during an emergency. Dasiglucagon eliminates this step, making it easier for non-medical people to administer.

Both medications work equally well at raising blood sugar levels and have similar side effect profiles. The choice between them often comes down to convenience, cost, and personal preference. Some people prefer the simplicity of dasiglucagon, while others are comfortable with traditional glucagon and may find it more affordable.