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Glucagon Coupon - Glucagon Fresenius Kabi of 1mg kit

glucagon

Generic Glucagen
Used for Hypoglycemia
Used for Hypoglycemia

Glucagon (Glucagen) is an injectable medication that's used in an emergency to raise blood sugar in people with diabetes who are experiencing dangerously low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). You typically inject it either under the skin or into the muscle. Make sure you and your loved ones know how to give the medication correctly so everyone's prepared in case of an emergency.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP
reviewer
Allison Gourley, PharmD
Last reviewed on March 22, 2023
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostContraindicationsAlternativesLatest newsImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Glucagon (Glucagen)?

What is Glucagon (Glucagen) used for?

How Glucagon (Glucagen) works

  • Diabetes: Glucagon (Glucagen) contains glucagon, which is a natural hormone your body releases to raise blood sugar. When your blood sugar is too low, glucagon tells your body to release sugar stored in your liver into your bloodstream. When this happens, your blood sugar level goes up.

  • Imaging procedures (e.g. MRI or CT scan): Glucagon (Glucagen) works to relax the muscles in your stomach and intestines to slow down the movement in the gut. This allows the provider to take clearer pictures to help in diagnosis.

Are you looking for information on Gvoke (glucagon) injection or Baqsimi (glucagon) dry nasal spray instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsGlucaGen
Drug ClassAnti-hypoglycemic
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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What are the side effects of Glucagon (Glucagen)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Injection site reactions
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Headache
  • Dizziness

Other Side Effects

  • Low blood pressure
  • Weakness
  • Sleepiness
  • Diarrhea

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Serious allergic reactions: hives, itching, swelling of face or tongue, difficulty breathing

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Rare

Anxiety

blurred vision

chills

cold sweats

coma

confusion

cool, pale skin

depression

dizziness

dry mouth

fast heartbeat

flushed, dry skin

fruit-like breath odor

headache

increased hunger

increased thirst

increased urination

nausea

nervousness

nightmares

seizures

shakiness

slurred speech

sweating

trouble breathing

unexplained weight loss

unusual tiredness or weakness

vomiting

Incidence not known

Cough

diarrhea

difficulty with swallowing

dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position

fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse

hives, itching, or skin rash

lack or loss of strength

paleness of the skin

pounding in the ears

puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue

sleepiness or unusual drowsiness

slow or fast heartbeat

tightness in the chest

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Bleeding, blistering, burning, coldness, discoloration of the skin, feeling of pressure, hives, infection, inflammation, itching, lumps, numbness, pain, rash, redness, scarring, soreness, stinging, swelling, tenderness, tingling, ulceration, or warmth at the injection site

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Glucagon (Glucagen)

thumbs-up

Pros

Works well and quickly (within minutes) to raise blood sugar

Can you be used by both adults and children weighing 44 lbs and more

Can be given by another person if you aren't able to do so yourself

Kept at room temperature, so you can carry it around with you

thumbs-down

Cons

Causes nausea in a lot of people

Needs to be given as an injection

Might be difficult for some people to prepare since it involves mixing

Might not work well if you haven't had anything to eat for a while (see Risks and Warnings)

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Glucagon (Glucagen)

pharmacist

  • Teach yourself and your family members how to recognize and treat the symptoms of low blood sugar, including shakiness, anxiety, and hunger. Keep glucagon (Glucagen) with you at all times so you can take it if your blood sugar level drops too low.

    • You should receive training from your provider or pharmacist on how to use glucagon (Glucagen). Read the Instructions for Use and contact your provider or pharmacist if you have any questions.

      • Call 911 or get medical help right away after using glucagon (Glucagen), even if you start feeling better. It's best to have a medical professional keep an eye on your sugar levels for a while. You can take a second dose after 15 minutes while you're waiting for medical help.

        • Never share glucagon (Glucagen) with anyone else. Doing so puts you and others at risk of spreading germs and getting severe and potentially life-threatening infections.

          • After the injection, the person who received glucagon (Glucagen) should be turned on their side to avoid choking because when they wake up, they might vomit.

            • Eat something that contains sugar (like candy, juice, or non-diet soda) as soon as you are able to swallow, to prevent your blood sugar from getting too low again.

              • Let your provider know every time you use glucagon (Glucagen) because this might mean that you need to adjust your diabetes medications.

                • Store glucagon (Glucagen) at room temperature in the original container it comes in to protect it from light.

                  • Each glucagon (Glucagen) kit provides a single dose of medication. So you must throw away any leftover medication after each use, even if there's still some remaining in the vial. This is because the vial doesn't contain any preservatives to keep germs and bacteria out of the medication once you open it.

                    • After injecting glucagon (Glucagen), throw away the syringe and needle in a sharps container to lower the risk of needle-stick injuries. Don't throw them away in your trash can. For more information on how to throw away your sharps container safely and guidance for your specific state, visit the FDA's website.

                      faqs

                      Frequently asked questions about Glucagon (Glucagen)

                      When should glucagon (Glucagen) be given?
                      You should use glucagon (Glucagen) when you have a low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) emergency. This is when your blood sugar is very low and you aren't able to eat or drink something with sugar, and you might also need someone's help. Symptoms of low blood sugar include shakiness, dizziness, confusion, and fast heartbeat. Hypoglycemia is a severe and potentially life-threatening problem in people with diabetes, so knowing when and how to use glucagon (Glucagen) correctly is important. Make sure to always carry glucagon (Glucagen) with you at all times in case of an emergency.
                      How do you use glucagon (Glucagen)?
                      Make sure you review the Instructions for Use before you need to use it. Glucagon (Glucagen) comes as a kit containing a vial with glucagon powder and a prefilled syringe containing the diluent (liquid) needed to mix the powder. After mixing the powder and diluent, the medication must be used right away or thrown away, don't save it for later. Inject glucagon (Glucagen) either under the skin or into the muscle of the buttocks, upper arm, or thigh.
                      Is glucagon (Glucagen) used for other things besides severely low blood sugar?
                      Yes. Glucagon (Glucagen) is also FDA approved to help providers look at your gut on certain imaging procedures. This helps with diagnosing stomach or intestinal problems. Glucagon (Glucagen) is also used off-label to treat beta-blocker overdose and calcium channel blocker overdose for people that are hospitalized.
                      Can glucagon (Glucagen) be used in pregnancy?
                      Based on a small number of studies, glucagon hasn't been shown to cause harm to pregnant mothers or unborn babies. But to be safe, always make sure to check with your provider before using glucagon (Glucagen) if you're pregnant.
                      Can glucagon (Glucagen) be used when breastfeeding?
                      There isn't much information about using glucagon while breastfeeding, but glucagon (Glucagen) isn't expected to harm the unborn baby even if they are exposed to it. This is because the unborn baby's gut will likely get rid of the medication before it causes any effect. But it's still important to discuss with your provider on whether or not using glucagon (Glucagen) while breastfeeding is safe for you.
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                      What are the risks and warnings for Glucagon (Glucagen)?

                      Glucagon (Glucagen) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

                      risk-warning

                      High blood pressure in people with pheochromocytoma

                      • Risk factors: Pheochromocytoma (tumor above the adrenal glands)

                        Don't use glucagon (Glucagen) if you have a rare tumor called pheochromocytoma. This is because glucagon (Glucagen) can trigger the release of certain hormones that can cause your blood pressure to become dangerously high. If you have this condition, ask your provider about safer ways to treat dangerously low blood sugar.

                        risk-warning

                        Low blood sugar in people with insulinoma

                        • Risk factors: Insulinoma (tumor in the pancreas)

                          Avoid glucagon (Glucagen) if you have a type of tumor called insulinoma. Using glucagon (Glucagen) can trigger the tumor to release more insulin, which can put you at high risk for dangerously low blood sugar. If you have this tumor, your provider might suggest other ways to manage low blood sugar.

                          risk-warning

                          Severe allergic reactions

                          Severe allergic reactions to glucagon (Glucagen) are possible, including life-threatening reactions like facial swelling, shock, and anaphylaxis (closing of the throat). If you notice hives, rash, red skin, swelling of the lips or tongue, or difficulty breathing after using glucagon (Glucagen), get medical attention right away.

                          risk-warning

                          Glucagon (Glucagen) not working well

                          • Risk factors: Starvation | Problems with adrenal glands | Low blood sugar for long periods of time

                            Glucagon (Glucagen) only works if you've been eating a healthy diet and your liver has already stored up enough sugar. It won't work well if you have constantly low blood sugar because of a poor diet, or if you have issues with your adrenal glands. Talk to your provider about how to treat low blood sugar if you have these conditions.

                            risk-warning

                            Problems if used for imaging procedures

                            • Risk factors: Diabetes | Heart conditions

                              Because of the way glucagon (Glucagen) works, people with diabetes might experience high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) if this medication is used for imaging procedures. Also people with heart conditions might experience high blood pressure or a fast heart rate if this medication is used for imaging procedures. Your provider will monitor you for changes during the procedure and provide the appropriate treatment.

                              dosage

                              Glucagon (Glucagen) dosage forms

                              The average cost for 1 kit of Fresenius Kabi of 1mg of Glucagon (Glucagen) is $153.50 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 49.67% off the average retail price of $304.97.
                              kit
                              Kit
                              DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                              Amphastar of 1mg1 kit$94.18$94.18
                              Eli Lilly of 1mg1 kit$108.40$108.40
                              Fresenius Kabi of 1mg1 kit$153.50$153.50
                              Mylan of 1mg1 kit$90.25$90.25

                              Typical dosing for Glucagon (Glucagen)

                              Diabetes: Glucagon (Glucagen) is typically given as an injection either under the skin or into the muscle into the buttocks, upper arm, or thigh.

                              • Adults and children weighing 20 kg (44 lbs) or more: The typical dose is 1 mg (1 mL) as needed for very low blood sugar. If your blood sugar is still low after 15 minutes, another 1 mg dose can be given while waiting for emergency medical help.

                              • Children weighing less than 20 kg (44 lbs): The typical dose is 0.5 mg (0.5 mL) as needed for very low blood sugar. If your child's blood sugar is still low after 15 minutes, another 0.5 mg dose can be given while waiting for emergency medical help.

                              Imaging procedures: Glucagon (Glucagen) is typically given as an injection either in the vein (intravenously, IV) or into the muscle by your healthcare provider. The dose depends on the specific imaging procedure.

                              interactions

                              Interactions between Glucagon (Glucagen) and other drugs

                              Glucagon (Glucagen) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Glucagon (Glucagen). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                              Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

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                              How much does Glucagon (Glucagen) cost?

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                              contraindications-icon

                              Glucagon (Glucagen) contraindications

                              Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Glucagon (Glucagen) will not be safe for you to take.

                              • Use in people with pheochromocytoma

                              • Use in people with an insulinoma (tumor that makes too much insulin)

                              • Use as a diagnostic aid in people with a glucagonoma (tumor that makes too much glucagon)

                              alternatives

                              What are alternatives to Glucagon (Glucagen)?

                              There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Glucagon (Glucagen). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                              Glucagon (Glucagen)
                              Used for:
                              $90.25 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                              Baqsimi (glucagon)
                              Used for:

                              • Severely low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) in adults and children age 4 years and older with diabetes

                              $573.60 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                              Gvoke (glucagon)
                              Used for:

                              • Severely low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) in adults and children age 2 years and older

                              $335.63 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                              images

                              Glucagon (Glucagen) images

                              white - Glucagon 1mg Emergency Kit Powder for Injection
                              This medicine is White Kit.white - Glucagon 1mg Emergency Kit Powder for Injection
                              white - Glucagon 1mg Diagnostic Kit Powder for Injection
                              This medicine is White Kit.white - Glucagon 1mg Diagnostic Kit Powder for Injection

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                              References

                              Best studies we found

                              American Diabetes Association. (n.d.). Hyperglycemia (high blood glucose).

                              Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialties. (2019). Managing low blood sugar.

                              Chakraborty, R.K., et al. (2023). Calcium channel blocker toxicity. StatPearls.

                              View All References (9)

                              Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed). (2021). Glucagon. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.

                              Eli Lilly and Company. (2023). GLUCAGON kit [package insert]. DailyMed.

                              Khalid, M. M., et al. (2023). Beta-blocker toxicity. StatPearls.

                              National Cancer Institute. (2020). Pheochromocytoma.

                              Novo Nordisk. (2021). GlucaGen HypoKit - Summary of instructions for use.

                              Okabayashi, T., et al. (2013). Diagnosis and management of insulinoma. World Journal of Gastroenterology.

                              Sandhu, S., et al. (2023). Glucagonoma syndrome. StatPearls.

                              U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2021). Safely using sharps (needles and syringes) at home, at work and on travel.

                              You and Your Hormones. (2021). Glucagon.

                              GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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