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Gvoke Coupon - Gvoke 1 HypoPen of 1mg/0.2ml carton

Gvoke

Used for Diabetes Type 2, Diabetes Type 1, Hypoglycemia
Used for Diabetes Type 2, Diabetes Type 1, Hypoglycemia

Gvoke (glucagon) is injected under the skin during a medical emergency when you have dangerously low blood sugar and you aren't able to eat or drink anything with sugar by mouth. It comes in an auto-injector pen or a pre-filled syringe that many people find easier to use than a traditional glucagon kit. But like other emergency glucagon injections, it can also cause side effects like nausea and vomiting.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Connie Zheng, PharmD
reviewer
Daisy Chau, PharmD
Last reviewed on August 10, 2022
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostContraindicationsAlternativesLatest newsImagesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Gvoke (glucagon)?

What is Gvoke (glucagon) used for?

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

How Gvoke (glucagon) works

Gvoke (glucagon) is glucagon, a hormone that your body makes to raise blood sugar levels when the levels are too low.

Typically, your body stores the sugar you get from food in your liver until it needs the sugar at a later time. When your blood sugar is too low, glucagon tells your body to release the stored sugar into your bloodstream. When this happens, your blood sugar level goes up.

Usually, your body can sense and control your blood sugar levels. But this system doesn't work as well if you have diabetes or if you take too much insulin.
Gvoke (glucagon) works to raise your blood sugar levels if they become too low.

Are you looking for information on glucagon (Glucagen) injection or Baqsimi (glucagon) intranasal powder instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsGvoke
Drug ClassAnti-hypoglycemic
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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Avg retail price
$395.55(save 21.80%)
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$309.33
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basics-icon

What are the side effects of Gvoke (glucagon)?

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

Adults
  • Nausea (30%)
  • Vomiting (16%)
  • Swelling at injection site (7%)
  • Headache (5%)
Children
  • Nausea (45%)
  • Dizziness, shakiness, and other symptoms of low blood sugar (39%)
  • Vomiting (19%)
  • Headache (7%)
  • Tiredness, thirst, and other symptoms of high blood sugar (7%)

Other Side Effects

  • Stomach pain
  • Injection site pain or discomfort
  • Itchy rash or hives

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Severe allergic reaction: rash, trouble breathing, swelling of lips, tongue, or throat

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 Gvoke (glucagon)

thumbs-up

Pros

Could be easier to use compared to a traditional glucagon kit

Can be injected by another person if you're not able to do so yourself

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

Available as easy-to-use auto-injectors and pre-filled syringes

thumbs-down

Cons

Can cause nausea and vomiting

Needs to replaced at least once every 2 years

Available as brand only, so might be expensive

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

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Gvoke (glucagon)

pharmacist

  • Always make sure that you know how to recognize signs of low blood sugar (e.g., shakiness, dizziness, and feeling irritable) and know how to quickly give yourself Gvoke (glucagon). It's also a good idea to review this information with people you're close with, since you might need them to give you the injection in case you pass out.

    • Read the instructions for use for [Gvoke (glucagon) HypoPen, pre-filled syringe, or kit so that you're familiar and comfortable using the medication during an emergency. There are also instructional videos available to help you use the device correctly.

      • If you need to use Gvoke (glucagon), it's a good idea to call 911 and get emergency medical help while you wait for the medication to work. The medical crew can check your blood sugar levels and provide any additional care or medical documentation that you might need in the future.

        • If you're using Gvoke (glucagon) HypoPen or pre-filled syringe, don't take your medication out of the foil pouch until you're ready to use it. If you're using Gvoke (glucagon) vial and syringe kit, keep your medication in the original container until you need it.

          • Before injecting yourself with Gvoke (glucagon), look at the solution to make sure it's clear and colorless to pale yellow and free from any specks floating inside. If the medication is a different color or contains specks, don't use it.

            • After your blood sugar level improves with Gvoke (glucagon), eat or drink something that contains sugar (like hard candy, juice, or non-diet soda) as soon as you are able to swallow. This'll help to prevent your blood sugars from getting too low again.

              • Don't reuse Gvoke (glucagon) even if you see some solution still left over. Each Gvoke (glucagon) device or vial contains a single dose only and can't be used again. Please get a refill as soon as possible after you have used the medication or if it's about to expire.

                faqs

                Frequently asked questions about Gvoke (glucagon)

                When should I give myself an injection of Gvoke (glucagon)?
                You should give yourself an injection of Gvoke (glucagon) if your blood sugar level is very low and you aren't able to eat or drink something with sugar. It can also be given if you've already tried eating something that's high in sugar (e.g., soft drink or fruit juice) but your blood sugar level is still low. Symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) include weakness, dizziness, shakiness, and sweating. In dangerous cases, you can become confused or even pass out. If you take insulin for diabetes and don't feel quite right, it's always a good idea to check your sugar in case it's too low or too high.
                How should I prepare in the case where I can't give myself Gvoke (glucagon)?
                It's recommended that you let your loved ones or caregivers know that you have diabetes, especially if you're using insulin. The is because you might be at high risk for dangerously low blood sugar. And in the serious case where your blood sugar level drops too low and you pass out, it's important that those around you are aware of your medical condition and can give care (such as give you a Gvoke (glucagon) injection) or provide the needed health information to emergency medical response crews. If possible, make sure to teach those around you when and how to give you a Gvoke (glucagon) injection. You can also wear a medical bracelet in case you pass out around people who might not know about your medical condition.
                How fast does Gvoke (glucagon) work?
                Gvoke (glucagon) should work pretty quickly, within minutes, to raise your blood sugar. But it's still important to get emergency help after injection so the medical crew can check if you're alright and provide help if needed. If symptoms don't improve within 15 minutes, you'll need to use another dose with a new Gvoke (glucagon) injection while waiting for emergency services to arrive. Once you've recovered enough to eat or drink something with sugar, please do so to to help your body recover and prevent future instances of hypoglycemia.
                Can I inject Gvoke (glucagon) through my clothes?
                No, Gvoke (glucagon) can't be injected through your clothes. It's only meant to be injected under the skin of exposed areas of skin in places such as your lower stomach, outer thigh, or outer upper arm.
                How often do I need to replace my Gvoke (glucagon)?
                According to the manufacturer, unopened boxes of Gvoke (glucagon) are good for up to 2 years. Please check the expiration date on your box of Gvoke (glucagon) when you pick it up at the pharmacy. Make a note of the date on a calendar so that you can get a refill before the one you have expires.
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                What are the risks and warnings for Gvoke (glucagon)?

                Gvoke (glucagon) 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

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

                  Don't use Gvoke (glucagon) if you have a rare tumor called pheochromocytoma. This is because Gvoke (glucagon) 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

                  • Risk factors: Insulinoma (tumor in the pancreas)

                    Avoid Gvoke (glucagon) if you have a type of tumor called insulinoma. Using Gvoke (glucagon) 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

                    Gvoke (glucagon) not working well

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

                      Gvoke (glucagon) 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

                      Serious skin rash

                      • Risk factors: Tumors that make glucagon

                        People with tumors that make glucagon have reported a very serious skin rash after they have received continuous glucagon infusion. The skin rash can involve open sores, fluid-filled blisters, and dry and scaly skin on the face, groin, and legs. In reported cases, the rash went away after people stopped using glucagon. This reaction is likely rare with Gvoke (glucagon) because this medication isn't a glucagon infusion, but rather a small dose of glucagon given under the skin. But if you have this type of tumor and you're concerned about this reaction, talk with your provider to see whether Gvoke (glucagon) is appropriate for you.

                        dosage

                        Gvoke (glucagon) dosage forms

                        The average cost for 1 carton of 1 HypoPen of 1mg/0.2ml of Gvoke (glucagon) is $325.01 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 17.83% off the average retail price of $395.55.
                        carton
                        Carton
                        DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                        1 HypoPen of 0.5mg/0.1ml1 carton$319.01$319.01
                        2 HypoPens of 0.5mg/0.1ml1 carton$631.26$631.26
                        1 HypoPen of 1mg/0.2ml1 carton$325.01$325.01
                        2 HypoPens of 1mg/0.2ml1 carton$620.62$620.62
                        1 PFS syringe of 0.5mg/0.1ml1 carton$309.33$309.33
                        2 PFS syringes of 0.5mg/0.1ml1 carton$611.26$611.26
                        1 PFS syringe of 1mg/0.2ml1 carton$320.48$320.48
                        2 PFS syringes of 1mg/0.2ml1 carton$631.02$631.02
                        kit
                        Kit
                        DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                        0.2ml vial and syringe of 1mg/0.2ml1 kit$319.87$319.87

                        Typical dosing for Gvoke (glucagon)

                        You'll inject yourself (or your child) with Gvoke (glucagon) when experiencing symptoms of low blood sugar. Make sure to call 911 after the injection.

                        • Adults and children ages 2 years and older (more than 99 lbs): The typical dose is to inject 1 mg under the skin in the lower stomach, outer thigh, or outer upper arm.

                        • Children ages 2 to 11 years old (less than 99 lbs): The typical dose is to inject 0.5 mg under the skin in the lower stomach, outer thigh, or outer upper arm.

                        If symptoms don't improve after 15 minutes, give a second injection while waiting for emergency services.

                        interactions

                        Interactions between Gvoke (glucagon) and other drugs

                        Gvoke (glucagon) 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 Gvoke (glucagon). 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.

                        drug-cost

                        How much does Gvoke (glucagon) cost?

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                        contraindications-icon

                        Gvoke (glucagon) 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 Gvoke (glucagon) will not be safe for you to take.

                        • Pheochromocytoma (tumor above the adrenal glands)

                        • Insulinoma (tumor in the pancreas)

                        alternatives

                        What are alternatives to Gvoke (glucagon)?

                        There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Gvoke (glucagon). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                        Gvoke (glucagon)
                        Used for:

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

                        $309.33 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                        Baqsimi (glucagon)
                        Used for:

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

                        $574.80 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                        Glucagon (Glucagen)
                        Used for:
                        $245.42 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                        images

                        Gvoke (glucagon) images

                        yellow - Gvoke HypoPen 1-Pack 1mg / 0.2mL Auto-Injector Solution for Injection
                        This medicine is Yellow Carton.yellow - Gvoke HypoPen 1-Pack 1mg / 0.2mL Auto-Injector Solution for Injection

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