Glucagon Nasal Powder
Glucagon nasal powder is used along with emergency medical treatment to treat very low blood sugar in adults and children 4 years of age and older who have diabetes. Glucagon nasal powder is in a class of medications called glycogenolytic agents. It works by causing the liver to release stored sugar to the blood.
🔔 How should this medicine be used?
Glucagon nasal powder comes as a powder in a device to spray into the nose. It does not need to be inhaled. It is usually given as needed to treat very low blood sugar. It is usually given as one dose, but if you don’t respond after 15 minutes another dose from a new device may be given. Each glucagon nasal powder device contains a single dose and should be used only once. Glucagon nasal powder can be used even if you have a cold.
You may be unable to treat yourself if you are experiencing very low blood sugar. You should make sure that your family members, caregivers, or the people who spend time with you know where you keep glucagon nasal powder, how to use it, and how to tell if you are experiencing very low blood sugar.
To use the glucagon nasal powder follow these steps:
- Hold the glucagon nasal powder device with your thumb on the bottom of the plunger and your first and middle fingers on either side of the nozzle.
- Gently insert the nozzle tip into one nostril until your fingers on either side of the nozzle are against the bottom of your nose.
- Push the plunger firmly all the way in until the green line on the bottom of the plunger can no longer be seen.
- Throw away the used device. Each device contains only one dose and cannot be reused.
After using glucagon nasal powder your family member or caregiver should call for emergency help right away. If you are unconscious, your family member or caregiver should turn you to lie on your side. Once you are able to swallow safely you should eat a fast acting sugar such as juice as soon as possible. Then you should eat a snack such as crackers with cheese or peanut butter. After you have recovered call your doctor and let him know that you needed to use glucagon nasal powder.
Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer’s information for the patient.
