Glucagon

Glucagon for injection is an antihypoglycemic agent and a gastrointestinal motility inhibitor indicated: for the treatment of severe hypoglycemia in pediatric and adult patients with diabetes. ( 1.1 ) as a diagnostic aid for use during radiologic examinations to temporarily inhibit movement of the gastrointestinal tract in adult patients. ( 1.2 )

1.1Severe Hypoglycemia Glucagon

for injection is indicated for the treatment of severe hypoglycemia in pediatric and adult patients with diabetes mellitus.

1.2Diagnostic Aid Glucagon

for injection is indicated as a diagnostic aid for use during radiologic examinations to temporarily inhibit movement of the gastrointestinal tract in adult patients.

Glucagon for injection is contraindicated in patients with: Pheochromocytoma because of the risk of substantial increase in blood pressure [ see Warning and Precautions ( 5.1 ) ] Insulinoma because of the risk of hypoglycemia [ see Warning and Precautions ( 5.2 ) ] Known hypersensitivity to glucagon or any of the excipients in glucagon for injection. Allergic reactions have been reported with glucagon and include anaphylactic shock with breathing difficulties and hypotension [ see Warning and Precautions ( 5.3 ) ] Glucagonoma when used as a diagnostic aid because of the risk of hypoglycemia [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 ) ] Pheochromocytoma ( 4 ) Insulinoma ( 4 ) Known hypersensitivity to glucagon or to any of the excipients ( 4 ) Glucagonoma when used as a diagnostic aid ( 4 )

Substantial Increase in Blood Pressure in Patients with Pheochromocytoma: Contraindicated in patients with pheochromocytoma because glucagon for injection may stimulate the release of catecholamines from the tumor. ( 4 , 5.1 ) Hypoglycemia in Patients with Insulinoma: In patients with insulinoma, glucagon administration may produce an initial increase in blood glucose; however, glucagon for injection may stimulate exaggerated insulin release from an insulinoma and cause hypoglycemia.

If a patient develops symptoms of hypoglycemia after a dose of glucagon for injection, give glucose orally or intravenously. ( 4 , 5.2 ) Hypersensitivity and Allergic Reactions: Allergic reactions, which have been reported with glucagon, may occur and include generalized rash, and in some cases anaphylactic shock with breathing difficulties, and hypotension. ( 4 , 5.3 ) Lack of Efficacy in Patients with Decreased Glycogen: Glucagon for injection is effective in treating hypoglycemia only if sufficient hepatic glycogen is present.