Other diabetes injectables

Glucagon rescue: GlucaGen, Gvoke, Baqsimi

glucagon / dasiglucagon · Emergency treatment for severe low blood sugar · Various

✓Last reviewed · Written by Dr. George Grunberger · Medical review: pending — clinician review in progress · How we review

In short

Glucagon (glucagon / dasiglucagon) is an emergency treatment for severe low blood sugar made by Various, used for severe hypoglycemia in people with diabetes. Schedule: emergency use only. It is prescription-only in the US and Canada.

FormInjection kit, prefilled pen/syringe, nasal powder (Baqsimi)
How oftenEmergency use only
United StatesFDA-approved; several generics.
CanadaAvailable in Canada.
PrescriptionRequired

What it is used for

  • Severe hypoglycemia in people with diabetes

Glucagon dosage

Per the official label. Your prescriber sets your dose — never change it on your own.

Glucagon label dosing schedule
1UseFollow the product's emergency instructions; call emergency services after use

How to take it

Given by a family member or bystander when the person cannot safely eat or drink.

Storage

Room temperature; check expiry dates.

Emergency steps

What to do in severe low blood sugarGive glucagon, call emergency services, turn the person on their side, give sugar once they can swallow.1Give glucagonfollow the device'sown instructions2Call 911even if the personwakes up3Turn on sidethey may vomitas they recover4Give sugaronce awake andable to swallow
General emergency steps — always follow the instructions supplied with your glucagon product.

Side effects

Common

  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Constipation
  • Abdominal pain
  • Indigestion / heartburn
  • Fatigue
  • Decreased appetite

Serious — get medical help

  • Pancreatitis (severe stomach pain that may spread to the back)
  • Gallbladder problems, including gallstones
  • Low blood sugar when combined with insulin or a sulfonylurea
  • Kidney problems, often from dehydration after vomiting or diarrhea
  • Serious allergic reactions
  • Diabetic retinopathy complications (people with type 2 diabetes)
  • Pulmonary aspiration during anesthesia or deep sedation — tell your surgical team you take it

Who should not use it

  • Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma, or MEN 2
  • Prior serious allergic reaction to the drug or its ingredients
  • Pregnancy (stop before a planned pregnancy as advised by your prescriber)
  • Use together with another GLP-1 receptor agonist

Cost

Generic and brand options; insurance usually covers rescue glucagon.

GLP-1 cost without insurance →

How to buy Glucagon legally

  1. Get a prescription from your doctor or a licensed telehealth provider.
  2. Fill it at a licensed pharmacy.
  3. Verify any online pharmacy first (US: safe.pharmacy; Canada: your provincial pharmacy college register).

Buying legally in the USA → Buying legally in Canada →

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

Is glucagon a daily diabetes drug?

No. It is a rescue medicine for severe low blood sugar.

Also searched as: GlucaGen, Gvoke, Baqsimi, Zegalogue, dasiglucagon, glucagon pen, nasal glucagon, emergency glucagon

Sources

Checked against these primary sources on .

InsulinsInsulin glargine: Lantus, Basaglar, Semglee, Rezvoglar, Toujeoinsulin glargine · Once dailyInsulinsRegular (short-acting) insulin: Humulin R, Novolin Rhuman insulin (regular) · Before meals
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