Glucagon belongs to the group of medications called hyperglycemic agents. It is used to treat severe Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) when someone with insulin-treated Diabetes is unable to give glucose to themselves (e.g., unconscious). Symptoms of severely low blood sugar include disorientation, unconsciousness, and seizures.

Glucagon works in the liver to produce glucose (sugar) and increase blood sugar. It usually works within 10 to 15 minutes. If a person does not respond to Glucagon within 10 to 15 minutes, get immediate medical attention.

Glucagon can also be used as part of certain radiologic tests to temporarily reduce the movement of the stomach and intestines.

Glucagon may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of Glucagon may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of Glucagon may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.

Your doctor may have suggested Glucagon for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are being given Glucagon, speak to your doctor.

Do not give Glucagon to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to use Glucagon if their doctor has not prescribed it.

Free Delivery

Your medication is delivered directly to you at no added cost. We even offer same-day delivery in select locations.

The usual dose of Glucagon for adults and children who weight more than 20 kg (44 lbs) is 1 mg (1 unit) injected under the skin, into a muscle or into a vein. For children who weight less than 20 kg (44 lbs), the dose is 0.5 mg (0.5 unit) or is based on body weight.

Injections into a vein are given by health care professionals with the appropriate training and supplies to do so.

To give a glucagon injection under the skin, first prepare the injection. Once prepared, use it immediately and do not store for later use.

1. Remove the flip-off seal from the vial (bottle) of glucagon.
2. Remove the needle protector from the syringe, and inject the entire contents of the syringe into the bottle of glucagon. Do not remove the plastic clip from the syringe. Remove the syringe from the bottle.
3. Swirl the bottle gently until the glucagon dissolves completely. Glucagon should not be used unless the solution is clear and completely dissolved.
4. Using the same syringe, hold bottle upside down and, making sure the needle tip remains in solution, withdraw all of the solution (1 mg mark on syringe) from the bottle. The plastic clip on the syringe will prevent the plunger from being pulled out of the syringe; however, if the plastic plunger rod separates from the rubber stopper, simply reinsert the rod by turning it clockwise.
5. Clean the injection site on the buttock, arm, or thigh with an alcohol swab.
6. Insert the needle into the fatty tissue under the cleaned injection site, and inject the glucagon solution. There is no danger of overdose.
7. Apply light pressure at the injection site, and withdraw the needle. Press an alcohol swab against the injection site.
8. Turn the patient on their side. When an unconscious person awakens, they may vomit. Turning the patient on their side will prevent them from choking.

As soon as someone responds to Glucagon, they should eat glucose (e.g., candy, orange juice, regular pop) to prevent low blood sugar from returning and contact their doctor.

Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you use the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important that Glucagon be used exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

Store Glucagon at room temperature and keep it out of the reach of children.

Glucagon is available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of Glucagon may not be available in all of the forms listed here. The forms available for the specific brand you have searched are listed under "What form(s) does Glucagon come in?"

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is used in normal doses.

Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent. The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who uses Glucagon. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Glucagon with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people using Glucagon. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• dizziness
• nausea
• vomiting

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not check with your doctor or seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• fast, pounding heartbeat

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• signs and symptoms of a Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction) (Hives, itchy skin, difficulty breathing or swallowing, swelling of the face, mouth, tongue, or throat)

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are using Glucagon.

We're Here for You

Our pharmacists are happy to answer your questions. Get in touch by text, live chat, phone or email. We're standing by 7 days a week.

Each kit contains 1 rubber-stoppered vial of lyophilized powder containing glucagon for injection USP 1 unit (1 mg) and 1 prefilled Hyporet of diluting solution. Nonmedicinal ingredients: lactose and glycerin. May contain hydrochloric acid for pH adjustment.

Do not use Glucagon if you:

• are allergic to glucagon or any ingredients of the medication
• have pheochromocytoma (a tumour on the adrenal glands)

Automatic Refills

We manage your refills and get in touch with your doctors for prescription renewals so that you always have the medication you need.

There may be an interaction between glucagon and any of the following:

• alcohol
• Indomethacin
• insulin
• Warfarin

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Glucagon. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Glucagon.

Alcohol: Alcohol ingestion (acute or chronic) can reduce the effectiveness of Glucagon.

Insulinoma/glucagonoma: If you have an insulinoma (a tumour of the pancreas that produces insulin) or a glucagonoma (tumour of the pancreas that produces glucagon), discuss with your doctor how Glucagon may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Glucagon, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Knowledge of use: Glucagon is usually given by family members, friends, or coworkers, as it should not be used unless the individual needing the medication cannot take glucose by mouth. Make sure that these people are familiar with when and how to use Glucagon and where you store it.

Pheochromocytoma: This is a tumour of the adrenal gland that affects how and when the body produces chemicals that increase heart rate and blood pressure. For people with pheochromocytoma, glucagon can cause the tumour to release larger than normal amounts of these chemicals, causing a rapid, possibly dangerous, climb in blood pressure. If you have a history of pheochromocytoma, discuss with your doctor how Glucagon may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Glucagon and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Pregnancy: Glucagon should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks, and only if sugar cannot be given.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if glucagon passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Glucagon, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Personalized PocketPacks

We sort your medication into clearly labeled, individual packs so you can be sure you're taking the right dose at the right time.