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GlucaGen HypoKit 

 

 Why am I using GlucaGen® HypoKit?

GlucaGen® HypoKit contains the active ingredient glucagon hydrochloride. Glucagon is a natural hormone, which has the opposite effect to insulin in the human body.

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It helps the body to convert glycogen into glucose (sugar) in the liver. Glucose is then released into the blood stream. This means that GlucaGen® HypoKit will only work to increase blood sugar if there are stores of glycogen in the liver.

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Glucagon also reduces the movements of the smooth muscle in the digestive system and stimulates the production of insulin by the beta cells of the pancreas.

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GlucaGen® HypoKit is used:

  • to treat severe hypoglycaemia (extremely low blood sugar levels, or “hypos”) in people using insulin or taking tablets to control their diabetes, who have become unconscious

  • during medical investigations of the gastrointestinal tract to relax and slow down the movements of the stomach and bowel. This makes it easier for your doctor to investigate your digestive tract

  • to stimulate the production of insulin by the beta cells. It can therefore be used to find out how well the beta cells in the pancreas are working.

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What should I know before I use GlucaGen® HypoKit?

Do not use if you have ever had an allergic reaction to GlucaGen® HypoKit or any of the ingredients listed at the end of the CMI.

Talk to your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, take any other medicines, or fast.

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Warnings

Do not use GlucaGen® HypoKit if you have:

  • phaeochromocytoma (a rare tumour of the adrenal gland that raises blood pressure)

  • glucagonoma (a pancreatic tumour that causes increased levels of glucagon)

  • insulinoma (a tumour that causes increased levels of insulin)

  • allergies to glucagon or any of the ingredients listed in the product details section. 

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GlucaGen® will not work properly if:

  • You have been fasting for a long time

  • You have low levels of adrenaline

  • You have chronic hypoglycaemia

  • You have hypoglycaemia caused by drinking too much alcohol

  • You have a tumour that releases glucagon or insulin.

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Check with your doctor if:

  • Any of the previous points apply to you

  • you are taking a sulfonylurea tablet to treat your diabetes.

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Tell your doctor before you are given GlucaGen® HypoKit in connection with medical investigations of your gastrointestinal tract if you:

  • have diabetes

  • have a heart condition.

GlucaGen® HypoKit should not be given via intravenous infusion.

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You should not use or be given GlucaGen® HypoKit if:

  • it does not look like a powder or powdery tablet before adding the water

  • the powder does not dissolve properly after adding the water, or the solution looks like a gel

  • the expiry date (“Expiry”) printed on the pack and on the vial has passed

  • the packaging is damaged or shows signs of tampering, the tamper-proof plastic caps of the vials are loose or missing, or the cover on the syringe needle is missing.

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During treatment, you may be at risk of developing certain side effects. It is important you understand these risks and how to monitor for them. 

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

GlucaGen® does not cross the human placenta and may be used in the treatment of a severe hypo during pregnancy.

While breast-feeding, very small amounts of glucagon may reach the mother's milk if she is treated with glucagon for a severe hypo. However, any glucagon in the milk will be broken down in the baby's digestive tract making it harmless. Breast-feeding following treatment of a severe hypo with GlucaGen® HypoKit does not put your baby at risk.

 

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 What if I am taking other medicines?

Some medicines may interfere with GlucaGen® HypoKit and affect how it works.

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Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including any medicines, vitamins or supplements that you buy without a prescription from your pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop.

In particular, tell your doctor if you are taking:

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  • warfarin - used to prevent blood clots

  • beta-blockers - used to treat high blood pressure or other heart conditions

  • insulin – used to treat diabetes

  • indomethacin – used to reduce the pain and inflammation of various conditions e.g. arthritis.

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These medicines may be affected by GlucaGen® HypoKit or may affect how well GlucaGen® HypoKit works. Your doctor or pharmacist will be able to tell you what to do if you use GlucaGen® HypoKit while taking other medicines.

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 How do I use GlucaGen® HypoKit?

The freeze-dried GlucaGen® powder should be dissolved in the water provided and then injected under the skin, into a muscle.

The video below show how to effectively use a GlucaGen HypoKit 

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