Do you have diabetes? Or does someone in your family or friend have diabetes? Then something you all definitely need to know is that the body's sugar level suddenly drops very low. We call this hypoglycemia in medical terms. When this becomes a little more severe, that is, when the sugar level drops very low, it is called 'severe hypoglycemia' . This is a very dangerous and life-threatening condition. At such a time, you cannot give anything by mouth to someone who has lost consciousness. Today we are talking about a special injection that is used to save lives in such an emergency. That is Dasiglucagon.
Simply put, what is Dasiglucagon?
Dasiglucagon is a medicine that is only used in emergencies. Specifically, it is an injection given to a person with diabetes when their blood sugar levels become so low that they lose consciousness (severe hypoglycemia).
Imagine, our liver is like a sugar depot. It stores sugar. When our blood sugar levels drop, the liver releases a little bit of sugar and adds it to the blood. But for someone with diabetes, due to medication like insulin or for some other reason, the sugar can suddenly drop a lot. At that time, when this Dasiglucagon injection is given, it goes directly to the liver and "talks" to it, saying, "Emergency! Quickly release the sugar you've been storing into the blood." Then the liver releases sugar and the blood sugar level gradually increases.
Remember one very important thing: Even if the patient regains consciousness and seems to be doing well after this injection, you should definitely call an ambulance immediately or take them to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital. This is only a temporary solution to control the emergency. After that, medical attention is needed.
Things you need to tell your doctor before giving you this medicine:
Although this is an emergency medicine, it is important that your doctor knows your full medical history when prescribing it. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the conditions listed below.
| Your situation | Why do you need to tell the doctor about that? |
|---|---|
| Pancreatic tumor | Some types of tumors (e.g., insulinoma) may change the way this medicine works. Also, this medicine is not suitable for people with tumors such as glucagonoma. |
| Pheochromocytoma | This is a type of tumor that develops in the adrenal glands. This medicine can cause a sudden increase in blood pressure. |
| If you have reduced your ability to eat or drink due to illness, surgery, or other reason | If you haven't eaten and drunk enough, your liver will have less sugar stored. Then, even if you take this medicine, your liver may not have enough sugar to add to your blood. |
| Low adrenal gland function | Even in this situation, the medicine may not respond properly. |
| If you have allergies to dasiglucagon, other medicines, foods, or latex | It is essential to be aware of this as it is possible to have a severe allergic reaction to the medication. |
| If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant | You need to talk to your doctor about the possible effects on the fetus. |
| If a mother is breastfeeding her child | Discuss with your doctor whether the medicine will pass to your baby through breast milk or not. |
How do you give this injection correctly?
This injection is given under the skin (subcutaneous injection). It usually comes as a pre-filled pen (auto-injector pen), so it is very easy to use. However, your doctor or nurse will clearly explain to you and your family how to use it.
- Use it correctly: Use it exactly as you are instructed. It is very important to practice using it beforehand, as it can be confusing in an emergency.
- Disposing of used needles: Never throw used injection pens, needles, etc. in the trash. They should be placed in a special container (sharps container) specifically designed for this purpose. If you don't have one, you can ask your doctor for one.
Since this is an emergency medicine, you may not be able to administer it yourself. Therefore , it is essential that you teach your family, spouse, best friend, or caregiver exactly how to use it. They should also know where it is kept.
The doctor may prescribe this medicine to children over 6 years of age under certain circumstances, but special instructions should be followed.
What to do if you take too much? (Overdosage)
If you think someone has overdosed on this medicine, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital immediately. Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Be careful of these things when using this medicine:
- Immediate medical attention: As we mentioned earlier, after the injection, even if the patient regains consciousness or feels better, go to a hospital immediately. This is mandatory.
- Always keep it handy: Take this medicine kit with you wherever you go.
- Wear a medical ID: It is very important to wear a bracelet or necklace that says you have diabetes. Also, keep a card in your purse with details about the medications you take.
- Inform your family: Tell your family and friends where this medicine is and how to use it. It is very important that they are aware of this before an emergency occurs.
- Be aware of your blood sugar levels: Learn about the symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) and how to manage them.
- Keep some sugar nearby: Always keep something sweet, such as a glucose tablet, nearby to eat when you feel your blood sugar level dropping.
- Do not give by mouth to an unconscious person:If you lose consciousness, such as when you have a seizure, giving food or drink by mouth can cause choking. Therefore, give the injection first and seek medical help.
- After regaining consciousness: After the injection, after regaining consciousness and being able to swallow, you should give a food or drink containing carbohydrates (e.g., fruit juice, some rice) to stop the blood sugar level from dropping again.
- Avoid driving: Avoid driving or operating machinery until you are fully conscious, have eaten something sweet, and feel refreshed.
What are the possible side effects of this?
Like any medicine, Dasiglucagon can cause some side effects. Some are dangerous, while others are common.
| Side effects that you should report to your doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions |
|
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor if they persist or are bothersome | |
| Common side effects |
|
This list does not include all side effects. If you experience any other side effects, talk to your doctor about them.
How should I store the medicine?
- Keep away from children: Keep out of reach of children and pets.
- Refrigerated storage: Store unused injection pens in the original packaging they came in, in the refrigerator at a temperature between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius. Do not freeze.
- Storage at room temperature: If you need to, you can store an unopened injection pen at room temperature (between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius) for up to 12 months. But do not put it back in the refrigerator after it has been at room temperature. If it has been at room temperature for more than 12 months, throw it away.
- Expiration date: Always check the expiration date. Throw away any medication that has passed its expiration date.
- Replacement: Bring a new one to replace a used medicine immediately. Then you'll be ready for the next emergency.
Ask your doctor about the safest way to dispose of expired or unwanted medications.
Take-Home Message
- Dasiglucagon is a life-saving, emergency injection given to a diabetic when their blood sugar levels drop too low and they lose consciousness.
- After this injection, even if the patient feels better, they must be taken immediately and definitely to a hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) .
- Clearly explain to your family and caregivers how to use it and where you keep it.
- Always keep this medicine kit with you. Wear a medical ID that identifies you as diabetic.
- When the person regains consciousness after the injection, give them a carbohydrate-containing food or drink to prevent hypoglycemia.
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