If you have diabetes, you probably know that your blood sugar levels can sometimes get very low. But imagine, suddenly you feel very weak, your body is cold, you sweat, you feel like you're losing consciousness... This is the most dangerous emergency of diabetes, called severe hypoglycemia . Today we're talking about a special injection that can save lives in times like these. That's Dasiglucagon.
What kind of medicine is Dasiglucagon?
Simply put, Dasiglucagon is an emergency medicine. This injection is given when your blood sugar level is so low that you are about to lose consciousness, or if you have lost consciousness.
Here's how it works: Our liver stores some sugar. This injection signals the liver to quickly release that stored sugar into the bloodstream. Within minutes, your blood glucose level will start to return to normal.
Important: This is an emergency medicine only. Even if the patient regains consciousness after receiving this injection, they should be taken to a hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) without delay, as further treatment may be required.
This medicine can be found under the brand name `ZEGALOGUE`.
Things you need to tell your doctor before using this medicine
When your doctor prescribes Dasiglucagon injection for you, it is very important that you tell him or her your complete health history. Be sure to tell him or her about any of the following conditions, especially if you have any of the following:
| Your situation | Why is notification important? |
|---|---|
| If your food intake has decreased due to illness, surgery, or other reason. | The liver's sugar stores may decrease, which may affect the effectiveness of the medication. |
| If the adrenal glands are underactive. | The doctor should be aware of this condition as it affects blood sugar control. |
| If you have a pancreatic tumor . | Some types of nuts may change the way this medicine works. |
| If you have a type of tumor called pheochromocytoma . | This is a tumor that develops in the adrenal gland. This medicine can cause a very high blood pressure. |
| If you are suffering from malnutrition . | The medicine may not work as expected because the body's sugar stores are very low. |
| If you have allergies to dasiglucagon, latex, or other medications or foods . | This is very important to avoid severe allergic reactions. |
| Being pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding . | It is essential to talk to your doctor about the possible effects on the baby. |
How to use this medicine and what to be careful about
Since this is an emergency medication, not only you, but also your family and caregivers need to have a good understanding of how to use it.
How to use
This is an injection that is given under the skin. It is usually given in the thigh, abdomen, or upper arm. Your doctor or nurse will explain to you and your family how to use it. Read and understand the instructions that come with the medicine carefully.
Very important: Never throw used needles and syringes in the trash. They should be placed in a sharps container specifically designed for this purpose. If you don't have one, you can get one from your doctor.
What if I take too much medicine?
This is only used in emergencies, so this is not usually the case. However, if you think you have accidentally taken too much, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital or go to the nearest Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) .
Special points to consider
- Always keep this medicine kit with you. Don't forget it when you go on a trip.
- Inform your family: Tell your family and close friends where this medicine is and how to use it before an emergency . Make them familiar with how to use it. Precious time is wasted when you are frantically searching for it in an emergency.
- Wear a medical ID: It is very important to wear a medical identification bracelet, necklace, or card that says you have diabetes. It will be a great help to those who help you in an emergency.
- After the injection: Once you regain consciousness after the injection and are able to swallow, you should definitely eat or drink something containing carbohydrates (e.g. a glass of fruit juice, some rice, a piece of bread). If you don't, your blood sugar level may drop again.
- Avoid driving: After regaining consciousness, eat a carbohydrate-rich meal and avoid driving or operating machinery until you are fully recovered.
Possible side effects of this medicine
Like any medicine, Dasiglucagon can cause side effects in some people.
| Classification of side effects | |
|---|---|
| What to tell your doctor immediately | |
| |
| Usually not serious (but tell your doctor if it persists) | |
|
How to store the medicine?
Since this is an emergency medicine, it is very important to store it properly.
- Unopened medicine: Store in the fridge at a temperature between 2°C and 8°C. Never store in the freezer. Protect from light.
- Room temperature: If necessary, unopened medicine can be stored at room temperature (20°C - 25°C) for up to 12 months . However, do not refrigerate it again after it has been stored at room temperature.
- Before Expiration: Always check the expiration date. Get a new medicine before that date.
- Disposal: Properly dispose of used and expired medications. Consult your doctor for advice.
Take-Home Message
- Dasiglucagon is a life-saving injection given in an emergency situation where a person with diabetes has a very low blood sugar level (Severe Hypoglycemia).
- After this injection, even if the patient regains consciousness, they must be taken immediately to a hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU).
- Teach and train your family and friends how to use this injection before an emergency occurs.
- Keep this medicine kit with you at all times. Always check its expiration date.
- Once the person regains consciousness and is able to swallow after the injection, give them a carbohydrate-rich food or drink to prevent their blood sugar levels from dropping again.
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