Imagine that you have diabetes, or that someone in your family or friend has it. Sometimes you may suddenly feel cold, sweaty, unimaginably tired, and even lose consciousness. The reason for this is that your blood sugar level has dropped dangerously low, which we medically call severe hypoglycemia . In such an emergency, when the patient is unable to eat or drink anything, today we are talking about a special medicine that can save a life.
What is Glucagon Nasal Powder?
Simply put, this is a nasal powder that is used in emergencies like these. This medicine contains a hormone called glucagon . Our body stores glucose in the liver. When this medicine is sprayed into the nose, it directly sends a signal to the liver saying, "Emergency! Quickly release the stored sugar into the blood." Then the blood sugar level rises quickly, and the patient begins to recover.
The most common brand of this is BAQSIMI .
Important: This is only a first aid for an emergency. After giving this medicine, even if the patient regains consciousness, it is imperative to immediately take him to a hospital or Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) as further treatment may be required.
What should I tell the doctor before using this medicine?
If your doctor prescribes this medication for you or someone in your family, they should clearly inform you about the following conditions, as using this medication with them can be dangerous.
| Situation to be aware of | Simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Adrenal disease | If there is a disease in the glands that control hormones in the body. |
| Pancreatic tumors | If you have a tumor or cancer in the pancreas. |
| Pheochromocytoma | A specific type of tumor that occurs in the adrenal gland. |
| Fasting or malnutrition | If you are not eating properly due to an illness, surgery, diet, or other reason. |
| Allergy to glucagon or other substances | If you have allergies to this medicine, other medicines, foods, or dyes. |
| Pregnancy or breastfeeding | If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding. |
How exactly do you use this?
The method of using this is very simple, but in order to do it correctly without panicking in an emergency, it is essential to know about it in advance.
1. Practice: Once your doctor prescribes this medicine, you, your family (spouse, parents, children), and close friends should learn how to use it before an emergency occurs . Read the instructions carefully and, if possible, listen to the doctor himself to learn how to use it.
2. How to use: This is a nasal spray device. Usually, one spray per nostril is enough. This medicine works even if the patient has a cold or is taking medicine for a cold. Don't worry about that.
3. Single dose: This device contains a single dose that can be used once. Once used, it cannot be reused.
4. If giving to children: This is sometimes prescribed for children over 4 years of age. However, if giving it to a child, be sure to talk to your doctor and follow his instructions exactly.
What if I had given too much medicine?
If you think you have been given too much of this medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the nearest Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU).
Things we need to be especially careful about when using this medicine:
- Always keep it with you: If you have been prescribed this medication, take it with you everywhere you go.
- An identification bracelet/card: Wear a medical identification bracelet that says you have diabetes. Keep a card in your purse with a list of all the medications you take.
- Inform others: Show your family and friends where this medicine is. Make sure they know exactly how to use it.
- Check the expiration date: Always check the expiration date of the medicine. If it has expired, it will not work.
- Be aware of your blood sugar levels: Learn the symptoms of low and high blood sugar and what to do when they occur.
- Keep some sugar nearby: Always keep something nearby, such as a toffee, a sugar cube, or a glucose tablet, to eat as soon as you start to feel symptoms of low blood sugar.
- If you lose consciousness: Do not give food or drink by mouth to someone who is having a seizure or severe hypoglycemia. This can cause suffocation. In such cases, seek medical advice immediately. Until medical help arrives, a trained person should give you this nasal spray.
Don't forget this: Even if the patient regains consciousness and is talking well after giving this medicine, you must take them to a hospital or ETU immediately. This is very important.
- After regaining consciousness: Once the patient regains consciousness and is able to swallow, give them a sugary drink (regular soft drink, fruit drink) or a carbohydrate-containing food. This can help prevent hypoglycemia from occurring again.
- Avoid driving: Do not drive or operate machinery until you have fully recovered, eaten something sugary, and regained consciousness.
What are the possible side effects of this medicine?
Like any medicine, this one can cause some side effects.
| Side effects that you should report to your doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
Allergic reactions: Skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. If this happens, it is an emergency. | |
| Things that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Dryness or inflammation inside the nose | Nausea |
| Headache | Vomiting |
| Cold or stuffy nose | Tears coming from the eyes |
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you have any further questions about this, talk to your doctor.
How to store the medicine?
- Keep out of reach of children and pets.
- Store at room temperature (below 30 degrees Celsius).
- Keep it in the original packaging (shrink wrap) until you use it. If the packaging is damaged, the medicine may not work properly.
- Remember, this can only be used once.
This medicine can be a lifesaver for someone with diabetes in an emergency. So it's very important to know about it and be prepared.
Take-Home Message
- Glucagon Nasal Powder is a nasal spray used in emergencies of severe hypoglycemia.
- If you have diabetes, train your family and loved ones on how to use this before an emergency occurs.
- Even if the patient regains consciousness after being given this medicine, it is imperative to immediately take them to a hospital or emergency treatment unit (ETU).
- Once the patient regains consciousness and is able to swallow, give a sugary drink or carbohydrate-containing food to prevent the blood sugar level from dropping again.
- Always keep the medicine with you and check its expiration date regularly.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න