Imagine someone you love living with diabetes suddenly experiences a severe drop in blood sugar. They feel dizzy, confused, and are on the verge of losing consciousness. In that terrifying moment, knowing what to do can save a life.
Today, we explore a special emergency medicine that comes as a simple nasal powder. It is designed precisely for moments when giving food or drinks by mouth is no longer safe or possible.
Think of this treatment as an essential tool in your emergency kit. Let us break down everything you need to know about this nasal medicine.
Key Takeaways
- Glucagon nasal powder treats severe low blood sugar when a person cannot swallow safely.
- It signals the liver to release stored sugar quickly into the bloodstream.
- Family members and close friends must learn how to use the device before an emergency happens.
- Always call emergency services right away after giving this medicine.
- Check expiration dates regularly and keep the device with you at all times.
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Simply Put, What Is This Medicine?
This medicine is called glucagon. It is used as an emergency treatment when blood sugar drops to dangerously low levels, known as severe hypoglycemia.
Glucagon works in the opposite way of insulin. While insulin lowers blood sugar, glucagon raises blood sugar quickly.
How does this happen? Your liver acts like a sugar storage vault, keeping extra sugar ready for when your body needs energy.
When blood sugar drops to a dangerous level, spraying this medicine into the nose sends a signal to the liver. The liver right away releases stored sugar into your blood.
This raises your blood sugar level back toward normal. It gives your body the vital energy it needs while you wait for medical help.
Most Important Rule: This medicine is only a temporary emergency fix. After giving this medicine, you must call emergency services or take the person to the hospital emergency department right away for further care.
This medicine is most commonly available under the brand name BAQSIMI.
Things to Tell Your Doctor Before Using This Medicine
If your doctor prescribes this medicine for you or a family member, let them know if any of the following health conditions apply. These conditions can affect how the medicine works in your body.
| Health Condition or Situation | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Adrenal gland disorders | Problems with these glands can affect how your body responds to hormones. |
| Pancreatic tumors | Certain tumors can cause the body to react differently to glucagon. |
| Pheochromocytoma | This rare adrenal gland tumor can cause dangerously high blood pressure when given glucagon. |
| Eating very little due to illness, surgery, or dieting | If your liver's sugar storage is empty, glucagon may not have enough stored sugar to release. |
| Poor nutrition | Low body reserves mean the medicine might not work as effectively. |
| Allergies to glucagon or other ingredients | Always report past allergies to medicines, foods, or preservatives. |
| Pregnancy or planning to get pregnant | Discuss potential risks and benefits with your doctor to keep both you and your baby safe. |
| Breastfeeding | Ask your doctor if this medicine passes into breast milk and how it affects nursing. |
How Do You Use This Medicine Properly?
Because this is an emergency treatment, knowing what to do during a panic is vital. Teach your family members and friends how to use this device before an emergency happens.
1. Make sure everyone knows where it is: Show your family members where you keep your medicine bag or drawer.
2. Call emergency services right away: After spraying the medicine into the nose, right away call 911 (US/Canada) or 999 (UK) for an ambulance, or head straight to the nearest emergency department.
3. Turn the person onto their side: After giving the medicine, gently place the person on their side in the recovery position. This prevents choking if they vomit as they regain consciousness.
4. Give a second dose if needed: If the person does not wake up while waiting for the ambulance, a second dose may be necessary. Always use a brand-new device for the second dose. Never reuse the same device.
5. Stay with the person: Remain with them until medical help arrives. Even if they wake up, their blood sugar can drop again, so do not leave them alone.
Read the instruction leaflet that comes with this medicine carefully. If anything is unclear, ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain it to you.
Can You Give This to Young Children?
Doctors may prescribe this medicine for children over the age of one in special emergency situations. However, only your doctor can make this decision.
Always follow your doctor's exact instructions when using this medicine for a child.
What Happens If You Take Too Much?
Because this medicine is only used during emergencies, taking too much by accident is rare. If you suspect someone received too much, call your local poison control center or go to the nearest emergency department right away.
Things to Keep in Mind While Using This Medicine
If you live with diabetes and your doctor gives you this medicine, keep these important tips in mind every day.
- Carry it with you everywhere: Keep this medicine in your bag wherever you go. We never know when or where an emergency might happen.
- Wear a medical ID bracelet: Wear a bracelet or necklace that states you have diabetes. Keep a card listing your medicines in your wallet. This helps helpers understand your condition if you lose consciousness.
- Check the expiration date: Check the expiration date on your medicine regularly. Expired medicine may not work properly during an emergency.
- Know your blood sugar numbers: Learn how to check your blood sugar levels. Understand the warning signs of low blood sugar and high blood sugar so you can act early.
- Keep fast-acting sugar nearby: Keep items like glucose tablets, sugar cubes, or fruit juice close by the moment you feel early signs of low blood sugar like dizziness or sweating.
- Educate people around you: Tell your friends and family that you should never have food or drinks put in your mouth if you lose consciousness or have a seizure, as this can cause choking. Explain that they should call emergency services and use this nasal glucagon powder while waiting.
Another Reminder: Even if the person wakes up and talks normally after receiving this medicine, they must still go to the hospital right away. The effect of glucagon is temporary, and blood sugar can drop dangerously low again within hours.
Once the person is fully awake and able to swallow safely, give them a snack containing carbohydrates like bread, crackers, or fruit juice to keep their blood sugar stable.
What Are the Possible Side Effects?
Like any medicine, this nasal powder can cause side effects. However, when compared to the life-saving benefit of treating severe low blood sugar, these side effects are usually mild.
| Side Effect Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Serious Side Effects (Contact Your Doctor or Emergency Room Right Away) | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, and trouble breathing. This is a medical emergency. |
| Common Side Effects (Usually Mild, But Report If They Continue) | |
| Headache | A common mild headache after using the nasal spray. |
| Nausea and vomiting | Very common after taking glucagon, which is why placing the person on their side is important. |
| Nose and throat discomfort | Dry nose, stinging, runny nose, or a stuffy nose. |
This list does not include every possible side effect. If you notice any unusual symptoms, talk to your doctor right away.
How Do You Store This Medicine Safely?
- Keep out of reach of children: Store the medicine in a safe place where young children and pets cannot reach it.
- Store at room temperature: Keep it at room temperature below 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit). Protect it from extreme heat and freezing temperatures.
- Keep in its original foil pouch: Do not open the shrink-wrapped foil pouch until you are ready to use the medicine. Opening it early can reduce its effectiveness.
- Single-use only: Each tube contains only one dose and cannot be reused. Throw it away properly after use.
This guide provides a summary of glucagon nasal powder. If you have any questions, talk to your doctor or pharmacist to learn more.
💡 Take-Home Message
- Glucagon nasal powder is a life-saving emergency medicine used when blood sugar drops to dangerously low levels.
- Teach your family and friends how to use this device before an emergency happens.
- Always call emergency services right away after giving this medicine, even if the person wakes up.
- Give the person carbohydrates, such as crackers or fruit juice, once they can swallow safely to keep blood sugar stable.
- Carry this medicine with you at all times and check its expiration date regularly.
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