GlucaGen Hypokit Special Precautions

Due to the instability of GlucaGen in solution, the product should be given immediately after reconstitution and must not be given as an intravenous infusion.
Therapeutic indication: To prevent relapse of the hypoglycaemia, oral carbohydrates should be given to restore the liver glycogen, when the patient has responded to the treatment.
Glucagon will not be effective in patients whose liver glycogen is depleted. For that reason, glucagon has little or no effect when the patient has been fasting for a prolonged period, or is suffering from adrenal insufficiency, chronic hypoglycaemia or alcohol-induced hypoglycaemia.
Glucagon, unlike adrenaline, has no effect upon muscle phosphorylase and therefore cannot assist in the transference of carbohydrate from the much larger stores of glycogen that are present in the skeletal muscle.
The tip cap of the syringe included in the GlucaGen HypoKit contains natural rubber latex which may cause allergic reactions in latex-sensitive individuals.
Diagnostic indication: Persons who have been given glucagon in connection with diagnostic procedures may experience discomfort, in particular if they have been fasting. Nausea, hypoglycaemia, and blood pressure changes have been reported in these situations. After the end of a diagnostic procedure, oral carbohydrates should be given to patients who have been fasting, if this is compatible with the diagnostic procedure applied. If fasting is needed post-examination or in case of severe hypoglycaemia, glucose given intravenously may be required.
Glucagon reacts antagonistically towards insulin and caution should be observed if GlucaGen is used in patients with insulinoma. Caution should also be observed in patients with glucagonoma.
Caution should be observed when GlucaGen is used as an adjunct in endoscopic or radiographic procedures in diabetic patients or in elderly patients with known cardiac disease.
Glucagon stimulates the release of catecholamines. In the presence of phaeochromocytoma, glucagon can cause the tumour to release large amounts of catecholamines, which will cause an acute hypertensive reaction. Glucagon is contraindicated in patients with phaeochromocytoma (see Contraindications).
Effects on ability to drive and use machines: After a severe hypoglycaemic event, the patient's ability to concentrate and react may be impaired. Therefore, the patient should not drive or operate machinery after a severe hypoglycaemic event until the patient has stabilised.
After diagnostic procedures, hypoglycaemia has been reported infrequently. Therefore, driving a vehicle and operating machinery should be avoided until the patient has had a meal with oral carbohydrates.