Glucagon Injection (Generic)

Product Overview

Glucagon Injection (Generic) is a prescription medication indicated for the emergency treatment of severe hypoglycemia in adults and pediatric patients with Diabetes Type 2 who are receiving insulin or other glucose‑lowering agents. Manufactured by Novo Nordisk India, the product is supplied as a single‑use vial that contains 1 mg of glucagon lyophilized powder together with a separate ampoule of sterile water for injection. The kit is available in several pack sizes — 1 injection, 15 injections, 30 injections, and 60 injections — allowing patients and pharmacies to select the quantity that best fits their treatment plan. All orders are processed with a dispatch window of 6 to 15 days, ensuring timely delivery while maintaining the cold‑chain requirements stipulated for biologics. The packaging includes clear labeling, a barcode for traceability, and a patient information leaflet that explains reconstitution, administration, and storage instructions.

What is Glucagon Injection

Glucagon is a peptide hormone that counteracts the actions of insulin by stimulating hepatic glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis, thereby raising circulating glucose concentrations. In clinical practice, a Glucagon Injection is used when a person experiences an episode of low blood sugar that cannot be corrected by oral carbohydrates or when the patient is unable to swallow. The generic formulation contains the same active ingredient as the proprietary brand, is manufactured under Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards, and has received regulatory approval from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) in India as well as from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use as an emergency rescue agent. The product is also listed on the World Health Organization (WHO) Model List of Essential Medicines, underscoring its importance in global health.

Uses and Benefits

The primary clinical use of Glucagon Injection is to rapidly reverse severe hypoglycemia, a condition that can lead to loss of consciousness, seizures, or death if left untreated. Because the medication works within minutes, it provides a critical safety net for individuals who administer insulin or sulfonylureas. In addition to its life‑saving efficacy, the product offers several practical benefits: it is supplied in a ready‑to‑reconstitute format, requires only a standard insulin syringe for administration, and is packaged in a compact, portable kit that can be stored at room temperature for up to 24 months. The availability of bulk packs also enables healthcare providers to maintain an adequate stock for high‑risk patients, such as those with a history of recurrent hypoglycemia, and facilitates rapid response in emergency departments, schools, and workplaces.

How It Works

After reconstitution, the glucagon solution is administered subcutaneously, intramuscularly, or intravenously. Once in the bloodstream, glucagon binds to glucagon receptors on hepatocytes, triggering intracellular signaling pathways that promote the breakdown of stored glycogen into glucose and the synthesis of new glucose molecules. This physiological response typically raises blood glucose levels by 50–100 mg/dL within 10–15 minutes, providing a swift correction of hypoglycemia. The rapid onset makes Glucagon Injection especially valuable in emergency situations such as insulin overdose, accidental ingestion of hypoglycemic agents, or during prolonged fasting. Clinicians often recommend that patients keep the kit in an easily accessible location, such as a bedside drawer or a vehicle, to ensure immediate availability when needed.

Dosage Guidelines

Dosage must be individualized by a qualified healthcare professional based on patient weight, age, and clinical status. For adult patients experiencing severe hypoglycemia, the recommended rescue dose is 1 mg administered subcutaneously or intramuscularly; in some clinical protocols, a second dose of 0.5 mg may be given if glucose levels remain below 70 mg/dL after 15 minutes. Pediatric dosing is weight‑based, generally 0.5 mg for children weighing less than 30 kg and 1 mg for those weighing 30 kg or more. The kit includes a pre‑filled sterile water ampoule that must be injected into the vial, the solution gently swirled until fully dissolved, and the resulting suspension drawn into a syringe for injection. The reconstituted solution should be used immediately; any unused portion must be discarded to prevent contamination. Patients should be instructed to keep the kit at room temperature, away from direct sunlight, and to record the date of reconstitution on the label. In addition, a written emergency plan and a copy of the patient’s diabetes management plan should be kept with the kit for reference.

Side Effects

Like all pharmaceutical products, Glucagon Injection may be associated with adverse effects. The most frequently reported side effects include nausea, vomiting, headache, and mild irritation at the injection site. In rare cases, patients may experience hyperglycemia, particularly those with Diabetes Type 2 who may have impaired insulin response after glucagon administration. Although hyperglycemia is usually transient, clinicians should monitor blood glucose levels following use and adjust diabetes management plans accordingly. If severe or persistent side effects occur, medical attention should be sought promptly. Long‑term safety data from post‑marketing surveillance have not identified any new adverse signals, but patients are encouraged to report any unexpected reactions to their healthcare provider or to the manufacturer’s pharmacovigilance program.

Warnings and Precautions

Glucagon Injection is contraindicated in individuals with a known hypersensitivity to glucagon or any of the excipients present in the formulation. Caution is advised in patients with pheochromocytoma, insulinoma, or certain endocrine tumors, as glucagon can stimulate catecholamine release. Prior to prescribing, healthcare providers should review the patient’s complete medical history, including any history of heart disease, hypertension, or adrenal insufficiency. The medication should not be used in patients who are currently experiencing hypoglycemia that can be corrected with oral glucose, as this would be unnecessary and could mask underlying conditions. Additionally, glucagon may interact with certain medications such as beta‑blockers, which could blunt the physiological response; therefore, a thorough medication review is recommended. Proper training on injection technique, storage, and disposal is essential; patients and caregivers should receive a demonstration from a qualified professional before using the product independently. The product should be kept out of reach of children and pets, and any expired kits should be discarded safely according to local regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How quickly does Glucagon Injection raise blood sugar levels?
A: The effect typically begins within 5–10 minutes after administration, with peak increase observed around 15 minutes, providing a rapid reversal of hypoglycemia.

Q: Can I store the reconstituted solution for later use?
A: No. The reconstituted solution must be used immediately; any leftover medication should be discarded to maintain sterility and potency.

Q: Is the generic version of Glucagon Injection as effective as the brand‑name product?
A: Yes. The generic formulation contains the same active ingredient, meets FDA bioequivalence standards, and is therapeutically equivalent to the branded product. Manufacturing facilities are inspected regularly to ensure compliance with Good Manufacturing Practice requirements.

Q: Who should be trained to use Glucagon Injection at home?
A: Individuals who are at risk of severe hypoglycemia, such as those on intensive insulin therapy, as well as family members, caregivers, or school personnel, should receive training from a healthcare professional on proper administration, storage, and emergency procedures.

Q: Where can I find reliable information about Diabetes Type 2 management?
A: Trusted resources include the National Institutes of Health, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and MedlinePlus, all of which provide evidence‑based guidance on disease monitoring, lifestyle modifications, and medication use.