Description
Product Description
GlucaGen HypoKit is used to treat severe hypoglycaemia (extremely low blood sugar levels, or “hypos”) in people using insulin or taking tablets to control their diabetes, who have become unconscious.
Glucagon helps the body to convert glycogen into glucose (sugar) in the liver. Glucose is then released into the blood stream. This means the GlucaGen HypoKit will only work to increase blood sugar if there are stores of glycogen in the liver. Furthermore, it also reduces the movements of the smooth muscle in the digestive system and stimulates the production of insulin by the beta cells of the pancreas.
GlucaGen HypoKit is also used during medical investigations of the gastrointestinal tract to relax and slow down the movements of the stomach and bowel. This makes it easier for your doctor to investigate your digestive tract.
Usage directions
The freeze-dried GlucaGen powder should be dissolved in the water provided and then injected under the skin, into a muscle or – by a medical person only – into a vein.
Injection by a non-medical person:
Always use GlucaGen HypoKit exactly as your doctor has told you to. You should check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.
Inject the dose into the fatty tissue just below the skin of the thigh, buttocks or upper arm.
Preparing GlucaGen HypoKit for injection:
The glucagon solution should be prepared immediately before use. The freshly prepared glucagon solution should be clear. It should not be injected if it contains solid particles or looks like a gel. The glucagon solution should not be stored for later use.
Remove the plastic cap from the vial. Pull the needle cover off the syringe. Insert the needle through the rubber stopper (within the marked circle) of the vial containing GlucaGen® and inject all the liquid from the syringe into the vial.
Without taking the needle out of the vial, gently shake the vial until the GlucaGen® has completely dissolved and the solution is clear.
Make sure the plunger is completely down. While keeping the needle in the liquid, slowly withdraw all the solution back into the syringe. Do not pull the plunger out of the syringe. It is important to remove any air bubbles from the syringe:
With the needle pointing upwards, tap the syringe with your finger
Push the plunger slightly to release any air that has collected at the top of the syringe. Continue to push the plunger until you have the correct dose for the injection. A small amount of liquid will be pushed out when you do this.
Inject the dose under the skin or into a muscle. Please refer to the instructions on how to inject the solution.
The patient will normally respond within 10 minutes to the injection of glucagon. Sugary food or drink should be given when the patient regains consciousness. This will help to build up liver glucose stores again and prevent relapse.
Medical help must be sought for an unconscious person.
Store below 25°C, protect from light.
Avoid freezing to prevent damage to the glass syringe.
The expiry date (“Expiry”) is printed on the pack. If your medicine has passed this date, do not use it.
Due to the instability of GlucaGen in solution, the product should be used immediately after reconstitution. Use once only and discard any residue. Do not store it for later use.
Keep out of the reach of children.
Ingredients
GlucaGen HypoKit contains glucagon (rys) 1mg (corresponding to 1 IU), as hydrochloride, as the active ingredient. The abbreviation “rys” indicates the method of genetic engineering used to manufacture the glucagon.
The powder vial also contains lactose monohydrate 107mg, sodium hydroxide and/or hydrochloric acid.
Warnings
This product is a Pharmacist Only Medicine and requires pharmacist advice. This medicine may not be right for you. Always read the label. Follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist, talk to your health professional. Keep out of reach of children.
Do not use GlucaGen if:
you have a tumor in the gland on top of your kidneys (adrenal gland) called a pheochromocytoma.
you have a tumor in your pancreas called an insulinoma.
you are allergic to glucagon or any of the ingredients in GlucaGen.
you have a tumor in your pancreas called a glucagonoma because it could cause low blood sugar when used for your radiology tests.
While all efforts have been made to ensure that ingredient listings are accurate, up to date and complete for products on the Mail Order Pharmacy website, suppliers may change formulations on short notice. Please check ingredient listings on the actual product before use.
