GlucaGen (Glucagon [rDNA origin]) for Injection) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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February 9, 2012

GlucaGen

Diabetes (Type 1 and Type 2) »

Diabetes Facts

Diabetes is a chronic condition associated with abnormally high levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood.
Insulin produced by the pancreas lowers blood glucose.
Absence or insufficient production of insulin causes diabetes.
The two types of diabetes are referred to as type 1 (insulin dependent) and type 2 (non-insulin dependent).
Symptoms of diabetes include increased urine output, thirst and hunger as well as fatigue.
Diabetes is diagnosed by blood sugar (glucose) testing.
The major complications of diabetes are both acute and chronic.
- Acutely: dangerously elevated blood sugar, abnormally low blood sugar due to diabetes medications may occur.
- Chronically: disease of the blood vessels (both small and large) which can damage the eye, kidneys, nerves, and heart may occur
Diabetes treatment depends...

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GlucaGen

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GlucaGen®
(glucagon [rDNA origin]) for Injection

DRUG DESCRIPTION

GlucaGen (glucagon [rDNA origin] for injection) is an antihypoglycemic agent and a gastrointestinal motility inhibitor. It is produced by expression of recombinant DNA in a Saccharomyces cerevisiae vector with subsequent purification. The chemical structure of the glucagon in GlucaGen is identical to human glucagon and to glucagon extracted from beef and pork pancreas. Glucagon with the empirical formula of C₁₅₃H₂₂₅N₄₃O₄₉S, and a molecular weight of 3483, is a single-chain polypeptide containing 29 amino acid residues. The structure of glucagon is:

The structure of glucagon - Illustration

GlucaGen is a sterile, lyophilized white powder in a 2 mL vial. The reconstituted solution contains glucagon as hydrochloride 1 mg/mL (1 unit/mL) and lactose monohydrate (107 mg). GlucaGen is supplied at pH 2.5-3.5 and is soluble in water.

What are the possible side effects of glucagon (GlucaGen)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Less serious side effects may include nausea and vomiting, or rapid heartbeats.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at...

Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of GlucaGen »

What are the precautions when taking glucagon [rdna origin]) for injection (GlucaGen)?

Before using glucagon, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: certain adrenal problem (pheochromocytoma), tumor of the pancreas (insulinoma).

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: adrenal gland problem (e.g., Addison's disease), frequent alcohol use, heart disease (coronary artery disease), not eating/poor eating habits, frequent low blood sugar.

Low blood sugar...

Read All Potential Precautions of GlucaGen »

Last reviewed on RxList: 1/13/2012
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.