1.1 Severe Hypoglycemia

Glucagon for Injection is indicated for the treatment of severe hypoglycemia in pediatric and adult patients with diabetes mellitus.

1.2 Diagnostic Aid

Glucagon for Injection is indicated as a diagnostic aid for use during radiologic examinations to temporarily inhibit movement of the gastrointestinal tract in adult patients.

2.1 Important Administration Instructions for Using Glucagon for Injection to Treat Severe Hypoglycemia

Glucagon for Injection is for subcutaneous, intramuscular, or intravenous injection. Administer intravenously ONLY under medical supervision.

Instruct patients and their caregivers on the signs and symptoms of severe hypoglycemia. Because severe hypoglycemia requires the help of others to recover, instruct the patient to inform those around them about Glucagon for Injection and its Instructions for Use. Administer Glucagon for Injection as soon as possible when severe hypoglycemia is recognized.

Instruct the patient or caregiver to read the Instructions for Use at the time they receive a prescription for Glucagon for Injection. Emphasize the following instructions to the patient or caregiver:

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Using the supplied prefilled syringe, carefully insert the needle through the rubber stopper of the vial containing Glucagon for Injection powder and inject all the liquid from the syringe into the vial.

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Swirl the vial gently until the powder is completely dissolved and no particles remain in the fluid. The reconstituted solution should be clear and of a water-like consistency at time of use. Inspect visually for particulate matter and discoloration. If the resulting solution is cloudy or contains particulate matter do not use.

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The reconstituted solution is 1 mg per mL glucagon. Use immediately after reconstitution.

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Immediately after reconstitution, use the same syringe to withdraw the correct dose of Glucagon for Injection.

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Inject the solution subcutaneously or intramuscularly in the upper arm, thigh, or buttocks. In addition, healthcare providers may administer intravenously.

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Call for emergency assistance immediately after administering the dose.

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If there has been no response after 15 minutes, an additional dose of Glucagon for Injection may be administered while waiting for emergency assistance.

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When the patient has responded to the treatment and is able to swallow, give oral carbohydrates to restore the liver glycogen and prevent recurrence of hypoglycemia.

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Discard any unused portion.

2.2 Dosage for Treatment of Severe Hypoglycemia

Adults and Pediatric Patients Weighing 20 kg or More

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The recommended dosage is 1 mg (1 mL) injected subcutaneously or intramuscularly into the upper arm, thigh, or buttocks. Alternatively, healthcare providers may administer the dose intravenously.

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If there has been no response after 15 minutes, an additional 1 mg dose (1 mL) of Glucagon for Injection may be administered while waiting for emergency assistance.

Pediatric Patients Weighing Less Than 20 kg

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The recommended dosage is 0.5 mg (0.5 mL) or dose equivalent to 20 mcg/kg to 30 mcg/kg injected subcutaneously or intramuscularly into the upper arm, thigh, or buttocks. Alternatively, healthcare providers may administer the dose intravenously.

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If there has been no response after 15 minutes, an additional 0.5 mg dose (0.5 mL) of Glucagon for Injection may be administered while waiting for emergency assistance.

2.3 Important Administration Instructions for Using Glucagon for Injection as a Diagnostic Aid

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Reconstitute Glucagon for Injection with 1 mL of diluent.

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Swirl the vial gently until the powder is completely dissolved and no particles remain in the fluid. The reconstituted solution should be clear and of a water-like consistency at time of use. Inspect visually for particulate matter and discoloration. If the resulting solution is cloudy or contains particulate matter do not use.

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Withdraw the correct dose of Glucagon for Injection.

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The reconstituted solution is 1 mg per mL glucagon.

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Immediately after reconstitution, inject the solution intravenously or intramuscularly into upper arm, thigh, or buttocks.

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Discard unused portion.

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After the end of the diagnostic procedure, give oral carbohydrates to patients who have been fasting, if this is compatible with the diagnostic procedure.

2.4 Dosage in Adults for Use as a Diagnostic Aid

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Doses required for relaxation of the stomach, duodenum, and small bowel, depend on the onset and duration of effect required for the examination [see Pharmacodynamics (12.2)].

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The usual dose for relaxation of the stomach, duodenum and small bowel is 0.25 mg to 0.5 mg given intravenously or 1 mg given intramuscularly, but up to 2 mg intravenously or intramuscularly may be used if required (2 mg doses produce a higher rate of nausea and vomiting than lower doses) [see Adverse Reactions (6)].

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For the stomach because it is less sensitive to the effect of glucagon, 0.5 mg intravenous or 2 mg intramuscular doses are recommended.

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For the examination of the colon, it is recommended that a 2 mg dose be administered intramuscularly approximately 10 minutes prior to the procedure.

5.1 Substantial Increase in Blood Pressure in Patients with Pheochromocytoma

Glucagon for Injection is contraindicated in patients with pheochromocytoma because glucagon may stimulate the release of catecholamines from the tumor [see Contraindications (4)]. If the patient develops a substantial increase in blood pressure and a previously undiagnosed pheochromocytoma is suspected, 5 to 10 mg of phentolamine mesylate, administered intravenously, has been shown to be effective in lowering blood pressure.

5.2 Hypoglycemia in Patients with Insulinoma

In patients with insulinoma, administration of glucagon may produce an initial increase in blood glucose; however, Glucagon for Injection administration may directly or indirectly (through an initial rise in blood glucose) stimulate exaggerated insulin release from an insulinoma and cause hypoglycemia. Glucagon for Injection is contraindicated in patients with insulinoma [see Contraindications (4)]. If a patient develops symptoms of hypoglycemia after a dose of Glucagon for Injection, give glucose orally or intravenously.

5.3 Hypersensitivity and Allergic Reactions

Allergic reactions have been reported with glucagon, these include generalized rash, and in some cases anaphylactic shock with breathing difficulties and hypotension. Glucagon for Injection is contraindicated in patients with a prior hypersensitivity reaction [see Contraindications (4)].

5.4 Lack of Efficacy in Patients with Decreased Hepatic Glycogen

Glucagon for Injection is effective in treating hypoglycemia only if sufficient hepatic glycogen is present. Patients in states of starvation, with adrenal insufficiency or chronic hypoglycemia may not have adequate levels of hepatic glycogen for Glucagon for Injection administration to be effective. Patients with these conditions should be treated with glucose.

5.5 Necrolytic Migratory Erythema

Necrolytic Migratory Erythema (NME), a skin rash commonly associated with glucagonomas (glucagon-producing tumors) and characterized by scaly, pruritic erythematous plaques, bullae, and erosions, has been reported post marketing following continuous glucagon infusion. NME lesions may affect the face, groin, perineum and legs or be more widespread. In the reported cases, NME resolved with discontinuation of the glucagon, and treatment with corticosteroids was not effective. Should NME occur, consider whether the benefits of continuous glucagon infusion outweigh the risks.

5.6 Hyperglycemia in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus when Used as a Diagnostic Aid

Treatment with Glucagon for Injection in patients with diabetes mellitus may cause hyperglycemia. Monitor diabetic patients for changes in blood glucose levels during treatment and treat if indicated.

5.7 Blood Pressure and Heart Rate Increase in Patients with Cardiac Disease when Used as a Diagnostic Aid

Glucagon for Injection may increase myocardial oxygen demand, blood pressure, and pulse rate which may be life-threatening in patients with cardiac disease. Cardiac monitoring is recommended in patients with cardiac disease during use of Glucagon for Injection as a diagnostic aid, and an increase in blood pressure and pulse rate may require therapy.

5.8 Hypoglycemia in Patients with Glucagonoma

Glucagon administered to patients with glucagonoma may cause secondary hypoglycemia. Test patients suspected of having glucagonoma for blood levels of glucagon prior to use as a diagnostic aid as Glucagon for Injection is contraindicated in this setting [see Contraindications (4)].

8.1 Pregnancy

Risk Summary

Available data from case reports and a small number of observational studies with glucagon use in pregnant women over decades of use have not identified a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. Multiple small studies have demonstrated a lack of transfer of pancreatic glucagon across the human placental barrier during early gestation. In a rat reproduction study, no embryofetal toxicity was observed with glucagon administered by injection during the period of organogenesis at doses representing up to 40 times the human dose, based on body surface area (mg/m2) (see Data).

The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively.

Data

Animal Data

In pregnant rats given animal sourced glucagon twice-daily by injection at doses up to 2 mg/kg (up to 40 times the human dose based on body surface area extrapolation, mg/m2) during the period of organogenesis, there was no evidence of increased malformations or embryofetal lethality.

8.2 Lactation

Risk Summary

There is no information available on the presence of glucagon in human or animal milk, the effects of glucagon on the breastfed child or the effects of glucagon on milk production. However, glucagon is a peptide and would be expected to be broken down to its constituent amino acids in the infant's digestive tract and is therefore, unlikely to cause harm to an exposed infant.

8.4 Pediatric Use

The safety and effectiveness of Glucagon for Injection for the treatment of severe hypoglycemia in pediatric patients with diabetes have been established.

Safety and effectiveness for use as a diagnostic aid during radiologic examinations to temporarily inhibit movement of the gastrointestinal tract in pediatric patients have not been established.

8.5 Geriatric Use

Clinical studies of glucagon did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient when used as a diagnostic aid should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy.

12.1 Mechanism of Action

Glucagon increases blood glucose concentration by activating hepatic glucagon receptors, thereby stimulating glycogen breakdown and release of glucose from the liver. Hepatic stores of glycogen are necessary for glucagon to produce an antihypoglycemic effect. Extrahepatic effects of glucagon include relaxation of the smooth muscle of the stomach, duodenum, small bowel, and colon.

12.2 Pharmacodynamics

Treatment of Severe Hypoglycemia

Blood glucose concentrations rise within 10 minutes of subcutaneous injection and mean maximal concentration of 136 mg/dL is attained 30 minutes after injection (see Figure 1). Similarly, following intramuscular injection, the mean peak glucose level was 138 mg/dL, which occurred at 26 minutes after injection.

Figure 1 Mean (SE) blood glucose concentrations after subcutaneous injection of glucagon (1 mg) in 25 normal volunteers

Diagnostic Aid

Table 2 displays the dose and pharmacodynamics properties of Glucagon for Injection as a diagnostic aid during radiological examination.

 

Table 2: Dose and Pharmacodynamic properties of Glucagon for Injection as a Diagnostic Aid

*Administration of 2 mg doses produces a higher incidence of nausea and vomiting than do lower doses.

12.3 Pharmacokinetics

Absorption

Glucagon injected through the intramuscular route achieved mean peak plasma levels of 6.9 ng/mL at approximately 13 minutes after dosing; and 7.9 ng/mL at approximately 20 minutes after subcutaneous dosing. Administration of the intravenous glucagon showed dose proportionality of the pharmacokinetics between 0.25 and 2 mg.

Figure 2 Mean (SE) serum glucagon concentrations after subcutaneous injection of glucagon (1 mg) in 25 normal volunteers

Distribution

The mean volume of distribution was 0.25 L/kg.

Elimination

The mean clearance was 13.5 mL/min/kg. The mean half-life ranged from 8 to 18 minutes.

Metabolism

Glucagon is degraded in the liver, kidney and plasma.

13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

Long term studies in animals to evaluate carcinogenic potential have not been performed. Recombinant glucagon was positive in the bacterial Ames assay. It was determined that an increase in colony counts was related to technical difficulties in running this assay with peptides. Studies in rats have shown that glucagon does not cause impaired fertility.

16.1 How Supplied

Glucagon Emergency Kit for Low Blood Sugar contains 1 mg Glucagon for Injection, USP (a sterile, lyophilized white to off-white powder or plug) in a single-dose vial and 1 prefilled syringe containing 1 mL of diluent of Glucagon.

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1 mg per vial - with 1 mL of diluting solution (PFS) (1s) NDC of Pre-filled Syringe: 0378-8066-32; NDC of Vial Label: 0378-8065-32; NDC of Carton: 0378-8067-90.

16.2 Storage and Handling

Before Reconstitution:

Store Glucagon for Injection, USP at controlled room temperature 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) [See USP]. Do not use Glucagon for Injection, USP if the expiration date has passed. Do not freeze. Keep in its original package and away from light.

After Reconstitution:

Use reconstituted Glucagon for Injection, USP immediately. Discard unused portion [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)].