FDA approves first treatment for severe hypoglycemia that can be administered without an injection
The FDA had just approved the first glucagon nasal powder (Baqsimi — Eli Lilly). This intranasal medication is approved for the emergency treatment of hypoglycemia in diabetic patients aged four years and older.
Patients who are living with diabetes are at risk of decreased blood sugar levels below the normal range. There are many products on the market for the treatment of diabetes but there are not many options to treat the hypoglycemic episodes that may arise with the use of diabetic medications.
Previous hypoglycemic treatments involve a glucagon injection that first had to be mixed in a multi-step process. This new approved medication is a simplified method to administer glucagon, which is vital as hypoglycemic patients may lose consciousness or even have a seizure.
The intranasal glucagon powder is packaged in a single-use dispenser that can be administered to someone suffering from a severe hypoglycemic episode. It works by increasing blood sugar levels in the body by stimulating the liver to release glucose into the bloodstream.
This intranasal glucagon medication should not be administered to people with pheochromocytoma, insulinoma, or those patients with a known hypersensitivity to glucagon or the inactive ingredients in it.
The medication has a labeled warning to be used with caution by people who have been fasting for extended periods, have adrenal insufficiency, or have chronic hypoglycemia.
The most common adverse effects seen with the glucagon nasal powder are nausea, vomiting, headache, upper respiratory tract irritation, watery eyes, redness of eyes, and itchiness.
For more information please visit the FDA website.
Questions: Do you know someone who monitors blood glucose levels regularly? What else do you recommend to help better manage hypoglycemia/hyperglycemia?
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