Glucagon Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Nov 28, 2024.

For healthcare professionals

Applies to glucagon: injectable powder for injection, nasal powder, subcutaneous solution.

General adverse events

The more commonly reported adverse reactions have included nausea, vomiting, and headache; nasal and ocular symptoms including watery eyes and nasal congestion and itching have been reported with nasal administration.^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Anaphylactic reactions
• Frequency not reported: Generalized allergic reactions^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Headache (up to 18.3%)
• Frequency not reported: Dysgeusia (nasal), parosmia (nasal)

Metabolic

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hypoglycemia
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Hypoglycemia coma

Hypoglycemia/hypoglycemia coma have been reported in patients using this drug as a diagnostic aid, especially among those patients who have fasted.

Ocular

• Frequency not reported: Watery eyes, itchy eyes, redness of eyes

Watery eyes, itchy eyes, and eye redness were reported when adult patients were specifically questioned if these symptoms were present; some increase in symptom severity was reported by 58.8%, 21.6%, 24.8%, respectively. Symptom worsening of watery eyes, itchy eyes, and eye redness were reported by 47.2%, 16.7%, 13.9%, of pediatric patients, respectively.

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Nausea (up to 26.1%), vomiting (up to 15%)
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Abdominal pain
• Frequency not reported: Throat irritation (nasal)^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Frequency not reported: Pruritus
• Postmarketing reports: Necrolytic migratory erythema (with continuous glucagon infusions)

Cardiovascular

• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Bradycardia, tachycardia, hypotension, hypertension

Respiratory

• Very common (10% or more): Upper respiratory tract irritation (up to 16.7%)
• Frequency not reported: Nasal pruritus (nasal)

Upper respiratory tract irritation including rhinorrhea, nasal discomfort, nasal congestion, cough, and epistaxis were reported in 12.4% of adult patients in pooled studies of IM and nasal glucagon. In pediatric studies, upper respiratory tract irritation including nasal discomfort, nasal congestion, and sneezing were reported in up to 16.7% of patients. When adult patients were questioned specifically if symptoms of nasal congestion, nasal itchiness, runny nose, sneezing, or itchy throat were present and worsened 42.5%, 39.2%, 34.6%, 19.6%, and 12.4% reported some increase in symptom severity, respectively; 41.7%, 27.8%, and 25% of pediatric patients reported some increase in symptom severity of nasal congestion, nasal itchiness, and runny nose, respectively.

Other

• Frequency not reported: Itching of ears

See also:

Frequently asked questions

• When should you use glucagon?
• Are glucagon and glycogen the same thing?
• Insulin vs Glucagon - What do they have in common?
• How does the release of glucagon affect blood glucose levels?
• How long does Baqsimi last?
• How much does Baqsimi cost?
• Is Baqsimi covered by Medicare?
• How do you use Baqsimi nasal powder?
• How do you administer a glucagon injection kit?

Further information

Glucagon side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer