Glucagon Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 1, 2024.

Applies to glucagon: nasal powder, powder nasal.

Other dosage forms:

• injection powder for solution

Common side effects of glucagon

Some side effects of glucagon may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

• bloody nose
• body aches or pain
• chills
• ear congestion
• fever
• loss of voice
• redness of the eyes
• sneezing
• sore throat
• stuffy or runny nose
• watery eyes

Incidence not known

• change or loss of taste

Serious side effects of glucagon

Along with its needed effects, glucagon may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking glucagon:

Incidence not known

• blurred vision
• cough
• difficulty with swallowing
• dizziness
• fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse
• headache
• hives, itching, skin rash
• nervousness
• pounding in the ears
• puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
• slow heartbeat
• tightness in the chest
• trouble breathing
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking glucagon:

Symptoms of overdose

• nausea
• vomiting

For healthcare professionals

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

General

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

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.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer