Gvoke VialDx Side Effects

Generic name: glucagon

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

Note: This document provides detailed information about Gvoke VialDx Side Effects associated with glucagon. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Gvoke VialDx.

Applies to glucagon: nasal powder, powder nasal.

Other dosage forms:

• injection powder for solution

Common side effects of Gvoke VialDx

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:

Serious side effects of Gvoke VialDx

Along with its needed effects, glucagon (the active ingredient contained in Gvoke VialDx) 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:

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

Symptoms of overdose

• nausea
• vomiting

Precautions

Patients with diabetes should be aware of the symptoms of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). These symptoms may develop in a very short time and may result from:

• Using too much insulin (“insulin reaction”) or as a side effect from oral antidiabetic medicines
• Delaying or missing a scheduled snack or meal
• Sickness (especially with vomiting or diarrhea)
• Exercising more than usual.

Unless corrected, hypoglycemia will lead to unconsciousness, convulsions (seizures), and possibly death. Early symptoms of hypoglycemia include: anxious feeling, behavior change similar to being drunk, blurred vision, cold sweats, confusion, cool pale skin, difficulty in concentrating, drowsiness, excessive hunger, fast heartbeat, headache, nausea, nervousness, nightmares, restless sleep, shakiness, slurred speech, and unusual tiredness or weakness.

Symptoms of hypoglycemia can differ from person to person. It is important that you learn your own signs of low blood sugar so that you can treat it quickly. It is a good idea also to check your blood sugar to confirm that it is low.

You should know what to do if symptoms of low blood sugar occur. Eating or drinking something containing sugar when symptoms of low blood sugar first appear will usually prevent them from getting worse, and will probably make the use of glucagon unnecessary. Good sources of sugar include glucose tablets or gel, corn syrup, honey, sugar cubes or table sugar (dissolved in water), fruit juice, or non-diet soft drinks. If a meal is not scheduled soon (1 hour or less), you should also eat a light snack, such as crackers and cheese or half a sandwich or drink a glass of milk to keep your blood sugar from going down again. You should not eat hard candy or mints because the sugar will not get into your blood stream quickly enough. You also should not eat foods high in fat such as chocolate because the fat slows down the sugar entering the blood stream. After 10 to 20 minutes, check your blood sugar again to make sure it is not still too low.

Tell someone to take you to your doctor or to a hospital right away if the symptoms do not improve after eating or drinking a sweet food. Do not try to drive, use machines, or do anything dangerous until you have eaten a sweet food.

If severe symptoms such as convulsions (seizures) or unconsciousness occur, the patient with diabetes should not be given anything to eat or drink. There is a chance that he or she could choke from not swallowing correctly. Glucagon should be given and the patient's doctor should be called at once.

Keep your doctor informed of any hypoglycemic episodes or use of glucagon even if the symptoms are successfully controlled and there seem to be no continuing problems. Complete information is necessary for the doctor to provide the best possible treatment of any condition.

This medicine may cause a serious allergic reaction, called anaphylaxis. This can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Tell your doctor right away if you have a rash, itching, hoarseness, trouble breathing, trouble swallowing, any swelling of your hands, face, or mouth, or lightheadedness or fainting after receiving this medicine.

Replace your supply of glucagon as soon as possible, in case another hypoglycemic episode occurs.

You should wear a medical identification (ID) bracelet or chain at all times. In addition, you should carry an ID card that lists your medical condition and medicines.

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 (the active ingredient contained in Gvoke VialDx) 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?
• How long does Baqsimi last?
• 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 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

Gvoke VialDx 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