6 mins read

Overview: Baqsimi is commonly used to increase blood sugar levels in people with dangerously low levels . Common side effects may include nausea, vomiting, or a headache. Make sure that your caregiver knows where you store Baqsimi and how to use it. To increase blood sugar levels, Baqsimi must be used as soon as possible once you start to show signs of dangerously low blood sugar levels. Baqsimi is available as a nasal spray.

Uses

What is Baqsimi used for?

Baqsimi is commonly used to increase blood sugar (glucose) levels in people with dangerously low glucose levels (severe hypoglycemia). Baqsimi is used only during emergencies. Anyone using Baqsimi should seek medical care right away.[1] 

Baqsimi may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does Baqsimi work (mechanism of action)?

To increase blood sugar levels, Baqsimi works by activating glucagon receptors in the liver. This causes the liver to break down stored sugar (glycogen) and release it into the bloodstream. 

How is Baqsimi supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Baqsimi

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 3 mg nasal spray

Glucagon is also available in injectable forms. See Glucagon and Gvoke for more information.

How should I store Baqsimi?

Baqsimi should be stored at a temperature below 86 F (30 C). Keep it in the shrink-wrapped tube until it needs to be used.

 

 

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Baqsimi?

The most common side effects of Baqsimi are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Headache
  • Runny nose, nasal congestion, nasal discomfort, or cough
  • Bloody nose
  • Watery or red eyes
  • Itchy nose, throat, or eyes[1] 

There may be other side effects of Baqsimi that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Baqsimi?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Baqsimi are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Baqsimi may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Baqsimi and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Baqsimi?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Baqsimi.

  • Baqsimi
  • Glucagon
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Baqsimi.

Pheochromocytoma. Baqsimi should not be used if you have a certain tumor in the adrenal gland known as a pheochromocytoma. Baqsimi may cause your blood pressure to get dangerously high if you have a pheochromocytoma. 

Pancreas Tumors. Baqsimi should not be used if you have certain tumors in your pancreas, such as an insulinoma. Baqsimi can cause too much insulin to release from the tumor and your blood sugar to drop too low again.

What should I know about Baqsimi before using it?

Do not use Baqsimi unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed.

Make sure that your caregiver knows where you store Baqsimi and understands how to properly use the medicine. You can share the “Instructions for Use” that come with your medicine to help with this. It must be used as soon as possible once you start to show signs of dangerously low blood sugar, since it can be deadly if not treated. If you have any questions, talk to your health care provider.

Baqsimi is sprayed into one nostril. It does not need to be inhaled to work. It will work even if you have a cold or are taking cold medicines.

Always get medical help right away after receiving Baqsimi. Your caregiver should call for emergency help as soon as they have given you a dose of Baqsimi. Then, once you are conscious and able to safely eat or drink, they should give you a fast-acting source of sugar (fruit juice, etc.) and a long-acting source of sugar (crackers with cheese or peanut butter, etc.) to prevent your blood sugar from dropping again. 

If your blood sugar does not come up 15 minutes after receiving a dose of Baqsimi, your caregiver may need to give you another dose of Baqsimi while waiting on emergency help to arrive.

Tell your health care provider each time you use Baqsimi. They may need to change the dose of your diabetes medicines.

Do not share Baqsimi with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep Baqsimi out of the reach of children.

Baqsimi is good for just one use. After a dose is given, throw Baqsimi in the trash. Get a new Baqsimi device after using the medicine. This way, you will have another one available in case you need it. 

You should also keep an eye on the expiration date of the product you have. Try to get a new one before it expires, so you always have one available in case you need it. 

What should I tell my health care provider before using Baqsimi?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if Baqsimi is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Have not had food or water for a long time (prolonged fasting or starvation)
  • Reduced adrenal function (adrenal insufficiency)
  • Low blood sugar that will not go away (chronic hypoglycemia)

Other Medicines and Supplements. Baqsimi may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using Baqsimi, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Baqsimi could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use Baqsimi while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Baqsimi passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use Baqsimi while breastfeeding.

How can I get more information about Baqsimi?

For more information about Baqsimi, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at baqsimi.com or call them at 800-545-5979.

Interactions

Does Baqsimi interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Baqsimi and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Baqsimi.

Does Baqsimi interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using Baqsimi.

  • A beta-blocker, such as atenolol (Tenormin), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL, and others), or propranolol (Inderal LA, Innopran XL), which is a medicine that may be used for certain heart conditions or to lower blood pressure
  • Indomethacin, which is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that may be used for pain and swelling
  • Warfarin, which is a blood thinner

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Baqsimi. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Baqsimi?

If you or someone else has used too much Baqsimi, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Baqsimi?

Baqsimi is only used during emergencies. Always get medical help right away after using a dose.