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Overview: Gvoke 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 Gvoke and how to use it. To increase blood sugar levels, Gvoke must be used as soon as possible once you start to show signs of dangerously low blood sugar levels. Gvoke is available as a shot.

Uses

What is Gvoke used for?

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

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

How does Gvoke work (mechanism of action)?

To increase blood sugar levels, Gvoke 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 Gvoke supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Gvoke

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 0.5 mg/0.1 mL, 1 mg/0.2 mL single-dose prefilled autoinjector
  • 1 mg/0.2 mL single-dose prefilled syringe
  • 1 mg/0.2 mL single-dose vial

See also: Baqsimi and Glucagon

How should I store Gvoke?

Gvoke should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place and do not refrigerate or freeze it. Keep Gvoke in the original carton or foil pouch until it needs to be used.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Gvoke?

The most common side effects of Gvoke are listed below. These side effects may vary depending on the age of the person using it. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Headache
  • Changes in blood sugar
  • Pain, swelling, or redness at or near where the needle went in
  • Stomach pain
  • Hives

There may be other side effects of Gvoke 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 Gvoke?

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

Severe Allergic Reactions. Gvoke may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Gvoke 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 Gvoke?

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

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

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

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

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

What should I know about Gvoke before using it?

Do not use Gvoke 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 Gvoke 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.

Gvoke cannot be given through clothing. Your caregiver may need to roll back or remove clothing to expose bare skin before injecting it.

Always get medical help right away after receiving Gvoke. Your caregiver should call for emergency help as soon as they have given you a dose of Gvoke. 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 Gvoke, your caregiver may need to give you another dose of Gvoke while waiting on emergency help to arrive.

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

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

Keep Gvoke out of the reach of children.

Gvoke is good for just one use. After a dose is given, throw Gvoke in a sharps container or a household container made of heavy-duty plastic that is able to close tightly and is puncture- and leak-resistant. Get a new Gvoke 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 Gvoke?

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 Gvoke 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. Gvoke may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using Gvoke, 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 Gvoke 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 Gvoke while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Gvoke 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 Gvoke while breastfeeding.

How can I get more information about Gvoke?

For more information about Gvoke, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.gvokeglucagon.com or call them at 877-937-4737.

Interactions

Does Gvoke interact with foods or drinks?

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

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Gvoke.

Does Gvoke 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 Gvoke.

  • 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 Gvoke. 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 Gvoke?

If you or someone else has used too much Gvoke, 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 Gvoke?

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