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Peptide

Glucagon

Pancreatic hormone that raises blood glucose. Used as a rescue in severe hypoglycemia and as an aid in some imaging tests of the digestive tract.
Regulatory status
Approved (FDA / EMA)
Family
Pancreatic peptide hormone
Scientific evidence
Very high
Number of findings
1
Where it acts
Hormones and metabolism · Digestive and weight
Also known as
glucagon, GlucaGen, Baqsimi, Gvoke, Ogluo

Regulatory status

FDA (US): Approved since 1960 (injectable) for severe hypoglycemia and as a diagnostic aid; newer formulations: Baqsimi (2019, nasal powder) and Gvoke (2019, ready-to-use solution).

EMA (EU): Approved: Baqsimi (2019, nasal) and Ogluo (2021, ready-to-use solution) for severe hypoglycemia; GlucaGen is authorized nationally in Spain and other countries.

Dose

Severe hypoglycemia: 1 mg injected (0.5 mg in young children) or 3 mg intranasally (Baqsimi), per label (FDA/EMA).

Safety

Frequent nausea and vomiting; headache. It does not work well if there are no glycogen reserves. Contraindicated in pheochromocytoma (it can spike blood pressure) and insulinoma.

Interactions

Beta-blockers (rise in heart rate and blood pressure), indomethacin (reduced effect), warfarin (greater anticoagulant effect).

Effect by goal · level of evidence

Rescue from insulin-induced hypoglycemia

improves High RCT (AA) in people
12 min vs 40 min

In a phase 3 trial with 170 adults with type 1 diabetes (reference arm), 1 mg of reconstituted glucagon recovered glucose in a median of 12 minutes, vs 40 minutes with placebo.

View the study (RCT) →

In depth

Where it acts

Hormones and metabolism, Digestion and weight

Diabetes

How it works

It activates its receptor in the liver to release stored glucose (glycogen) and make new glucose. It also relaxes the muscles of the digestive tract, which is why it is used in some radiological examinations.

What the evidence says

In people

  • Rescue from insulin-induced hypoglycemia. In a phase 3 trial with 170 adults with type 1 diabetes (reference arm), 1 mg of reconstituted glucagon restored glucose in a median of 12 minutes, versus 40 minutes with placebo. PubMed 35239971

References

  1. PubMed 35239971

Information, not medical advice. Prescription or unapproved peptides should only be used under medical supervision.

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