A glucagon pen is an emergency treatment designed to rapidly raise blood sugar levels during severe hypoglycemic episodes. This device delivers a hormone called glucagon, which signals the liver to release stored glucose into the bloodstream, quickly counteracting critically low blood sugar. Understanding how to properly use a glucagon pen is crucial for anyone who might need to administer it, providing a swift and life-saving intervention when severe low blood sugar occurs.
Recognizing the Need for Glucagon
Glucagon pens are specifically for severe low blood sugar, a condition where an individual’s blood glucose drops to dangerous levels. Key indicators for glucagon administration include unconsciousness, seizures, or a state of extreme disorientation where the person cannot safely eat or drink. If someone with diabetes exhibits these signs and cannot swallow, glucagon is the appropriate intervention.
Administering the Glucagon Pen
Administering a glucagon pen involves several precise steps, which can vary slightly depending on the specific device, such as the Gvoke HypoPen or Zegalogue auto-injector. Before an emergency, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with the particular pen prescribed. Always begin by locating the pen, often stored in its original sealed pouch or protective case, and remove it. Next, quickly check the expiration date printed on the device and inspect the liquid within the viewing window to confirm it is clear and free of particles.
Once ready, remove the cap from the pen, being careful not to touch the needle or the area around it. Select an appropriate injection site, which commonly includes the lower abdomen, the outer thigh, or the outer upper arm. Ensure the chosen area is bare.
Position the pen firmly against the skin at a 90-degree angle. For devices like the Gvoke HypoPen, push the pen straight down against the injection site until you hear a “click,” then continue to hold it in place for about five seconds. For a Zegalogue auto-injector, you may need to hold it down for approximately ten seconds, listening for clicks and observing the medicine window turn red to confirm the full dose has been delivered. After the designated time, lift the pen straight up from the injection site. The needle on many auto-injectors will retract automatically or be covered by a safety guard once the injection is complete.
After Glucagon Administration
Immediately after injecting glucagon, turn the person onto their side into a recovery position. Vomiting is a common side effect of glucagon, and positioning them on their side helps prevent choking. Following the injection, call for emergency medical assistance, even if the person appears to be recovering.
Glucagon typically begins to raise blood glucose levels within 10 to 15 minutes, with its effects lasting for about 60 to 90 minutes. If the person does not respond or regain consciousness within 15 minutes, a second dose of glucagon may be administered if another pen is available, while awaiting emergency medical personnel. Once the individual awakens and is able to swallow safely, provide them with a fast-acting source of sugar, such as fruit juice, followed by a long-acting carbohydrate source.
Essential Glucagon Pen Management
Glucagon pens, such as the Gvoke HypoPen, should be stored at room temperature, typically between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C), in their original sealed packaging, away from light. Some types, like the Zegalogue auto-injector, can be stored in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a limited period, usually up to 12 months. It is important to note that glucagon should never be frozen.
Regularly check the expiration date on your glucagon pen and replace it before it expires. After use, dispose of the pen in an FDA-cleared sharps container. Additionally, it is beneficial to have multiple pens if prescribed, and to educate family members, friends, and caregivers on where the pen is kept and how to use it.