BAQSIMI (Glucagon)

What is this medication?

Baqsimi is a hormone that increases blood sugar levels. It also slows involuntary muscle movements of the stomach and intestines that aid in digestion.
Baqsimi Nasal Powder is a prescription medicine used to treat severe hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) in adult and children at least 4 years old.
Baqsimi may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

How should I take this medication?

Baqsimi is a powder medicine that is inserted into the nose but does not need to be inhaled. You will be shown how to use this medicine for severe hypoglycemia. Call your doctor after each time you use nasal.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you don't understand all instructions.

Hypoglycemia should be treated as quickly as possible. Having low blood sugar for too long can cause seizure, coma, or death.

Be sure you know how to give Baqsimi nasal powder before you need to use it. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

If you are a caregiver, get emergency medical help after giving Baqsimi nasal powder. If the patient does not improve within 15 minutes, you may need to give a second dose.

Do not push the plunger or test the device prior to administration.

Administer Baqsimi according to the printed instructions on the shrink-wrapped tube label and the Instructions for Use.

Administer the dose by inserting the tip into one nostril and pressing the device plunger all the way in until the green line is no longer showing. The dose does not need to be inhaled.

Call for emergency assistance immediately after administering the dose.

When the patient responds to treatment, give oral carbohydrates to restore the liver glycogen and prevent recurrence of hypoglycemia.

Do not attempt to reuse Baqsimi . Each Baqsimi device contains one dose of glucagon and cannot be reused.

Blood sugar levels can be affected by stress, illness, surgery, exercise, alcohol use, or skipping meals. Ask your doctor before changing your dose or medication schedule.

To keep from having severe hypoglycemia, follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely.

After using Baqsimi nasal powder, you should eat a fast-acting source of sugar (fruit juice, glucose gel, hard candy, raisins, or non-diet soda) and then eat a snack or small meal such as crackers with cheese or peanut butter.

What if I miss a dose?

Since Baqsimi is used as needed, it does not have a daily dosing schedule.

How should I store this medication?

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the medicine in the original packaging until you are ready to use it. Replace the medicine if the expiration date on the label has passed.

What are the possible side effects of using this medication?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Baqsimi: hives; difficulty breathing; feeling light-headed; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have symptoms of high blood pressure, such as severe headache, blurred vision, and pounding in your neck or ears.

Common Baqsimi side effects may include:

• discomfort in your nose, runny or stuffy nose;
• nosebleed;
• nausea, vomiting;
• red or watery eyes;
• itchy eyes, nose, or throat;
• cough; or
• headache.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Baqsimi?

Many other medicines can affect your blood sugar, and some medicines can increase or decrease the effects of medicines used to treat diabetes. Some drugs can also cause you to have fewer symptoms of hypoglycemia, making it harder to tell when your blood sugar is low. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here. Tell your doctor about all medicines you start or stop using.