BAQSIMI (Glucagon nasal powder)

Hypoglycemia, also known as low blood sugar, occurs when levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood are too low. Hypoglycemia is common in people with diabetes who take insulin and some oral diabetes medications. Please see the patient handout on our website for more details about hypoglycemia from 4/12/2023.

When treating hypoglycemia, eating or drinking fast acting carbohydrates is recommended. However, when blood sugars are so low that a patient is about to faint, faints, or does not swallow safely, this is an emergency and treating with glucagon by a friend/family member is vital.

A new glucagon medication is available on the market called Baqsimi. It is not injectable, but is Inhaled as a puff of powder in the nose. BAQSIMI comes in a single dose that is the same for people age 4 years and older. You do not have to keep it refrigerated. Baqsimi is convenient and simple to use and will usually reverse the hypoglycemia in 10-15 minutes.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION FROM THE BAQSIMI WEBSITE:

BAQSIMI may cause serious side effects in some individuals, including:

·       High blood pressure. BAQSIMI can cause high blood pressure in certain people with tumors in their adrenal glands (ex. pheochromocytoma).

·       Low Blood Sugar. BAQSIMI can cause certain people with tumors in their pancreas (ex. insulinoma) to have low blood sugar.

·       Serious allergic reaction. Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you have a serious allergic reaction including, rash, difficulty breathing, or low blood pressure.

While the above noted side effects of Baqsimi in some individuals can be serious, it is important to remember that hypoglycemia, especially if severe, can be dangerous, even life-threatening. We have been very pleased with the safety, effectiveness and ease of use of this product in our diabetic patients who have experienced hypoglycemia.

5/22/2023

Blessy A. Varughese, DO, MPH