Glucagon Injection, Solution

FDA Drug Information • Also known as: Gvoke Hypopen 0.5 Mg Auto-Injector, Gvoke Hypopen 1 Mg Auto-Injector, Gvoke Kit, Gvoke Pfs 1 Mg...

Brand Names
Gvoke Hypopen 0.5 Mg Auto-Injector, Gvoke Hypopen 1 Mg Auto-Injector, Gvoke Kit, Gvoke Pfs 1 Mg Pre-Filled Syringe
Drug Class
Antihypoglycemic Agent [EPC], Gastrointestinal Motility Inhibitor [EPC]
Route
SUBCUTANEOUS
Dosage Form
INJECTION, SOLUTION
Product Type
HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG

Description

11 DESCRIPTION Glucagon is an antihypoglycemic agent and a gastrointestinal motility inhibitor. Glucagon is a single chain containing 29 amino acid residues and has a molecular weight of 3483 and is identical to human glucagon. Glucagon is of synthetic origin produced by solid phase synthesis. Its molecular formula is C 153 H 225 N 43 O 49 S with the following structure: GVOKE HypoPen, GVOKE PFS, and GVOKE Kit GVOKE HypoPen (glucagon) injection, GVOKE PFS (glucagon) injection, and GVOKE Kit (glucagon) injection (these three presentations are also referred to as GVOKE (glucagon) injection in this labeling) are clear, colorless to pale yellow, sterile solutions for subcutaneous injection. GVOKE HypoPen and GVOKE PFS: Each 0.2 mL contains 1 mg of glucagon, 11.1 mg of trehalose dihydrate NF, and 1.2 mg of 1N sulfuric acid in 209 mg dimethyl sulfoxide diluent. GVOKE HypoPen: Each 0.1 mL contains 0.5 mg of glucagon, 5.6 mg of trehalose dihydrate NF, and 0.6 mg of 1N sulfuric acid in 104 mg dimethyl sulfoxide diluent. GVOKE Kit: Each 0.2 mL contains 1 mg of glucagon, 11.1 mg of trehalose dihydrate NF, 5.8 mg of mannitol USP, and 1.32 mg of 1N sulfuric acid in 205 mg dimethyl sulfoxide diluent. GVOKE VialDx GVOKE VialDx (glucagon) injection is a clear, colorless to pale yellow, sterile solution for intravenous injection available in 1 mg per 0.2 mL vial. Each 0.2 mL of GVOKE VialDx contains 1 mg of glucagon, 11.1 mg of trehalose dihydrate NF, 5.8 mg of mannitol USP, and 1.32 mg of 1N sulfuric acid in 205 mg dimethyl sulfoxide diluent prior to dilution with 0.9% Sodium Chloride [for dilution instructions, see Dosage and Administration ( 2.2) ] . The diluted solution contains 0.45 mg per mL glucagon, 5 mg per mL trehalose dihydrate, 93.2 mg per mL dimethyl sulfoxide, 2.6 mg per mL mannitol, and 0.60 mg per mL 1 N sulfuric acid. Its molecular formula is C153H225N43O49S with the following structure:

What Is Glucagon Injection, Solution Used For?

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE

  • GVOKE is an antihypoglycemic agent indicated for subcutaneous use for the treatment of severe hypoglycemia in adult and pediatric patients aged two years and older with diabetes ( 1.1 )
  • GVOKE VialDx is a gastrointestinal motility inhibitor indicated for intravenous use as a diagnostic aid during radiologic examinations to temporarily inhibit movement of the gastrointestinal tract in adult patients ( 1.2 ) 1.1 Severe Hypoglycemia in Adult and Pediatric Patients Aged 2 Years and Older with Diabetes GVOKE is indicated for subcutaneous use for the treatment of severe hypoglycemia in adult and pediatric patients aged two and older with diabetes. 1.2 Diagnostic Aid in Adults GVOKE VialDx is indicated for intravenous use as a diagnostic aid during radiologic examinations to temporarily inhibit movement of the gastrointestinal tract in adult patients.

  • Dosage and Administration

    2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Dosage and Administration of GVOKE for Subcutaneous Use to Treat Severe Hypoglycemia in Adult and Pediatric Patients Aged 2 Years and Older with Diabetes ( 2.1 )

  • Important Administration Instructions
  • Administer GVOKE HypoPen, GVOKE PFS, or GVOKE Kit subcutaneously. These three presentations are referred to as GVOKE in this labeling
  • Administer GVOKE according to the printed instructions on the foil pouch label, carton, or the Instructions for Use.
  • Visually inspect GVOKE prior to administration. The solution should appear clear and colorless to pale yellow.
  • Administer GVOKE subcutaneously in the lower abdomen, outer thigh, or outer upper arm.
  • Call for emergency assistance immediately after administering the dose.
  • If there has been no response after 15 minutes, may administer an additional dose from a new HypoPen, GVOKE PFS, or GVOKE Kit while waiting for emergency assistance.
  • When the patient has responded to GVOKE, give oral carbohydrates.
  • Do not attempt to reuse GVOKE. Each GVOKE device or vial contains a single dose of glucagon. Do not reuse and discard any unused portion.
  • Recommended Dosage
  • Recommended dose for adult and pediatric patients aged 12 years of age and older is 1 mg.
  • Recommended dose for adult and pediatric patients aged 12 years of age and older is 1 mg.
  • The recommended dose for pediatric patients aged 2 to less than 12 years of age who weigh: o Less than 45 kg, is 0.5 mg o 45 kg or greater, is 1 mg Dosage and Administration of GVOKE VialDx for Intravenous Use as a Diagnostic Aid in Adults ( 2.2 )
  • GVOKE VialDx is only for intravenous use under medical supervision.
  • The recommended diagnostic dose for relaxation of the stomach, duodenal bulb, duodenum, and small bulb is 0.2 mg to 0.5 mg; the recommended dose to relax the colon is 0.5 mg to 0.75 mg.
  • See the Full Prescribing Information for administration instructions for GVOKE VialDx. 2.1 Dosage and Administration of GVOKE for Subcutaneous Use to Treat Severe Hypoglycemia in Adult and Pediatric Patients Aged 2 Years and Older with Diabetes Important Administration Instructions To treat severe hypoglycemia in adult and pediatric patients aged 2 years and older with diabetes, administer GVOKE HypoPen, GVOKE PFS, or GVOKE Kit subcutaneously. These three presentations are only for subcutaneous use and are referred to as GVOKE in this labeling. For GVOKE HypoPen or GVOKE PFS: Do not open foil pouch until ready to administer. For GVOKE Kit: Store in original carton until ready to administer. Instruct patients and their caregivers on the signs and symptoms of severe hypoglycemia. Because severe hypoglycemia requires the help of others to recover, instruct the patient to inform those around them about GVOKE and its Instructions for Use. Administer GVOKE subcutaneously as soon as possible when severe hypoglycemia is recognized. Instruct the patient or caregiver to read the Instructions for Use at the time they receive a prescription...

  • Side Effects (Adverse Reactions)

    6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following serious adverse reactions are described below and elsewhere in labeling: Substantial Increase in Blood Pressure in Patients with Pheochromocytoma [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] . Hypoglycemia in Patients with Insulinoma [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] . Serious Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] Lack of Efficacy With Subcutaneous Use for Severe Hypoglycemia in Patients with Decreased Hepatic Glycogen [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] Necrolytic Migratory Erythema [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] . Hyperglycemia with Intravenous Use as a Diagnostic Aid in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )] Blood Pressure and Heart Rate Increases with Intravenous Use as a Diagnostic Aid in Patients with Cardiac Disease [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 )] Hypoglycemia in Patients with Glucagonoma with Intravenous Use as a Diagnostic Aid [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 )] Most common adverse reactions (incidence 2% or greater) reported for GVOKE were: o Adults—nausea, vomiting, injection site edema raised 1 mm or greater, and headache ( 6.1 ) o Pediatric Patients—nausea, hypoglycemia, vomiting, headache, abdominal pain, hyperglycemia, injection site discomfort and reaction, and urticaria ( 6.1 ) Most common adverse reactions (incidence 5 % or greater) reported for GVOKE VialDx were nausea, dysgeusia, headache, dizziness and hot flush ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Xeris Pharmaceuticals, Inc. at toll-free 1-877-937-4737 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of GVOKE and GVOKE VialDx cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of other drugs and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. GVOKE for Subcutaneous Use for the Treatment of Severe Hypoglycemia in Adult and Pediatric Patients 2 Aged Years and Older with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus Adverse Reactions in Adult Patients The safety of GVOKE for subcutaneous use for the treatment of severe hypoglycemia in adults with diabetes was evaluated in two randomized, blinded, 2-way crossover studies conducted in adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus. In total, 154 patients received a subcutaneous injection of GVOKE [see Clinical Studies ( 14.1 )] . The most common adverse reactions that occurred in 2% or more of adults treated with GVOKE during these two clinical trials are listed in Table 1 . Table 1: Adverse Reactions that occurred ≥ 2% in Adult Patients with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus Treated with GVOKE a a Adverse Reactions that occurred within 12 hours. GVOKE 1 mg dose (N = 154) Nausea 30% Vomiting 16% Injection site edema raised 1 mm or greater 7% Headache 5% Injection site pain was reported by 1% of GVOKE-treated patients. Hypertension and tachycardia have occurred with glucagon treatment. Adverse Reactions in Pediatric Patients Aged 2 Years and Older The safety of GVOKE for the treatment of severe hypoglycemia in patients with diabetes was evaluated in one single-arm, open-label, study in 31 pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus [see Clinical Studies ( 14.2 )] . The data in Table 2 reflect the exposure of 31 pediatric patients to 0.5 mg or 1 mg of GVOKE given subcutaneously. The most common adverse reactions that occurred in ≥2% of GVOKE-treated pediatric patients aged 2 years and older are listed in Table 2 . Table 2: Adverse Reactions That Occurred ≥ 2% in GVOKE-treated Pediatric Patients Aged 2 Years and Older with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus a a Adverse Reactions that occurred within 12 hours. 2 to 6 years of age (0.5 mg dose) N =7 6 to 12 years of age (0.5 mg dose) N = 13 12 to 18 years of age (1 mg dose) N = 11 Total N = 31 Nausea 43% 54% 36% 45% Hypoglycemia 29% 54% 27% 39% Vomiting 14% 23% 18% 19% Headache 0% 15% 0% 7% Abdominal pain 0% 8% 0% 3%...

    Drug Interactions

    7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Table 4: Clinically Significant Drug Interaction with GVOKE and GVOKE VialDx Beta-Blockers Clincial Impact: Patients taking beta-blockers may have a transient increase in pulse and blood pressure when given GVOKE or GVOKE VialDx. Intervention The increase in blood pressure and heart rate may require therapy in patients with coronary artery disease. Insulin Clincial Impact: Insulin acts antagonistically to glucagon. Intervention Monitor blood glucose when GVOKE VialDx is used as a diagnostic aid in patients receiving insulin. Indomethacin Clincial Impact: In patients taking indomethacin, GVOKE may lose its ability to raise blood glucose or may even produce hypoglycemia. Intervention Monitor blood glucose levels during glucagon treatment of patients taking indomethacin. Anticholinergic Drugs Clincial Impact: The concomitant use of anticholinergic drugs and GVOKE VialDx increases the risk of gastrointestinal adverse reactions due to additive effects on inhibition of gastrointestinal motility. Intervention Concomitant use of anticholinergic drugs with GVOKE VialDx is not recommended. Warfarin Clincial Impact: GVOKE and GVOKE Vial Dx may increase the anticoagulant effect of warfarin. Intervention Monitor patients for unusual bruising or bleeding, as adjustments in warfarin dosage may be required. Beta-blockers: GVOKE- or GVOKE VialDx-treated patients taking concomitant beta-blockers may have a transient increase in pulse and blood pressure. ( 7 ) Indomethacin: In patients taking concomitant indomethacin, GVOKE may lose its ability to raise glucose or may produce hypoglycemia. ( 7 ) Anticholinergic drugs: Concomitant use of anticholinergic drugs with GVOKE VialDx for use as a diagnostic aid is not recommended. ( 7 ) Warfarin: GVOKE and GVOKE VialDx may increase the anticoagulant effect of warfarin. ( 7 ) Insulin: Monitor blood glucose when GVOKE VialDx is used as a diagnostic aid in patients receiving insulin. ( 7 ) See 17 for PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION and FDA ‑ approved patient labeling for GVOKE.

    Contraindications

    4 CONTRAINDICATIONS GVOKE and GVOKE VialDx are contraindicated in patients with:

  • Pheochromocytoma because of the risk of substantial increase in blood pressure [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )]
  • Insulinoma because of the risk of hypoglycemia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )]
  • Prior hypersensitivity reaction to glucagon or to any of the excipients in GVOKE or GVOKE VialDx. Serious hypersensitivity reactions have been reported with glucagon and include anaphylactic shock with breathing difficulties and hypotension [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] . GVOKE VialDx for use as a diagnostic aid is also contraindicated in patients with glucagonoma because of risk of hypoglycemia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 )]
  • Pheochromocytoma ( 4 )
  • Insulinoma ( 4 )
  • Prior hypersensitivity reaction to glucagon or to any of the excipients ( 4 )
  • Glucagonoma when used as a diagnostic aid ( 4 )

  • Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

    8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Available data from case reports and a small number of observational studies with glucagon use in pregnant women over decades of use have not identified a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. Multiple small studies have demonstrated a lack of transfer of pancreatic glucagon across the human placental barrier during early gestation. In a rat reproduction study, no embryofetal toxicity was observed with glucagon administered by injection during the period of organogenesis at doses representing up to 40 times the human dose, based on body surface area (mg/m 2 ) (see Data ) . The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively. Data Animal Data In pregnant rats given animal sourced glucagon twice-daily by injection at doses up to 2 mg/kg (up to 40 times the human dose based on body surface area extrapolation, mg/m 2 ) during the period of organogenesis, there was no evidence of increased malformations or embryofetal lethality.

    Overdosage

    10 OVERDOSAGE If overdosage occurs, the patient may experience nausea, vomiting, inhibition of GI tract motility, increase in blood pressure, and pulse rate. In case of suspected overdosing, serum potassium may decrease and should be monitored and corrected if needed. If the patient develops a dramatic increase in blood pressure, phentolamine mesylate has been shown to be effective in lowering blood pressure for the short time that control would be needed. In the event of an overdose of GVOKE, consider contacting the Poison Help line (1-800-222-1222) or a medical toxicologist for additional overdosage management recommendation.

    How Supplied

    16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING GVOKE glucagon injection is supplied as a clear, colorless to pale yellow solution in the following configurations: Strength Package Size NDC number For Subcutaneous Use 0.5 mg per 0.1 mL 1 single-dose Gvoke HypoPen auto-injector 72065-120-11 0.5 mg per 0.1 mL 2 single-dose Gvoke HypoPen auto-injectors 72065-120-12 1 mg per 0.2 mL 1 single-dose Gvoke HypoPen auto-injector 72065-121-11 1 mg per 0.2 mL 2 single-dose Gvoke HypoPen auto-injectors (HypoPen) 72065-121-12 1 mg per 0.2 mL 1 single-dose GVOKE PFS pre-filled syringe 72065-131-11 1 mg per 0.2 mL 2 single-dose GVOKE PFS pre-filled syringes 72065-131-12 1 mg per 0.2 mL 1 single-dose GVOKE Kit vial and syringe kit 72065-140-11 For Intravaneous Use 1 mg per 0.2 mL 1 single-dose GVOKE VialDx vial 0517-2901-01 1 mg per 0.2 mL 10 single-dose GVOKE VialDx vials 0517-2901-10 Store GVOKE HypoPen, GVOKE PFS, and GVOKE Kit (these three presentations are referred to as GVOKE in this labeling), and GVOKE VialDx at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F); excursions permitted between 15°C and 30°C (59°F and 86°F). Do not refrigerate or freeze. Do not expose to extreme temperatures. Store the GVOKE HypoPen and GVOKE PFS in the original sealed foil pouch until time of use Store the GVOKE Kit vial and pouched syringe together in original carton until time of use. Store GVOKE VialDx vials in original carton until time of use. Discard any unused portion

    About This Information

    This drug information is sourced from FDA-approved labeling via the openFDA database. It is intended for educational and reference purposes only. This is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making decisions about medication. Drug information may be updated by the FDA; check with your pharmacist for the most current information.

    What are side effects?

    Side effects are unwanted reactions that can occur when taking a medication. They range from mild (headache, nausea) to severe (allergic reactions, organ damage). Not everyone experiences side effects, and severity varies. Report any concerning side effects to your doctor.

    What are drug interactions?

    Drug interactions occur when a medication is affected by another drug, food, or supplement. Interactions can make medications less effective or cause dangerous side effects. Always tell your doctor about all medications and supplements you take.