Step by Step Glucagon Use

Glucagon kits come in a few types. A traditional kit has a powder vial and a syringe of liquid that you mix. A nasal spray needs no mixing. Some pens are prefilled and ready to inject.

Each product has its own printed sheet, written for that exact product. Follow that sheet first.

A helper stands next to an open emergency kit. A medicine vial, a device and a printed instruction sheet drop into the kit. The sheet comes up large and each numbered step gets a tick. Then the person lies on the floor, turned on their side. Last, a phone shows Call 911 and a cup with a red cross shows Nothing by mouth.

A severe low can leave a person unable to swallow safely. Glucagon is used in that case. Call emergency services when glucagon is needed, then give it as your kit directs.

Even if the person seems to recover, emergency care is still needed. Never put food or drink in the mouth of someone who cannot swallow. It can cause choking.

Practice helps the steps feel familiar before an emergency. Ask your care team about training. You can also practice with a trainer device once a year. Use your kit's printed steps while you practice.

A trainer device looks like the real product but holds no medicine. That makes it safe to practice with at home.

Key takeaways

• Each kit type has its own printed steps, so read those first.
• Call emergency services when glucagon is needed or the person does not respond.
• Food and drink stay out of the mouth of anyone who cannot swallow.

Try it

Show one person at home where your kit is kept and where its printed steps are.