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Drug interactions

Glucagon + Insulin degludec / insulin aspart

Severity: Minor

Glucagon and Insulin degludec / insulin aspart: minor interaction.

Last updated

For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.

Summary

Glucagon raises blood glucose and opposes insulin's glucose-lowering action. This is the intended effect when treating severe hypoglycemia in insulin-treated patients.

What this interaction means in plain words

Glucagon and Insulin degludec / insulin aspart have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.

Evidence level: High

Why it happens

Glucagon stimulates hepatic glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis, pharmacodynamically opposing insulin.

What to do

Check blood glucose after glucagon and give oral carbohydrate when able. Because degludec acts for a long time, hypoglycemia may recur, so monitor for an extended period.

What to ask your pharmacist

  • Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
  • Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Glucagon with Insulin degludec / insulin aspart?

MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Glucagon and Insulin degludec / insulin aspart have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Glucagon raises blood glucose and opposes insulin's glucose-lowering action. This is the intended effect when treating severe hypoglycemia in insulin-treated patients.

How serious is the interaction between Glucagon and Insulin degludec / insulin aspart?

MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Check blood glucose after glucagon and give oral carbohydrate when able. Because degludec acts for a long time, hypoglycemia may recur, so monitor for an extended period.

What other medicines interact with Glucagon?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Glucagon with, for example, Atropine, Benztropine, Dicyclomine. The full list is on the Glucagon page.

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