Drug interactions
Glucagon + Insulin degludec
Severity: Minor
Glucagon and Insulin degludec: 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 action, which is the intended rescue effect in hypoglycemia. Glucose may rise afterward, and the effect is temporary.
What this interaction means in plain words
Glucagon and Insulin degludec 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 belongs to Endocrine; Insulin degludec belongs to Endocrine.
Why it happens
Pharmacodynamic antagonism: glucagon stimulates hepatic glucose output, opposing insulin.
What to do
Check blood glucose after glucagon administration and give oral carbohydrate when able. Because degludec is long acting, hypoglycemia may recur, so monitor for several hours.
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?
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Other interactions of Glucagon
- Atropine + Glucagon Moderate
- Benztropine + Glucagon Moderate
- Dicyclomine + Glucagon Moderate
- Diphenoxylate-atropine + Glucagon Moderate
- Glucagon + Glycopyrrolate Moderate
- Glucagon + Glycopyrronium Moderate
Other interactions of Insulin degludec
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Glucagon with Insulin degludec?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Glucagon and Insulin degludec 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 action, which is the intended rescue effect in hypoglycemia. Glucose may rise afterward, and the effect is temporary.
How serious is the interaction between Glucagon and Insulin degludec?
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 administration and give oral carbohydrate when able. Because degludec is long acting, hypoglycemia may recur, so monitor for several hours.
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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