Drug interactions
Glucagon intranasal + Insulin degludec
Severity: Minor
Glucagon intranasal 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 is used to treat severe hypoglycemia, directly opposing insulin. This is the intended therapeutic effect, but glucose may rise and later fluctuate after a rescue dose.
What this interaction means in plain words
Glucagon intranasal 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.
Why it happens
Pharmacodynamic antagonism: glucagon stimulates hepatic glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis.
What to do
Use glucagon for severe hypoglycemia as indicated and recheck glucose after treatment. Give oral carbohydrate once the patient can swallow, and review the insulin dose after the episode.
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 Insulin degludec
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Glucagon intranasal with Insulin degludec?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Glucagon intranasal 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 is used to treat severe hypoglycemia, directly opposing insulin. This is the intended therapeutic effect, but glucose may rise and later fluctuate after a rescue dose.
How serious is the interaction between Glucagon intranasal 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: Use glucagon for severe hypoglycemia as indicated and recheck glucose after treatment. Give oral carbohydrate once the patient can swallow, and review the insulin dose after the episode.
What other medicines interact with Insulin degludec?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Insulin degludec with, for example, Alogliptin-pioglitazone, Ethanol, Glimepiride-pioglitazone. The full list is on the Insulin degludec page.
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