GLUCAGON: 1,452 Adverse Event Reports & Safety Profile

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:

INDICATIONS AND USAGE For the treatment of severe hypoglycemia: Glucagon is indicated as a treatment for severe hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) which may occur in patients with diabetes mellitus. Because patients with type 1 diabetes may have less of an increase in blood glucose levels compared with a stable type 2 patient, supplementary carbohydrate should be given as soon as possible, especially to a pediatric patient. For use as a diagnostic aid: Glucagon is indicated as a diagnostic aid in the radiologic examination of the stomach, duodenum, small bowel, and colon when diminished intestinal motility would be advantageous. Glucagon is as effective for this examination as are the anticholinergic drugs. However, as use of glucagon in combination with anticholinergic drugs may result in increased side effects, the use of glucagon in combination with anticholinergic drugs is not recommended.

Indications For Use

Use glucagon to treat insulin coma or insulin reaction resulting from severe hypoglycemia (very low blood sugar). Symptoms of severe hypoglycemia include disorientation, unconsciousness, and seizures or convulsions. Give glucagon if (1) the patient is unconscious (2) the patient is unable to eat sugar or a sugar-sweetened product (3) the patient is having a seizure, or (4) repeated administration of sugar or a sugar-sweetened product such as a regular soft drink or fruit juice does not improve the patient’s condition. Milder cases of hypoglycemia should be treated promptly by eating sugar or a sugar-sweetened product. (See INFORMATION ON HYPOGLYCEMIA below for more information on the symptoms of hypoglycemia.) Glucagon is not active when taken orally.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE TO PREPARE GLUCAGON FOR INJECTION 1.Remove the flip-off seal from the bottle of glucagon. Wipe rubber stopper on bottle with alcohol swab. 2.Remove the needle protector from the syringe, and inject the entire contents of the syringe into the bottle of glucagon. DO NOT REMOVE THE PLASTIC CLIP FROM THE SYRINGE. Remove syringe from the bottle. 3.Swirl bottle gently until glucagon dissolves completely. GLUCAGON SHOULD NOT BE USED UNLESS THE SOLUTION IS CLEAR AND OF A WATER-LIKE CONSISTENCY. TO INJECT GLUCAGON Use Same Technique as for Injecting Insulin 4.Using the same syringe, hold bottle upside down and, making sure the needle tip remains in solution, gently withdraw all of the solution (1 mg mark on syringe) from bottle. The plastic clip on the syringe will prevent the rubber stopper from being pulled out of the syringe; however, if the plastic plunger rod separates from the rubber stopper, simply reinsert the rod by turning it clockwise. The usual adult dose is 1 mg. For children weighing less than 44 lb (20 kg), give 1/2 adult dose (0.5 mg). For children, withdraw 1/2 of the solution from the bottle (0.5 mg mark on syringe). DISCARD UNUSED PORTION. USING THE FOLLOWING DIRECTIONS, INJECT GLUCAGON IMMEDIATELY AFTER MIXING. 5.Cleanse injection site on buttock, arm, or thigh with alcohol swab. 6.Insert the needle into the loose tissue under the cleansed injection site, and inject all (or 1/2 for children weighing less than 44 lb) of the glucagon solution. Apply light pressure at the injection site, and withdraw the needle. Press an alcohol swab against the injection site. 7.Turn the patient on his/her side. When an unconscious person awakens, he/she may vomit. Turning the patient on his/her side will prevent him/her from choking. 8.FEED THE PATIENT AS SOON AS HE/SHE AWAKENS AND IS ABLE TO SWALLOW. Give the patient a fast-acting source of sugar (such as a regular soft drink or fruit juice) and a long-acting source of sugar (such as crackers and cheese or a meat sandwich). If the patient does not awaken within 15 minutes, give another dose of glucagon and INFORM A DOCTOR OR EMERGENCY SERVICES IMMEDIATELY. 9.Even if the glucagon revives the patient, his/her doctor should be promptly notified. A doctor should be notified whenever severe hypoglycemic reactions occur.

Instructions

1 Instructions 2 Instructions 3 Instructions 4

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 for GVOKE. Visually inspect GVOKE prior to administration. The solution should be clear, colorless to pale yellow Withdraw the correct dose (see below for dosage recommendations). Administer subcutaneously in the lower abdomen, outer thigh, or outer upper arm, according to the printed instructions on the foil pouch label, carton, or the Instructions for Use. Call for emergency assistance immediately after administering the dose. If there has been no response after 15 minutes, an additional dose from a new GVOKE HypoPen, GVOKE PFS, or GVOKE Kit may be administered while waiting for emergency assistance. When the patient has responded to GVOKE, give oral carbohydrates to restore the liver glycogen and prevent recurrence of hypoglycemia. Each GVOKE HypoPen, GVOKE PFS, or GVOKE Kit product contains a single dose of glucagon. Do not reuse and discard any unused portion.

Recommended

Dosage in Adult and Pediatric Patients Aged 12 Years and Older to Treat Severe Hypoglycemia To treat severe hypoglycemia in patients 12 years of age and older with diabetes, use GVOKE HypoPen, GVOKE PFS, or GVOKE Kit: The recommended dose is 1 mg administered by subcutaneous injection into lower abdomen, outer thigh, or outer upper arm. If there has been no response after 15 minutes, an additional 1 mg dose from a new GVOKE HypoPen, GVOKE PFS, or GVOKE Kit may be administered while waiting for emergency assistance Recommended Dosage in Pediatric Patients Aged 2 to less than 12 Years of Age to Treat Severe Hypoglycemia To treat severe hypoglycemia in pediatric patients aged 2 to less than 12 years of age with diabetes, use GVOKE HypoPen, GVOKE PFS, or GVOKE Kit.

• The recommended dose in those who weigh: o Less than 45 kg is 0.5 mg administered by subcutaneous injection into the lower abdomen, outer thigh, or outer upper arm. o 45 kg or greater is 1 mg administered by subcutaneous injection into the lower abdomen, outer thigh, or outer upper arm.
• If there has been no response after 15 minutes, an additional 0.5 mg dose (for those who weigh less than 45 kg) or 1 mg dose (for those who weigh 45 kg or greater) from a new GVOKE HypoPen, GVOKE PFS, or GVOKE Kit may be administered while waiting for emergency assistance.

2.2 Dosage and Administration of GVOKE VialDx for Intravenous Use as a Diagnostic Aid in Adults Important Administration Information For use as a diagnostic aid during radiologic examinations to temporarily inhibit movement of the gastrointestinal tract, use GVOKE VialDx.

Gvoke

VialDx is only for intravenous use under medical supervision Must be diluted with 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection prior to administration. Using a syringe, draw 0.2 mL from the GVOKE VialDx vial and dispense into a separate empty sterile container containing 2 mL of 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection. Gently swirl the container until the solution is thoroughly mixed. The mixed solution should be clear and colorless to pale yellow. Inspect visually for particulate matter and discoloration. The final concentration of the diluted solution is 0.45 mg/mL of glucagon. Draw the required dose from the container into a syringe for administration (see below for dosage recommendations). If not used immediately, diluted GVOKE VialDx may be stored for up to 8 hours after initial dilution. Inject the solution intravenously via a 1-minute slow push using consistent pressure. After the end of the diagnostic procedure, give oral carbohydrates to patients who have been fasting, if this is compatible with the diagnostic procedure.

Gvoke

VialDx contains a single dose of glucagon. Do not reuse. Discard any unused portion.

Recommended

Dosage in Adults as a Diagnostic Aid For use as a diagnostic aid during radiologic examinations to temporarily inhibit movement of the gastrointestinal tract, use GVOKE VialDx. The recommended intravenous dose for relaxation of the [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.2 )]: Stomach, duodenal bulb, duodenum, and small bowel is 0.2 mg to 0.5 mg Colon is 0.5 mg to 0.75 mg The onset of action after an injection will depend on the organ under examination [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.2 )] .

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 )

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 <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Clinical Studies ( 14.1 )]</span> . 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% Hyperglycemia 14% 8% 0% 7% Injection site discomfort 0% 8% 0% 3% Injection site reaction 0% 0% 9% 3% Urticaria 0% 8% 0% 3% GVOKE VialDx for Intravenous Use As a Diagnostic Aid in Adults The safety of GVOKE VialDx for intravenous use as a diagnostic aid in adults was evaluated in an open-label single-dose study in 83 adult healthy volunteers.

Table

3 displays the most common adverse reactions that occurred in 5% or greater in healthy volunteers who received 0.75 mg of GVOKE VialDx intravenously.

Table

3: Adverse Reactions that Occurred ≥ 5 % in Adult Healthy Volunteers Who Received 0.75 mg of GVOKE VialDx for Intravenous Use as a Diagnostic Aid N=83 Nausea 37.3% Dysgeusia 18.1% Headache 10.8% Hot Flush 9.6% Dizziness 8.4%

6.2 Postmarketing Experience Additional adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of glucagon. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is generally not possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Necrolytic migratory erythema (NME) cases have been reported postmarketing in patients receiving continuous infusion of glucagon. Hypoglycemia and hypoglycemic coma. Patients taking indomethacin may be more likely to experience hypoglycemia following glucagon administration <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Drug Interactions ( 7 )]</span> .

AND PRECAUTIONS Substantial Increase in Blood Pressure in Patients with Pheochromocytoma: Contraindicated in patients with pheochromocytoma because glucagon may stimulate the release of catecholamines from the tumor. ( 5.1 )

• Hypoglycemia in Patients with Insulinoma: In patients with insulinoma, administration may produce an initial increase in blood glucose; however, glucagon may stimulate exaggerated insulin release from an insulinoma and cause hypoglycemia. If a patient develops symptoms of hypoglycemia after a dose of GVOKE or GVOKE VialDx, give glucose orally or intravenously. ( 5.2 )
• Serious Hypersensitivity Reactions: Serious hypersensitivity reactions have been reported with glucagon products, including generalized rash, and in some cases anaphylactic shock with breathing difficulties, and hypotension.( 5.3 )
• Lack of Efficacy with Subcutaneous Use for Severe Hypoglycemia in Patients with Decreased Hepatic Glycogen: Patients with insufficient hepatic stores of glycogen may not respond to GVOKE for subcutaneous use for the treatment of severe hypoglycemia. Insufficient hepatic stores of glycogen may be present in conditions such as states of starvation, or in patients with adrenal insufficiency or chronic hypoglycemia. ( 5.4 )
• Necrolytic Migratory Erythema (NME): a skin rash, has been reported postmarketing following continuous glucagon infusion and resolved with discontinuation of the glucagon. GVOKE and GVOKE VialDx are not approved for continuous infusion. Should NME occur, consider whether the benefits of continuous glucagon infusion outweigh the risks. ( 5.5 )
• Hyperglycemia with Intravenous Use as a Diagnostic Aid in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus: GVOKE VialDx in patients with diabetes mellitus may cause hyperglycemia. Monitor patients with diabetes for changes in blood glucose levels during treatment and treat hyperglycemia if indicated. ( 5.6 )
• Blood Pressure and Heart Rate Increases with Intravenous Use as a Diagnostic Aid in Patients with Cardiac Disease: GVOKE VialDx may increase myocardial oxygen demand, blood pressure, and pulse rate. Cardiac monitoring is recommended in patients with cardiac disease during use of GVOKE VialDx as a diagnostic aid, and an increase in blood pressure and pulse rate may require therapy. ( 5.7 )
• Hypoglycemia in Patients with Glucagonoma with Intravenous Use as a Diagnostic Aid: GVOKE VialDx administered to patients with glucagonoma may cause secondary hypoglycemia. Test patients suspected of having glucagonoma for blood levels of glucagon prior to treatment and monitor for changes in blood glucose levels during treatment. ( 5.8 )

5.1 Substantial Increase in Blood Pressure in Patients with Pheochromocytoma GVOKE and GVOKE VialDx are contraindicated in patients with pheochromocytoma because glucagon may stimulate the release of catecholamines from the tumor <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Contraindications ( 4 )]</span> . If the patient develops a substantial increase in blood pressure and a previously undiagnosed pheochromocytoma is suspected, 5 to 10 mg of phentolamine mesylate, administered intravenously, has been shown to be effective in lowering blood pressure.

5.2 Hypoglycemia in Patients with Insulinoma In patients with insulinoma, administration of glucagon may produce an initial increase in blood glucose; however, glucagon administration may directly or indirectly (through an initial rise in blood glucose) stimulate exaggerated insulin release from an insulinoma and cause hypoglycemia. GVOKE and GVOKE VialDx are contraindicated in patients with insulinoma <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Contraindications ( 4 )]</span> . If a patient develops symptoms of hypoglycemia after a dose of GVOKE or GVOKE VialDx, give glucose orally or intravenously.

5.3 Serious Hypersensitivity Reactions Serious hypersensitivity reactions have been reported with glucagon products, including generalized rash, and in some cases anaphylactic shock with breathing difficulties and hypotension. Discontinue GVOKE or GVOKE VialDx if symptoms of serious hypersensitivity reactions occur. Advise patients and/or caregivers to seek immediate medical attention if the patient experiences any symptoms of serious hypersensitivity reactions.GVOKE and GVOKE VialDx are contraindicated in patients with a prior hypersensitivity reaction to glucagon, or any of the excipients in GVOKE and GVOKE VialDx <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Contraindications ( 4 )]</span> .

5.4 Lack of Efficacy with Subcutaneous Use for Severe Hypoglycemia in Patients with Decreased Hepatic Glycogen Patients with insufficient hepatic stores of glycogen may not respond to GVOKE for the treatment of severe hypoglycemia <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.2 )]</span> . Insufficient hepatic stores of glycogen may be present in conditions such as states of starvation, or in patients with adrenal insufficiency or chronic hypoglycemia.

5.5 Necrolytic Migratory Erythema Necrolytic migratory erythema (NME), a skin rash commonly associated with glucagonomas (glucagon-producing tumors) and characterized by scaly, pruritic erythematous plaques, bullae, and erosions, has been reported postmarketing following continuous glucagon infusion.GVOKE and GVOKE VialDx are not approved for continuous infusion. NME lesions may affect the face, groin, perineum and legs or be more widespread. In the reported cases NME resolved with discontinuation of the glucagon, and treatment with corticosteroids was not effective. Should NME occur, consider whether the benefits of continuous glucagon infusion outweigh the risks.

5.6 Hyperglycemia with Intravenous Use as a Diagnostic Aid in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus GVOKE VialDx in patients with diabetes mellitus may cause hyperglycemia. Monitor patients with diabetes for changes in blood glucose levels during treatment with GVOKE VialDx and treat hyperglycemia, if indicated.

5.7 Blood Pressure and Heart Rate Increases with Intravenous Use as a Diagnostic Aid in Patients with Cardiac Disease GVOKE VialDx may increase myocardial oxygen demand, blood pressure, and pulse rate which may be life threatening in patients with cardiac disease. Cardiac monitoring is recommended in patients with cardiac disease during use of GVOKE VialDx as a diagnostic aid, and an increase in blood pressure and pulse rate may require therapy.

5.8 Hypoglycemia in Patients with Glucagonoma with Intravenous Use as a Diagnostic Aid Use of GVOKE VialDx in patients with glucagonoma may cause secondary hypoglycemia.

Gvoke

VialDx is contraindicated in patients with glucagonoma when used as a diagnostic aid [see Contraindications ( 4 )]. Test patients suspected of having glucagonoma for blood levels of glucagon prior to administration of GVOKE VialDx, and monitor for changes in blood glucose levels during treatment. If a patient develops symptoms of hypoglycemia after administration of GVOKE VialDx, administer glucose orally or intravenously.

PRECAUTIONS General Glucagon is effective in treating hypoglycemia only if sufficient liver glycogen is present. Because glucagon is of little or no help in states of starvation, adrenal insufficiency, or chronic hypoglycemia, hypoglycemia in these conditions should be treated with glucose. Information for Patients Refer patients and family members to the attached Information for the User for instructions describing the method of preparing and injecting glucagon. Advise the patient and family members to become familiar with the technique of preparing glucagon before an emergency arises. Instruct patients to use 1 mg for adults and ½ the adult dose (0.5 mg) for pediatric patients weighing less than 44 lb (20 kg). Patients and family members should be informed of the following measures to prevent hypoglycemic reactions due to insulin: Reasonable uniformity from day to day with regard to diet, insulin, and exercise. Careful adjustment of the insulin program so that the type (or types) of insulin, dose, and time (or times) of administration are suited to the individual patient. Frequent testing of the blood or urine for glucose so that a change in insulin requirements can be foreseen. Routine carrying of sugar, candy, or other readily absorbable carbohydrate by the patient so that it may be taken at the first warning of an oncoming reaction. . To prevent severe hypoglycemia, patients and family members should be informed of the symptoms of mild hypoglycemia and how to treat it appropriately. Family members should be informed to arouse the patient as quickly as possible because prolonged hypoglycemia may result in damage to the central nervous system. Glucagon or intravenous glucose should awaken the patient sufficiently so that oral carbohydrates may be taken. Patients should be advised to inform their physician when hypoglycemic reactions occur so that the treatment regimen may be adjusted if necessary.

Laboratory Tests

Blood glucose determinations should be obtained to follow the patient with hypoglycemia until patient is asymptomatic. Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility Because glucagon is usually given in a single dose and has a very short half-life, no studies have been done regarding carcinogenesis. In a series of studies examining effects on the bacterial mutagenesis (Ames) assay, it was determined that an increase in colony counts was related to technical difficulties in running this assay with peptides and was not due to mutagenic activities of the glucagon. Reproduction studies have been performed in rats at doses up to 2 mg/kg glucagon administered two times a day (up to 40 times the human dose based on body surface area, mg/m 2 ) and have revealed no evidence of impaired fertility.

Pregnancy

Reproduction studies have not been performed with recombinant glucagon. However, studies with animal sourced glucagon were performed in rats at doses up to 2 mg/kg glucagon administered two times a day (up to 40 times the human dose based on body surface area, mg/m 2 ), and have revealed no evidence of impaired fertility or harm to the fetus due to glucagon. There are, however, no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.

Nursing

Mothers It is not known whether this drug is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when glucagon is administered to a nursing woman. If the drug is excreted in human milk during its short half-life, it will be hydrolyzed and absorbed like any other polypeptide. Glucagon is not active when taken orally because it is destroyed in the gastrointestinal tract before it can be absorbed.

Pediatric Use

For the treatment of severe hypoglycemia: The use of glucagon in pediatric patients has been reported to be safe and effective. 2-6 For use as a diagnostic aid: Effectiveness has not been established in pediatric patients.

Geriatric Use

Clinical studies of glucagon did not include sufficient whether they respond differently from younger subjects. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy.

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.

ACTIVE INGREDIENTS Glucagon 9X, 12X, 30X, 60X

INACTIVE INGREDIENTS 20% ethanol, purified water.