Novo Nordisk Launches GlucaGen HypoKit
An easy-to-use kit now available to treat severe hypoglycemic episodes with no danger of overdose
Princeton, NJ - Novo Nordisk today announced its GlucaGen HypoKit is now available for use to treat severe hypoglycemic reactions that may occur in individuals who have insulin-dependent diabetes. The GlucaGen HypoKit is fully portable and can be used wherever it is needed, in any setting.
GlucaGen HypoKit is an emergency kit consisting of a syringe prefilled with sterile water for mixing and a vial of GlucaGen powder. The hard-shell, bright orange case provides product protection, does not require refrigeration, and is easily identifiable in an emergency. GlucaGen HypoKit also has comprehensive picture instructions for the administrator during an emergency situation and holds no danger of overdose. Family members or caregivers should practice and become familiar with the technique of preparing glucagon before an emergency arises. Additionally, GlucaGen HypoKit is safe for use in children.
"Making GlucaGen available to people living with diabetes in a non-hospital setting addresses a huge unmet medical need because a vast majority of patients on insulin therapy do not currently own a glucagon emergency kit," said Peter Aurup, M.D. vice president of Clinical Development, Medical, and Regulatory Affairs, Novo Nordisk Inc. "GlucaGen HypoKit is an important and potentially life-saving addition to our U.S. portfolio, demonstrating our commitment to leadership in diabetes care," he added.
Hypoglycemia, also called low blood sugar, occurs when the body's insulin level is too high and blood glucose (sugar) level drops too low to provide enough energy for the body's normal functions. If mild or moderate hypoglycemia is not treated promptly with some form of glucose, it can develop into severe hypoglycemia.
Sixty-five percent of people living with type 1 diabetes, intensively treated with insulin over 6.5 years experienced severe hypoglycemia, this risk being three times higher with intensive insulin therapy vs. conventional insulin therapy. Eleven percent of people living with type 2 diabetes treated with insulin had major glycemic episodes requiring third-party assistance or hospital admission over six years.
"The fear of hypoglycemia is a major barrier to patients achieving optimal blood glucose control, particularly in patients who have had severe hypoglycemia including a convulsive or unconscious episode," commented Francine R. Kaufman, M.D., author of Diabesity (Bantam). "GlucaGen HypoKit will provide people living with diabetes an immediate first choice solution to severe hypoglycemia."
GlucaGen is used to treat severe hypoglycemic (low blood sugar) reactions which may occur in patients with diabetes treated with insulin. GlucaGen should be used with caution in patients with conditions such as prolonged fasting, starvation, adrenal insufficiency, or chronic hypoglycemia because these conditions result in low levels of releasable glucose in the liver and an inadequate reversal of hypoglycemia by GlucaGen treatment. Nausea and vomiting may occur especially with doses above 1 mg. Allergic reactions may occur and include generalized rash. Do not use GlucaGen if you are allergic to glucagon or to one of the inactive ingredients in GlucaGen. Hypoglycemia may occur again following glucagon treatment.
SOURCE: Novo Nordisk