Intranasal Glucagon (Baqsimi)



The FDA has approved the first intranasal glucagon product! It's branded under the name Baqsimi, and it's indicated for any patient aged 4 or older who has diabetes and has a risk of severe hypoglycemia. The reason this is such big news is that intramuscular glucagon administration can be complex as it requires reconstitution, which is not very easy for people to do in an emergent situation, especially if they are non-medical people urgently trying to take care of a loved one. If you're familiar with how to administer intranasal naloxone, then you already know how to use Baqsimi! It's important for us to educate patients caregivers/family/friends on how to administer this. The tip is placed in the patients nostril, and then the plunger is pushed to administer the drug. No inhalation is needed from the patient which is why it can be used when patients are unconscious. We will have to see insurance coverage and prices when it's available, but estimated price is listed as $280 which is actually similar to IM glucagon kits. So overall, at a similar price and equal efficacy but easier administration, doesn't seem to be many reasons to use IM glucagon for patients to have for emergency situations.



#Intranasal #Glucagon #Baqsimi #Pharmacology #Hypoglycemia