Baqsimi : Uses, Side effects, and Interactions

Overview

Baqsimi

Baqsimi is a brand name for prescription medicine. It comes packaged as a powder to be sprayed into the nose. It contains the active ingredient glucagon, which is used to treat hypoglycemia or low blood sugar. When blood glucose levels go below normal, it is a severe condition that affects people with diabetes and can have serious consequences.

In this article, we will look at the main characteristics of Baqsimi, as well as its mode of action, dose, administration, storage, uses, side effects, precautions, and other drug interactions.

Key Facts

• Glucagon belongs to a category of drugs called glycogenolytic agents.¹Overview| Researched based study from Nlm.nih.gov
• FDA, on July 24, 2019, approved Baqsimi nasal powder as the first glucagon therapy for emergency management of severe hypoglycemia that can be delivered without an injection.²Overview| Researched based study from Fda.gov
• Renowned pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly and Company created it.
• Baqsimi is only marketed under its brand name and is the only dry nasal spray that can be used to treat extreme hypoglycemia.
• Baqsimi is solely intended for intranasal administration and can be used by adults and children four years and older.

Dosage

Dosage of Baqsimi

BAQSIMI nasal spray dosage (powder)

For seriously low blood sugar levels in children above four years and adults:

• The suggested dosage of Baqsimi is three milligrams, sprayed into one nostril using an intranasal device. (3)
• While awaiting emergency assistance, a second dose of 3 mg of BAQSIMI from a different device may be administered if there is no reaction after 15 minutes.

How does Baqsimi work?

• Baqsimi (Glucagon), when administered to a patient experiencing low blood sugar in an emergency, aids in blood sugar elevation by dissolving the glycogen protein, which the liver uses to store extra sugar.
• Glucagon assists the liver in releasing glucose into the bloodstream by helping break down glycogen.³Dosage| Researched based study from Dailymed.nih.gov Baqsimi should start increasing the level of blood sugar right away, and the body’s reaction to the medication could take up to 15 minutes.

Administration

How to use Baqsimi?

When severe hypoglycemia symptoms are identified, perform the following and use BAQSIMI nasal spray as soon as possible:

• Follow the instructions provided on the drug’s label.
• Never test the device or push the plunger before administering it.
• Place the tip into one nostril and entirely bury the plunger of the device until the green line disappears, then push the plunger. It is not necessary to inhale the dose.³Administration| Researched based study from Dailymed.nih.gov
• After giving the medication, look for immediate medical assistance.
• Give oral carbohydrates when the patient reacts to treatment to replenish the liver’s glycogen stores and prevent hypoglycemia from returning.
• Never try to reuse Baqsimi, as each gadget contains one glucagon dose, and discard it after use.⁴Administration| Researched based study from Medlineplus.gov

Storage

Storage of Baqsimi

• Keep the included shrink-wrapped tube at a temperature of up to 86°F (30°C) until you’re ready to use it.
• Baqsimi might not be as effective as intended if the tube has been opened and exposed to moisture.
• Baqsimi’s shelf life is up to two years after the date of manufacture, and the expiration date on the carton should always be checked before use.⁵Storage| Researched based study from Baqsimi.com
• Store it in such a way that it is not accessible to kids or household pets.

Uses

What is Baqsimi used for?

For low blood sugar

Baqsimi manages severely low blood sugar in patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Doctors can prescribe it to adults and children aged four and older. few symptoms of low blood sugar include:

• Confusion
• Shaky
• Hungry
• Dizzy
• Lightheadedness
• Irritability
• Rapid heartbeat
• Headache
• Slurred speech
• Blurry vision
• Sweating
• Seizures
• Loss of consciousness ⁶Uses| Researched based study from Niddk.nih.gov

Baqsimi vs. Glucagon injection

• Glucagon injection must be provided through injections, whereas Baqsimi is a nasal powder formulation sprayed into one nostril and eliminates the fear of needles.
• Ease of administration – Compared to administering glucagon injections, the administration of Baqsimi is simple and can be done by family members or caretakers in an emergency.
• Storage – Glucagon injections must be refrigerated and kept away from light, but Baqsimi is a stable, ready-to-use nasal powder that does not require refrigeration.
• Effectiveness – Baqsimi is just as successful at treating hypoglycemia as glucagon injections.⁷Uses| Researched based study from Nlm.nih.gov

Side effects

Side effects of Baqsimi

Some of the side effects of using a nasal spray of Baqsimi may include:

• Nausea
• Headache
• Vomiting
• Nasal itching
• Watery eyes
• Redness of eyes
• Itchy eyes
• Runny nose
• Nasal congestion ³Side effects| Researched based study from Dailymed.nih.gov
• Sneezing
• Rapid heartbeat
• Change in taste or smell

Allergic reactions due to Baqsimi

• Rashes
• Hives
• Swollen eyes
• Swelling of lips, tongue, or throat
• Breathing difficulty
• Difficulty swallowing ⁴Side effects| Researched based study from Medlineplus.gov

Contraindications

Risks and Contraindications

BAQSIMI is not recommended in patients with:

• Pheochromocytoma due to a possibility for a significant rise in blood pressure.
• Insulinoma due to the possibility of hypoglycemia.
• A history of hypersensitivity to Glucagon or any of the Baqsimi’s contents.³Contraindications| Researched based study from Dailymed.nih.gov

Precautions

Precautions

• Glucagon has been linked to allergic responses, including anaphylactic shock, respiratory problems, and hypotension ³Precautions| Researched based study from Dailymed.nih.gov
• Baqsimi should not be used in children under four as the safety and effectiveness of Glucagon nasal powder in this age group have not been established. ⁸Precautions| Researched based study from Mayoclinic.org
• Patients and caregivers should read the package instructions for users when they receive their prescription for Baqsimi rather than waiting until an emergency occurs.
• Baqsimi only works to cure hypoglycemia when enough glycogen stores exist in the liver. Patients starving, with adrenal insufficiency or persistent hypoglycemia, may not have enough hepatic glycogen and must be given glucose.
• The safety of taking Baqsimi while pregnant is not known. As a result, expecting mothers should discuss their plans with their doctor.
• There aren’t enough studies on women to determine the harm to the baby of taking this medicine while nursing, so consult a doctor.
• Before one requires assistance from a family member or caregiver, make sure they know where the medication is kept and how to use it.

Interactions

Interactions of Baqsimi

Baqsimi may interact with the following drugs:

• Warfarin
• Beta-blockers
• Indomethacin

Warfarin

• The Glucagon in Baqsimi may also slow down blood clots, and giving it to patients taking warfarin may increase the risk of bleeding and should be discussed with a doctor.⁹Interactions| Researched based study from Fda.gov

Beta-blockers

• When receiving Baqsimi, patients taking beta-blockers such as atenolol, carvedilol, and propranolol may experience a temporary rise in heart rate and blood pressure.⁹Interactions| Researched based study from Fda.gov

Indomethacin

• Indomethacin has a lowering effect on blood sugar, and administering balsamic in patients taking indomethacin may not be able to raise blood glucose.⁹Interactions| Researched based study from Fda.gov

Bottom Line

The Bottom Line

Baqsimi, the innovative nasal powder formulation of Glucagon, has revolutionized the treatment of severe hypoglycemia in individuals with diabetes. Its simplicity, accessibility, and ease of use make it an invaluable addition to low-sugar management. However, it is essential to note that Baqsimi is intended to treat severe hypoglycemia and should not replace routine blood glucose monitoring and diabetes management practices.