Glucagon
Glucagon is a pancreatic peptide hormone used in prescription products for severe hypoglycemia and selected diagnostic procedures. Product formulations and indications differ.
At a glance
- Evidence stage
- Approved use
- Regulatory status
- US-approved glucagon products have formulation-specific indications. GVOKE treats severe hypoglycemia in diabetes from age 2; some presentations are discontinued.
- Research context
- Glucagon is a pancreatic peptide hormone used in prescription products for severe hypoglycemia and selected diagnostic procedures. Product formulations and indications differ.
What this is
- Glucagon is a pancreatic peptide hormone used in prescription products for severe hypoglycemia and selected diagnostic procedures. Product formulations and indications differ.
What this isn't
- A recommendation to use, prepare, combine, or administer a product
- Evidence that a related molecule or a differently formulated product has the same effects
Key terms
Glucagon is a pancreatic peptide hormone used in prescription products for severe hypoglycemia and selected diagnostic procedures. Product formulations and indications differ.
Glucagon raises blood glucose by activating liver receptors and releasing glucose from stored glycogen. It also relaxes gastrointestinal smooth muscle, explaining a separate diagnostic use in some labels. These two clinical roles must not be confused with the effects of medicines that activate several metabolic hormone receptors at once. Product label.
Evidence limits
How to read the evidence
The current FDA GVOKE record includes both marketed and discontinued presentations. FDA application record. Evidence for one nasal or injectable preparation cannot settle availability or instructions for another. This overview explains pharmacology and study boundaries; it does not replace an individualized emergency plan. Product-specific scope.
Sources appraised 2026-10-28. Educational information; not medical advice. Study findings apply to the populations, preparations and outcomes described.
External sources and citations
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