What Is Gvoke Used For?
Gvoke (glucagon injection) treats severe hypoglycemia in people with diabetes when they can't consume sugar quickly, such as during unconsciousness or seizures. It's an emergency rescue medication administered by caregivers via a prefilled syringe or autoinjector.[1]
How Does Gvoke Work in Emergencies?
It raises blood glucose rapidly—within 10 minutes—by prompting the liver to release stored glucose. The FDA approved it in 2019 specifically for emergency use in adults and children over 2 years old.[1][2]
When Should You Use Gvoke in an Emergency?
Inject it if blood sugar is below 54 mg/dL (or 70 mg/dL with symptoms) and the person can't swallow. Call 911 after use, as effects last 1-1.5 hours; monitor for recurrence.[1]
Gvoke vs. Other Emergency Glucagon Options
| Option | Form | Shelf Life | Key Difference |
|--------|------|------------|----------------|
| Gvoke | Prefilled syringe/autoinjector | 2 years (room temp) | Needle-free option available; faster prep than kits |
| Glucagon Emergency Kit (Lilly) | Powder + syringe | Refrigerate | Requires mixing; more steps |
| Baqsimi | Nasal spray | 2 years (room temp) | No injection; for ages 4+ |
Gvoke avoids reconstitution, suiting high-stress emergencies better.[1][3]
Who Makes Gvoke and Availability?
Manufactured by Xeris Pharmaceuticals. Available by prescription; covered by most insurance for emergency kits. Costs $250-400 per two-pack without coverage.[4]
Common Side Effects in Emergency Use
Nausea (30%), vomiting (10%), headache. Rare: high blood pressure or allergic reactions. Train users via demo devices.[1]
[1]: Gvoke Prescribing Information (FDA)
[2]: FDA Approval Summary
[3]: American Diabetes Association Guidelines
[4]: GoodRx Pricing Data