Nasal glucagon

Nasal glucagon is a medication approved by the United Kingdom’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) for the treatment of severe hypoglycemia in adults and children with diabetes. It is an alternative to injectable glucagon and may be particularly useful for emergency medical services (EMS) personnel in situations where the injection is difficult or not feasible.

Pros:

  1. Ease of use: Nasal glucagon is easy to administer and does not require injection, making it a more attractive option for EMS personnel who may not be trained to administer injections.
  2. Rapid onset of action: Nasal glucagon has a rapid onset of action and can increase blood glucose levels within 10-20 minutes, which may be particularly important in emergency situations.
  3. Fewer side effects: Nasal glucagon has fewer side effects compared to injectable glucagon, with the most common side effect being nausea.

Cons:

  1. Cost: Nasal glucagon is more expensive compared to injectable glucagon, which may be a concern for EMS providers and healthcare systems.
  2. Limited availability: Nasal glucagon is not widely available and may not be stocked by all EMS agencies.
  3. Inconsistent absorption: The absorption of nasal glucagon can be inconsistent, with some patients experiencing lower blood glucose levels than expected.

Overall, nasal glucagon has the potential to be a useful option for EMS personnel in the treatment of severe hypoglycemia. However, the cost and limited availability may be factors to consider when deciding whether to use this medication. It is important to follow appropriate protocols and guidelines for the use of nasal glucagon to ensure safe and effective administration.

Why would it benefit EMS services?

Nasal glucagon may benefit EMS personnel over injectable glucagon in situations where the injection is difficult or not feasible. This could include situations where the patient is uncooperative, has difficult venous access, or is in a location where injection may not be practical (e.g. a confined space or a moving vehicle).

Nasal glucagon is also easier to administer compared to injectable glucagon, which may be particularly useful for EMS personnel who may not be trained to administer injections. In addition, nasal glucagon has a rapid onset of action and can increase blood glucose levels within 10-20 minutes, which is important in emergency situations where prompt treatment is needed.

Overall, nasal glucagon provides EMS personnel with an additional option for the treatment of severe hypoglycemia that may be more practical and easier to use in certain situations. However, it is important to follow appropriate protocols and guidelines for the use of nasal glucagon to ensure safe and effective administration.

 

Article Source :  Steve Hutchinson (EMSUK Learning)