Warnings for Gvoke
Included as part of the "PRECAUTIONS" Section
Precautions for Gvoke
Substantial Increase In Blood Pressure In Patients With Pheochromocytoma
GVOKE and GVOKE VialDx are contraindicated in patients with pheochromocytoma because glucagon may stimulate the release of catecholamines from the tumor [see CONTRAINDICATIONS]. If the patient develops a substantial increase in blood pressure and a previously undiagnosed pheochromocytoma is suspected, 5 to 10 mg of phentolamine mesylate, administered intravenously, has been shown to be effective in lowering blood pressure.
Hypoglycemia In Patients With Insulinoma
In patients with insulinoma, administration of glucagon may produce an initial increase in blood glucose; however, glucagon administration may directly or indirectly (through an initial rise in blood glucose) stimulate exaggerated insulin release from an insulinoma and cause hypoglycemia. GVOKE and GVOKE VialDx are contraindicated in patients with insulinoma [see CONTRAINDICATIONS]. If a patient develops symptoms of hypoglycemia after a dose of GVOKE or GVOKE VialDx, give glucose orally or intravenously.
Serious Hypersensitivity Reactions
Serious hypersensitivity reactions have been reported with glucagon products, including generalized rash, and in some cases anaphylactic shock with breathing difficulties and hypotension. Discontinue GVOKE or GVOKE VialDx if symptoms of serious hypersensitivity reactions occur. Advise patients and/or caregivers to seek immediate medical attention if the patient experiences any symptoms of serious hypersensitivity reactions. GVOKE and GVOKE VialDx are contraindicated in patients with a prior hypersensitivity reaction to glucagon, or any of the excipients in GVOKE and GVOKE VialDx[see CONTRAINDICATIONS].
Lack Of Efficacy With Subcutaneous Use For Severe Hypoglycemia In Patients With Decreased Hepatic Glycogen
Patients with insufficient hepatic stores of glycogen may not respond to GVOKE for the treatment of severe hypoglycemia [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY]. Insufficient hepatic stores of glycogen may be present in conditions such as states of starvation, or in patients with adrenal insufficiency or chronic hypoglycemia.
Necrolytic Migratory Erythema
Necrolytic migratory erythema (NME), a skin rash commonly associated with glucagonomas (glucagon-producing tumors) and characterized by scaly, pruritic erythematous plaques, bullae, and erosions, has been reported postmarketing following continuous glucagon infusion. GVOKE and GVOKE VialDx are not approved for continuous infusion. NME lesions may affect the face, groin, perineum and legs or be more widespread. In the reported cases NME resolved with discontinuation of the glucagon, and treatment with corticosteroids was not effective. Should NME occur, consider whether the benefits of continuous glucagon infusion outweigh the risks.
Hyperglycemia With Intravenous Use As A Diagnostic Aid In Patients With Diabetes Mellitus
GVOKE VialDx in patients with diabetes mellitus may cause hyperglycemia. Monitor patients with diabetes for changes in blood glucose levels during treatment with GVOKE VialDx and treat hyperglycemia, if indicated.
Blood Pressure And Heart Rate Increases With Intravenous Use As A Diagnostic Aid In Patients With Cardiac Disease
GVOKE VialDx may increase myocardial oxygen demand, blood pressure, and pulse rate which may be life threatening in patients with cardiac disease. Cardiac monitoring is recommended in patients with cardiac disease during use of GVOKE VialDx as a diagnostic aid, and an increase in blood pressure and pulse rate may require therapy.
Hypoglycemia In Patients With Glucagonoma With Intravenous Use As A Diagnostic Aid
Use of GVOKE VialDx in patients with glucagonoma may cause secondary hypoglycemia. GVOKE VialDx is contraindicated in patients with glucagonoma when used as a diagnostic aid [see CONTRAINDICATIONS]. Test patients suspected of having glucagonoma for blood levels of glucagon prior to administration of GVOKE VialDx, and monitor for changes in blood glucose levels during treatment. If a patient develops symptoms of hypoglycemia after administration of GVOKE VialDx, administer glucose orally or intravenously.
Patient Counseling Information
Advise the patient and family members or caregivers to read the GVOKE FDA-approved patient labeling (PATIENT INFORMATION and Instructions for Use).
Recognition Of Severe Hypoglycemia
Inform patients with diabetes mellitus and family members or caregivers on how to recognize the signs and symptoms of severe hypoglycemia and the risks of prolonged hypoglycemia.
Serious Hypersensitivity Reactions
Inform patients that serious hypersensitivity reactions can occur with GVOKE and GVOKE VialDx. Advise patients to seek immediate medical attention if they experience any symptoms of serious hypersensitivity reactions [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Hyperglycemia With Intravenous Use As a Diagnostic Aid In Patients With Diabetes Mellitus
Inform patients with diabetes mellitus that treatment with GVOKE VialDx may increase their risk of hyperglycemia [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Blood Pressure And Heart Rate Increase With Intravenous Use As A Diagnostic Aid In Patients With Cardiac Disease
Inform patients with cardiac disease that intravenous treatment with GVOKE VialDx may increase their risk of a transient increase in blood pressure and heart rate [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Nonclinical Toxicology
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment Of Fertility
Long term studies in animals to evaluate carcinogenic potential have not been performed. Recombinant glucagon was positive in the bacterial Ames assay. It was determined that an increase in colony counts was related to technical difficulties in running this assay with peptides. Studies in rats have shown that glucagon does not cause impaired fertility.
Use In Specific Populations
Pregnancy
Risk Summary
Available data from case reports and a small number of observational studies with glucagon use in pregnant women over decades of use have not identified a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. Multiple small studies have demonstrated a lack of transfer of pancreatic glucagon across the human placental barrier during early gestation. In a rat reproduction study, no embryofetal toxicity was observed with glucagon administered by injection during the period of organogenesis at doses representing up to 40 times the human dose, based on body surface area (mg/m2) (see Data).
The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively.
Data
Animal Data
In pregnant rats given animal sourced glucagon twice-daily by injection at doses up to 2 mg/kg (up to 40 times the human dose based on body surface area extrapolation, mg/m2) during the period of organogenesis, there was no evidence of increased malformations or embryofetal lethality.
Lactation
Risk Summary
There is no information available on the presence of glucagon in human or animal milk, the effects of the drug on the breastfed infant, or the effects of the drug on milk production. However, glucagon is a peptide and would be expected to be broken down to its constituent amino acids in the infant's digestive tract and is therefore, unlikely to cause harm to an exposed infant.
Pediatric Use
The safety and effectiveness of GVOKE for subcutaneous use for the treatment of severe hypoglycemia in patients with diabetes have been established in pediatric patients aged 2 years and older. Use of GVOKE for this indication is supported by evidence from two adequate and well-controlled studies in adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus [see Clinical Studies] and from a study in 31 pediatric patients ages 2 and older with type 1 diabetes mellitus [see Clinical Studies].
The safety and effectiveness of GVOKE for subcutaneous use for the treatment of severe hypoglycemia in patients with diabetes have not been established in pediatric patients younger than 2 years of age.
Safety and effectiveness of GVOKE VialDx for intravenous use as a diagnostic aid during radiologic examinations to temporarily inhibit movement of the gastrointestinal tract in pediatric patients have not been established.
Geriatric Use
Clinical studies of GVOKE and GVOKE VialDx did not include sufficient numbers of patients aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger adult patients.