Quick Answer: None of the three glucagon brands available in the UK-GlucaGen HypoKit, Baqsimi, and Ogluo-require refrigeration. However, they must be stored at room temperature, typically below 25°C or 30°C, and protected from extreme heat, cold, light, and humidity to maintain effectiveness. Learn more below!
Glucagon is a critical emergency medication for managing severe hypoglycaemia. In the UK, three main brands are available: GlucaGen HypoKit (Novo Nordisk), Baqsimi Nasal Glucagon (Eli Lilly), and Ogluo(Xeris Pharmaceuticals).
Each has its own storage requirements, and understanding how to store your Glucagon properly ensures its effectiveness in emergency situations, when you need it most. Ensuring that glucagon remains viable means understanding temperature requirements, expiration dates, and proper handling methods.
In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about glucagon storage, including whether it needs refrigeration, how temperature affects it, and what to do with expired glucagon.
Related article: How to Travel with Insulin: Tips & Best Practices for Diabetic Travellers with Insulin Supplies!
What is Glucagon?
Glucagon is a hormone-based emergency medication used to treat severe hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) in people with diabetes. It works by stimulating the liver to release stored glucose into the bloodstream, quickly raising blood sugar levels. Unlike fast-acting glucose sources like sweets or juice, glucagon is typically used when a person is unconscious or unable to swallow, making it a critical emergency medication.
Glucagon Brands Available in the UK
There are several types of glucagon available in the UK, each with its own formulation and method of administration. These variations allow people to choose the most suitable option based on their comfort level, medical needs, and ease of use.
✅ GlucaGen HypoKit (Novo Nordisk) - A well-known emergency glucagon kit that contains a freeze-dried powder and a liquid solution, requiring mixing before injection. It must be injected into muscle or under the skin.
✅ Baqsimi Nasal Glucagon (Amphastar Pharmaceuticals) - The first needle-free glucagon option, Baqsimi is a dry powder administered via a single-use nasal spray. This makes it an excellent choice for those uncomfortable with injections or in emergency situations where rapid administration is needed.
✅ Ogluo (Xeris Pharmaceuticals) - A ready-to-use pre-filled auto-injector, eliminating the need for mixing. It is designed for quick and simple administration, making it a convenient option for caregivers and those who may struggle with traditional injections. In the USA, Ogluo is brand named Gvoke.
Each of these brands is designed to effectively counteract severe hypoglycaemia, but their administration and user experience vary. Some require reconstitution, while others are ready-to-use, which can influence an individual's or caregiver's preference. Choosing the right option depends on factors such as ease of administration, storage needs, and personal comfort.
Always check the manufacturer's instructions provided with your glucagon kit, as their administration and storage instructions vary.
Glucagon Storage Instructions by Brand
Different brands of glucagon come with specific storage guidelines that must be followed to maintain their effectiveness. Below, we provide detailed storage instructions for each brand available in the UK.
GlucaGen HypoKit (Novo Nordisk)
GlucaGen HypoKit is a widely used emergency glucagon kit that comes in a freeze-dried powder form with a separate solvent. It requires manual mixing before injection and is quite sensitive to storage temperatures and conditions.
🌡️ Storage before mixing: Keep the kit at room temperature (below 25°C) in its original case to protect it from light and moisture.
🔥 Avoid temperature extremes: Exposure to high heat or freezing temperatures can degrade the powder and solvent, reducing effectiveness.
⏰ Use immedicalty: Once reconstituted, GlucaGen must be used immediately.
🗑️ If the solution changes colour, appears cloudy, or contains particles after mixing, do not use it. Dispose of expired or unused kits through a pharmacy take-back program or as advised by a healthcare professional.
Because GlucaGen requires preparation before use, it is recommended that caregivers and individuals review the mixing instructions ahead of time to ensure they are comfortable administering their glucagon injection in an emergency. Detailed instructions come in the package. If needed, ask for your doctor's or pharmacist advice to show you how to proceed.
Baqsimi Nasal Glucagon (Eli Lilly)
Baqsimi is a needle-free, dry powder glucagon that is administered via a single-use nasal spray. It is designed for easy and rapid use in emergencies where an individual is unable to consume glucose orally or receive an injection.
🌡️ Storage conditions: Baqsimi should be stored at room temperature (below 30°C) in its original packaging to protect it from moisture and contamination.
🔥 Avoid extreme temperatures: It should not be refrigerated, frozen, or exposed to excessive heat, as extreme temperatures can compromise its effectiveness.
📅 Check expiration dates regularly: While Baqsimi has a long shelf life (about 2 years after purchase), it is essential to periodically check the expiration date to ensure the product remains effective.
💦 Keep away from humidity: The glucagon nasal spray should be kept in a dry place and away from areas with high humidity, as moisture could affect the powder formulation.
Ogluo (Xeris Pharmaceuticals)
Ogluo is a pre-filled auto-injector designed for quick and simple administration during severe hypoglycaemic episodes. Unlike traditional glucagon kits that require mixing, Ogluo is ready to use, making it an excellent option for caregivers and individuals who need an immediate and hassle-free solution.
🌡️ Storage conditions: Ogluo should be stored at room temperature (below 25°C) and kept in its original packaging to protect it from light and moisture.
🔥 Avoid extreme temperatures: Exposure to high heat or freezing conditions can degrade the medication's effectiveness. Do not store Ogluo in direct sunlight, a car, or near heating devices.
📅 Shelf life and expiration: Ogluo has a fixed shelf life, and users should check the expiration date regularly. Expired auto-injectors should be replaced immediately to ensure that an effective dose is available when needed.
🗑️ Disposal: Used or expired Ogluo injectors should be disposed of properly, preferably through a pharmacy take-back program or as instructed by a healthcare provider.
Related article: Does Insulin Really Need to be Refrigerated and How Long is it Good out of the Fridge?
Does Glucagon Need to Be Refrigerated?
No, none of the Glucagon formulations mentionned above has to be refrigerated. They all must be kept cool at room temperature, below 25°C (Glucagen and Ogluo) or 30°C (Baqsimi).
If you're travelling with glucagon, it's best to store it in a cool, dry place. If you're going somewhere hot, consider using an insulated travel case to prevent excessive heat exposure. For cold environments, ensure glucagon is not exposed to freezing temperatures, as this can damage its effectiveness.
Understanding Glucagon Shelf Life & Expiration
Like all medications, glucagon has an expiration date. Using expired glucagon may not be effective, so it's essential to check the date regularly and make sure you always have an effective treatment available.
How Long Does Glucagon Last?
The lifespan of glucagon depends on the brand and whether it has been reconstituted or not. Understanding these differences is crucial to ensuring its effectiveness in an emergency.
📅 Manufactured shelf life: Most glucagon kits have a shelf life of 1 to 2 years from the date of manufacture. The expiration date is printed on the packaging, so it's essential to check regularly.
❄️ Reconstituted glucagon (GlucaGen HypoKit): Once mixed, GlucaGen must be used immediately.
🌡️ Pre-mixed glucagon (Ogluo & Baqsimi): These ready-to-use formulations are stable at room temperature and do not require refrigeration. However, they still have a fixed expiration date and should be replaced accordingly.
🔄 Storage impact on shelf life: Exposure to excessive heat, moisture, or freezing temperatures can degrade glucagon faster than expected. Proper storage helps ensure it remains effective until its expiration date.
Regularly checking expiration dates and replacing expired kits ensures you have a reliable, effective glucagon supply when needed.
Can You Use Expired Glucagon?
It's not recommended to use expired glucagon, as its potency may be reduced, making it less effective in treating severe hypoglycaemia. Over time, the chemical structure of glucagon can degrade, leading to reduced reliability in raising blood glucose levels.
📅 Expiration and effectiveness: Most glucagon kits have a strict expiration date, beyond which the manufacturer cannot guarantee effectiveness. Even if the solution appears normal, it may not work as intended and should be discarded.
⚠️ Emergency use exception: If expired glucagon is the only option available in a life-threatening situation, it may still be worth administering while seeking emergency medical assistance. However, it is not a substitute for fresh glucagon.
🗑️ Proper disposal: Expired glucagon should be disposed of following pharmacy take-back programs or per local medical waste guidelines. Never flush it down the toilet or throw it in household waste without proper disposal instructions.
🔄 Regular replacement: It's advisable to check expiration dates monthly and replace expired glucagon immediately to ensure you always have a viable emergency supply.
To prevent being caught without an effective dose, always store glucagon correctly and keep an up-to-date supply on hand.
Related article: Insulin Storage: 10 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Storing Your Insulin Pens and Vials.
Glucagon Storage Tips and Travel Cases
Proper storage of glucagon ensures that it remains effective and ready for use in an emergency. Whether at home, at work, or while travelling, taking the right precautions can prevent deterioration and ensure accessibility when needed.
General Storage Tips
🌡️ Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, moisture, and extreme temperatures. Glucagon should be kept at room temperature, typically below 25-30°C, depending on the brand.
📦 Keep in its original packaging to protect it from contamination, light exposure, and accidental damage.
📅 Regularly check expiration dates and replace outdated kits promptly to ensure you always have a reliable supply.
👨👩👦 Educate household members and caregivers about where the glucagon is stored and how to administer it in an emergency.
💧 Avoid exposure to humidity, as excessive moisture can degrade the medication over time.
When Travelling with Glucagon
🎒 Use a protective travel case to prevent damage and maintain optimal storage conditions.
✈️ Carry glucagon in your hand luggage when flying, as checked luggage compartments may expose it to extreme temperatures.
🌞 Use an insulated cooling pouch in hot climates to prevent excessive heat exposure that could compromise the medication's effectiveness.
❄️ In cold climates, avoid freezing temperatures by keeping the glucagon in an inner pocket close to your body to maintain stable temperatures.
🔄 Carry a backup kit in case of loss, damage, or delays in travel.
🌍 If travelling internationally or for an extended period, check with local pharmacies to ensure you have access to glucagon replacements if necessary.
Related article: Download Your Free Diabetes Travel Letter Template For UK Airport Security Screenings.
Storage in Workplaces and Schools
🏢 Ensure easy access in workplaces, schools, or public spaces where it may be needed in case of an emergency.
🗣️ Inform colleagues, teachers, school nurses, or caregivers about its location and instructions for use.
🔒 Store in a secure but accessible location, ensuring it is out of reach of children but easy to retrieve quickly if needed.
🎒 Consider keeping an extra glucagon kit in a desk, school bag, first aid kit, or with a trusted colleague or teacher.
Emergency Preparedness
⏰ Set reminders or calendar alerts to check expiration dates regularly and replace glucagon kits as needed.
📝 Keep a laminated instruction sheet near the glucagon kit to ensure anyone assisting in an emergency can follow clear steps for administration.
📞 Include an emergency contact list with your glucagon kit so that responders can quickly notify the right people.
🏡 Have a practice run with family members or caregivers to ensure they know how to use glucagon effectively before an emergency arises.
Related article: How to Travel With Insulin That Needs to Be Refrigerated or Kept Cool.
Final Thoughts
Proper glucagon storage ensures it remains effective and ready when needed. By keeping it at the right temperature, checking expiration dates, and storing it in a safe place, you can have peace of mind knowing that your emergency treatment is always effective and reliable.
If you have any doubts about how to store your specific glucagon kit, always check the manufacturer's guidelines or consult your pharmacist or doctor.
We'd Love to Hear Your Thoughts!
💬 Share your experiences, tips, or any questions you have about glucagon storage in the comments below!
