Baqsimi® Nasal Powder for Severe Hypoglycemia

Baqsimi is a glucagon rescue treatment given into the nose for severe low blood sugar emergencies.

This page helps you understand use steps, caregiver roles, and storage basics, with US delivery from Canada and options if paying without insurance.

What Baqsimi Is and How It Works

Baqsimi® is an intranasal form of glucagon indicated to treat severe hypoglycemia in people with Diabetes. The active hormone raises blood glucose by stimulating glycogen breakdown and gluconeogenesis in the liver. It is supplied in a ready-to-use single-dose device for use in one nostril. Inhalation effort is not required for effect. Trained caregivers can administer it when the person is unconscious, having a seizure, or not able to safely swallow.

CanadianInsulin connects patients with licensed Canadian pharmacies. Prescriptions are verified with your clinic before dispensing.

Who It’s For

This medicine is for individuals with diabetes aged 4 years and older who experience severe hypoglycemia requiring assistance. A caregiver may give it when the person cannot take oral carbohydrates safely. People with known hypersensitivity to glucagon or device components should not use it. It is contraindicated in pheochromocytoma due to risk of marked hypertension. Those with insulinoma may have limited response and need careful medical management. Learn more about the condition at Severe Hypoglycemia.

Dosage and Usage

Use this rescue therapy at the first sign of a severe episode. Remove the device from its tube immediately before use. Hold the device between fingers and thumb. Gently insert the tip into one nostril and push the plunger firmly all the way until it stops. Do not test spray or prime. Call emergency medical help right away. Turn the person on their side to reduce the risk of choking. Once they are alert and able to swallow, give a fast-acting carbohydrate followed by a snack with protein and complex carbohydrate. If there is no response after about 15 minutes, a second dose from a new device may be given. Each device delivers 3 mg of glucagon.

If you also keep an injectable kit, see technique basics in Glucagon Injection Kit. Follow the patient information leaflet that comes with the product, and ask a clinician to review steps with your caregivers.

Strengths and Forms

This product is supplied as a single-use nasal device packaged in a protective tube. Cartons may include one or two devices depending on market availability. Each unit contains 3 mg of glucagon for intranasal administration. Availability can vary by pharmacy and jurisdiction.

Missed Dose and Timing

This is an emergency treatment, not a scheduled medicine. There is no routine “missed dose.” For an ongoing severe episode, a second dose may be given from a new device if the person does not respond after a short interval. Additional dosing beyond this should be directed by emergency responders or a prescriber. After recovery, contact the healthcare team to review prevention and follow-up.

Storage and Travel Basics

Keep the device at room temperature and protect it from moisture. Store it in its original shrink-wrapped tube until needed. Do not refrigerate or freeze. Avoid bathroom storage and other humid locations. Check the expiration date regularly and replace before it expires. When you travel, carry the device in your hand luggage, along with a copy of your prescription or emergency plan. Make sure caregivers know where you keep it and how to use it. Keep away from children and pets. Do not open the tube until you are ready to use the device.

Benefits

• Needle-free rescue: avoids mixing and injections during an emergency.
• Simple single step: one firm push in one nostril.
• No inhalation needed: absorption occurs through nasal lining.
• Ready when needed: no reconstitution or priming.
• Portable format: small sealed tube fits pockets and kits.
• Caregiver-friendly: straightforward directions support trained helpers.

Side Effects and Safety

• Nausea or vomiting
• Headache or dizziness
• Nasal discomfort or irritation
• Watery eyes or redness
• Throat irritation or cough

Serious reactions are uncommon but can include allergic responses such as rash, breathing difficulty, or swelling. In people with pheochromocytoma, glucagon may trigger a dangerous increase in blood pressure. In those with insulinoma, recurrent low glucose can occur; medical supervision is essential. After recovery, eating or drinking carbohydrate helps maintain glucose levels. Insulin or sulfonylureas can contribute to severe hypoglycemia; talk with a clinician about prevention and dose timing to reduce future events. Seek emergency care for any severe episode.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Beta-blockers may enhance pulse or blood pressure changes after glucagon. Indomethacin can blunt the glucose response. Warfarin effects on coagulation may be increased; monitoring may be needed. Alcohol use, prolonged fasting, or adrenal insufficiency can reduce the response to therapy. Discuss all medicines, including decongestants and supplements, with your prescriber. For broader background on diabetes drug classes, see Diabetes Medications. Do not change maintenance doses of any medicine based on this page; follow your prescriber’s advice.

What to Expect Over Time

This rescue treatment works quickly for many people, but the exact response varies with the situation and glycogen stores. Caregivers should practice the steps and keep the device accessible at home, work, and when traveling. After any use, contact the healthcare team to review potential causes and prevention strategies. Replace the used device promptly and check other emergency supplies, including fast-acting carbohydrates, to keep your kit complete.

Compare With Alternatives

Some patients and caregivers prefer a needle-free option, while others are comfortable with injectable glucagon. The classic alternative is the Glucagon Injection Kit, which requires mixing powder with diluent before injection. For mild episodes when the person can swallow, fast sugars such as Dextrose may be used per your clinician’s plan. Your prescriber can help you choose a rescue method that fits the setting and caregiver skills.

Pricing and Access

Compare Canadian pharmacy pricing with US shipping from Canada. Check current pricing and explore potential cash-pay savings if you are paying without insurance. You can upload your prescription during checkout and view available pack sizes. Prescription required and verified. For condition education and product updates, revisit this page before refills to confirm availability.

Availability and Substitutions

Supply can vary. If it is unavailable, a prescriber may recommend an injectable glucagon kit or another approved glucagon option. Pharmacists and clinicians can advise on suitable substitutions based on age, setting, and caregiver training. We do not provide restock dates; check back periodically or ask your clinician about alternatives.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Many people with diabetes who are at risk for severe hypoglycemia may be candidates for intranasal glucagon. Those with pheochromocytoma or insulinoma should avoid it. Discuss severe allergy history with a clinician before use. Ask if a two-device carton or multi-month quantity is appropriate so you can keep supplies in more than one location. Consider these practical steps to reduce hassle and costs:

• Multi-month planning: ask about longer fills.
• Two-device strategy: keep spares where needed.
• Refill reminders: set phone alerts before expiry.
• Caregiver training: review steps at regular intervals.
• Readiness checks: confirm tube seals and dates monthly.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Am I a good candidate for an intranasal glucagon rescue?
• Who should be trained to give this treatment at home, work, or school?
• When should a second dose be given if there is no response?
• How do my current diabetes medicines affect my risk of severe lows?
• Are there interactions with beta-blockers, indomethacin, or warfarin for me?
• What supplies should stay with the device to complete my emergency kit?
• What travel documentation should I carry for airline security and school or workplace policies?
• How often should we review prevention strategies after any severe event?

Authoritative Sources

US Prescribing Information (PI)DailyMedHealth Canada DPD

Ready to request your supply? Ships from Canada to US. This information is educational and does not replace advice from your healthcare professional. Always follow the patient information and your prescriber’s instructions.