CHICAGO – Experts are addressing the underutilization of glucagon, a critical medication for individuals with diabetes at risk of severe hypoglycemia. At the 85th Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association (ADA) in Chicago, Illinois, Jennifer Goldman, PharmD, CDCES, BC-ADM, FCCP, from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, and Diana Isaacs, PharmD, BCPS, BCACP, BC-ADM, CDCES, of the Cleveland Clinic Diabetes Center, presented insights on overcoming barriers to glucagon prescription and use.

Goldman and Isaacs highlighted that only 4% of the 15 million people using insulin have a glucagon prescription, attributing this to misconceptions about ease of use, cost, and insurance coverage. They stressed the importance of educating health care providers, pharmacists, and patients about newer, user-friendly glucagon options. While recent ADA guidelines recommend glucagon for anyone on insulin, Goldman and Isaacs noted that implementation and awareness remain a challenge.

Barriers to Glucagon Prescription and Utilization

Pharmacy Times: what are the primary barriers to the widespread prescription and utilization of ready-to-use glucagon?

Jennifer Goldman, PharmD, CDCES, BC-ADM, FCCP: There are a lot of different barriers to not getting glucagon, and I think that the paper that we wrote, “Out of Sight, Out of Mind