Baqsimi Side Effects: What to Expect and When to Call Your Doctor

Baqsimi (glucagon nasal powder 3 mg) is a rescue medication used in emergencies — specifically when someone with diabetes has severe low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and cannot take food or drink. Because it's used in true emergencies, side effects are generally considered acceptable relative to the risk of untreated severe hypoglycemia.

That said, it's important for patients and caregivers to understand what reactions are normal after Baqsimi administration versus what might require urgent attention. Here's a complete overview of Baqsimi's side effect profile.

Common Side Effects of Baqsimi

These are the side effects seen most frequently in clinical trials. They're generally mild to moderate and resolve on their own:

Nausea — the most commonly reported side effect in adult clinical trials. Can occur due to the glucagon itself or the blood sugar spike that follows administration.

Vomiting — less common than nausea, but reported in clinical studies. If vomiting occurs, ensure the patient is positioned so they don't aspirate.

Headache — reported in both adult and pediatric studies. Often resolves without treatment.

Upper respiratory tract irritation — including throat irritation and discomfort. Common with nasal powder delivery.

Nasal symptoms — including nasal itching, discomfort, and irritation at the nasal lining.

Ocular symptoms — watery eyes, redness of eyes. These are more common with the nasal route than with injectable glucagon.

Parosmia (changed sense of smell) — noted in some patients and typically transient.

Pediatric patients (ages 4-17) in clinical trials reported similar adverse reactions at comparable rates to adults.

Serious Side Effects of Baqsimi — Seek Emergency Help Immediately

Serious reactions to Baqsimi are rare, but they can occur. Get emergency medical help immediately if you notice any of the following after Baqsimi administration:

Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction): Symptoms include generalized rash, hives, difficulty breathing, and dangerously low blood pressure. This is the most serious potential reaction to glucagon and requires immediate emergency care.

Sudden high blood pressure: In patients with pheochromocytoma (tumor of the adrenal gland), Baqsimi can trigger a sudden release of catecholamines causing a hypertensive crisis. Baqsimi is contraindicated in patients with this condition.

Rebound hypoglycemia: In patients with insulinoma (insulin-secreting pancreatic tumor), glucagon can stimulate excessive insulin release, causing blood sugar to drop again. Baqsimi is contraindicated in these patients.

Why Does Baqsimi Cause Nausea?

Nausea after Baqsimi is primarily caused by glucagon itself, not the nasal delivery route. Glucagon inhibits gastric motility (slows the stomach), which can cause an unsettled feeling. The rapid rise in blood glucose from near-zero to normal or above-normal levels can also contribute to GI upset. This is a known effect of all glucagon products, not unique to Baqsimi.

What to Do After Administering Baqsimi

Call 911 immediately after giving Baqsimi, even if the patient begins to respond.

Position the patient safely — on their side in case of vomiting, to prevent aspiration.

When the patient is conscious and able to swallow, give them fast-acting carbohydrates (fruit juice, glucose tablets) followed by a longer-acting carbohydrate snack to prevent blood sugar from dropping again.

If no response after 15 minutes, a second dose from a new Baqsimi device may be given while waiting for emergency services.

Who Is Most at Risk for Side Effects?

Patients with prior glucagon hypersensitivity (contraindicated — use an alternative).

Patients with pheochromocytoma or insulinoma (both are contraindications).

Patients who are starving or have adrenal insufficiency — may have insufficient liver glycogen for glucagon to work effectively (this can lead to treatment failure, not necessarily worse side effects).

For information on drugs that interact with Baqsimi and can affect its safety profile, see our guide on Baqsimi drug interactions.

Reporting Side Effects

You can report side effects from Baqsimi to the FDA's MedWatch program at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 1-800-FDA-1088. Reporting helps the FDA monitor medication safety across the entire patient population.

The Bottom Line on Baqsimi Side Effects

The most common side effects of Baqsimi — nausea, headache, and nasal/eye irritation — are mild and expected after any glucagon administration. Serious reactions are rare but include anaphylaxis, which requires immediate emergency care. For most patients with diabetes who are at risk of severe hypoglycemia, the benefit of having Baqsimi available far outweighs the risk of these side effects.

If you've been prescribed Baqsimi but are having trouble finding it in stock, medfinder can help locate pharmacies near you that have it available.