Baqsimi is a needle-free nasal glucagon treatment used to quickly raise blood sugar during an episode of severe hypoglycemia (very low blood glucose) in people with diabetes. Its active ingredient, glucagon, tells the liver to release stored glucose so levels rise fast—especially when a person can’t swallow safely or is unconscious. Baqsimi is supplied as a single-use, 3 mg intranasal powder device (no priming, no needles) and is approved for adults and children 4 years and older.
In this clear, patient-friendly guide, you’ll learn what Baqsimi is, how it works, when doctors prescribe it, how to use it correctly, possible side effects, safety tips, and answers to the most-searched questions (price, coupon, manufacturer, nasal spray vs powder, trainer device, pronunciation, and more).
Quick disclaimer: This article is for education only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always follow your clinician’s instructions and your diabetes care plan.
What Is Baqsimi?
Baqsimi (pronounced “back-SEE-mee”) is a ready-to-use intranasal glucagon product for severe hypoglycemia. Unlike older emergency kits that require mixing a powder with liquid and injecting, Baqsimi delivers a fixed 3 mg dose of glucagon through the nose—even if the person is not breathing through the nose at the moment. It’s designed for use by caregivers, family members, friends, teachers, or coworkers when a person with diabetes needs immediate help.
Baqsimi comes in two main packages:
- Single-pack: One device preloaded with 3 mg glucagon (one dose).
- Two-pack: Two separate single-use devices (allows a second dose if needed).
A Trainer device (no medicine) is available for practice. Keep the real Baqsimi sealed until an actual emergency.
How Does Baqsimi Work?
Glucagon is a natural counter-regulatory hormone to insulin. When delivered as medicine, it:
- Stimulates the liver to break down glycogen and release glucose into the bloodstream.
- Raises blood sugar quickly, helping reverse confusion, seizures, or loss of consciousness due to low glucose.
- Works without swallowing: The dry powder is absorbed through the nasal lining, so the person doesn’t need to inhale or take a breath.
Because it relies on the liver’s stored glycogen, glucagon can be less effective after prolonged fasting, heavy alcohol intake, starvation/malnutrition, or with certain medical conditions that deplete glycogen—see precautions below.
Common Uses of Baqsimi
Baqsimi is prescribed for emergency treatment of severe hypoglycemia in:
- Adults with diabetes (Type 1 or insulin-treated Type 2).
- Children ≥4 years who are at risk of severe lows.
Severe hypoglycemia usually means the person cannot self-treat because of confusion, unconsciousness, or seizure, or due to the risk of choking if they tried to eat or drink. Baqsimi is not for everyday mild lows that can be treated with fast-acting carbohydrates.
Baqsimi Dosage and Administration
Your exact plan should follow your prescriber’s instructions and diabetes emergency action plan. Typical directions are:
Dose (adults and children ≥4 years)
- One device = one dose = 3 mg given into one nostril.
- If there is no response after 15 minutes, use a new device to give one additional dose (if available) and call emergency services if not already done.
Step-by-Step Use (Caregiver Guide)
- Recognize severe hypoglycemia: unconsciousness, seizure, inability to swallow, or severe confusion.
- Call emergency help (or have someone call).
- Remove Baqsimi from the shrink-wrapped tube and open the cap. Do not test or prime.
- Hold device between fingers and thumb. Insert the tip gently into one nostril until your fingers touch the outside of the nose.
- Push the plunger firmly all the way in to give the full dose. The person does not need to inhale.
- Turn the person on their side to reduce the risk of choking if vomiting occurs.
- As they wake up, give fast-acting carbs (juice, regular soda, glucose gel/tablets), then a meal/snack with protein & complex carbs once safe to swallow.
- Monitor blood glucose and seek medical evaluation after the event—even if symptoms improve.
- Replace the used device as soon as possible; Baqsimi is single-use only.
Tips for Families/Schools/Workplaces
- Practice with the Baqsimi Trainer so helpers feel confident.
- Store the real device in an easily accessible place; tell coworkers/teachers where it is.
- Set reminders to check expiration dates and reorder before expiry.
Side Effects of Baqsimi
Most side effects are temporary and mild to moderate. They often improve as glucose normalizes.
Common (usually mild)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headache
- Nasal/eye symptoms: runny or stuffy nose, watery eyes, redness, itchiness, throat irritation, sneezing, cough
- Dizziness or fatigue
Less Common but Important
- Serious allergic reaction (rare): rash, swelling of face/lips/tongue, trouble breathing—call emergency services.
- Temporary increases in blood pressure or heart rate, especially if taking beta-blockers.
- Worsening symptoms if an insulinoma (insulin-secreting tumor) is present—follow medical guidance.
Because Baqsimi is used in emergencies, benefits usually outweigh risks. Still, caregivers should read the Instructions for Use in advance.
Warnings and Precautions
- Do not use if you have a pheochromocytoma (adrenal tumor); glucagon may trigger dangerous hypertension.
- Insulinoma: Use with caution and under specialist care; glucagon may cause a rebound low—follow with oral/IV glucose once the person can swallow.
- Ineffectiveness possible when liver glycogen is depleted: prolonged fasting, starvation/malnutrition, adrenal insufficiency, or heavy alcohol use. Emergency professionals may need to give IV glucose.
- Nasal congestion/colds: Baqsimi can still work, though nasal symptoms may be more noticeable.
- Children under 4 years: Not approved.
- Pregnancy & breastfeeding: Discuss with your obstetric and diabetes team; severe hypoglycemia itself is risky, so having an emergency plan is essential.
- Driving/operating machinery: After a severe low, recovery may take time; follow your clinician’s advice before resuming activities.
Drug and Product Interactions
- Beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol): may enhance blood pressure/heart rate effects and blunt shakiness warning signs of hypoglycemia.
- Indomethacin (an NSAID): can reduce glucagon’s glucose-raising effect in some cases.
- Warfarin: glucagon may potentiate anticoagulant effect; monitoring may be advised.
- Alcohol: increases risk of hypoglycemia and can reduce glucagon effectiveness by depleting liver glycogen.
- Insulin or sulfonylureas: these are the causes of many severe lows—review doses with your diabetes team if events recur.
Always keep an updated medication list with your diabetes supplies so emergency personnel can review quickly.
Baqsimi vs. Other Emergency Glucagon Options
- Baqsimi (intranasal 3 mg): Needle-free, no mixing, single use, easy for non-medical helpers; causes more nasal/eye irritation than injections in some users.
- Gvoke® (glucagon injection; prefilled syringe or HypoPen®): Ready-to-use injection (no mixing); appropriate when nasal route is undesirable.
- Zegalogue® (dasiglucagon injection): A glucagon analog in a prefilled device; works similarly.
- Traditional glucagon kits (reconstitution + injection): Effective but more steps and higher error rates during emergencies.
All options aim to rapidly reverse severe hypoglycemia. The “best” choice depends on your preferences, training, insurance coverage, and your clinician’s advice. Many families keep two devices (e.g., Baqsimi at school, an autoinjector at home).
Cost, Availability & “Over-the-Counter” Status
- Prescription-only in most countries.
- Brand manufacturer: Eli Lilly.
- Price varies by region, pharmacy, and insurance; copay cards or patient assistance may lower out-of-pocket cost.
- Because each device is single-use, many patients request a two-pack for immediate backup.
Search terms people use: Baqsimi price, coupon, cost, nasal spray price, manufacturer, trainer. Ask your pharmacist about savings programs and generic availability (at the time of writing, Baqsimi is brand only).
Special Section: Nasal Powder vs. “Spray,” Trainer & Storage
- Baqsimi Nasal Powder (3 mg): Often called a “nasal spray,” but it’s actually a dry powder that doesn’t require inhalation.
- Trainer Device: Contains no medicine; use to practice steps with caregivers, teachers, or coworkers.
- Storage:
- Keep at room temperature (no refrigeration).
- Store in the sealed tube until use; do not open the device to “check it.”
- Check expiration dates regularly.
- Do not reuse a device; each contains a single dose.
Proper Care With Baqsimi (Before, During, After)
Before an emergency
- Educate family/friends; demonstrate with the Trainer.
- Keep at least one device in all key locations (home, school, work, gym bag).
- Label diabetes kits with your name, diagnosis, and emergency contacts.
During an emergency
- Call for help.
- Give one dose into one nostril.
- Place on side to prevent choking; protect from injury if a seizure occurs.
After recovery
- Provide fast carbs immediately, then a meal/snack.
- Monitor glucose for several hours—another low can occur.
- Replace the used device.
- If severe lows happen repeatedly, contact your diabetes team to review insulin settings, meal timing, activity, and sick-day rules.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Who should carry Baqsimi?
Anyone with Type 1 diabetes or insulin-treated Type 2 diabetes at risk for severe lows should have an emergency glucagon product, and make sure caregivers know how to use it.
Q2. How fast does Baqsimi work?
Blood glucose typically begins to rise within minutes, with clinical recovery following soon after. Give fast carbs as soon as it’s safe to swallow.
Q3. Can I give Baqsimi if the person has a cold or nasal congestion?
Yes. It’s absorbed through the nasal lining and doesn’t require inhalation. Nasal symptoms may be more noticeable.
Q4. Can I use Baqsimi for mild lows instead of eating glucose tablets?
No. Baqsimi is for severe hypoglycemia when the person cannot self-treat safely.
Q5. Is there a generic for Baqsimi?
At present, Baqsimi is brand-only. Savings cards or assistance programs from Eli Lilly may help eligible patients.
Q6. Can I give a second dose?
If the person hasn’t responded in 15 minutes, you may give one additional 3 mg dose using a new device, and keep emergency services on the way.
Q7. What if the person vomits after dosing?
Turn them on their side to prevent choking. Vomiting is common with glucagon and usually short-lived. Once awake, give carbohydrates to prevent another drop.
Q8. Does Baqsimi interact with my blood pressure pills?
Beta-blockers may intensify BP/heart rate changes. Tell your clinician all medicines you take, including warfarin and indomethacin.
Q9. What are the main side effects?
Nausea/vomiting, headache, and nasal/eye irritation are most common. Serious allergy is rare—seek help for trouble breathing or swelling.
Q10. How should I store Baqsimi?
Room temperature, sealed in its protective tube, away from moisture and heat. Do not refrigerate or freeze. Replace when expired or after use.
Q11. Is Baqsimi safe for children?
Yes, for children 4 years and older when prescribed. Keep two devices available if your clinician recommends a backup dose.
Q12. What’s the Baqsimi Trainer?
A practice device with no drug. Use it to teach caregivers. Keep the real, sealed Baqsimi for emergencies only.
Final Thoughts
Baqsimi makes treating severe hypoglycemia simpler and faster by eliminating needles and mixing. Its single-use, 3 mg nasal powder design means caregivers can act quickly when seconds matter. To get the best protection:
- Carry Baqsimi and keep a backup where you spend time.
- Train family, friends, teachers, and coworkers with the Trainer device.
- Check expiration dates and replace after use.
- Review your insulin plan with your diabetes team if severe lows recur.
- Remember: after giving Baqsimi and once the person is awake, feed fast carbs, then a balanced snack or meal to stabilize levels.
Used wisely, Baqsimi is a powerful addition to your hypoglycemia safety plan—helping you live, work, learn, and move with more confidence.
