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Proglycem Information

Proglycem (Diazoxide) is an oral medication primarily used to treat certain types of persistently low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). It is used explicitly in both adults and children for treating hypoglycemia due to excess insulin production from cancerous or non-cancerous tumours in the pancreas or outside the pancreas, that cannot be treated by surgery. It may be used before surgical removal of an operable tumor in the pancreas as a temporary measure and after surgery if low blood sugar levels persist, despite removal of the cancer.

Diazoxide is a benzothiadiazine derivative that works by blocking insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells. It does this by opening potassium channels on these cells, thereby hyperpolarizing the cell and effectively blocking insulin secretion. This results in an increase in blood glucose levels, effectively preventing possible brain damage and even death that may arise from dangerously low blood sugar. Clinical studies show that diazoxide is effective in treating hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia, with a response rate of about 71%. However, this medication should not be used for low blood sugar that can be managed by diet or surgery alone. It is specifically for cases in which the body overproduces insulin due to a medical condition.

Proglycem Side Effects

Like all medications, diazoxide appears to have a range of possible side effects. It may cause some common mild side effects such as excessive hair growth on the forehead, back, arms, or legs, nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, swelling, particularly in the ankles, feet, or hands, joint pain or swelling due to high uric acid in the blood, temporary vision problems, anxiety, headache, lightheadedness, and increased awareness of your heartbeat. Contact your doctor if these mild side effects persist or worsen.

Stop taking this medicine and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any serious side effects, including the following:
• Allergic reactions such as breathing difficulties, body itching, body rash, skin blistering, swelling of the face, mouth, tongue, lips, or throat;
• Abnormal heartbeat (irregular or fast);
• Dangerously high blood sugar with symptoms such as increased urination, increased thirst, increased appetite;
• Diabetic ketoacidosis with symptoms such as extreme thirst, fruity-smelling breath, confusion, and deep breathing;
• Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms, such as fever, body rash, peeling skin, yellow eyes and skin, and reduced urination;
• Pulmonary hypertension with symptoms such as changes in the levels of your blood pressure, high or low, shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness, or fainting;
• Thrombocytopenia (reduced blood platelets) with symptoms like increased chances of bleeding or bruising, fatigue, and weakness

Inform your doctor about any other side effects you notice that are not listed here.

Proglycem Precautions

Do not take this medication if you are allergic to diazoxide, other ingredients in Proglycem, or any other medicines. Before you start taking this medication, ensure that you inform your doctor about any prior or current medical conditions, including the following:
• Functional hypoglycemia, where blood sugar drops after a meal;
• Gout or increased blood uric acid;
• Heart disease;
• Jaundice (increased blood bilirubin, especially in newborns);
• Kidney problems

Your physician may have you undergo regular blood tests to monitor the effects of this medication. This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy as it can cross the placenta and can cause side effects in the baby (like excessive hair growth). You should also not breastfeed while taking this medication, as it can potentially pass through the breast milk. Diazoxide binds tightly to plasma proteins and can displace other drugs from those proteins, thereby altering their effects. It can make blood thinners stronger, increasing the risk of bleeding. Your doctor will likely need to lower the dose of the blood thinner. It can make phenytoin less effective, meaning a higher risk of seizures if you have epilepsy. Therefore, before using this medication, it is imperative to inform your doctor about any other medications you are currently taking, including herbal medicines and supplements, to determine whether it is safe to use with diazoxide.

Take Proglycem capsules orally as prescribed, and ensure that you use this medication under the close observation of your physician. Your doctor will determine the appropriate dose for you. Check out the leaflet in this medication pack for more usage details. Store this medication at temperatures up to 30°C and keep away from children and pets.

Do I need a prescription to order Proglycem?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Proglycem.