pramlintide (Symlin) Uses, Side Effects & Dosage

What is pramlintide? What is pramlintide used for?

Pramlintide is an injectable drug that lowers the level of sugar (glucose) in blood. It is used for treating type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Pramlintide is a synthetic (man-made) hormone that resembles human amylin. Amylin is a hormone that is produced by the pancreas and released into the blood after meals where it helps the body to regulate levels of blood glucose. Amylin acts in several ways to control blood glucose. It slows the rate at which food (including glucose) is absorbed from the intestine. Amylin reduces the production of glucose by the liver by inhibiting the action of glucagon, a hormone produced by the pancreas that stimulates the production of glucose by the liver. Amylin also reduces appetite. In studies, pramlintide-treated patients achieved lower blood glucose levels and experienced weight loss. Pramlintide was approved by the FDA in March 2005.

What brand names are available for pramlintide?

Symlin

Is pramlintide available as a generic drug?

No.

Do I need a prescription for pramlintide?

Yes.

What are the side effects of pramlintide?

Common side effects of pramlintide include:

• nausea,
• hypoglycemia (excessively low blood glucose),
• vomiting,
• headache,
• abdominal pain,
• weight loss, and
• fatigue.

Nausea decreases with continued administration of pramlintide and is less severe when pramlintide is slowly increased to the desired dose. When used with insulin, especially in patients with type 1 diabetes, severe hypoglycemia may occur. If severe hypoglycemia occurs, it usually manifests within 3 hours after receiving pramlintide.

What is the dosage for pramlintide?

Pramlintide should be administered under the skin (subcutaneously) prior to major meals. Patients with type 1 diabetes should start treatment with a dose of 15 mcg that is increased by 15 mcg increments to 30 or 60 mcg as tolerated. Treatment of type 2 diabetes should start with 60 mcg, the dose increasing to 120 mcg as needed. Insulin doses should be reduced when pramlintide is started.

SLIDESHOW

Which drugs or supplements interact with pramlintide?

Pramlintide slows the transit of food through the intestine and, therefore, it should not be administered with other drugs that slow down the intestine (for example, atropine) or slow the absorption of food (for example, acarbose [Precose]). Pramlintide may interfere with (slow) the absorption of orally administered drugs. To avoid this interaction, orally administered drugs that require rapid absorption should be administered 1 hour before or 2 hours after injections of pramlintide. Insulin alters the chemical properties of pramlintide. Therefore, pramlintide and insulin should not be mixed in the same syringe.

Is pramlintide safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?

There are no adequate studies of pramlintide in pregnant women. There are no adequate studies of pramlintide in nursing mothers, and it is not known if pramlintide is excreted in human breast milk.

What else should I know about pramlintide?

What preparations of pramlintide are available?

Sterile injection: 5 ml vials, 600 mcg/ml. Multidose SymlinPen: 1000 mcg/ml (1.5 and 2.7 ml).

How should I keep pramlintide stored?

Unopened vials and pen-injectors should be refrigerated between 2-8 C (36-46 F). Opened (in use) vials and pen-injectors should be refrigerated or kept at room temperature (no greater than 86 F, 30 C ) and used within 28 days.

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Summary

Pramlintide (Symlin) is an injectable drug prescribed for the treatment of type 1 diabetes (in conjunction with insulin) and in patients with type 2 diabetes who use mealtime insulin. Side effects, drug interactions, and dosing information should be reviewed prior to taking this medication.

Related Disease Conditions

• Diabetes Mellitus (Type 1 and Type 2) Diabetes is a chronic condition characterized by high levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood. The two types of diabetes are referred to as type 1 (insulin dependent) and type 2 (non-insulin dependent). Symptoms of diabetes include increased urine output, thirst, hunger, and fatigue.
• Type 2 Diabetes Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that may be reversible with diet and lifestyle changes. Symptoms include excessive thirst, frequent urination, weight loss, fatigue, and an unusual odor to your urine. Most people don't know they have type 2 diabetes until they have a routine blood test. Treatment options include medications, a type 2 diabetes diet, and other lifestyle changes.
• Type 1 vs. Type 2 Diabetes: Similarities and Differences Diabetes is a metabolic disease that involves a problem with the way insulin is processed in the body. People with type 1 diabetes usually are diagnosed during childhood and have a problem with insulin production by the pancreas. On the other hand, type 2 usually is caused by poor diet, lack of exercise and activity, or being overweight. However, there are genetic causes for both of these types of diabetes.
• Diabetes Treatment The major goal in treating diabetes is controlling elevated blood sugar without causing abnormally low levels of blood sugar. Type 1 diabetes is treated with insulin, exercise, and a diabetic diet. Type 2 diabetes is first treated with weight reduction, a diabetic diet, and exercise. When these measures fail to control the elevated blood sugar, oral medications are used. If oral medications are still insufficient, insulin medications are considered.
• Diabetic Home Care and Monitoring Managing your diabetes is a full time commitment. The goal of diabetic therapy is to control blood glucose levels and prevent the complications of diabetes. Information about exercise, diet, and medication will help you manage your diabetes better. Blood glucose reagent strips, blood glucose meters, urine glucose tests, tests for urinary ketones, continuous glucose sensors, and Hemoglobin A1C testing information will enable you to mange your diabetes at home successfully.

Treatment & Diagnosis

Medications & Supplements

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

REFERENCE:

FDA Prescribing Information