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In this Article

• What is pramlintide (Symlin)?
• What are the possible side effects of pramlintide (Symlin)?
• What is the most important information I should know about pramlintide (Symlin)?
• What should I discuss with my doctor before using pramlintide (Symlin)?
• How should I use pramlintide (Symlin)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Symlin)?
• What happens if I overdose (Symlin)?
• What should I avoid while using pramlintide (Symlin)?
• What other drugs will affect pramlintide (Symlin)?
• Where can I get more information?

What should I discuss with my doctor before using pramlintide (Symlin)?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to pramlintide or metacresol. Do not use pramlintide if you have a digestive condition called "delayed gastric emptying," or if you cannot recognize symptoms of low blood sugar.

If you have certain conditions, you may not be able to use this medication. Before using pramlintide, tell your doctor if you have:

• a history of delayed gastric emptying;
• if you have trouble recognizing when your blood sugar is low;
• if you are unable to check your blood sugars regularly up to several times daily;
• if you have had severe hypoglycemia more than once in the past 6 months;

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether pramlintide is harmful to an unborn baby. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether pramlintide passes into breast milk or if it could be harmful to a nursing baby. Do not use pramlintide without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Pramlintide should not be used in children.

How should I use pramlintide (Symlin)?

Use pramlintide exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in larger or smaller amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription. You may not be able to keep using pramlintide if you do not follow the dosing instructions.

Pramlintide is given as an injection under your skin, at the same time as your insulin injection but in a separate syringe or injector pen. Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of used needles and syringes. Do not mix pramlintide and insulin together in the same syringe.

Use only the syringe or injection pen recommended by your doctor. Ask your pharmacist about which needles to buy for proper use of the syringe or injection pen.

To keep your blood sugar from getting too low, you will need to use a lower dose of insulin than you used before you started using pramlintide. Your doctor will determine the correct insulin dose based on the type of diabetes you have.

Pramlintide is usually given just before each major meal. Follow your doctor's instructions. If you skip a meal, do not take your dose of pramlintide. Wait until your next meal.

Pramlintide should be at room temperature when you inject it.

Use a different place on your stomach or thigh each time you give yourself an injection. Inject your insulin in a separate skin area. Do not inject insulin or pramlintide into the same place two times in a row. Do not use the medication if it has changed colors or has any particles in it. Call your doctor for a new prescription.

Use each disposable needle only one time. Throw away used needles in a puncture-proof container (ask your pharmacist where you can get one and how to dispose of it). Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.

Call your doctor if you have severe nausea that lasts for several days. This may be a sign that your dose is too high.

Do not change your doses or medication schedule without your doctor's advice. You may need to check with your doctor on a weekly basis until your correct dose has been determined. You will need to check your blood sugar at home on a regular basis. You may also need other blood tests at your doctor's office. Do not miss any appointments.

Take care not to let your blood sugar get too low, causing hypoglycemia. Severe hypoglycemia may occur within 3 hours after your pramlintide injection. Symptoms of low blood sugar may include headache, hunger, sweating, tremor, irritability, or trouble concentrating. Carry a piece of hard candy or glucose tablets with you in case you have low blood sugar. Also be sure your family and close friends know how to help you in an emergency.

Severe hypoglycemia may cause loss of consciousness, seizures, or death. If you have severe hypoglycemia and cannot eat or drink, use an injection of glucagon. Your doctor can give you a prescription for a glucagon emergency injection kit and tell you how to give the injection.

If you stop using pramlintide for a short time, you may need to restart the medication at a lower dose. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Storing unopened vials or injection pens: Keep in the carton and store in a refrigerator, protected from light. Throw away any insulin not used before the expiration date on the medicine label.

Do not freeze pramlintide, and throw away the medication if it has become frozen.

Storing after your first use: You may keep "in-use" vials or injection pens in the refrigerator or at room temperature. Use within 30 days.