Symlin (Pramlintide Acetate Injection) Patient Information: Side Effects and Drug Images at RxList

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May 27, 2012

Symlin

Diabetes Treatment »

How is diabetes treated?

The major goal in treating diabetes is to minimize any elevation of blood sugar (glucose) without causing abnormally low levels of blood sugar. Type 1 diabetes is treated with insulin, exercise, and a diabetic diet. Type 2 diabetes is treated first with weight reduction, a diabetic diet, and exercise. When these measures fail to control the elevated blood sugars, oral medications are used. If oral medications are still insufficient, treatment with insulin is considered.

Adherence to a diabetic diet is an important aspect of controlling elevated blood sugar in patients with diabetes. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) has provided guidelines for a diabetic diet. The ADA diet is a balanced, nutritious diet that is low in fat, cholesterol, and simple sugars. The total daily calories are evenly divided into three meals. In the past two years, the ADA has lifted the absolute ban on simple sugars. Small amounts of si...

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Symlin Patient Information Including Side Effects

Brand Names: Symlin, SymlinPen 120, SymlinPen 60

Generic Name: pramlintide (Pronunciation: PRAM lin tide)

What is pramlintide (Symlin)?

Pramlintide is a man-made form of a hormone that occurs naturally in the body. Pramlintide lowers blood sugar in three ways. It slows the rate that food moves from your stomach to your intestines, which keeps your blood sugar from rising too fast. Pramlintide also lowers the amount of glucose (sugar) your liver produces. Lastly, pramlintide triggers the feeling of fullness after meals to help control your appetite and decrease how much food you eat.

Pramlintide is used together with insulin to treat type 1 or type 2 diabetes.

Pramlintide may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of pramlintide (Symlin)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

severe nausea that lasts for 3 to 7 days; or
more frequent high blood sugar levels.

Less serious side effects may include:

runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, cough;
diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite;
headache, dizziness, tired feeling; or
joint pain.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about pramlintide (Symlin)?

Do not mix pramlintide and insulin together in the same syringe.

You will need to use a lower dose of insulin than you used before you started using pramlintide. Your doctor will determine your correct dose. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without your doctor's advice.

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

If you skip a meal, do not take your dose of pramlintide. Wait until your next meal.

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.

Take care not to let your blood sugar get too low, causing hypoglycemia. Severe hypoglycemia may occur within 3 hours after your pramlintide injection. 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.

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