What is Symlin?
Symlin, a synthetic form of the hormone found in the human body, is used to treat diabetes. Pramlintide reduces blood sugar in three different ways. It slows down the speed at which food passes from your stomach into your intestines. This prevents your blood sugar levels from rising too quickly. Symlin lowers the amount of glucose (sugar), which is produced by your liver. Pramlintide also triggers a feeling of fullness following meals, which helps control your appetite. Symlin and insulin are used to treat diabetes type 1, or diabetes type 2. Symlin can be prescribed after trying other diabetic medicines without success.
Warnings
Symlin should not be mixed with insulin in the same syringe. This medicine should not be used if you suffer from a condition known as "delayed stomach emptying." If you experience severe nausea for more than a few days, call your doctor. This could be an indication that you are taking too much Symlin. Symlin should not be taken if you miss a meal. Wait until your next meal.
Symlin should not be used if you are unable to recognize the symptoms of low sugar. Within 3 hours of your Symlin shot, you may experience a severe low blood sugar level (hypoglycemia). The symptoms may include dizziness, headaches, drowsiness, or vision problems. They can also include weakness, sweating, and confusion.
Before you take this drug
Symlin should not be used if:
- If you suffer from delayed emptying of the stomach, which causes delayed digestive emptying.
- If you are unable to recognize the symptoms of low sugar,
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that Symlin will be safe for you:
- A history of delayed emptying of the stomach;
- Blindness or difficulty reading;
- If you are unable to check your blood sugars regularly,
- If you've had severe hypoglycemia at least twice in the last 6 months,
Symlin is not known to harm unborn babies. If you plan to get pregnant or are already pregnant, tell your doctor. There is no way to know if pramlintide can pass into breast milk or if it will harm a baby who is nursing. If you are breastfeeding a child, be sure to notify your physician. Symlin is not recommended for children.
How do I use Symlin?
Follow the directions on your prescription label. Please follow all instructions listed on your prescription label. Your doctor will occasionally adjust your dosage to ensure you get the best possible results. Your insulin dose may change when you start using Symlin. Use your medication only as directed. Do not exceed the recommended dosage or extend use. Symlin can be injected into the skin at the same time you inject insulin, but it is done separately. Self-injecting medicines is not recommended if you are not familiar with how to inject the medicine and dispose of the used needles or syringes.
Never mix symlin with insulin in the same syringe. The patient instructions accompany this medicine and ensure safe and effective usage. Please follow the instructions carefully. If you have questions, consult with either your physician or pharmacist. Symlin should be taken just before every major meal. Skip your Symlin dosage if you miss a meal. Each time you inject, use a new area on your stomach or leg. Inject your insulin into a separate skin area. Don't inject Symlin or insulin in the same area twice. Symlin should not be used if the color has changed or if it appears cloudy. For new medications, call your pharmacist.
Everyone with diabetes can experience low blood sugar. Headaches, thirst, sweating, and confusion are all symptoms of hypoglycemia. Keep sugar on hand in case your blood sugar drops. Sugar can be found in fruit juices, hard candy, and crackers. Raisins, non-diet soda, and raisins are also sugar sources. Make sure you and your family know what to do in an emergency.
Be careful not to allow your blood glucose level to fall too low. Within 3 hours of your Symlin shot, you may experience a severe drop in blood sugar. You can use a glucagon shot if you are suffering from severe hypoglycemia. You can get a glucagon injection kit from your doctor. Watch for other signs of hyperglycemia, such as thirst, increased urination, and hunger, as well as drowsiness and dry skin.
You should check your blood sugar levels if you are stressed, traveling, ill, undergoing surgery or an emergency medical procedure, exercising vigorously, drinking alcohol, or skipping meals. Your glucose levels can be affected by these factors, and your dosage needs may change. Never change the dosage of Symlin without consulting your doctor. Only use a disposable syringe and needle once. Use a sharps container that is puncture-proof. Ask your pharmacist where and how you can purchase one and dispose of it properly. Ask how sharps should be put in a container that's puncture-proof - something which should remain out of reach from both pets and children..
Never share an injectable pen with anyone else. Sharing an injection pen can spread diseases such as HIV or hepatitis. If you experience severe nausea for more than a few days, call your doctor. This could be an indication that you are taking too much. Symlin forms part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes exercise, diet, weight management, regular blood glucose testing, and medical attention. Maintain a regular schedule for using your injections and checking your blood sugar. Plan your meals and exercise. If you don't follow the instructions, you may be unable to continue using Symlin. You may need to start the medication again at a smaller dose if you have stopped using Symlin temporarily. Please follow your doctor's advice.
Storing injection pens that have not been opened: Store in a dark, cool place away from the light. Symlin that has not been used by the date indicated on the label should be thrown away. Symlin should not be frozen. If it is frozen, throw the medication away. Before injecting, remove the injection pen from the fridge and let it reach room temperature. Symlin should not be removed from the injector pen. Instead, it should be placed in a syringe. You could receive a too-high dose. After your first use, you can store "in-use", injection pens at room temperature or in the fridge. Use within 30 days.
Details on dosage
Adult dosage for diabetes type 1:
Subcutaneous injection of 15 mcg immediately before each meal
Comments:
Insulin doses at mealtime (including premixed insulins) should be reduced by half.
If nausea is not clinically significant for 3 days, the dose should be increased by 30 mcg, 45 mcg, or 60 mcg.
If significant nausea persists after taking the 45 or 60 mg dosage, reduce it to 30 mg.
If the 30 mcg dosage is not tolerated, then discontinuation may be necessary.
Use: As an adjunctive treatment for patients with type I diabetes who are using mealtime insulin therapy but have not achieved the desired glucose control, despite optimal insulin therapy.
Adult dosage for diabetes type 2:
Subcutaneously inject 60 mcg immediately before each major meal.
Comments:
Insulin doses at mealtime (including premixed insulins) should be reduced by half.
If nausea is not clinically significant for 3 days, the dose should be increased to 120 mcg before each meal.
If nausea persists after 120 mcg, the dose should be reduced to 60 mcg.
Use: As an adjunctive treatment for patients with type-2 diabetes who are using mealtime insulin therapy but have not achieved desired glucose control, despite optimal insulin therapy.
What happens if I miss the dose?
You should take the missed dose immediately after you realize it, but only when you are about to eat. If your next dose is approaching, skip the missed dose. You should not take more medicine to compensate for a missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Call the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222 or seek emergency medical care. Overdose can cause dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and cold sweats. It may also cause warmth, tingly sensations, or tingling.
What should be avoided?
If you are involved in an accident, severe hypoglycemia can affect your ability to think or react. You may also suffer injuries. You should be careful when you are driving, operating machinery, or doing anything that requires alertness.
Symlin may slow down your digestion and make it harder for you to absorb medicines that you take orally. Take oral medications at least 2 hours before or after using Symlin. Avoid alcohol. Alcohol can cause your blood sugar to drop.
Side effects of Symlin
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat,
If you experience:
- Severe ongoing nausea;
- Hypoglycemia is characterized by headaches, dizziness, and drowsiness. Other symptoms include weakness, sweating or confusion, a rapid heartbeat, irritability, and feelings of jitteriness.
Side effects of Symlin include:
- Nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite are all symptoms that may occur.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Interaction with other drug
Pramlintide may interact with other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, herbal products, vitamins, and supplements. Inform your healthcare providers of all medications you are taking, including any new ones.
