Pramlintide Dosage (Cont.)

Insulin Adjustment With Pramlintide

When people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes start taking pramlintide, their dose of rapid-acting, short-acting, or mixed insulins given before meals needs to be cut in half. These insulins include:
 
When you start taking pramlintide, your healthcare provider will need to lower the dose of the above insulins (when given before meals) by half. Once you have reached your target dose of pramlintide, your healthcare provider will help you adjust your insulin dose if needed. You will need to test your blood sugar often when starting or increasing pramlintide, including testing before and after meals, and at bedtime. You should talk with your healthcare provider at least once a week when starting or increasing pramlintide to discuss your blood sugar levels and any changes that need to be made.
 

General Pramlintide Dosage Information

Some considerations for people taking pramlintide include the following:
 
  • Pramlintide comes in an injection form. It is given just under the skin of the thigh or abdomen (stomach area).
     
  • You should inject pramlintide right before every major meal. A major meal must have at least 250 calories or 30 grams of carbohydrates. If you skip a meal, you should also skip your pramlintide dose.
     
  • Do not mix pramlintide and insulin, as they are not compatible. They must be given as separate injections. Separate the insulin and pramlintide injections by at least 2 inches on your body.
     
  • Unopened pramlintide vials must be refrigerated. Once a vial of pramlintide is opened, it can be stored at room temperature. If you keep your pramlintide in the refrigerator, allow it to warm up to room temperature before injecting it.
     
  • To use U-100 syringes (the type most people use for insulin) to inject pramlintide, use the following chart to convert micrograms (mcg) to units:

 

Pramlintide Dosage
U-100 Syringe Units
15 mcg
2.5 units
30 mcg
5 units
45 mcg
7.5 units
60 mcg
10 units
120 mcg
20 units

 

  • For pramlintide to work properly, you have to use it as prescribed. Pramlintide will not work if you use it differently than how your healthcare provider prescribed it.
     
  • If you are unsure about anything related to pramlintide or your pramlintide dosage, please talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist. Do not stop taking pramlintide without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;