Pramlintide

Pramlintide acetate is an injectable prescription drug used to help lower blood sugar levels in people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. The medication is not a form of insulin and is not meant to be used in place of insulin. Pramlintide slows the emptying of food from the stomach, decreases appetite, and reduces the amount of sugar produced by the liver. A few side effects of the medication include nausea, headaches, and vomiting.

 

What Is Pramlintide?

Pramlintide acetate (Symlin®) is a prescription medication licensed to treat both type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes (also known as non-insulin-dependent diabetes or adult-onset diabetes). Pramlintide is intended for use in people who take insulin before meals. Even though pramlintide is an injectable diabetes medication, it is not a form of insulin and cannot be used in place of insulin.
 
(Click What Is Pramlintide Used For? for more information about uses of the medication.)
 

Pramlintide: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking pramlintide if you have:
 
  • Hypoglycemia unawareness (meaning that you do not have any symptoms when you have very low blood sugar)
  • Diabetic gastroparesis (a slowing of the digestive tract due to diabetes)
  • Other digestive problems
  • Any allergies, including allergies to foods, dyes, or preservatives.
     
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
 
Tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Precautions and Warnings With Pramlintide for more information on this topic, including information on who should not take pramlintide.)
 
(Pramlintide Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;