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. The drug slows the emptying of food from the stomach, decreases appetite, and reduces the amount of sugar produced by the liver. A few possible side effects of the medication include nausea, headaches, and vomiting.

Pramlintide (Symlin)

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). It 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.)

Are There Side Effects?

As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with pramlintide. However, not everyone who takes it will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate the medication well. When side effects do occur, in most cases they are minor and either require no treatment or can be easily treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.

The most common side effects of pramlintide include:

Nausea
Headaches
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) (see Symlin and Blood Sugar)
A decrease in appetite and food intake
Vomiting
Abdominal pain (or stomach pain).

(Click Side Effects of Pramlintide to learn about specific side effects of this medication, including some of the more serious side effects that you should report to your healthcare provider.)

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