Disease Information for Pramlintide (Symlin) Administration/Toxicity

SYMLIN is used with insulin and has been associated with an increased risk of insulin-induced severe hypoglycemia, particularly in patients with type 1 diabetes; When severe hypoglycemia associated with SYMLIN use occurs, it is seen within 3 hours following a SYMLIN injection; careful patient instruction, and insulin dose adjustments are critical elements for reducing this risk; SYMLIN is the first in a new class of injected antihyperglycemic medications for use in patients with type 2 or type 1 diabetes treated with insulin; Pramlintide, the active ingredient in SYMLIN, is a synthetic analog of human amylin, a naturally occurring neuroendocrine hormone synthesized from pancreatic beta cells that contributes to glucose control during the postprandial period; Amylin, similar to insulin, is absent or deficient in patients with diabetes; When used with insulin, SYMLIN can help patients achieve improved glycemic control with additional benefits that cannot be realized with insulin alone;Amylin works in conjunction with insulin to help control blood glucose levels; Amylin is a neuroendocrine hormone that is cosecreted by the beta cells of the pancreas in response to food intake; While insulin works to regulate glucose disappearance from the bloodstream, amylin works to help regulate glucose appearance in the bloodstream from the stomach and liver;Patients with diabetes are amylin deficient

Reduces postprandial glucose excursions

Reduces glucose fluctuations throughout the day

Enhances satiety, leading to potential weight loss

Lowers mealtime insulin requirements

Improves A1C beyond the effect of insulin alone

Amylin exerts its actions after meals, therefore, replacing these effects is important in obtaining better glucose control. In patients who have failed to achieve desired glucose control despite optimal insulin therapy, SYMLIN therapy should also be considered.

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