WARNING

Pramlintide is an injectable medication used to treat type 1 and type 2 diabetes. It is a synthetic form of the hormone amylin, which works alongside insulin to regulate blood sugar levels. While pramlintide can be effective in managing diabetes, it is important to be aware of potential risks associated with its use. Here are some key considerations:

• Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar): Pramlintide can increase the risk of hypoglycemia when used in combination with insulin. It is crucial to closely monitor blood sugar levels and adjust insulin doses as necessary to prevent low blood sugar.
• Gastrointestinal Side Effects: Common side effects of pramlintide include nausea and vomiting, especially when initiating treatment. These symptoms may improve over time, but it’s important to inform your healthcare provider if they persist.
• Injection Site Reactions: Some individuals may experience redness, swelling, or irritation at the injection site. Rotating injection sites and proper injection techniques can help minimize these reactions.
• Interaction with Oral Medications: Pramlintide may slow down the absorption of oral medications, such as acetaminophen, leading to potential changes in their effectiveness. Inform your healthcare provider about all medications you are taking to ensure proper adjustments.
• Thyroid Function: Pramlintide may affect thyroid function tests, so regular monitoring may be necessary, especially in individuals with pre-existing thyroid conditions.
• Allergic Reactions: Although rare, some people may experience allergic reactions to pramlintide. Seek medical attention immediately if you develop symptoms such as rash, itching, or difficulty breathing.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: The safety of pramlintide during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not well established. Consult with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

It’s crucial to discuss your medical history, including any existing health conditions or medications, with your healthcare provider before starting pramlintide. They can provide personalized guidance, monitor for potential side effects, and make necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.

Why is this medication prescribed?

Pramlintide injection is prescribed to individuals with diabetes, specifically those with type 1 or type 2 diabetes who are using insulin therapy. It is used as an adjunct (additional treatment) to insulin to help control blood sugar levels. Pramlintide mimics the action of amylin, a hormone that is normally produced by the pancreas along with insulin. Amylin helps regulate blood sugar levels by slowing down the rate at which glucose (sugar) is released into the bloodstream after meals.

How should this medicine be used?

Here are some key points on how Pramlintide injection is typically used:

• Dosage: Pramlintide is administered by injection, usually subcutaneously (under the skin) before major meals. The dosage is individualized based on factors such as the patient’s body weight, insulin regimen, and blood sugar levels. It is important to follow the prescribed dosage and administration instructions provided by the healthcare provider.
• Mealtime Administration: Pramlintide is usually injected before meals to help control the post-meal rise in blood sugar. The injection is given in addition to insulin, but in a separate injection site. The timing of the injection is typically within 5-10 minutes before the start of the meal.
• Injection Sites: Rotate injection sites to avoid irritation or lipodystrophy (changes in fat under the skin). Common injection sites include the thigh, abdomen, or upper arm.
• Monitoring and Adjustments: Blood sugar levels should be closely monitored, and insulin doses adjusted as necessary based on the overall diabetes management plan. Pramlintide may increase the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), so careful monitoring and adjustments to insulin doses are important.
• Nausea Management: Nausea is a common side effect, especially when initiating treatment with pramlintide. Starting with a lower dose and gradually increasing it may help minimize nausea. If nausea persists, inform the healthcare provider for further guidance.

It’s important for individuals using Pramlintide to have regular follow-up appointments with their healthcare provider to assess the effectiveness of the treatment, adjust doses as needed, and address any concerns or side effects. The use of Pramlintide is part of a comprehensive diabetes management plan that may include diet, exercise, insulin therapy, and other medications. Always follow the healthcare provider’s instructions and guidance for optimal diabetes care.

Other uses for this medicine

Pramlintide injection is primarily approved for use in diabetes management, specifically as an adjunct to insulin therapy for individuals with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. There were no other officially approved uses for Pramlintide. It’s essential to use the medication only for the purposes prescribed by your healthcare provider.

What special precautions should I follow?

Special Precautions:

• Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar): Pramlintide increases the risk of hypoglycemia, especially when used in combination with insulin. It’s crucial to monitor blood sugar levels closely and make appropriate adjustments to insulin doses to prevent low blood sugar.
• Nausea: Nausea is a common side effect of pramlintide, particularly when starting treatment. If persistent nausea occurs, inform your healthcare provider. Starting with a lower dose and gradually titrating upward may help minimize this side effect.
• Injection Site Reactions: Rotate injection sites to avoid irritation or reactions at the injection site. Common injection sites include the thigh, abdomen, or upper arm.
• Gastrointestinal Disorders: Pramlintide may affect the absorption of some oral medications. Inform your healthcare provider about all the medications you are taking to ensure appropriate adjustments are made.
• Thyroid Function: Pramlintide may influence thyroid function tests, so regular monitoring may be necessary, especially in individuals with pre-existing thyroid conditions.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: The safety of pramlintide during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not well established. Consult with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
• Allergic Reactions: Although rare, some individuals may experience allergic reactions to pramlintide. Seek medical attention immediately if you develop symptoms such as rash, itching, or difficulty breathing.
• Kidney and Liver Function: Pramlintide should be used with caution in individuals with impaired kidney or liver function. Your healthcare provider will consider your overall health status before prescribing pramlintide.

Always follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations, and inform them of any changes in your health or medications. Be diligent in monitoring your blood sugar levels and report any concerns or side effects promptly. If you have specific questions or concerns about pramlintide, discuss them with your healthcare provider for personalized advice based on your medical history and current health status.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

• Meal Timing: Pramlintide is typically injected before meals, so it’s important to adhere to a consistent meal schedule. Consult with your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian to develop a meal plan that aligns with your medication schedule.
• Carbohydrate Intake: Pramlintide primarily targets the post-meal rise in blood sugar, so attention to carbohydrate intake is important. Your healthcare provider or dietitian can help you manage your carbohydrate consumption to optimize blood sugar control.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

• Timing: Pramlintide is usually taken before meals, so if you forget a dose, it may not be possible to take it later. However, if you remember shortly after your meal, consult with your healthcare provider for guidance.
• Do Not Double Dose: Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one. Taking too much pramlintide at once can increase the risk of side effects, including hypoglycemia.
• Contact Your Healthcare Provider: If you are unsure about what to do or if you have missed a dose, contact your healthcare provider for advice on how to proceed.

Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and guidelines for pramlintide use. If you have any concerns or questions, do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare team for clarification and support.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Pramlintide injection, like any medication, can cause side effects. It’s important to note that not everyone will experience these side effects, and some individuals may tolerate the medication well. Common side effects of Pramlintide may include:

• Nausea: Nausea is a frequent side effect, especially when starting pramlintide. Starting with a lower dose and gradually increasing it may help minimize this side effect.
• Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar): Pramlintide can increase the risk of hypoglycemia, particularly when used in conjunction with insulin. It’s crucial to monitor blood sugar levels closely and adjust insulin doses as necessary to prevent low blood sugar.
• Injection Site Reactions: Redness, swelling, or irritation at the injection site may occur. Rotating injection sites can help minimize these reactions.
• Loss of Appetite: Some individuals may experience a decrease in appetite while taking pramlintide.
• Gastrointestinal Distress: Other gastrointestinal side effects may include vomiting, abdominal pain, or changes in bowel habits.
• Headache: Headaches have been reported in some individuals using pramlintide.
• Dizziness: Pramlintide may cause dizziness in some people.
• Weight Loss: Some individuals may experience weight loss as a side effect of pramlintide.
• Insomnia: Difficulty sleeping may occur in some cases.

It’s important to promptly report any persistent or severe side effects to your healthcare provider. Additionally, there are more serious but less common side effects that may occur. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or severe rash.

Keep in mind that this is not an exhaustive list of side effects, and individual responses to medications can vary. Your healthcare provider can provide personalized guidance based on your medical history and current health status. If you have concerns about side effects or notice any unusual symptoms while taking pramlintide, contact your healthcare provider for advice.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Storage and Disposal of Pramlintide Injection:

Storage:

• Store pramlintide injection vials in the refrigerator at a temperature of 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C).
• Do not freeze the medication.
• Protect from light. Keep the vials in the original carton until ready for use.
• Once a vial has been opened and is in use, it can be stored at room temperature (59°F to 86°F or 15°C to 30°C) for up to 30 days.

Disposal:

• Dispose of used needles and syringes in an FDA-cleared sharps disposal container. Do not throw them in the household trash.
• Follow local regulations or guidelines for the proper disposal of unused or expired medications.
• If you have questions about disposal, consult with your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of an overdose or emergency, seek immediate medical attention or contact a poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Symptoms of overdose may include severe hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), which could lead to confusion, seizures, or loss of consciousness.

What other information should I know?

• Regular Monitoring: Regularly monitor your blood sugar levels as directed by your healthcare provider to ensure that your diabetes is well-managed.
• Medical and Laboratory Tests: Attend regular check-ups with your healthcare provider, and have the recommended medical and laboratory tests, such as thyroid function tests, as part of your diabetes management.
• Inform Healthcare Providers: Keep your healthcare providers informed about all the medications you are taking, including pramlintide, as well as any changes in your health status.
• Travel Precautions: If you plan to travel, ensure that you have an adequate supply of pramlintide and the necessary supplies for administration. Consider variations in time zones and meal schedules when planning your injections.
• Educate Others: If you experience severe hypoglycemia and require assistance, make sure those around you are aware of the appropriate actions to take, such as administering glucagon if prescribed.

Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and guidance regarding the use, storage, and disposal of pramlintide. If you have any concerns or questions, consult with your healthcare team for personalized advice based on your specific health needs and circumstances.