Clinical drug

1.5 ML pramlintide acetate 1 MG/ML Pen Injector [Symlin]

1 MG/ML · Pen Injector · injection

A form of pramlintide

1.5 ML pramlintide acetate 1 MG/ML Pen Injector [Symlin] — Other blood glucose lowering drugs, excl. insulins. INDICATIONS AND USAGE SYMLIN is indicated as an adjunctive treatment in patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes who use mealtime insulin therapy and w

1.5 ML pramlintide acetate 1 MG/ML Pen Injector [Symlin]

Boxed warning

WARNING: SEVERE HYPOGLYCEMIA SYMLIN use with insulin increases the risk of severe hypoglycemia, particularly in patients with type 1 diabetes. When severe hypoglycemia occurs, it is seen within 3 hours following a SYMLIN injection. Serious injuries may occur if severe hypoglycemia occurs while operating a motor vehicle, heavy machinery, or while engaging in other high-risk activities. Appropriate patient selection, careful patient instruction, and insulin dose reduction are critical elements for reducing this risk. WARNING: SEVERE HYPOGLYCEMIA See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. • SYMLIN use with insulin has been associated with an increased risk of severe hypoglycemia, particularly in patients with type 1 diabetes. • Hypoglycemia risk may be reduced by appropriate patient selection, careful patient instruction, and insulin dose reduction (5.1 , 5.2) .

Active ingredient

Classification

Other blood glucose lowering drugs, excl. insulinsAmylin Analog

Drug interactions

Pramlintide has several drug interactions that can affect its pharmacokinetics and the effectiveness of other medications.

  • majorinsulin — altered pharmacokinetic parameters
  • moderateoral medications — delayed absorption of oral medications
  • unknowndrugs affecting gastrointestinal motility (e.g., anticholinergic agents, alpha-glucosidase inhibitors) — potential alteration of gastrointestinal motility
  • moderateanti-diabetic products, ACE inhibitors, disopyramide, fibrates, fluoxetine, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, pentoxifylline, salicylates, somatostatin analogs, sulfonamide antibiotics — increased susceptibility to hypoglycemia

Indications

INDICATIONS AND USAGE SYMLIN is indicated as an adjunctive treatment in patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes who use mealtime insulin therapy and who have failed to achieve desired glucose control despite optimal insulin therapy. SYMLIN is an amylin analog indicated for patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes who use mealtime insulin and have failed to achieve desired glycemic control despite optimal insulin therapy (1) .

Dosage

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION • Upon initiation of SYMLIN, reduce mealtime insulin dose by 50%. Monitor glucoses frequently and individualize subsequent insulin dose adjustments (2.1) . • Type 1 Diabetes: Start at 15 mcg subcutaneously before major meals. Increase in 15 mcg increments to a maximum premeal dose of 30 or 60 mcg; if not tolerated, reduce to 30 mcg, as tolerated (2.2) . • Type 2 Diabetes: Start at 60 mcg subcutaneously before major meals then increase to 120 mcg before meals, as tolerated (2.2) . • Wait at least 3 days between dose titrations to minimize nausea (2.1) . 2.1 Important Considerations Pertaining to SYMLIN and Insulin Dose Adjustments SYMLIN dosage differs depending on whether the patient has type 1 or type 2 diabetes [see Dosage and Administration (2.2 , 2.3) ]. SYMLIN should be used only in patients who can fully understand and adhere to proper insulin adjustments and glucose monitoring. Insulin and SYMLIN dose adjustments should be made only as directed by a healthcare professional skilled in the use of insulin. When initiating SYMLIN, reduce mealtime insulin doses, including premixed insulins, by 50% to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia. To reduce the risk of nausea, wait at least 3 days before titrating SYMLIN to the next dose increment. Monitor blood glucoses frequently, including pre- and post-meals and at bedtime, particularly when initiating SYMLIN or increasing the SYMLIN dose. After the initial 50% reduction in mealtime insulin dose, individualize insulin dose adjustments based on glycemic control and tolerability (e.g., if nausea occurs it may affect the dose of insulin required). An increased frequency of mild-to-moderate hypoglycemia should be viewed as a warning sign of increased risk for severe hypoglycemia. If SYMLIN therapy is discontinued for any reason (e.g., surgery or illnesses), the same initiation protocol should be followed when SYMLIN therapy is reinstituted [see Dosage and Administration (2.2) ]. 2.2 Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Using Mealtime Insulin Reduce mealtime insulin doses (including premixed insulins) by 50%, then initiate SYMLIN at 60 mcg subcutaneously, injecting immediately prior to each major meal. Increase the SYMLIN dose from 60 to 120 mcg prior to each major meal when no clinically significant nausea has occurred for at least 3 days. If significant nausea persists at the 120 mcg dose, the SYMLIN dose should be decreased to 60 mcg. 2.3 Patients with Type 1 Diabetes Reduce mealtime insulin doses by 50%, then initiate SYMLIN at 15 mcg subcutaneously, injecting immediately prior to each major meal. Increase the SYMLIN dose to the next increment (30, 45, or 60 mcg) when no clinically significant nausea has occurred for at least 3 days. If significant nausea persists at the 45 or 60 mcg dose level, the SYMLIN dose should be decreased to 30 mcg. If the 30 mcg dose is not tolerated, discontinuation of SYMLIN therapy should be considered. 2.4 Administration SYMLIN should be administered subcutaneously immediately prior to each major meal (≥250 kcal or containing ≥30 grams of carbohydrate). SYMLIN should be at room temperature before injecting to reduce potential injection site reactions. Each SYMLIN dose should be administered subcutaneously into the abdomen or thigh. Administration into the arm is not recommended because of variable absorption. Injection sites should be rotated so that the same site is not used repeatedly. The injection site selected should also be distinct from the site chosen for any concomitant insulin injection. SYMLIN and insulin should always be administered as separate injections. SYMLIN should not be mixed with any type of insulin. If a SYMLIN dose is missed, wait until the next scheduled dose and administer the usual amount. 2.5 Discontinuation of Therapy SYMLIN therapy should be discontinued if there is: • recurrent unexplained hypoglycemia that requires medical assistance. • persistent clinically significant nausea. • noncompliance with self-monitoring of blood glucose concentrations. • noncompliance with insulin dose adjustments. • noncompliance with scheduled healthcare provider contacts or recommended clinic visits. 2.6 Preparation and Handling SYMLIN should be inspected visually for particulate matter or discoloration prior to administration whenever the solution and the container permit.

Warnings

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS • Severe hypoglycemia: Increased risk particularly for type 1 diabetes. Upon initiation of SYMLIN, reduce mealtime insulin dose by 50% and frequently monitor blood glucoses (5.2) . • Never share a SymlinPen between patients, even if the needle is changed (5.3) . • Do not mix SYMLIN and insulin: Mixing can alter the pharmacokinetics of both products. Administer as separate injections (5.4 , 7.1) . • Slows gastric emptying: Administer concomitant oral medications at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after SYMLIN if rapid onset or threshold concentration is critical (5.6 , 7.2) . 5.1 Patient Selection Proper patient selection is critical to the safe and effective use of SYMLIN. Before initiating SYMLIN, the patient's HbA1c, recent blood glucose monitoring data, history of insulin-induced hypoglycemia, current insulin regimen, and body weight should be reviewed. SYMLIN therapy should only be considered in patients with type 1 diabetes or patients with type 2 diabetes using mealtime insulin who fulfill the following criteria: • have failed to achieve adequate glycemic control despite individualized insulin management. • are receiving ongoing care under the guidance of a healthcare professional skilled in the use of insulin and supported by the services of diabetes educator(s). Patients meeting any of the following criteria should NOT be considered for SYMLIN therapy: • poor compliance with current insulin regimen. • poor compliance with prescribed self blood glucose monitoring. • have a HbA1c >9%. • recurrent severe hypoglycemia requiring assistance during the past 6 months. • presence of hypoglycemia unawareness. • confirmed diagnosis of gastroparesis. • require the use of drugs that stimulate gastrointestinal motility. • pediatric patients. SYMLIN should be prescribed with caution to persons with visual or dexterity impairment. 5.2 Hypoglycemia SYMLIN alone does not cause hypoglycemia. However, SYMLIN is indicated to be coadministered with mealtime insulin therapy, and in this setting there is an increased risk of severe hypoglycemia, particularly in patients with type 1 diabetes. If severe hypoglycemia associated with SYMLIN occurs, it is usually seen within the first 2 to 3 hours following a SYMLIN injection. If severe hypoglycemia occurs while operating a motor vehicle, heavy machinery, or while engaging in other high-risk activities, serious injuries or death may occur. Therefore, when introducing SYMLIN therapy, appropriate precautions need to be taken to avoid increasing the risk for severe hypoglycemia. These precautions include frequent monitoring of pre- and post-meal glucose combined with an initial 50% reduction in doses of mealtime insulin [see Dosage and Administration (2.1 , 2.2 ) ]. Early warning symptoms of hypoglycemia may be different or less pronounced under certain conditions, such as longstanding diabetes; diabetic neuropathy; use of medications such as beta-blockers, clonidine, guanethidine, or reserpine; or intensified glycemic control. The addition of any anti-diabetic medication, such as SYMLIN, to an existing regimen of one or more anti-diabetic medications (e.g., sulfonylurea), or other medications that can increase the risk of hypoglycemia may necessitate further insulin dose adjustments and particularly close monitoring of blood glucose. 5.3 Never Share a SymlinPen Between Patients SymlinPen must never be shared between patients, even if the needle is changed. Pen-sharing poses a risk for transmission of blood-borne pathogens. 5.4 Never Mix SYMLIN and Insulin Mixing SYMLIN and insulin can alter the pharmacokinetics of both products which may result in inadequate glucose control or hypoglycemia. Therefore, SYMLIN and insulin must always be administered as separate injections and should never be mixed [see Drug Interactions (7.1) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. 5.5 Concomitantly Administered Oral Medications SYMLIN slows gastric emptying, which may delay the absorption of concomitantly administered oral medications. Administer the concomitant oral medication at least 1 hour prior to SYMLIN injection or 2 hours after SYMLIN injection if the rapid onset or threshold concentration of the concomitant medication is a critical determinant of its effectiveness (such as with analgesics, antibiotics, and oral contraceptives) [see Drug Interactions (7.2) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. 5.6 Medications that Affect Gastrointestinal Motility SYMLIN slows gastric emptying. SYMLIN is not recommended for patients taking other medications that alter gastrointestinal motility [see Drug Interactions (7.3) ]. 5.7 Allergy Local Allergy Patients may experience erythema, edema, or pruritus at the site of injection. These minor reactions usually resolve in a few days to a few weeks. In some instances, these reactions may be related to factors other than SYMLIN, such as irritants in a skin cleansing agent or improper injection technique.

Contraindications

CONTRAINDICATIONS SYMLIN is contraindicated in patients with any of the following: • serious hypersensitivity reaction to SYMLIN or to any of its product components. • hypoglycemia unawareness. • confirmed gastroparesis. • Prior serious hypersensitivity reaction to SYMLIN or its ingredients (4) • Hypoglycemia unawareness (4) • Confirmed gastroparesis (4)

Mechanism of action

Mechanism of Action Pramlintide is an analog of human amylin. Amylin is colocated with insulin in secretory granules and cosecreted with insulin by pancreatic beta cells in response to food intake. Amylin and insulin show similar fasting and postprandial patterns in healthy individuals (Figure 1). Figure 1: Secretion Profile of Amylin and Insulin in Healthy Adults In patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, there is reduced secretion from pancreatic beta cells of both insulin and amylin in response to food. Amylin affects the rate of postprandial glucose appearance through a variety of mechanisms, as determined by nonclinical studies. Amylin slows gastric emptying (i.e., the rate at which food is released from the stomach to the small intestine) without altering the overall absorption of nutrients. In addition, amylin suppresses glucagon secretion (not normalized by insulin alone), which leads to suppression of endogenous glucose output from the liver. Amylin also regulates food intake due to centrally-mediated modulation of appetite. In human studies, pramlintide, acting as an amylin analog, slows gastric emptying, reduces the postprandial rise in plasma glucagon, and modulates satiety leading to decreased caloric intake. Figure 1

Indicated ICD-10 codes

Source: RxNorm + openFDA + RxClass + FAERS · 2026

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