Symlin and Alcohol/Food Interactions

Talk to your doctor before using ethanol (alcohol) together with pramlintide. Alcohol may affect blood glucose levels in patients with diabetes. Both hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) may occur, depending on how much and how often you drink. You should avoid using alcohol if your diabetes is not well controlled or if you have high triglycerides, neuropathy (nerve damage), or pancreatitis. Moderate alcohol consumption generally does not affect blood glucose levels if your diabetes is under control. However, it may be best to limit alcohol intake to one drink daily for women and two drinks daily for men (1 drink = 5 oz wine, 12 oz beer, or 1.5 oz distilled spirits) in conjunction with your normal meal plan. Avoid drinking alcohol on an empty stomach or following exercise, as it may increase the risk of hypoglycemia. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Pramlintide may interact with other medications if taken at the same time. Your other medications should be administered at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after your pramlintide injection. Talk with your doctor before using alcohol while you are using pramlintide. Using pramlintide together with alcohol can lead to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Alcohol can cause increased blood sugar due to the calories in alcoholic beverages. You may need a dose adjustment and you may need to check your blood sugar more often.