Symlin Pen Side Effects

Generic name: pramlintide

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Sep 12, 2024.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Symlin Pen Side Effects associated with pramlintide. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Symlin Pen.

Applies to pramlintide: subcutaneous solution.

Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits, especially during the first few weeks you receive this medicine. Blood tests may be needed to see how well you have adjusted to the medicine.

It is very important to follow carefully any instructions from your health care team about:

• Alcohol—Drinking alcohol (including beer and wine) may cause severe low blood sugar. Discuss this with your health care team.
• Other medicines—Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This especially includes nonprescription medicines such as aspirin, and medicines for appetite control, asthma, colds, cough, hay fever, or sinus problems.
• Counseling—Other family members need to learn how to prevent side effects or help with side effects if they occur. Also, patients with diabetes, especially teenagers, may need special counseling about pramlintide (the active ingredient contained in Symlin Pen) dosing changes that might occur because of lifestyle changes, such as changes in exercise and diet. Furthermore, counseling on contraception and pregnancy may be needed because of the problems that can occur in women with diabetes who become pregnant.
• Travel—Keep a recent prescription and your medical history with you. Be prepared for an emergency as you would normally. Make allowances for changing time zones and keep your meal times as close as possible to your usual meal times, and store pramlintide properly.

In case of emergency—There may be a time when you need emergency help for a problem caused by your diabetes. You need to be prepared for these emergencies. It is a good idea to:

• Wear a medical identification (ID) bracelet or neck chain at all times. Also, carry an ID card in your wallet or purse that says that you have diabetes and lists all of your medicines.
• Keep an extra supply of insulin and syringes with needles on hand in case high blood sugar occurs.
• Keep some kind of quick-acting sugar handy to treat low blood sugar.
• Have a glucagon kit available in case severe low blood sugar occurs. Check and replace any expired kits regularly.

When used together with insulin, pramlintide may cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), especially in patients with type 1 diabetes. Low blood sugar also can occur if you delay or miss a meal or snack, exercise more than usual, drink alcohol, or cannot eat because of nausea or vomiting.

Symptoms of low blood sugar include anxiety, behavior change similar to being drunk, blurred vision, cold sweats, confusion, cool, pale skin, difficulty with thinking, drowsiness, excessive hunger, fast heartbeat, headache (continuing), nausea, nervousness, nightmares, restless sleep, shakiness, slurred speech, or unusual tiredness or weakness.

If symptoms of low blood sugar occur, eat glucose tablets or gel, corn syrup, honey, or sugar cubes, or drink fruit juice, non-diet soft drink, or sugar dissolved in water to relieve the symptoms. Also, check your blood for low blood sugar. Glucagon is used in emergency situations when severe symptoms such as seizures (convulsions) or unconsciousness occur. Have a glucagon kit available, along with a syringe and needle, and know how to use it. Members of your family should also know how to use it.

Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) may occur if you do not take enough or skip a dose of your antidiabetic medicine, overeat or do not follow your meal plan, have a fever or infection, or do not exercise as much as usual.

Symptoms of high blood sugar include blurred vision, drowsiness, dry mouth, flushed, dry skin, fruit-like breath odor, increased urination (frequency and amount), ketones in the urine, loss of appetite, stomachache, nausea or vomiting, tiredness, troubled breathing (rapid and deep), unconsciousness, or unusual thirst.

If symptoms of high blood sugar occur, check your blood sugar level and then call your doctor for instructions.

You may have some skin redness, swelling, or itching at the injection site. If this irritation is severe or does not go away, call your doctor.

Serious side effects of Symlin Pen

Along with its needed effects, pramlintide may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking pramlintide:

Other side effects of Symlin Pen

Some side effects of pramlintide may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to pramlintide: subcutaneous solution.

General adverse events

The most commonly reported side effects were: nausea, vomiting, and severe hypoglycemia.^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Nausea (up to 48%), vomiting (up to 11%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Abdominal pain
• Frequency not reported: Slower gastric emptying
• Postmarketing reports: Pancreatitis^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Common (1% to 10%): Allergic reaction^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Headache
• Common (1% to 10%): Dizziness^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Common (1% to 10%): Arthralgia^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Common (1% to 10%): Cough, pharyngitis^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Very common (10% or more): Severe hypoglycemia (up to 16.8%), anorexia (up to 17%)^[Ref]

Local

• Postmarketing reports: Injection site reactions^[Ref]

Other

• Very common (10% or more): Inflicted injury (14%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Fatigue^[Ref]

See also:

Further information

Symlin Pen side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer