Pramlintide

Pronounced

"PRAM-lin-tide"

Uses

Pramlintide is used with mealtime insulin and a proper diet and exercise program to control high blood sugar in people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. It is used when patients who are already using insulin need better blood sugar control. Controlling high blood sugar helps prevent kidney damage, blindness, nerve problems, loss of limbs, and sexual function problems. Proper control of diabetes may also lessen your risk of a heart attack or stroke.

Pramlintide acts like a certain natural substance called amylin, which lowers blood sugar. This drug works by slowing the movement of food through your stomach. It also decreases your appetite and the amount of sugar your liver makes. Pramlintide does not replace insulin, but it may lower the amount of insulin you need.

This medication should not be used by people who are unable to tell when they have symptoms of low blood sugar (such as children).

How to Use This Medication

Read the Medication Guide and Instructions for Use provided by your pharmacist before you start using pramlintide and each time you get a refill. Ask your health care professional how to prepare and use this medication. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Inject this medication under the skin just before each main meal. Do not use pramlintide if your blood sugar is too low, if you are planning to eat a small meal (less than 250 calories or 30 grams of carbohydrate), or if you are skipping a meal. The injection is given in the thigh or abdomen. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. To reduce the risk of nausea, your doctor may direct you to start at a low dose of pramlintide and gradually increase the dose. Your doctor may also direct you to lower your insulin dose and to check your blood sugar more often. Do not change your dosage without consulting your doctor.

If the medication is in the refrigerator, take the medication out of the refrigerator and allow it to reach room temperature before you inject it. Before using, check this product for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Before injecting each dose, clean the skin you are going to inject into (the injection site) with rubbing alcohol. Change the injection site each time to lessen injury under the skin. Never mix pramlintide and insulin in the same syringe or at the same injection site. Inject pramlintide in an area that is at least 2 inches (5 centimeters) away from your insulin injection site. To lessen bruising, do not rub the injection site after a shot. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely.

Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it.

Do not share your pen device with another person, even if the needle is changed. You may give other people a serious infection, or get a serious infection from them.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens (your blood sugar is too high or too low).

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Drug information is selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First DataBank, Inc. This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your healthcare professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective or appropriate for you.

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Information expires December 2025.