Symlin
pramlintide · Amylin analog · AstraZeneca
In short
Symlin (pramlintide) is an amylin analog made by AstraZeneca, used for added to mealtime insulin in type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Schedule: before major meals. It is prescription-only in the US and Canada.
FormPen injection
How oftenBefore major meals
United StatesFDA-approved.
CanadaNot marketed in Canada as far as public listings show; check the Drug Product Database.
PrescriptionRequired
⚠ Boxed warning: severe low blood sugar with insulin, especially in type 1 diabetes.
What it is used for
- Added to mealtime insulin in type 1 or type 2 diabetes
Symlin dosage
Per the official label. Your prescriber sets your dose — never change it on your own.
| 1Dose | Titrated in micrograms by your prescriber; mealtime insulin is usually reduced at the start |
|---|
How to take it
Inject before major meals; never mix with insulin.
Storage
Refrigerate before use; in use up to 30 days.
Side effects
Common
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain
- Indigestion / heartburn
- Fatigue
- Decreased appetite
Serious — get medical help
- Pancreatitis (severe stomach pain that may spread to the back)
- Gallbladder problems, including gallstones
- Low blood sugar when combined with insulin or a sulfonylurea
- Kidney problems, often from dehydration after vomiting or diarrhea
- Serious allergic reactions
- Diabetic retinopathy complications (people with type 2 diabetes)
- Pulmonary aspiration during anesthesia or deep sedation — tell your surgical team you take it
Who should not use it
- Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma, or MEN 2
- Prior serious allergic reaction to the drug or its ingredients
- Pregnancy (stop before a planned pregnancy as advised by your prescriber)
- Use together with another GLP-1 receptor agonist
Cost
Brand-only.
How to buy Symlin legally
- Get a prescription from your doctor or a licensed telehealth provider.
- Fill it at a licensed pharmacy.
- Verify any online pharmacy first (US: safe.pharmacy; Canada: your provincial pharmacy college register).
Also searched as: pramlintide, SymlinPen, amylin
Sources
Checked against these primary sources on .