Pramlintide: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use it

Uses

What is the function of Pramlintide?

Pramlintide is a subcutaneous injection that is used together with mealtime insulin (insulin that is injected right before a meal) to control blood sugar levels in patients with diabetes, both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. This drug is only used to treat patients whose blood sugar remains uncontrolled even though they have used insulin or oral drugs. Pramlintide helps previously used insulin and medications to better control blood sugar levels.

This drug belongs to the class of antihyperglycemic medication. The way it works is by slowing down the movement of food during the digestive process. These drugs prevent the blood sugar from getting too high after meals and can decrease appetite and cause weight loss.

Even if used by injection, this drug is not a substitute for insulin. However, using this drug can help lower the amount of insulin you need.

Pramlintide usage rules

Inject this drug in the subcutaneous layer in the thigh or abdomen area (stomach area) before each meal. Do not use this medication if your blood sugar level is too low, if you plan to eat less (less than 250 calories or 30 grams of carbohydrates), or if you intend to skip meals.

Liquid in injection prefilled stronger than the liquid in the vial. Pramlintide is a generic drug which is available in several of them. Do not change product brands without advice from your doctor. Consult and practice with the doctor or nurse who treats you about taking doses of this drug and how to inject it. Always use a new syringe for each injection.

If you store this medication in the refrigerator, allow it to be room temperature before injecting it into your body. Also pay attention to the state of this drug liquid before injection. Check for color or other particles. Do not use this medication if it has changed color or if there are foreign particles. Clean the injection area with alcohol and wait for it to dry before you inject.

It is very important to change the injection site to avoid problems under the skin. Do not mix this drug with insulin in the same syringe. You can use the same area to inject insulin and Pramlintide, but do not use the same injection points or exactly next to each other. Inject Pramlintide at least 5 cm from the point of injection of insulin.

The dose given takes into account your health condition, the drugs being used, and your body's response to treatment. To reduce the risk of nausea, your doctor may start with a low dose first, then increase it gradually. Do not change your dose without discussing it with your doctor.

Pramlintide storage method

Store the unopened Pramlintide injection pen in the refrigerator and protect it from exposure to light, do not freeze the injection pen at 2-8 degrees Celsius. Discard injection pens that are already frozen or too hot. For pre-used Pramlintide pens, store in the refrigerator or at room temperature and use within 30 days at a temperature of not more than 30 degrees Celsius.

Dose

The information provided below is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting medication.

Patients with type 1 diabetes

The recommended dose is 0.015 mg. Inject right before a big meal schedule

Patients with type 2 diabetes

The recommended dose is 0.06 mg. Inject right before a big meal schedule.

Side effects

What side effects might be caused by using Pramlintide?

Pramlintide can cause side effects. Contact your doctor if you notice any of the following symptoms that don't go away:

Redness, swelling, rash and itching at the point of injection
Loss of appetite
Abdominal pain
Dizzy
Cough
Sore throat
Joint pain

This medication may cause other side effects which are not listed. Contact your doctor if you encounter any unusual problems while having treatment with this medicine.

Warnings and Precautions

What should I know before taking Pramlintide?

Tell your doctor if you have a history of allergy to this drug, any other medicines, metacresol, or any other ingredients that are in the injection pen of this medicine.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
If you are planning to have surgery, including dental surgery, tell your dentist about using Pramlintide.

Important Warning

Pramlintide can increase the risk of a fairly extreme drop in blood sugar when used together with insulin, especially for patients with type 1 diabetes. This reaction usually occurs within three hours of injection. Your doctor may lower your insulin dose while using Pramlintide at the start of treatment.

Drug Interactions

What medicines may interact with Pramlintide?

Inform your doctor or pharmacist about the drugs you are taking or will take, both prescription / non-prescription and herbal medicines, especially diabetes drugs such as Acarbose, antihistamines, Atropine, antidepressants, certain drugs for asthma, diarrhea, lung disease, disease psychiatric, excessive bowel movements, Parkinson's drugs, stomach cramps; consumption of laxatives or laxatives, as well as drugs for high blood pressure.

Some medicines may not work properly when taken with Pramlintide. If you are taking birth control pills, painkillers, or antibiotics, take them one hour before or two hours after giving the injection.