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Symlin Amylin Dangers

Symlin is the brand name for the drug pramlintide, manufactured by Amylin. In March 2005, Symlin received approval for use from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to control blood sugar levels in combination with insulin and to help reduce diabetic complications. It took the FDA many years to approve Symlin for use because of potentially dangerous side effects associated with the drug, according to the Defective Drugs website.

  1. Low Blood Sugar

    • Symlin can increase the risk for severe low blood sugar, especially when combined with insulin therapy in patients with type 1 diabetes, according to Drugs.com. Low blood sugar can cause elevated heartbeat, tremor, weakness, dizziness and fainting, making it more likely for patients to injure themselves or others, especially if they are driving or using dangerous equipment or utensils. Patients who take Symlin should keep glucose tablets with them, eat regular meals to maintain normal blood sugar levels and monitor their blood sugar levels carefully. Symlin patients should tell their doctors if they experience low blood sugar levels while taking the medication.

    Gastrointestinal Problems

    • Symlin can cause gastrointestinal problems, such as nausea and vomiting. These side effects are usually mild, but severe gastrointestinal reactions can result from improper dosing. Patients should take Symlin exactly as directed and alert their physicians if nausea continues for more than a few weeks after beginning the medication.

    Allergic Reactions

    • Dangerous allergic reactions to Symlin are rare, but they can cause serious complications if patients do not seek immediate medical treatment after symptoms of an allergic reaction. The most common symptoms of a severe allergy to Symlin are hives, rash, swelling of the face or mouth, and difficulty breathing. Breathing problems can be fatal if the patient goes without emergency medical treatment.

    Interactions

    • Patients with certain medical conditions or who are taking certain medications should not take Symlin unless specifically directed to do so by their physicians. Patients should make their doctors aware of all preexisting conditions and current medications before beginning Symlin therapy. Patients with gastroparesis, a condition that causes the stomach to empty slower than normal, should not take Symlin as it may increase the potential for dangerous side effects. Pregnant women and breast-feeding mothers should consult with their doctors before taking Symlin, as should dialysis patients and individuals with nerve conditions. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors, aspirin and sulfonamide antibiotics can increase the chance of low blood sugar levels when used in conjunction with Symlin.

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