Pramlintide (Symlin)

An FDA-approved amylin analog taken at mealtimes with insulin in type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Evidence: Extensive clinical research
Half-life: ~48 min
Sources: 3 cited

Is pramlintide FDA-approved?

FDA-approved since 2005.

Overview

Pramlintide is a man-made form of amylin, which the pancreas normally releases together with insulin. Used with mealtime insulin, it lowers the sugar spike after meals and tends to cause modest weight loss. It paved the way for the newer long-acting amylin drugs.

How it works

It slows the stomach, lowers the glucagon surge after meals and increases fullness.

How long does pramlintide stay in the body?

About 48 minutes. Levels peak about 20 minutes after a shot, so it's used at mealtimes.

What it's studied for

After-meal blood sugar in type 1 and type 2 diabetes
Weight

Reported side effects

Nausea, especially early on
Boxed warning: severe low blood sugar when used with insulin

How should pramlintide be stored?

Unopened pens in the fridge; after opening, up to 30 days at room temperature or in the fridge.

Sources

The studies and prescribing labels this page is written from.