SymlinPen
Pramlintide acetate · Injection · Subcutaneous
• SYMLIN use with insulin has been associated with an increased risk of severe hypoglycemia, particularly in patients with type 1 diabetes.
• Hypoglycemia risk may be reduced by appropriate patient selection, careful patient instruction, and insulin dose reduction (5.1 , 5.2) .
Uses
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE SYMLIN is indicated as an adjunctive treatment in patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes who use mealtime insulin therapy and who have failed to achieve desired glucose control despite optimal insulin therapy. SYMLIN is an amylin analog indicated for patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes who use mealtime insulin and have failed to achieve desired glycemic control despite optimal insulin therapy (1) .
Dosage and administration
• Upon initiation of SYMLIN, reduce mealtime insulin dose by 50%. Monitor glucoses frequently and individualize subsequent insulin dose adjustments (2.1) .
• Type 1 Diabetes: Start at 15 mcg subcutaneously before major meals. Increase in 15 mcg increments to a maximum premeal dose of 30 or 60 mcg; if not tolerated, reduce to 30 mcg, as tolerated (2.2) .
• Type 2 Diabetes: Start at 60 mcg subcutaneously before major meals then increase to 120 mcg before meals, as tolerated (2.2) .
• Wait at least 3 days between dose titrations to minimize nausea (2.1) . 2.1 Important Considerations Pertaining to SYMLIN and Insulin Dose Adjustments SYMLIN dosage differs depending on whether the patient has type 1 or type 2 diabetes [see Dosage and Administration (2.2 , 2.3) ]. SYMLIN should be used only in patients who can fully understand and adhere to proper insulin adjustments and glucose monitoring. Insulin and SYMLIN dose adjustments should be made only as directed by a healthcare professional skilled in the use of insulin. When initiating SYMLIN, reduce mealtime insulin doses, including premixed insulins, by 50% to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia. To reduce the risk of nausea, wait at least 3 days before titrating SYMLIN to the next dose increment. Monitor blood glucoses frequently, including pre- and post-meals and at bedtime, particularly when initiating SYMLIN or increasing the SYMLIN dose. After the initial 50% reduction in mealtime insulin dose, individualize insulin dose adjustments based on glycemic control and tolerability (e.g., if nausea occurs it may affect the dose of insulin required). An increased frequency of mild-to-moderate hypoglycemia should be viewed as a warning sign of increased risk for severe hypoglycemia. If SYMLIN therapy is discontinued for any reason (e.g., surgery or illnesses), the same initiation protocol should be followed when SYMLIN therapy is reinstituted [see Dosage and Administration (2.2) ]. 2.2 Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Using Mealtime Insulin Reduce mealtime insulin doses (including premixed insulins) by 50%, then initiate SYMLIN at 60 mcg subcutaneously, injecting immediately prior to each major meal. Increase the SYMLIN dose from 60 to 120 mcg prior to each major meal when no clinically significant nausea has occurred for at least 3 days. If significant nausea persists at the 120 mcg dose, the SYMLIN dose should be decreased to 60 mcg. 2.3 Patients with Type 1 Diabetes Reduce mealtime insulin doses by 50%, then initiate SYMLIN at 15 mcg subcutaneously, injecting immediately prior to each major meal. Increase the SYMLIN dose to the next increment (30, 45, or 60 mcg) when no clinically significant nausea has occurred for at least 3 days. If significant nausea persists at the 45 or 60 mcg dose level, the SYMLIN dose should be decreased to 30 mcg. If the 30 mcg dose is not tolerated, discontinuation of SYMLIN therapy should be considered. 2.4 Administration SYMLIN should be administered subcutaneously immediately prior to each major meal (≥250 kcal or containing ≥30 grams of carbohydrate). SYMLIN should be at room temperature before injecting to reduce potential injection site reactions. Each SYMLIN dose should be administered subcutaneously into the abdomen or thigh. Administration into the arm is not recommended because of variable absorption. Injection sites should be rotated so that the same site is not used repeatedly. The injection site selected should also be distinct from the site chosen for any concomitant insulin injection. SYMLIN and insulin should always be administered as separate injections. SYMLIN should not be mixed with any type of insulin. If a SYMLIN dose is missed, wait until the next scheduled dose and administer the usual amount. 2.5 Discontinuation of Therapy SYMLIN therapy should be discontinued if there is:
• recurrent unexplained hypoglycemia that requires medical assistance.
• persistent clinically significant nausea.
• noncompliance with self-monitoring of blood glucose concentrations.
• noncompliance with insulin dose adjustments.
• noncompliance with scheduled healthcare provider contacts or recommended clinic visits. 2.6 Preparation and Handling SYMLIN should be inspected visually for particulate matter or discoloration prior to administration whenever the solution and the container permit.
Dosage forms and strengths
3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS SYMLIN is supplied as a sterile injection in the following dosage forms:
• 1.5 mL disposable multidose SymlinPen ® 60 pen-injector containing 1000 mcg/mL pramlintide (as acetate).
• 2.7 mL disposable multidose SymlinPen ® 120 pen-injector containing 1000 mcg/mL pramlintide (as acetate).
• 1.5 mL SymlinPen ® 60 disposable multidose pen-injector, (1000 mcg/mL) for 15, 30, 45, and 60 mcg doses (3) .
• 2.7 mL SymlinPen ® 120 disposable multidose pen-injector, (1000 mcg/mL) for 60 and 120 mcg doses (3) .
Contraindications
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS SYMLIN is contraindicated in patients with any of the following:
• serious hypersensitivity reaction to SYMLIN or to any of its product components.
• hypoglycemia unawareness.
• confirmed gastroparesis.
• Prior serious hypersensitivity reaction to SYMLIN or its ingredients (4)
• Hypoglycemia unawareness (4)
• Confirmed gastroparesis (4)
Warnings and precautions
• Severe hypoglycemia: Increased risk particularly for type 1 diabetes. Upon initiation of SYMLIN, reduce mealtime insulin dose by 50% and frequently monitor blood glucoses (5.2) .
• Never share a SymlinPen between patients, even if the needle is changed (5.3) .
• Do not mix SYMLIN and insulin: Mixing can alter the pharmacokinetics of both products. Administer as separate injections (5.4 , 7.1) .
• Slows gastric emptying: Administer concomitant oral medications at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after SYMLIN if rapid onset or threshold concentration is critical (5.6 , 7.2) . 5.1 Patient Selection Proper patient selection is critical to the safe and effective use of SYMLIN. Before initiating SYMLIN, the patient's HbA1c, recent blood glucose monitoring data, history of insulin-induced hypoglycemia, current insulin regimen, and body weight should be reviewed. SYMLIN therapy should only be considered in patients with type 1 diabetes or patients with type 2 diabetes using mealtime insulin who fulfill the following criteria:
• have failed to achieve adequate glycemic control despite individualized insulin management.
• are receiving ongoing care under the guidance of a healthcare professional skilled in the use of insulin and supported by the services of diabetes educator(s). Patients meeting any of the following criteria should NOT be considered for SYMLIN therapy:
• poor compliance with current insulin regimen.
• poor compliance with prescribed self blood glucose monitoring.
• have a HbA1c >9%.
• recurrent severe hypoglycemia requiring assistance during the past 6 months.
• presence of hypoglycemia unawareness.
• confirmed diagnosis of gastroparesis.
• require the use of drugs that stimulate gastrointestinal motility.
• pediatric patients. SYMLIN should be prescribed with caution to persons with visual or dexterity impairment. 5.2 Hypoglycemia SYMLIN alone does not cause hypoglycemia. However, SYMLIN is indicated to be coadministered with mealtime insulin therapy, and in this setting there is an increased risk of severe hypoglycemia, particularly in patients with type 1 diabetes. If severe hypoglycemia associated with SYMLIN occurs, it is usually seen within the first 2 to 3 hours following a SYMLIN injection. If severe hypoglycemia occurs while operating a motor vehicle, heavy machinery, or while engaging in other high-risk activities, serious injuries or death may occur. Therefore, when introducing SYMLIN therapy, appropriate precautions need to be taken to avoid increasing the risk for severe hypoglycemia. These precautions include frequent monitoring of pre- and post-meal glucose combined with an initial 50% reduction in doses of mealtime insulin [see Dosage and Administration (2.1 , 2.2 ) ]. Early warning symptoms of hypoglycemia may be different or less pronounced under certain conditions, such as longstanding diabetes; diabetic neuropathy; use of medications such as beta-blockers, clonidine, guanethidine, or reserpine; or intensified glycemic control. The addition of any anti-diabetic medication, such as SYMLIN, to an existing regimen of one or more anti-diabetic medications (e.g., sulfonylurea), or other medications that can increase the risk of hypoglycemia may necessitate further insulin dose adjustments and particularly close monitoring of blood glucose. 5.3 Never Share a SymlinPen Between Patients SymlinPen must never be shared between patients, even if the needle is changed. Pen-sharing poses a risk for transmission of blood-borne pathogens. 5.4 Never Mix SYMLIN and Insulin Mixing SYMLIN and insulin can alter the pharmacokinetics of both products which may result in inadequate glucose control or hypoglycemia. Therefore, SYMLIN and insulin must always be administered as separate injections and should never be mixed [see Drug Interactions (7.1) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. 5.5 Concomitantly Administered Oral Medications SYMLIN slows gastric emptying, which may delay the absorption of concomitantly administered oral medications. Administer the concomitant oral medication at least 1 hour prior to SYMLIN injection or 2 hours after SYMLIN injection if the rapid onset or threshold concentration of the concomitant medication is a critical determinant of its effectiveness (such as with analgesics, antibiotics, and oral contraceptives) [see Drug Interactions (7.2) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. 5.6 Medications that Affect Gastrointestinal Motility SYMLIN slows gastric emptying. SYMLIN is not recommended for patients taking other medications that alter gastrointestinal motility [see Drug Interactions (7.3) ]. 5.7 Allergy Local Allergy Patients may experience erythema, edema, or pruritus at the site of injection. These minor reactions usually resolve in a few days to a few weeks. In some instances, these reactions may be related to factors other than SYMLIN, such as irritants in a skin cleansing agent or improper injection technique.
Side effects
Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.
• Most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥5% and higher incidence than placebo): nausea, vomiting, anorexia, headache (6.1) . To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact AstraZeneca at 1-800-236-9933 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch . 6.1 Clinical Trial Experience Adverse Reactions (Excluding Hypoglycemia) Adverse reactions (excluding hypoglycemia, which is discussed separately below) commonly associated with SYMLIN when coadministered with a fixed dose of insulin in the 26- to 52-week, placebo-controlled trials in patients with type 1 diabetes and patients with type 2 diabetes on mealtime insulin are presented in Table 1 and Table 2, respectively. Table 1: Patients with Type 1 Diabetes: Common Adverse Reactions (Incidence ≥5% and Greater Incidence with SYMLIN Compared to Placebo) in 3 Pooled Placebo-Controlled Trials Long-Term, Placebo-Controlled Studies SYMLIN 30 or 60 mcg 3 Times Daily + Insulin Placebo + Insulin (N=716) % (N=538) % Nausea 48 17 Anorexia 17 2 Inflicted Injury Examples of inflicted injury included among others, abrasions, bruises, burns, fractures, lacerations, and muscle strains. 14 10 Vomiting 11 7 Arthralgia 7 5 Fatigue 7 4 Allergic Reaction 6 5 Dizziness 5 4 Table 2: Patients with Type 2 Diabetes on Insulin: Common Adverse Reactions (Incidence ≥5% and Greater Incidence with SYMLIN Compared to Placebo) in 2 Pooled Placebo-Controlled Trials Long-Term, Placebo-Controlled Studies SYMLIN 120 mcg 2 Times Daily + Insulin Placebo + Insulin (N=292) % (N=284) % Nausea 28 12 Headache 13 7 Anorexia 9 2 Vomiting 8 4 Abdominal pain 8 7 Fatigue 7 4 Dizziness 6 4 Cough 6 4 Pharyngitis 5 2 Most adverse reactions were gastrointestinal in nature. The incidence of nausea is higher at the beginning of SYMLIN treatment and decreases with time in most patients. Gradual titration of the SYMLIN dose minimizes the incidence and severity of nausea [see Dosage and Administration (2) ]. Severe Hypoglycemia Coadministration of SYMLIN with mealtime insulin increases the risk of severe hypoglycemia, particularly in patients with type 1 diabetes [see Boxed Warning and Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]. Two definitions of severe hypoglycemia were used in the SYMLIN clinical trials. Patient-ascertained severe hypoglycemia was defined as an episode of hypoglycemia requiring the assistance of another individual (including help administering oral carbohydrate) or requiring the administration of glucagon, intravenous glucose, or other medical intervention. Medically-assisted severe hypoglycemia was defined as an episode of hypoglycemia that was classified as a serious event by the investigator or that required glucagon, intravenous glucose, hospitalization, paramedic assistance or an emergency room visit. The incidence of severe hypoglycemia during the SYMLIN clinical development program is summarized in Table 3 and Table 4. Table 3: Incidence and Event Rate of Severe Hypoglycemia in Six-Month, Placebo-Controlled Trials and Dose Titration Trial in Patients with Type 1 Diabetes Long-Term, Placebo-Controlled Studies (No Insulin Dose-Reduction During Initiation) Placebo-Controlled Dose Titration Study SYMLIN + Insulin Placebo + Insulin SYMLIN + Insulin Placebo + Insulin Severe Hypoglycemia 0 to 3 Months (n=716) >3 to 6 Months (n=576) 0 to 3 Months (n=538) >3 to 6 Months (n=470) 0 to 3 Months (n=148) >3 to 6 Months (n=133) 0 to 3 Months (n=147) >3 to 6 Months (n=138) Patient-Ascertained Patient-ascertained severe hypoglycemia: Requiring the assistance of another individual (including help ingesting oral carbohydrate) and/or requiring the administration of glucagon injection, intravenous glucose, or other medical intervention. Event Rate (events/patient-year) 1.55 0.82 1.33 1.06 0.69 0.49 0.28 0.3 Subject Incidence (%) 16.8 11.1 10.8 8.7 13.5 10.5 6.1 5.8 Medically-Assisted Medically-assisted severe hypoglycemia: Requiring glucagon, intravenous glucose, hospitalization, paramedic assistance, emergency room visit, and/or assessed as a serious adverse event by the investigator. Event Rate (events/patient-year) 0.50 0.27 0.19 0.24 0.14 0.20 0.08 0.15 Subject Incidence (%) 7.3 5.2 3.3 4.3 3.4 4.5 2.0 2.9 Table 4: Incidence and Event Rate of Severe Hypoglycemia in Six-Month, Placebo-Controlled Trials in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Using Insulin Long-Term, Placebo-Controlled Studies (No Insulin Dose-Reduction During Initiation) SYMLIN + Insulin Placebo + Insulin Severe Hypoglycemia 0 to 3 Months (n=292) >3 to 6 Months (n=255) 0 to 3 Months (n=284) >3 to 6 Months (n=251) Patient-Ascertained Patient-ascertained severe hypoglycemia : Requiring the assistance of another individual (including help ingesting oral carbohydrate) and/or requiring the administration of glucagon injection, intravenous glucose, or other medical intervention. Event Rate (events/patient-year) 0.45 0.39 0.24 0.13 Subject Incidence (%) 8.2 4.7 2.1 2.4 Medically-Assisted Medically-assisted severe hypoglycemia : Requiring glucagon, intravenous glucose, hospitalization, paramedic assistance, emergency room visit, and/or assessed as a serious adverse event by the investigator. Event Rate (events/patient-year) 0.09 0.02 0.06 0.07 Subject Incidence (%) 1.7 0.4 0.7 1.2 6.2 Postmarketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of SYMLIN. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.
• Injection site reactions
• Pancreatitis
Drug interactions
7.1 Insulin The pharmacokinetic parameters of pramlintide are altered when SYMLIN is mixed in the same syringe with regular, NPH, and 70/30 premixed formulations of recombinant human insulin. SYMLIN and insulin must not be mixed and must be administered as separate injections [see Dosage and Administration (2.4) , Warnings and Precautions (5.4) , and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. 7.2 Oral Medications SYMLIN has the potential to delay the absorption of concomitantly administered oral medications. When the rapid onset or threshold concentration of a concomitant orally administered medication is a critical determinant of effectiveness (such as with analgesics, antibiotics, and oral contraceptives), the medication should be administered at least 1 hour prior to SYMLIN injection or 2 hours after SYMLIN injection [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. 7.3 Drugs Affecting Gastrointestinal Motility Due to its effects on gastric emptying, SYMLIN should not be considered for patients taking medications that alter gastrointestinal motility (e.g., anticholinergic agents such as atropine) or medications that slow the intestinal absorption of nutrients (e.g., alpha-glucosidase inhibitors). Patients using these medications have not been studied in SYMLIN clinical trials [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ]. 7.4 Drugs Affecting Glucose Metabolism The following are examples of medications that may increase the susceptibility to hypoglycemia when administered with SYMLIN: anti-diabetic products, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, disopyramide, fibrates, fluoxetine, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, pentoxifylline, salicylates, somatostatin analogs, and sulfonamide antibiotics. SYMLIN and these drugs should be coadministered with caution.
Use in specific populations
8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Available data from a small number of reports in the manufacturer’s safety database on SYMLIN use in pregnant women are not sufficient to determine a drug-associated risk for major birth defects, miscarriage, or other adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. There are risks to the mother and fetus associated with poorly controlled diabetes in pregnancy ( see Clinical Considerations ). Ex-vivo studies using term perfused human, rabbit, and rat placentas indicate that SYMLIN has low potential to cross the maternal/fetal placental barrier. In animal reproduction studies, congenital abnormalities were observed in fetuses of pregnant rats but not in fetuses of pregnant rabbits exposed during organogenesis to pramlintide at 10 times the clinical dose of 360 mcg/day, based on exposure (see Data ). The estimated background risk of major birth defects is 6-10% in women with pre-gestational diabetes with an HbA1c >7 and has been reported to be as high as 20-25% in women with HbA1c >10. The estimated background risk of miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively. Clinical Considerations Disease-associated maternal and/or embryo/fetal risk Poorly controlled diabetes in pregnancy increases the maternal risk for diabetic ketoacidosis, preeclampsia, spontaneous abortions, preterm delivery, and delivery complications. Poorly controlled diabetes increases the fetal risk for major birth defects, stillbirth, and macrosomia related morbidity. Data Animal Data Developmental and reproductive toxicity studies with SYMLIN were performed in pregnant rats and rabbits. Increases in congenital abnormalities (neural tube defect, cleft palate, exencephaly) were observed in fetuses of pregnant rats administered pramlintide subcutaneously during organogenesis at 0.3 and 1 mg/kg/day (10 and 47 times the human dose of 360 mcg/day based on AUC, respectively), but not at 3mg/kg/day. Administration of pramlintide to pregnant rabbits during organogenesis resulted in maternal toxicity but did not increase fetal malformations at doses up to 0.3 mg/kg/day (9 times the human dose of 360 mcg/day based on AUC). 8.2 Lactation Risk Summary There is no data on the presence of pramlintide in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for SYMLIN and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed child from SYMLIN or from the underlying maternal condition. 8.4 Pediatric Use Safety and effectiveness of SYMLIN in pediatric patients have not been established. 8.5 Geriatric Use SYMLIN has been studied in patients ranging in age from 15 to 84 years of age, including 769 patients ≥65 to 75 years of age and 87 patients ≥75 years of age. No consistent differences in the efficacy and safety of SYMLIN have been observed in older patients, but greater sensitivity in some older individuals cannot be ruled out. As is recommended for all patients, SYMLIN and insulin regimens should be carefully managed to minimize the risk of severe hypoglycemia. 8.6 Renal Impairment The dosing requirements for SYMLIN are not altered in patients with mild (creatinine clearance [Cl Cr ] 60-89 mL/min), moderate (Cl Cr 30-59 mL/min) or severe renal impairment (Cl Cr 15-29 mL/min). SYMLIN has not been studied in patients with end-stage renal disease [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . 8.7 Hepatic Impairment SYMLIN use has not been studied in patients with hepatic impairment [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . 8.8 Gender No consistent differences in the efficacy and safety of SYMLIN have been observed between men and women in SYMLIN clinical trials (n=2799 for male and n=2085 for female). 8.9 Race/Ethnicity No consistent differences in the efficacy and safety of SYMLIN have been observed among patients of differing race/ethnicity in SYMLIN clinical trials (n=4257 for Caucasian, n=229 for black, n=337 for Hispanic or Latino, and n=61 for Asian and one or more races) although the smaller sample sizes for non-Caucasians, particularly Asians, limit conclusions.
Pregnancy
8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Available data from a small number of reports in the manufacturer’s safety database on SYMLIN use in pregnant women are not sufficient to determine a drug-associated risk for major birth defects, miscarriage, or other adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. There are risks to the mother and fetus associated with poorly controlled diabetes in pregnancy ( see Clinical Considerations ). Ex-vivo studies using term perfused human, rabbit, and rat placentas indicate that SYMLIN has low potential to cross the maternal/fetal placental barrier. In animal reproduction studies, congenital abnormalities were observed in fetuses of pregnant rats but not in fetuses of pregnant rabbits exposed during organogenesis to pramlintide at 10 times the clinical dose of 360 mcg/day, based on exposure (see Data ). The estimated background risk of major birth defects is 6-10% in women with pre-gestational diabetes with an HbA1c >7 and has been reported to be as high as 20-25% in women with HbA1c >10. The estimated background risk of miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively. Clinical Considerations Disease-associated maternal and/or embryo/fetal risk Poorly controlled diabetes in pregnancy increases the maternal risk for diabetic ketoacidosis, preeclampsia, spontaneous abortions, preterm delivery, and delivery complications. Poorly controlled diabetes increases the fetal risk for major birth defects, stillbirth, and macrosomia related morbidity. Data Animal Data Developmental and reproductive toxicity studies with SYMLIN were performed in pregnant rats and rabbits. Increases in congenital abnormalities (neural tube defect, cleft palate, exencephaly) were observed in fetuses of pregnant rats administered pramlintide subcutaneously during organogenesis at 0.3 and 1 mg/kg/day (10 and 47 times the human dose of 360 mcg/day based on AUC, respectively), but not at 3mg/kg/day. Administration of pramlintide to pregnant rabbits during organogenesis resulted in maternal toxicity but did not increase fetal malformations at doses up to 0.3 mg/kg/day (9 times the human dose of 360 mcg/day based on AUC).
Pediatric use
8.4 Pediatric Use Safety and effectiveness of SYMLIN in pediatric patients have not been established.
Geriatric use
8.5 Geriatric Use SYMLIN has been studied in patients ranging in age from 15 to 84 years of age, including 769 patients ≥65 to 75 years of age and 87 patients ≥75 years of age. No consistent differences in the efficacy and safety of SYMLIN have been observed in older patients, but greater sensitivity in some older individuals cannot be ruled out. As is recommended for all patients, SYMLIN and insulin regimens should be carefully managed to minimize the risk of severe hypoglycemia.
Overdosage
Single 10 mg doses of SYMLIN (83 times the maximum recommended dose of 120 mcg for patients with type 2 diabetes) were administered to 3 healthy volunteers. All 3 individuals reported severe nausea associated with vomiting, diarrhea, vasodilatation, and dizziness. No hypoglycemia was reported. Pramlintide has a short half-life (approximately 48 minutes in healthy individuals). Initiate supportive measures in the case of overdose.
Description
11 DESCRIPTION SYMLIN ® (pramlintide acetate) injection is an anti-diabetic medication for use in patients with diabetes treated with insulin. Pramlintide is a synthetic analog of human amylin, a naturally occurring neuroendocrine hormone synthesized by pancreatic beta cells that contributes to glucose control during the postprandial period. Pramlintide is provided as an acetate salt of the synthetic 37-amino acid polypeptide, which differs in amino acid sequence from human amylin by replacement with proline at positions 25 (alanine), 28 (serine), and 29 (serine). The structural formula of pramlintide acetate is shown below: Pramlintide acetate is a white powder that has a molecular formula of C 171 H 267 N 51 O 53 S 2
• × C 2 H 4 O 2 (3≤ × ≤8); the molecular weight is 3949.4. Pramlintide acetate is soluble in water. SYMLIN is formulated as a clear, isotonic, sterile solution for subcutaneous administration. The disposable multidose SymlinPen ® pen-injector contains 1000 mcg/mL of pramlintide (as acetate). The formulation contains 2.25 mg/mL of metacresol as a preservative, D-mannitol as a tonicity modifier, acetic acid, sodium acetate as pH modifiers, and water for injection. SYMLIN has a pH of approximately 4.0. Pramlintide Acetate Chemical Structure
Mechanism of action
12.1 Mechanism of Action Pramlintide is an analog of human amylin. Amylin is colocated with insulin in secretory granules and cosecreted with insulin by pancreatic beta cells in response to food intake. Amylin and insulin show similar fasting and postprandial patterns in healthy individuals (Figure 1). Figure 1: Secretion Profile of Amylin and Insulin in Healthy Adults In patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, there is reduced secretion from pancreatic beta cells of both insulin and amylin in response to food. Amylin affects the rate of postprandial glucose appearance through a variety of mechanisms, as determined by nonclinical studies. Amylin slows gastric emptying (i.e., the rate at which food is released from the stomach to the small intestine) without altering the overall absorption of nutrients. In addition, amylin suppresses glucagon secretion (not normalized by insulin alone), which leads to suppression of endogenous glucose output from the liver. Amylin also regulates food intake due to centrally-mediated modulation of appetite. In human studies, pramlintide, acting as an amylin analog, slows gastric emptying, reduces the postprandial rise in plasma glucagon, and modulates satiety leading to decreased caloric intake. Figure 1
How supplied
Injection is available in the following package sizes:
• SymlinPen ® 60 pen-injector, containing 1000 mcg/mL pramlintide (as acetate) Two 1.5 mL disposable multidose pen-injectors (NDC 0310-6615-02)
• SymlinPen ® 120 pen-injector, containing 1000 mcg/mL pramlintide (as acetate) Two 2.7 mL disposable multidose pen-injectors (NDC 0310-6627-02) Storage and Handling SYMLIN pen-injectors not in use: Refrigerate (2°C to 8°C; 36°F to 46°F), and protect from light. Do not freeze. Do not use if product has been frozen. Unused SYMLIN (opened or unopened) should not be used after the expiration (EXP) date printed on the carton and the label. SYMLIN pen-injectors in use: After first use, refrigerate or keep at a temperature not greater than 86°F (30°C) for 30 days. Use within 30 days, whether or not refrigerated. Storage conditions are summarized in Table 9. Table 9: Storage Conditions Dosage Form Unopened (not in use) Refrigerated Open (in use) Refrigerated or Temperature up to 86°F (30°C) 1.5 mL pen-injector Until Expiration Date Use Within 30 Days 2.7 mL pen-injector
Storage
Storage and Handling SYMLIN pen-injectors not in use: Refrigerate (2°C to 8°C; 36°F to 46°F), and protect from light. Do not freeze. Do not use if product has been frozen. Unused SYMLIN (opened or unopened) should not be used after the expiration (EXP) date printed on the carton and the label. SYMLIN pen-injectors in use: After first use, refrigerate or keep at a temperature not greater than 86°F (30°C) for 30 days. Use within 30 days, whether or not refrigerated. Storage conditions are summarized in Table 9. Table 9: Storage Conditions Dosage Form Unopened (not in use) Refrigerated Open (in use) Refrigerated or Temperature up to 86°F (30°C) 1.5 mL pen-injector Until Expiration Date Use Within 30 Days 2.7 mL pen-injector
Patient information
Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (Medication Guide). Risk of Hypoglycemia Discuss the risk and consequences of hypoglycemia and approaches to minimize its occurrence. Inform patients about the importance of self-management practices including glucose monitoring and timing of dosing. In addition, reinforce the importance of adherence to meal planning, physical activity, recognition and management of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia, and assessment of diabetes complications. Never Share a SymlinPen Between Patients Advise patients that they must never share a SymlinPen with another person, even if the needle is changed, because doing so carries a risk for transmission of blood-borne pathogens. Never Mix SYMLIN and Insulin Inform patients that SYMLIN and insulin should always be administered as separate injections and never be mixed. Show patients how to administer SYMLIN using the pen-injector. Advise patients to use a new needle for each injection. Instructions Instruct patients on the proper injection technique and proper storage of SYMLIN. Refer patients to the SYMLIN Medication Guide and Patient Instructions for Use for additional information. Distributed by: AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP Wilmington, DE 19850 SYMLIN and SymlinPen are registered trademarks of the AstraZeneca group of companies.
Label text from the FDA structured product label by AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP (revised Dec 18, 2019). Long sections are shortened; the complete label is on DailyMed.
Active ingredients
- Pramlintide Acetate in 2 products
SymlinPen NDC products (2)
| NDC | Strength & form | Labeler | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0310-6615 | Pramlintide Acetate 1000 ug/mL Injection | AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP | NDA |
| 0310-6627 | Pramlintide Acetate 1000 ug/mL Injection | AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP | NDA |
Frequently asked questions
What is SymlinPen used for?
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE SYMLIN is indicated as an adjunctive treatment in patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes who use mealtime insulin therapy and who have failed to achieve desired glucose control despite optimal insulin therapy. SYMLIN is an amylin analog indicated for patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes who use mealtime insulin and have failed to achieve desired glycemic control…
What are the side effects of SymlinPen?
Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. • Most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥5% and higher incidence than placebo): nausea, vomiting, anorexia, headache (6.1) . To… See the full label for the complete list.
Who makes SymlinPen?
SymlinPen is listed by 1 labeler in the FDA NDC directory, including AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP.