Symlin Side Effects - Symlin (Pramlintide) Side Effects

Symlin Side Effects

Symlin Side Effects
eMedTV.com

Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;

Although most people have no problems when taking Symlin, side effects can include nausea, a loss of appetite, and vomiting. In many cases, these side effects are minor and easily treated. However, some side effects of Symlin should be reported to your healthcare provider, such as severe nausea or vomiting, symptoms of low or high blood sugar, or signs of an allergic reaction.

An Introduction to Symlin Side Effects
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Symlin? (pramlintide acetate). However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. When side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can be easily treated by you or your healthcare provider.

(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with Symlin. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of Symlin side effects with you.)

Common Side Effects of Symlin
Symlin has been studied thoroughly in clinical trials, in which the side effects of a group of people taking the drug are documented and compared to another group not taking the medicine.
This way, it is possible to see what side effects occur, how often they appear, and how they compare to the group not taking the medicine.

Based on these studies, the most common side effects of Symlin include:

* Nausea -- occurring in up to 48 percent of people
* A loss of appetite or a decrease in food intake -- in up to 17 percent
* Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) -- in up to 16.8 percent (see Symlin and Blood Sugar)
* Injury -- in up to 14 percent
* Headaches -- in up to 13 percent
* Vomiting -- in up to 11 percent
* Abdominal pain (stomach pain) -- in up to 8 percent
* Fatigue -- in up to 7 percent
* Joint pain -- in up to 7 percent
* Dizziness -- in up to 6 percent
* Unexplained coughing -- in up to 6 percent
* Allergic reactions -- in up to 6 percent
* A sore throat -- in up to 5 percent.

Serious Symlin Side Effects
Some side effects of Symlin should be reported to your healthcare provider. These include, but are not limited to:

* Symptoms of high blood sugar, such as:
o Increased hunger
o Increased thirst
o Increased urination
o Blurred vision
o Fatigue
o Shortness of breath
o Nausea or vomiting

* Symptoms of low blood sugar, such as:
o Sweating
o Shakiness
o Extreme hunger
o Dizziness
o Cold sweats
o Blurry vision
o Changes in behavior, such as irritability
o Loss of coordination
o Difficulty speaking
o Confusion
o Seizures

* Severe nausea or vomiting

* Signs of an allergic reaction, including:
o An unexplained skin rash
o Itching
o Hives
o Wheezing or trouble breathing
o Unexplained swelling.

Symlin Side Effects: A Summary
You may experience some or none of the Symlin side effects listed in this article. Unfortunately, there is no way for your healthcare provider to know beforehand if you will have side effects from a medicine that you have never tried. Therefore, make sure to let your healthcare provider know if you develop any side effects. Also, let your healthcare provider know if you develop something that "just does not seem right." While it may not be a side effect of Symlin, your healthcare provider will be able to diagnose and treat the problem.

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