I was in the first trials for the pramlintide acetate medication, now called SymlinPen, by AstraZeneca. I would like to connect with some Type 1’s who are using this medication. Thanks, Rose 4
I love Symlin and used it until I went on Medicare. Cannot find a Part D drug plan that covers it. I was using GLP 1 s but now cannot get those either because I have Type 1. I did find a plan that would cover it this year and it would have been more affordable because of the max out of pocket being capped at $2000. But it would still cost $2000. I love it it’s a great drug. Now that I use the faster acting Lyumjev insulin I don’t need it to delay stomach emptying for BG control but I would love the appetite suppression!
Thanks, Bobbie2, for your reply! I can’t respond in depth right now, but I will get an email back to you this weekend, or as soon as I can. I am really glad to hear from you! I’ll be in touch. Thanks again! Rose 4
I have used it since the early 1990’s and my insurance has always covered it. But I think that is changing. Do you know of any literature other the specs in the box that explains the benefits of this drug? I know what you mean about appetite suppression. I have been off the drug only one time–during the study, and then I gained about 10-15 lbs that I lost once I was back on it. But I have the best records of any person my current educator works with: usually about 90% in range. To me it feels like being asked to give up something that is medically necessary. Thanks for the info about Lyumjev insulin. I will ask my educator about that. How long did you use it, and how long has it been since you used it? How did you learn of it? My apologies for going on at length, but this has me bolluxed. Thanks again; it really helps to be able to connect about this! Rose 4
SYMLIN Is a synthetic form of the hormone amylin. The Beta cell secretes 2 hormones insulin and amylin. Amylin helps by slowing the release of glucose from the digestive system.
From Sheri Colberg’s Athletes Guide to Diabetes pages 67-68:
Its potential side effects are severe hypoglycemia, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, headache, fatigue, and dizziness.
And:
Athletes have complained about getting Symlin-induced lows that they cannot easily treat during and after exercise. In fact, one master athlete who used to use Symlin, Guy Hornsby from West Virginia, reported that he stopped using it for exactly that reason: he had too many problems getting his blood glucose to come up if he was hypoglycemic.
In addition, if you have gastroparesis (delayed emptying of your stomach because of damage to the central nerves by diabetes), you may not want to use Symlin at all. It can cause more frequent and severe hypoglycemia by further slowing your already delayed absorption of food (and any glucose or other carbohydrates taken to treat a low).