FDA recently approved a new injectable drug to help control blood sugar in adult patients with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. It’s called Symlin, or pramlintide acetate, and it’s manufactured by Amylin Pharmaceuticals. Symlin is used in addition to insulin to help reduce postprandial blood sugar levels in patients who can’t achieve adequate control despite optimal insulin therapy. Tighter control of blood sugar may help reduce the risk of long-term renal, cardiovascular and ocular events in these patients. Although patients with Type 2 diabetes already have drug therapy other than insulin to help control blood sugar, Symlin will be the only therapy available other than insulin for Type 1 patients. The FDA and the manufacturer have some safety concerns about Symlin. First, the drug may increase the risk of hypoglycemia. This risk is greatest in Type 1 diabetics and in those with gastroparesis. Second, patients might mix Symlin with insulin in the same syringe, which can alter the activity of the insulin. And third, the drug might be used inappropriately in patient populations where the risk / benefit profile hasn’t been established. To help resolve these concerns, FDA is requiring that patients receive a Medication Guide with each prescription that explains the risks and how to use the drug properly. The guide tells patients they must be using their insulin as prescribed, must follow their doctor’s instructions on using the drug, must be followed up frequently, and that they …