Addressing your concerns: Fitting SYMLIN into your daily routine
As with any change, you may have some concerns as you start your SYMLIN treatment. Here are some possible concerns about starting SYMLIN treatment and some things to think about.
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"I was worried about the extra injections."
The SymlinPen™ uses a very short, thin needle, like the needles in insulin pens. You can barely feel the needle when you inject yourself.
Click here to learn more about using your SymlinPen™. |
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"I didn't want the hassle of giving myself extra shots."
By taking SYMLIN, you are adding another medicine to your daily routine. This can be challenging at first. But SYMLIN may be the extra tool your body needs to improve your blood sugar levels. It may also help you feel full sooner and eat less at meals, which may help you lose weight. As with any new medicine, be sure to give SYMLIN time to work. And give yourself time to get used to using SYMLIN.
Click here to learn more about the benefits of SYMLIN. |
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"I was afraid that taking SYMLIN meant my diabetes had gotten worse."
Taking SYMLIN does not mean that your diabetes has gotten worse. It means that you are helping to replace a natural hormone, amylin, that your body may be missing or not have enough of. SYMLIN works as a partner with the insulin you are taking to help give you the balance that you may need.
Click here to learn more about how SYMLIN works. |
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"I was concerned that my family and friends would treat me differently after I started eating less at meals."
Tell your loved ones that SYMLIN is helping you reach your blood sugar goals, which is a big part of managing your diabetes and taking charge of your health. Also let them know that you still enjoy food — but SYMLIN is helping you feel full sooner so you may eat less. |
Talk with your healthcare provider about ways to make SYMLIN a part of your daily routine.
SYMLIN is an injectable medicine for adults with type 2 and type 1 diabetes to control blood sugar. It is always used with insulin to help lower blood sugar during the 3 hours after meals. SYMLIN is used with insulin to lower blood sugar but your blood sugar may drop too low (severe hypoglycemia), especially if you have type 1 diabetes. You must use SYMLIN exactly as prescribed. Nausea is the most common side effect with SYMLIN. When you start taking SYMLIN, it is important to follow your healthcare provider's directions. Only your healthcare provider can decide what changes you need to make to your diabetes treatment plan to reduce your chance of very low blood sugar, which is also called severe hypoglycemia. Never mix SYMLIN and insulin.
Please see the SYMLIN Medication Guide and Important Patient Safety Information, including information about the risk of severe low blood sugar.