How Do I Take SYMLIN?

Taking SYMLIN: What you need to know

SYMLIN is taken by injection. SYMLIN comes as a prefilled SymlinPen™ to make taking it convenient.

When you start taking SYMLIN, it is very 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.

Here are some important things to keep in mind when taking SYMLIN:

  • Inject SYMLIN right before a major meal
  • Use your SymlinPen™ to inject SYMLIN into your stomach area or thigh
  • Make sure your SYMLIN and insulin injection sites are at least 2 inches apart
  • Never withdraw SYMLIN from the SymlinPen™ into a syringe
  • Never mix SYMLIN and insulin
  • Make sure you tell your healthcare provider about any other medicines you are taking
  • If you think you might stop taking SYMLIN, talk with your healthcare provider first. Share your questions or concerns so he or she can guide you

Here are some answers to common questions patients have about taking SYMLIN.

When do I take SYMLIN?
You should take SYMLIN right before each major meal. Major means a meal of at least 250 calories or 30 grams of carbohydrate.

Once you inject yourself with SYMLIN, do not wait too long before eating. If you do, SYMLIN may not work as well to control your blood sugar levels.

What if I forget to take SYMLIN?
If you forget to take your SYMLIN, do not take it after the meal. Instead, wait and take it right before the next meal. Do not take more than your usual dose of SYMLIN.

If you miss a dose of SYMLIN at a meal, you can expect that your blood sugar will be higher after that meal.

What if I skip a meal?
SYMLIN is a mealtime medicine. If you skip a meal, then simply skip your dose of SYMLIN.

When should I NOT take SYMLIN?
Do not take SYMLIN:

  • When your blood sugar is too low before a meal
  • When you do not eat
  • When you eat a meal with less than 30 grams of carbohydrate or fewer than 250 calories
  • When you are sick and cannot eat your usual meal
  • When you are having surgery or a medical test that keeps you from eating

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.