If you are using SYMLIN in a vial, this is the information you need to know. Remember, these instructions do not take the place of talking with your healthcare provider about your diabetes treatment. Ask your healthcare provider about your dose and preferred injection technique.
Prepare and inject your dose
- Inspect your SYMLIN vial. The liquid in the vial should be clear and colorless.
- Check the expiration date (EXP) on the label to be sure your SYMLIN is not expired (see Figure A).
- Clean the top of the SYMLIN vial with an alcohol swab.
- Pull the plunger of the syringe to the line that matches your SYMLIN dose (see SYMLIN Dosing Chart and Figure B). The amount of air in the syringe should equal the amount of SYMLIN you plan to take.
- Push the needle through the center of the rubber top of the SYMLIN vial (see Figure C).
- Push the plunger to inject the air into the vial.
- Turn the vial and syringe upside down.
- Slowly pull the plunger down to draw the SYMLIN into the syringe until you have your correct dose (see Figure D).
- BEFORE removing the syringe from the vial, look for air bubbles inside the syringe. If you see bubbles, push the SYMLIN back into the vial. Then slowly pull the plunger down to draw the SYMLIN into the syringe until you have your correct dose.
- Check to be sure your dose is correct, then remove the syringe from the vial.
- Give your injection as directed by your healthcare provider.
- Dispose of the used syringe as directed by your healthcare provider.
Click here to download the SYMLIN VIAL Patient Instructions for Use pdf.
Care and storage
- Store SYMLIN that has not been opened in the refrigerator, between 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C), until you are ready to use it. Protect SYMLIN from light
- After a vial has been used for the first time, it can be refrigerated or kept at a temperature up to 86°F (30°C) for 30 days. Do not leave above 86°F (30°C)
- Any vial in use should be thrown away after 30 days, even if it still has medicine in it
- Unused SYMLIN (opened or unopened) should not be used after the expiration (EXP) date printed on the carton and the label
- Do not freeze SYMLIN. Do not use SYMLIN if it has been frozen
- Keep SYMLIN and all medicines out of the reach of children
About SYMLIN
- The way you inject SYMLIN is similar to the way you inject insulin. Inject SYMLIN under the skin (subcutaneously) of your stomach area (abdomen) or upper leg (thigh). Inject SYMLIN at a site that is more than 2 inches away from your insulin injection. To help reduce the chances of getting a reaction at the injection site, allow SYMLIN to come to room temperature before injecting. Also, use a new needle for each SYMLIN injection
- If you take more than your prescribed dose of SYMLIN, you may get nauseous or vomit, and you may not be able to eat the amount of food you usually eat. Pay careful attention to the amount of insulin you use at this time as you may be at more risk for low blood sugar. Contact your healthcare provider for guidance
- If you miss or forget a dose of SYMLIN, wait until the next meal and take your usual dose of SYMLIN at that meal. Do not take more than your usual dose of SYMLIN
- Never mix SYMLIN and insulin. Insulin can affect SYMLIN when the two are mixed together
- Your prescription may be written in micrograms, and your insulin syringe is labeled in units. Use the chart below to convert micrograms to units
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.