Does anyone here use Symlin or has your doctor recommended that you start using Symlin?
It's a new drug that apparently just came on the market and it's used with insulin to 'help your body talk to itself' to reduce blood sugar fluctuations, appetite,and insulin use. (My doctor also said it has the rather charming side effect of weight loss and he expects it will soon be the new craze.)
The only major drawback is that it is YET ANOTHER INJECTION!! Blah. But I am currently researching it and thinking about trying it out and I'm just curious if anyone else has any insight?
It's a new drug that apparently just came on the market and it's used with insulin to 'help your body talk to itself' to reduce blood sugar fluctuations, appetite,and insulin use. (My doctor also said it has the rather charming side effect of weight loss and he expects it will soon be the new craze.)
The only major drawback is that it is YET ANOTHER INJECTION!! Blah. But I am currently researching it and thinking about trying it out and I'm just curious if anyone else has any insight?
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Los Angeles
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I know no one responded to this, but THE CONVERSATION CONTINUES!
Tue, August 9, 2005 - 1:59 PMSo... I started using Symlin about a week ago and just thought I would follow up on my posting.
I've started off with taking 2.5 units of Symlin with every meal (a hormone your pancreas would normally be producing along with insulin www.drugs.com/symlin.html ) and the dosage is gradually increased every three days until I'll eventually be taking 10 units with every meal (over 250 calories).
Taking multiple shots at the same time is not exactly exciting for me or anyone around me.
So far my blood sugars have been great, roughly in the 90 - 130 range with a few accountable fluctuations and no severe lows. And it feels like my stomach has shrunk. This kind of sucks because I really really really like to cook (and eat!) and this has basically sapped my will to eat a 'balanced meal' and the slight nausea has put me off of cooking (my boyfriend is suffering in silence.)
I'm also feeling kind of lethargic and even though my blood sugars are great I FEEL like I'm constantly on the verge of going below 60.
Hopefully these negative side effects will go away as everything balances out and I'll learn that whole 'eyes bigger than stomach' thing. :) -
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Re: I know no one responded to this, but THE CONVERSATION CONTINUES!
Wed, August 10, 2005 - 11:06 AMI've noticed as I come in tighter control that as I hit a new level of 'normal' BS I also get that verge of low feeling. It goes away as my body aclimates to it's new standard of normal though. I sure hate that slightly inperceptible feeling of paranoia though. It kicks in a very reptilian survival instinct that makes me cranky(er) and short with people.
Loved the line about your bf's silent suffering!
See ya in two weeks! -
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Re: THE CONVERSATION CONTINUES!
Wed, August 10, 2005 - 11:38 AM
Yes, I concur with the reptillian sort of lack of interest in exerting or speaking at length and admit I've been rather cranky. Grr. But today I already feel much better than I did yesterday. :)
And luckily I'm a fabulous female so everyone just thinks I'm PMSing (which I never have, really, but I imagine this is somewhat what it feels like.) :P
Looking forward to it!!
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Re: SYMLIN - fun new drugs.
Thu, January 26, 2006 - 2:17 PMMy endo talked with me about this a couple of years ago when it was apparently on the verge of being approved. I have been curious, but I moved to an area without an endo and my doctor had no idea what I was talking about. Thanks for providing the name. Please keep us posted. What is the cost? Does your insurance cover. I recently switched from Kaiser (an HMO) because they wouldn't approve me for a pump and I had to jump through hoops to get my Lantus approved.
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Re: SYMLIN - fun new drugs.
Thu, January 26, 2006 - 2:37 PMI have really good prescription insurance, so my final cost is about $33.00 for 2 bottles. I think that translates to about $70.00 a bottle if you're not covered. And the bottles only hold 5 mL (a Lantus bottle holds 10 mL.)
I have yet to really come to any sort of conclusion about the drug. It definitely didn't make me lose any weight (one of the much purported side effects) and it still makes me feel nauseous if I don't wait long enough before eating. And although my A1C is still great at 5.9 - I haven't had time to really really check out my bloodsugars and see any improvements.
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Re: SYMLIN - fun new drugs.
Sat, February 11, 2006 - 5:16 PMI was on Symlin for about, uh, one week, then I got into a Research Study for the Continuous BG monitor, and to not skew the results, I had to get off the Symlin for the time of the study .... I am looking forward to getting back to Symlin, the few days I used it my BGs were quite nice :)
Keep me posted about your experiences.
