Symlin for weight loss online

Symlin is a synthetic version of amylin, a hormone naturally produced by your pancreas. Amylin helps reduce food intake, slow gastric (stomach) emptying, and decrease blood sugar levels. 

When your stomach empties more slowly, you may feel fuller longer, which can lead to decreased appetite and reduced calorie intake. Though Symlin is approved for diabetes management, some people experience weight loss as a secondary benefit. 

The starting dose of Symlin depends on your diagnosis and individual needs. People with type 1 diabetes typically start with a dose of 15 micrograms before a meal and a 50% reduction in mealtime insulin dose. As you adjust to the medication, your provider may increase your dose in increments of 15 micrograms up to 60 micrograms. If you have type 2 diabetes, your starting dose may be 60 micrograms before a meal combined with a 50% reduction in mealtime insulin if applicable. The dose can be increased to up to 120 micrograms as needed. 

In a clinical trial where 88% of participants titrated up to higher doses like 240 or 360 micrograms per milliliter, 31% of people taking Symlin lost greater than 5% of their body weight in 16 weeks.

Symlin is an injection available in 15-, 30-, 45, or 60 microgram doses. People with type 1 diabetes start with 15 micrograms and gradually increase their dose. Individuals with type 2 diabetes who also take mealtime insulin start at 60 micrograms and increase to 120 micrograms after 3 days if they tolerate the medication without significant nausea. 

You inject yourself subcutaneously (under the skin) in your stomach or thigh before each major meal of the day. Injecting Symlin in your arm isn’t recommended because it may absorb better in your thigh or abdomen. Make sure it’s at room temperature before you inject it and take each injection immediately before eating a full meal. 

For weight loss, your provider will likely start you on a lower dose and monitor side effects and how your body adjusts to the medication before increasing your dose. 

Symlin shouldn’t be mixed with an insulin dose. Instead, take it as a separate injection from insulin. And don’t inject insulin and Symlin at the same site. Injection Symlin and insulin at sites at least 2 inches from each other.

If you miss a dose of Symlin, wait until your next dose and take only the prescribed amount.

You may lose weight as a secondary benefit when using Symlin, which isn’t approved for weight loss. Other types of medications approved for or used off-label for weight loss include glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medications, like Ozempic (semaglutide) or Wegovy (semaglutide), a GLP‐1/GIP (gastric inhibitory polypeptide) medication like Zepbound (tirzepatide) or Mounjaro (tirzepatide), or an opioid antagonist medication like Contrave (bupropion HCI/naltrexone HCI). 

Wegovy and Zepbound are approved for weight management in people with obesity or who are overweight and have at least one weight-related condition. They are often most effective when coupled with a reduced-calorie diet and an increase in physical activity. Contrave is approved for weight loss and management in people who are overweight or obese. Ozempic and Mounjaro are approved to help control blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. 

Symlin for weight loss may lead to a loss of at least 5% of your body weight in 16 weeks, likely when taken at higher doses. With Wegovy, people lost up to 14.9% of their body weight in 68 weeks. In 72 weeks, someone taking Zebpound may lose up to 20.9% of their body weight. Where people taking Contrave can lose 5 to 10% of their body weight in 56 weeks. 

Common side effects of these medications are similar and include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, and decreased appetite. But, each medication has benefits. Symlin, Ozempic, Zepbound, and Contrave can all lead to weight loss. Symlin, Ozempic, and Zepbound can help manage blood sugar. Ozempic, Wegovy, and Zepbound may reduce the risk of cardiovascular problems. And Contrave helps reduce food cravings and can reduce appetite. Knowing how these medications compare can help you and your provider decide which is medically appropriate for you. 

The best way to find out which weight loss medication, if any, is best for you is to talk to a weight loss provider.