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Patients should be advised that BYETTA (exenatide injection) pens are never to be shared with another patient.

Patients should be informed of the potential risks and benefits of BYETTA (exenatide injection) and of alternative modes of therapy. Patients should also be fully informed about self-management practices, including the importance of proper storage of BYETTA (exenatide injection) , injection technique, timing of dosage of BYETTA (exenatide injection) and concomitant oral drugs, adherence to meal planning, regular physical activity, periodic blood glucose monitoring and HbA1c testing, recognition and management of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia, and assessment for diabetes complications.

Patients should be advised to inform their physicians if they are pregnant or intend to become pregnant.

Each dose of BYETTA (exenatide injection) should be administered as a SC injection in the thigh, abdomen, or upper arm at any time within the 60-minute period before the morning and evening meals (or before the two main meals of the day, approximately 6 hours or more apart). BYETTA (exenatide injection) should not be administered after a meal. If a dose is missed, the treatment regimen should be resumed as prescribed with the next scheduled dose.

The risk of hypoglycemia is increased when BYETTA (exenatide injection) is used in combination with an agent that induces hypoglycemia, such as a sulfonylurea. The symptoms, treatment, and conditions that predispose to development of hypoglycemia should be explained to the patient. While the patient's usual instructions for hypoglycemia management do not need to be changed, these instructions should be reviewed and reinforced when initiating BYETTA (exenatide injection) therapy, particularly when concomitantly administered with a sulfonylurea [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

Patients should be advised that treatment with BYETTA (exenatide injection) may result in a reduction in appetite, food intake, and/or body weight, and that there is no need to modify the dosing regimen due to such effects. Treatment with BYETTA (exenatide injection) may also result in nausea, particularly upon initiation of therapy [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].

Patients should be informed that persistent severe abdominal pain that may radiate to the back and which may or may not be accompanied by vomiting, is the hallmark symptom of acute pancreatitis. Patients should be instructed to promptly discontinue BYETTA (exenatide injection) and contact their physician if persistent severe abdominal pain occurs [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

Patients treated with BYETTA (exenatide injection) should be informed of the potential risk for worsening renal function and informed about associated signs and symptoms of renal dysfunction, as well as the possibility of dialysis as a medical intervention if renal failure occurs [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

Patients should be informed that serious hypersensitivity reactions have been reported during postmarketing use of BYETTA (exenatide injection) . If symptoms of hypersensitivity reactions occur, patients must stop taking BYETTA (exenatide injection) and seek medical advice promptly [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

The patient should read the Medication Guide and the Pen User Manual before starting BYETTA (exenatide injection) therapy and review them each time the prescription is refilled. The patient should be instructed on proper use and storage of the pen, emphasizing how and when to set up a new pen and noting that only one setup step is necessary at initial use. The patient should be advised not to share the pen and needles.

Patients should be informed that pen needles are not included with the pen and must be purchased separately. Patients should be advised which needle length and gauge should be used.

Last reviewed on RxList: 12/15/2010
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.