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In this Article

• What is exenatide (Byetta)?
• What are the possible side effects of exenatide (Byetta)?
• What is the most important information I should know about exenatide (Byetta)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using exenatide (Byetta)?
• How should I use exenatide (Byetta)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Byetta)?
• What happens if I overdose (Byetta)?
• What should I avoid while using exenatide (Byetta)?
• What other drugs will affect exenatide (Byetta)?
• Where can I get more information?

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using exenatide (Byetta)?

Do not use exenatide to treat type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes, or if you are in a state of diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment with insulin).

If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication:

• kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);
• problems with digestion; or
• severe stomach disorders (gastroparesis).

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether exenatide is harmful to an unborn baby. Before using exenatide, Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or if you become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether exenatide passes into breast milk or if it could be harmful to a nursing baby. Do not take exenatide without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use exenatide (Byetta)?

Use exenatide exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in larger amounts or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication. Your dose needs may change if you are ill, if you have a fever or infection, or if you have surgery or a medical emergency. Do not change your dose of exenatide without first talking to your doctor. Use only the diabetes medications prescribed for you.

Exenatide is given as an injection under the skin, usually in the upper thigh, stomach area, or upper arm. Your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist will give you specific instructions on how and where to inject this medicine. Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of used needles and syringes.

Exenatide is usually injected twice a day, before the morning and evening meal. You must use this medication within 60 minutes (1 hour) before eating the meal. Your exenatide doses should be given at least 6 hours apart. Do not use exenatide after eating a meal.

It is important to use exenatide regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

Exenatide comes in a prefilled pen with a "Pen User Manual" showing instructions for using the pen and injecting the medicine. You must do a "New Pen Set-Up" one time only, when starting a new prefilled exenatide Pen. If you do this "New Pen Set-Up" before each injection, you will run out of medicine before 30 days.

Pen needles are not included with this medicine. Ask your doctor, diabetes counselor, or pharmacist which needle size is best for you.

Never share an injection pen or cartridge with another person. Sharing injection pens or cartridges can allow disease such as hepatitis or HIV to pass from one person to another.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, you will need to check your blood sugar at home. Your blood will also need to be tested by your doctor on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

Store unused exenatide injection pens in the refrigerator, protected from light. Do not freeze them, and throw away any exenatide pen that has become frozen. After your first use of a pen, it may then be stored at room temperature, away from heat and bright light.

Use the exenatide pen for only 30 days and then throw it away, even if it still has medicine in it. Do not use the medicine after the expiration date on the label has passed. Do not store the exenatide pen with the needle attached.

If the needle is left on, medicine may leak from the pen or air bubbles may form in the cartridge. Keep your exenatide pen, pen needles, and all medicines out of the reach of children.