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Byetta

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Diabetes mellitus is a condition in which the body does not produce enough insulin or the insulin that is produced is ineffective. Insulin is produced and secreted by the pancreas and is needed for the proper storage and utilization of nutrients (glucose, proteins, and fat) by the cells of the body. Insulin allows nutrients to enter the cells of the body. For example, insulin allows cells to remove glucose from the blood, and the glucose is used to generate the energy that is necessary to fuel the activities of the cells. When insulin is absent or ineffective and the cells receive inadequate amounts of glucose, the body releases more glucose into the blood in an attempt to overcome the block to glucose entering the cells. The additional glucose cannot penetrate the cells, of course, and the glucose levels in the blood rise. High levels of blood and urine glucose is what causes the symptoms and signs of diabetes. For more, please re...

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Byetta

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Byetta Patient Information Including Side Effects

Brand Names: Byetta

Generic Name: exenatide (Pronunciation: ex EN a tide)

What is exenatide (Byetta)?

Exenatide is an injectable diabetes medicine that helps control blood sugar levels. This medication helps your pancreas produce insulin more efficiently.

Exenatide is used to treat type 2 (non-insulin dependent) diabetes. Other diabetes medicines are sometimes used in combination with exenatide if needed.

Exenatide may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of exenatide (Byetta)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using exenatide and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

  • urinating less than usual or not at all;
  • drowsiness, confusion, mood changes, increased thirst;
  • swelling, weight gain, feeling short of breath; or
  • severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, fast heart rate.

Less serious side effects may include:

  • nausea, vomiting, heartburn, diarrhea;
  • loss of appetite;
  • weight loss; or
  • dizziness, headache, or feeling jittery.

Know the signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and how to recognize them:

  • hunger, headache, confusion, irritability;
  • drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, tremors;
  • sweating, fast heartbeat;
  • seizure (convulsions); or
  • fainting, coma (severe hypoglycemia can be fatal).

Always keep a source of sugar available in case you have symptoms of low blood sugar. Sugar sources include orange juice, glucose gel, candy, or milk. If you have severe hypoglycemia and cannot eat or drink, use an injection of glucagon. Your doctor can give you a prescription for a glucagon emergency injection kit and tell you how to give the injection.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about 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).

Before using exenatide, tell your doctor if you use any of these oral diabetes medications: acetohexamide (Dymelor), chlorpropamide (Diabinese), glimepiride (Amaryl), glipizide (Glucotrol), glyburide (DiaBeta), tolazamide (Tolinase), tolbutamide (Orinase).

You must use this medication within 60 minutes (1 hour) before eating a meal. If you miss a dose, use the medication as soon as you remember, but only if you have not yet eaten a meal. If you have already eaten a meal, wait until your next scheduled dose (1 hour before a meal) to use the medicine. Your exenatide doses should be spaced at least 6 hours apart. Do not use exenatide after eating a meal.

Stop using exenatide and call your doctor at once if you have severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, with nausea, vomiting, and a fast heart rate. These could be symptoms of pancreatitis.

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

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.

If you are using any type of antibiotic or birth control pill, take these medicines at least 1 hour before you use exenatide.

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Byetta User Reviews

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You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.


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