Byetta Alternatives

There are a number of Byetta alternatives for treating type 2 diabetes, including lifestyle changes, other oral diabetes medications, and insulin or other injectable diabetes medications. In many situations lifestyle changes alone (such as weight loss) may not be effective at controlling type 2 diabetes. As a result, medications (such as sulfonylureas, biguanides, and meglitinides) may be necessary.

 

Byetta Alternatives Explained

Byetta® (exenatide) is a prescription medication used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. The drug is part of a group of diabetes medications called incretin mimetics. Currently, Byetta is the only incretin mimetic available. For most people, Byetta is effective in treating their diabetes and most people tolerate it well. However, as with all medicines, side effects can occur. Also, in some situations, the medicine may not completely control a patient's diabetes. Fortunately, there are several alternatives to Byetta.
 
Some of these Byetta alternatives include:
 
  • Other oral diabetes medications
  • Lifestyle changes 
  • Insulin and other injectable diabetes medications.
      

Oral Diabetes Medicines

Fortunately, there are many different types of oral medications available to treat type 2 diabetes, including:
 
 
  • Biguanides
  • Sulfonylureas  
  • Meglitinides
  • Thiazolidinediones
  • Alpha glucosidase inhibitors
  • Dipeptidyl peptidase inhibitors
  • Combination medications.
     
Biguanides
Metformin (Fortamet®, Glucophage®, Glucophage XR®, Glumetza®, or Riomet®) is the only biguanide medication currently available. The drug works by helping the body use its natural insulin better. It also decreases sugar (glucose) production by the liver, and decreases sugar absorption from the diet.
 
Sulfonylureas
Sulfonylureas are medications that force the pancreas to make more insulin. As a result, they are very effective at controlling blood sugar, but are also more likely to cause dangerously low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). These medications include:
 
Meglitinides
Meglitinides are similar to sulfonylureas, in that they force the pancreas to produce more insulin. However, they are short-acting and are less likely to cause dangerously low blood sugar. They are usually taken before every meal. Meglitinides include:
 
Thiazolidinediones (Glitazones)
These diabetes medicines primarily work by helping the body to better use its natural insulin. There are currently two thiazolidinediones available:
 
Alpha Glucosidase Inhibitors
These medications prevent the breakdown of sugar and carbohydrates in the digestive tract, slowing their absorption. These medications are used to decrease blood sugar levels after meals. These medications include:
 
Dipeptidyl Peptidase Inhibitors
This is the newest class of oral diabetes drugs. Although more medications in this group are under development, there is currently only one medication available in the group -- sitagliptin (Januvia®). These medications increase the incretin levels in the body. Incretin is a hormone that helps to control blood sugar in the body.
(Byetta Alternatives Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;