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.
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
- Ergot alkaloids
- 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 a relatively new class of oral
diabetes drugs. Currently, there are two medications available in the group --
sitagliptin (
Januvia®) and
saxagliptin (
Onglyza™). These drugs increase incretin levels in the body. Incretin is a hormone that helps to control blood sugar.
