Byetta
® (
exenatide) is a prescription medication licensed to treat
type 2 diabetes (also known as noninsulin-dependent
diabetes or adult-onset diabetes). Although Byetta is taken by injection, it is not a form of insulin and is not intended to treat
type 1 diabetes. Byetta is approved only for use in combination with certain oral
diabetes drugs. Interestingly, Byetta was first discovered in the saliva of gila monster lizards.
Byetta is made by Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Byetta is an incretin mimetic.
This means that it mimics the actions of incretin hormones in the body. As an incretin mimetic, Byetta increases insulin production in response to meals and decreases the amount of glucose (sugar) that the liver produces. It also slows the emptying of food from the stomach, which reduces the amount of food that people eat.
Because incretin hormones are more active in response to higher blood sugar levels (and are less active in response to low blood sugar), the risk of dangerously low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) is low with Byetta. However, combining Byetta with other
diabetes medications to lower blood sugar can increase the risk of hypoglycemia
(see Byetta and Blood Sugar).
There have been several studies looking at the effects of Byetta on
type 2 diabetes:
Byetta and Hemoglobin A1c
Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) is a test used to measure long-term blood sugar control. For people without
diabetes, HbA1c results are usually less than 6 percent, while people with diabetes usually have higher results. In studies, people taking Byetta (in combination with other
diabetes medication) lowered their HbA1c by 0.4 to 0.9 percent on average, while the HbA1c levels in people not taking Byetta increased.
Studies have shown that the higher the HbA1c, the greater the chance for developing long-term problems related to diabetes. This includes problems such as
heart disease,
diabetic retinopathy,
diabetic neuropathy, and diabetic nephropathy. By getting blood sugar levels under control with Byetta, it may be possible to decrease the chances for developing these
diabetes complications.
Byetta and Weight
In clinical studies, people taking Byetta lost more weight than people who were not taking it. However, the amount of weight loss was modest; people on Byetta lost about 2 to 6 pounds over 30 weeks
(see Byetta for Weight Loss).
When and How to Take Byetta
Some general considerations for when and how to take the medication include:
- Byetta comes in an injection form. It is given just under the skin of the thigh, abdomen, or upper arm. Make sure your healthcare provider explains exactly how to inject it.
- It should be injected twice a day, before the two main meals, at least six hours apart.
- It should be injected within 60 minutes before the meal. It should not be taken after the meal or more than 60 minutes before the meal.
- It should be taken at the same times each day to maintain an even level of the drug in your blood.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be injected as prescribed. It will not work if you stop using it.
The dosage your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
- How well your diabetes is controlled
- Other medical conditions you may have
- Other medications you may currently be taking.
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with Byetta. However, not everyone who takes it will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it well. When side effects do occur, in most cases they are minor and either require no treatment or can be easily treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
The most common side effects include:
(Click Byetta Side Effects to learn about the specific side effects of this drug, including serious side effects to look out for. You can also read about other possible side effects by going to Byetta for Weight Loss.)
Drug Interactions With Byetta
Byetta can potentially interact with a few medications.
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking Byetta if you have:
- Kidney problems, including kidney failure (renal failure)
- A history of diabetic ketoacidosis (a life-threatening condition that may occur with uncontrolled diabetes)
- Diabetic gastroparesis (a slowing of the digestive tract due to diabetes)
- Other digestive tract conditions
- Any allergies, including allergies to foods, dyes, or preservatives.
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
Tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
In general, type 2
diabetes treatment begins with lifestyle changes (such as weight loss, exercise, and diet). If lifestyle changes alone are not effective at
managing diabetes, medication, such as Byetta, may be necessary.
The main goal of
diabetes medication is to lower blood sugar levels enough to reduce your risk of developing problems related to diabetes, such as heart, nerve, eye, or kidney problems. Because Byetta can lower blood sugar levels, people may be able to lower their risk for developing problems related to high blood sugar.
For most people, this medication is quite effective at controlling blood sugar. It is also generally well-tolerated. However, side effects can occur -- or the medicine may not work as well as needed. In these cases, you may need to add another diabetes medication in order to control your blood sugar. You may also wish to consider a substitute for Byetta. These substitutes can include other
diabetes drugs, either by themselves or in combination.
(Click Byetta Alternatives to learn more about these alternatives. To learn about controlling diabetes through lifestyle choices, click on either of the links below:
People who take too much of this medication may have overdose symptoms that could include:
If you happen to overdose, seek medical attention immediately.
Your pharmacist must store the drug under refrigeration, but you may keep it at room temperature (up to 77 degrees F) after the first use, up to 30 days. Byetta pens that you have not used yet should be stored in the refrigerator. The medication should not be frozen, and you should not use any that has been frozen. Do not store your pens with the needles attached (this will prevent leakage). A Byetta pen should be thrown away 30 days after the first time you use it, even it there is some medication left in it.
Keep Byetta and all medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you do not take your dosage as scheduled, skip your missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take it after a meal, and do not take a double dose of Byetta.
Byetta pens are available in two strengths:
- Byetta 5 mcg prefilled pens (60 doses each)
- Byetta 10 mcg prefilled pens (60 doses each).
You will need pen needles to be able to inject Byetta, since it does not come with pen needles. Pen needles are special needles used for pen-injecting devices. Ask your healthcare provider about which length and gauge of pen needles will be best for you. In some situations (and in some states), you may need a prescription for pen needles, so be sure to ask your healthcare provider about whether you need a prescription for pen needles.
There is currently no generic Byetta licensed for sale in the United States.
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