Byetta Side Effects: An Introduction
As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with
Byetta® (
exenatide). However, not everyone who takes Byetta 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.
(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with Byetta. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of Byetta side effects with you.)
Common Side Effects of Byetta
Byetta has been studied thoroughly in clinical trials, with many people having been evaluated.
In these studies, the side effects occurring in a group of people taking the drug were documented and compared to the side effects that occurred in a similar group of people not taking the medicine. As a result, it is possible to see what side effects occur, how often they appear, and how they compare to the group not taking the medicine.
Based on these studies, the most common Byetta side effects include:
- Nausea -- occurring in up to 44 percent of people
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), when used in combination with other diabetes drugs -- up to 35.7 percent (see Byetta and Blood Sugar)
- Vomiting -- up to 13 percent
- Diarrhea -- up to 13 percent
- Feeling jittery -- up to 9 percent
- Dizziness -- up to 9 percent
- Headache -- up to 9 percent
- Upset stomach or heartburn -- up to 6 percent.
Other side effects that occur in 1 to 5 percent of people taking Byetta include:
