What is byetta drug

Some of these cases were serious or fatal. Call your doctor right away if you experience any symptoms of acute pancreatitis. Your doctor may tell you to stop using Byetta. Symptoms of acute pancreatitis can include:. The weight loss side effect can be beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes.

Weight loss is most likely caused by Byetta making you want to eat less. However, Byetta is not a weight loss drug and should not be used solely for this purpose. Weight gain was not reported with Byetta in these studies. Some people using Byetta experience diarrhea. If you get diarrhea while using Byetta, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about how to manage it.

Drink plenty of fluids to avoid getting dehydrated when your body loses more fluid than you drink. You may find that you feel nauseated when you first start using Byetta. Feelings of nausea tend to get better with time. Hair loss alopecia was not reported in clinical studies of Byetta.

However, it has been reported by some people using Byetta since the drug was approved. A literature review of safety issues with Byetta and other drugs in the same class did not find any association between pancreatic cancer and use of these drugs.

However, the long-acting form of exenatide, which is the main drug in Byetta, does have such a warning. This form of exenatide is available as the brand-name drug Bydureon.

An FDA boxed warning is used to alert doctors and patients about potentially serious side effects that might be associated with a drug. Bydureon has one because it was shown to cause thyroid cancer in some animals. However, results from animal studies do not necessarily apply to humans. The FDA has also issued boxed warnings about thyroid cancer for other medications in the same drug class as Byetta.

These drugs are liraglutide Victoza , semaglutide Ozempic , albiglutide Tanzeum , and dulaglutide Trulicity. These warnings are also based on animal studies. However, these drugs have not been shown to cause thyroid cancer in humans. This is because data needs to be collected over a very long period of time. As with all medications, the cost of Byetta can vary. To find current prices for Byetta in your area, check out GoodRx. The cost you find on GoodRx.

If you need financial support to pay for Byetta, or if you need help understanding your insurance coverage, help is available. AstraZeneca, the manufacturer of Byetta, offers a savings card called MySavingsRx, which can help lower the cost of Byetta. To learn more, call or visit the program website. Other drugs are available for treating type 2 diabetes. Some may be a better fit for you than others. They can tell you about other medications that may work well for you.

You may wonder how Byetta compares to other medications that are prescribed for similar uses. Here we look at how Byetta and Bydureon are alike and different. Byetta and Bydureon are both FDA-approved to help control blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. They are used along with a diet and exercise program. Both of these medications contain exenatide, so they work the same way in the body. Byetta is a short-acting form of the drug that wears off after a few hours.

Bydureon is a long-acting form of exenatide that works for a longer period. Byetta comes as a prefilled multidose injection pen.

You give yourself an injection under your skin subcutaneous twice a day, before your main meals. Bydureon comes as a single-dose injection pen or a single-dose syringe. It also comes as a single-dose prefilled autoinjector called Bydureon BCise. With all forms of Bydureon, you give yourself an injection under your skin once a week, on the same day each week.

Byetta and Bydureon both contain exenatide. Therefore, both medications can cause very similar side effects. Below are examples of these side effects. These lists contain examples of more common side effects that can occur with Byetta, with Bydureon, or with both drugs when taken individually. These lists contain examples of serious side effects that occur with Bydureon, and both Bydureon and Byetta when taken individually. A boxed warning is the strongest warning the FDA requires.

It alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous. Byetta and Bydureon have been directly compared in a clinical study. In this study, the effectiveness of the drugs was compared when they were both used on their own and when they were used in combination with other diabetes drugs. The study found that on average, Bydureon lowered hemoglobin by 0. Over the same time period, people treated with Bydureon had an average weight loss of 5 lb. People treated with Byetta lost an average of 3 lb.

Byetta and Bydureon are both brand-name drugs. There are currently no generic forms of either drug. Brand-name medications usually cost more than generics. According to estimates on GoodRx. Byetta and Victoza are prescribed for similar uses. Below are details of how these medications are alike and different. Byetta and Victoza are both FDA-approved to help control blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes.

They are both used along with a diet and exercise program. Victoza is also FDA-approved to reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes in people with type 2 diabetes who have heart disease. Byetta contains exenatide, and Victoza contains liraglutide. These medications are from the same drug class, so they work in the same way in the body.

With Byetta, you give yourself an injection under your skin subcutaneous twice a day, before your main meals. With Victoza, you give yourself an injection under your skin once a day, at any time of day. Byetta and Victoza contain drugs from the same class. These lists contain examples of more common side effects that can occur with Byetta, with Victoza, or with both drugs when taken individually. These lists contain examples of serious side effects that can occur with Victoza, and with both Byetta and Victoza when taken individually.

Byetta and Victoza have been directly compared in a clinical study. In this study, the effectiveness of the drugs was compared when they were both used in combination with other drugs to treat diabetes metformin , a sulfonylurea, or both. The study found that, on average, Victoza lowered hemoglobin A1c HbA1c by 0.

Over the same period, people treated with Victoza and people treated with Byetta both lost an average of 6. Byetta and Victoza are both brand-name drugs. Byetta may also be used off-label for other conditions. Byetta is FDA-approved to help control blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes.

This leads to high blood sugar levels. Byetta reduces hemoglobin A1c HbA1c , which is a measure of your average blood sugar levels over 3 months. Byetta helps lower your blood sugar after eating a meal.

It also lowers your blood sugar between meals. This is called your fasting blood sugar level. Byetta can also help some people lose weight. Byetta may be used on its own or with other diabetes medications. These other medications include metformin , glipizide, and pioglitazone. In a clinical study of people using Byetta on its own:. When used with another diabetes drug, Byetta is most often used with metformin. In a clinical study of people treated with Byetta and metformin:.

You take Byetta by giving yourself an injection under the skin subcutaneous of your upper arm, thigh, or abdomen. Your doctor will show you how to do this. You should give yourself an injection of Byetta twice a day, in the hour before each of your two main meals.

Most people give themselves one injection in the hour before breakfast, and another in the hour before dinner. Your second injection would still be in the hour before your dinner, as long as these meals are at least six hours apart. Byetta has to be taken in the hour before a meal. Just leave out that dose. Drinking too much alcohol can cause your blood sugar level to fall. Using alcohol while taking Byetta could raise your risk of hypoglycemia having your blood sugar level fall too low.

If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about how much alcohol is safe to drink while you are using Byetta. Different interactions can cause different effects.

For instance, some interactions can interfere with how well a drug works. Other interactions can increase side effects or make them more severe. Below is a list of medications that can interact with Byetta.

This list does not contain all drugs that may interact with Byetta. Before taking Byetta, talk with your doctor and pharmacist. Tell them about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you use.

Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions. If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Byetta makes your stomach empty more slowly. Because of this, you should try to avoid taking medications by mouth for a few hours after giving yourself the Byetta injection.

This could make them less effective. This gives them time to pass through your stomach and be absorbed through your small intestine. This is particularly important for antibiotics drugs used to treat bacterial infections and birth control pills. If you are supposed to take your other medications with a meal, you should take them with a meal when you are not having a Byetta injection. You may use Byetta with other drugs for your diabetes. Your doctor may need to reduce the doses of your other drugs to avoid this.

If you use Byetta with warfarin, this could increase your risk of bleeding. Your doctor may want to check how long it takes your blood to clot after you start treatment with Byetta and after any dose increases.

Depending on the results, your doctor may reduce your warfarin dose. Byetta can be used with metformin Glucophage, Fortamet, Glumetza, Riomet to treat type 2 diabetes. This combination is safe to use together. However, you should still check with your doctor or pharmacist before using any of these products while taking Byetta. Studies in animals have shown some harmful effects on the fetus of a pregnant female given the drug.

However, animal studies do not always predict what will happen in humans. Before you start using Byetta, let your doctor know if you are pregnant or think you could be pregnant. If you are planning a pregnancy, talk with your doctor about the possible risks and benefits of using Byetta. If you would like to breastfeed while using Byetta, talk with your doctor about the possible risks and benefits.

You can also call the American Association of Poison Control Centers at or use their online tool. But if your symptoms are severe, call or go to the nearest emergency room right away. If you have type 2 diabetes , your body has trouble controlling the level of sugar glucose in your blood. This is because the cells in your body have built up a resistance to the effects of insulin.

Insulin is the main hormone responsible for lowering your blood sugar levels. Over time, your body may also produce less insulin. When you eat, your small intestine produces a hormone called GLP As the food starts to be absorbed into your blood, the level of glucose sugar in your blood starts to rise.

GLP-1 stimulates your pancreas to release insulin into your bloodstream in response to the rise in blood sugar. Insulin directs cells in your body to remove glucose from your blood, and this lowers your blood sugar level. GLP-1 also has some other actions that help control your blood sugar.

It stops your pancreas from releasing a hormone called glucagon. Glucagon normally makes your liver produce glucose. If less glucagon is produced, it lowers your blood sugar level. In addition, GLP-1 also helps regulate your appetite.

It slows down the speed that food moves through your stomach and into your small intestine. This makes you feel fuller sooner. GLP-1 also acts in your brain to reduce your appetite. The active ingredient in Byetta is called exenatide. Do not allow it to freeze. After the first use , store this medication at room temperature. Discard any unused medication that is still in the pen 30 days after first use. Do not store this medication with the needle attached as this may cause the medication to leak.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater e. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired. Many medications can cause side effects.

A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is used in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent. The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who uses this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.

Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time. Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects. Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not check with your doctor or seek medical attention. Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:.

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication. Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health.

These factors may affect how you should use this medication. Blood sugar control: If you have a fever, an infection, surgery, or trauma, you may experience a loss of blood sugar control and may need to stop this medication and use insulin until you recover.

Your doctor will recommend when this is needed. Diabetes identification: It is important to either wear a bracelet or necklace or carry a card indicating you have diabetes and are taking medication to manage your blood glucose levels. Electrolytes e. Heart problems: Exenatide may increase your heart rate and may affect how electrical impulses travel through the heart muscle.

If you have heart disease e. If you experience dizziness, palpitations a rapid, pounding, or irregular heartbeat , fainting or seizures, get immediate medical attention. Kidney problems: This medication may cause kidney problems. Your doctor will monitor your kidney function with blood tests while you are using this medication. If you have had a kidney transplant or have reduced kidney function, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

If you are on dialysis or have severely reduced kidney function, you should not use this medication. Low blood sugar hypoglycemia : This medication may cause low blood sugar when it is used with sulfonylureas e.

If you are taking any of these types of medications, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

You may also be more at risk of experiencing low blood sugar levels if you have pituitary or adrenal failure, have an eating disorder, are on a diet, skip a meal, exercise intensely, or drink excessive amounts of alcohol. If you experience symptoms of hypoglycemia such as a cold sweat, nervousness or shakiness, fast heartbeat, headache, hunger, confusion, lightheadedness, weakness, and numbness or tingling of the tongue or lips, contact your doctor.

Your doctor may need to adjust the dose of your medication s. Pancreatitis inflammation of the pancreas : Exenatide may cause pancreatitis that can be serious or life threatening.

If you experience symptoms of pancreatitis such as severe and persistent abdominal pain that may move to your back and may be accompanied by vomiting, stop taking this medication and contact your doctor or get immediate medical attention. If you have previously had pancreatitis, gallstones, or alcohol use problems, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Stomach and intestinal problems: The safety and effectiveness of using this medication for people with inflammatory bowel disease e. If you have any of these conditions, you should not use this medication. Thyroid cancer: If you or a family member have ever had medullary thyroid cancer or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 MEN 2 , you should not use this medication. Weight loss: This medication may cause weight loss.

If you experience weight loss of more than 1. Losing weight this quickly can be harmful. Pregnancy: This medication should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while using this medication, contact your doctor immediately. Breast-feeding: It is not known if exenatide passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking this medication, it may affect your baby.

Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.