Exenatide



Byetta™







Exenatide

(ex EN a tide)

U.S. Brand Names
Byetta™
Pharmacologic Category
Antidiabetic Agent, Incretin Mimetic
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • If you have an allergy to exenatide or any other part of this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to lower blood sugar in diabetic patients.
How does it work?
  • Exenatide works like incretin, a hormone necessary for the body's use of food.
How is it best taken?
  • This medicine is usually taken with at least two other medicines. Use prescription as directed, even if feeling better.
  • This medicine is given as a shot into the fatty part of the skin.
  • Take this medicine within 60 minutes before the morning and evening meals.
  • Wash hands before and after use.
  • Throw away needles in needle/sharp disposal box and return box to healthcare provider when full.
  • Follow diet plan and exercise program as recommended by healthcare provider.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • Wear disease medical alert identification.
  • If you are 80 or older, use this medicine with caution. You could be more sensitive to low blood sugar.
  • Do not drive if blood sugar has been low. There is a greater risk of an accident.
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • Limit alcohol intake (includes wine, beer, and liquor).
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • Low blood sugar. Signs include anger, shaking, fast heartbeat, confusion, or sweating. Keep hard candies, liquid glucose, or milk on hand for low blood sugar.
  • Headache.
  • Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.
  • Weight loss.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Irritation where the shot is given.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • Check blood sugar as directed by healthcare provider.
  • Check blood work regularly. Talk with healthcare provider.
  • Have a yearly eye exam and visit to the foot doctor.
  • Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist regularly.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Signs or symptoms of infection. These include a fever of 100.5 degrees or higher, chills, severe sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, increased sputum or change in color, painful urination, mouth sores, wound that will not heal, or anal itching or pain.
  • Very low blood sugar or very high blood sugar.
  • Severe nausea or vomiting.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • Store unopened and opened pens in a refrigerator. Do not freeze.
  • Throw away any unused portion after 30 days.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
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