Exenatide

What is Exenatide?

This medication guide contains information on the Byetta exenatide brand. Bydureon, another brand of Exenatide, is not covered by this medication guide.Exenatide is a diabetic injectable medicine that helps regulate blood sugar levels. This medication increases the efficiency of the pancreas in producing insulin. Byetta is the short-acting version of exenatide.Byetta can be used in conjunction with diet and physical activity to help improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes. Byetta is not approved to treat type 2 diabetes.Byetta can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.

Side effects of Exenatide

If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: hives; itching; rapid heartbeats; difficulty breathing; feeling light-headed; swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat.Exenatide can cause serious bleeding or even death in some people. This is due to low platelet levels (blood cells that help blood clot). If you experience unusual bleeding or bruises, stop using Byetta immediately and contact your doctor.

This medicine can cause serious side effects. If you experience:

• If you have pancreas problems, you may experience pain in your upper abdomen that spreads to your back. You might also experience nausea or vomiting, as well as a fever or rapid heart rate.
• Low sugar—headache; sweating; irritability and shakiness; or feeling anxious.
• Kidney problems include: little or no urination; painful or difficult urination; swelling of the feet or ankles; feeling tired or breathless.

Exenatide side effects may include:

• Indigestion, nausea, vomiting;
• Diarrhea, constipation,
• As with all injection sites, there may be itching or small bumps at the injection site after treatment.

There may be other side effects. For medical advice regarding side effects, consult with your healthcare provider. You can reach the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 if any serious adverse reactions arise; or report them through their online reporting tool.

Warnings

This medicine should not be used if your kidneys are severely damaged (or if dialysis is required), if your digestion has slowed down, or if you have diabetic ketoacidosis.If you have ever had low platelet counts in your blood due to exenatide, then this medication is not for you.If you experience nausea, vomiting, and severe abdominal pain that spreads to your back and upper abdomen, stop using this medication and contact your doctor immediately.

Before you take this drug

This medicine should not be used if:

• If you have severe kidney disease and/or are currently receiving dialysis treatments, or are considering them in the near future, we offer dialysis assistance services as an alternative option.
• A severe stomach disorder causing slow digestion.
• Exenatide has been used in the past and caused low platelet levels (blood cells that help blood clot).
• Diabetic ketoacidosis: Call your doctor to get insulin.

Inform your physician of any of the following issues:

• A history of transplantation of the kidney is a sign that you have kidney disease.
• A stomach disorder that slows digestion.
• Pancreatitis
• Gallstones are a type of stone.

If you're pregnant or plan to become pregnant, follow your doctor's advice about this medicine.Byetta can reduce the effectiveness of birth-control pills. Take your pill at least one hour before you inject Byetta.Breastfeeding may not be possible while taking this medication. You should consult your doctor if you are concerned about any risks.Exenatide should not be used by anyone under the age of 18.

How to take Exenatide?

Read and follow all instructions or guides provided with your medication, such as dosage instructions. Your physician may change this but if so, be sure to take exactly as prescribed.Byetta is injected into the skin. You may be taught how to use the medication properly by a healthcare provider.Please read and follow all instructions for use that come with your medication. If you do not understand the instructions, ask your doctor or pharmacist for help.Only prepare your injection when you're ready to administer it. After mixing, you must immediately inject the mixture.Byetta is typically injected twice daily, in the morning and at night. Use only before a meal. Byetta must be taken within an hour (1 hour) of eating. Byetta should be taken at least six hours apart.If you have low blood glucose (hypoglycemia), then you may feel hungry, dizzy, or confused. You might also be anxious or shaken. If you want to treat hyperglycemia quickly, consume or drink sugary foods or drinks (fruit juices, hard candies, crackers, or raisins).In the event of severe hypoglycemia, your doctor may prescribe a glucagon injectable kit. Make sure that your family and friends are familiar with how to administer this injection in case of an emergency.Watch for signs of hyperglycemia (hyperglycemia), such as increased thirst and urination.

Stress, illness, surgery, or alcohol consumption can affect blood sugar levels. Consult your doctor before changing the dose or schedule of your medication.Only use a needle or syringe once, and then store them in a "sharps container" that is puncture-proof. Be sure to follow local or state laws on how to properly dispose of the container. Keep the container out of reach of pets and children.Even if you have changed the needle, never share an injection pen with someone else. These devices can spread infections and diseases from person to person.Byetta may lower your platelet count for up to ten weeks after you stop taking this medication. This medicine may require frequent medical testing while you are taking it and for some time afterward.Byetta may be part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes diet, exercise, and weight management, as well as regular blood sugar tests and medical attention. You should follow your doctor's advice.

Storing the unopened medicine (which is not being used) Byetta: Store the medication in its original container. Use it until the expiration date. Keep away from the light.Byetta should not be frozen. If it has, throw the medicine away.Storing open (in use) Byetta: Keep at room temperature and use within 30 days. Keep away from bright lights and heat. Store the pen without the needle.

What happens if I miss the dose?

Do not take the missed dose. Use your next dose as usual. Do not take two doses in one go.

What happens if I overdose?

Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.A severe overdose of sugar can cause nausea, vomiting, or symptoms of low blood glucose (headache, irritability, and irritability), as well as signs such as dizziness and feeling shaky.

What should be avoided?

You shouldn't mix Byetta and insulin on the same needle. Byetta should not be used with Bydureon.Avoid alcohol. Alcohol can cause your blood sugar to drop.

Interaction with other drug

Take the following medications at least one hour before using Byetta.

• Anti-microbial
• Birth control pills are a great way to get pregnant.

Take these medications with food at a different time than when you are using Byetta.Exenatide may make it more difficult for you to absorb other medications that you take orally. Tell your doctor if you are taking any new medicines or if you will stop using them.

• Blood pressure medicine;
• A diuretic, or "water pill".
• Insulin or oral diabetes medication;
• Pain medicine;
• Lovastatin (advicor, altoprev, mevacor);
• Warfarin (coumadin, jantoven).

This list is incomplete. Byetta may be affected by other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines and vitamin and herb products. This list does not include all possible drug interactions.