Exenatide

Please note: these are basic guidelines, refer to your doctor for a professional medical opinion.

Popular brand names:

Byetta

Drug group:

Drug for diabetes

Prescription needed?

Yes

What does it do?

• Exenatide is an injected antidiabetic drug used to treat type 2 diabetes
• It is used along with other antidiabetic drugs, diet, exercise, and weight control

How does it work?

Exanatide is a synthetic protein that mimics the action of a GLP-1, a natural hormone involved in regulating blood sugar levels.

Exanatide:

• Increases secretion of insulin from the pancreas in response to high blood sugar levels
• Slows emptying of the stomach, preventing steep rises in blood sugar after meals

How should it be used?

• Take within 1 hour before (never after) a meal
• Maintain a diabetic diet for the drug to be fully effective
• Unused injection pens should be refrigerated, but stored at room temperature after first use
• If you experience symptoms of low blood sugar, eat or drink something sugary

What is the typical dosage?

Your doctor will recommend a dosage tailored to your need, but typically:

10–20mcg daily, injected 2 x daily, each dose at least 6 hours apart

How quickly will it start to work?

Within 1 hour                
  

How long will the effects last?   

8–12 hours          

When should I stop using it?

Do not stop the drug without consulting your doctor   
                              

Is it safe for prolonged use?

No problems expected, but diabetics need regular monitoring of sugar levels, kidney function, eyes and the heart.                                                               

What are the possible side effects?

The following have been reported:

• More common: nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, decreased appetite, weight loss (all improve with continued use); symptoms of low blood sugar (sweating, tremor, dizziness, confusion)
• Less common: severe abdominal pain (rarely causes pancreatitis)
• Report to your doctor before taking your next dose if you experience: wheezing, itchy rash, swelling of the face/lips

What other considerations are important?

Dosage may be adjusted by your doctor under certain conditions.

• Certain health problems: kidney/stomach/bowel problems, previous pancreatitis
• Other medicines: other antidiabetic drugs, sugar containing medicines, anticoagulants, oral contraceptives, antibiotics
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Safety not established
• Children: Not prescribed
• Over 60: No special problems
• Driving and hazardous work: Usually no problem but be aware of low blood sugar
• Alcohol: Avoid, alcohol may upset diabetic control
• Surgery and general anaesthetics Notify your doctor that you have diabetes