EXENATIDE

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Byetta

GENERIC NAME(S): EXENATIDE

Description: Exenatide is a glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor inhibitor. It increases the release of insulin secretion and lowers blood sugar. It also decreases food intake by reducing appetite and increasing satiety because it mimics the hormone, incretin.

Uses

Indications:

Exenatide is used with a proper diet and exercise program to control high blood sugar. It is used by people with type 2 diabetes.

Contraindications:

Should not be given to patients with previous allergic reaction to this drug.

How to use exenatide subcutaneous

Dosage: Inject 5 mcg of this medication under the skin in the thigh, abdomen, or upper arm as directed by your doctor, usually twice a day if it is an immediate-release type. Inject 2 mg of this drug under the skin once every 7 days if it is an extended release type . Injection should be done within 60 minutes before the morning and evening meals (or before the two main meals of the day, at least 6 hours apart).

Exenatide should not be used after a meal since it will not work as well.
If you are also using insulin, give exenatide and insulin as separate injections. Do not mix them.
Check your blood sugar regularly as directed by your doctor. Keep track of the results, and share them with your doctor
Do not share your pen device with another person, even if the needle is changed. You may give other people a serious infection, or get a serious infection from them.

Warnings

Thyroid tumor: This medication can cause a certain type of thyroid tumor (thyroid C-cell tumors) in rats. It is unknown if this medication can cause similar tumors in humans.

Side Effects

You should check with your doctor immediately if any of these side effects occur when taking exenatide:

If any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking exenatide, get emergency help immediately:

Symptoms of overdose

Anxiety
blurred vision
cold sweats
cool, pale skin
increased hunger
nervousness
nightmares
severe vomiting
shakiness
slurred speech

Some of the side effects that can occur with exenatide may not need medical attention:

More common

Acid or sour stomach
belching
diarrhea
feeling jittery
heartburn
stomach discomfort or upset

Less common

Appetite decreased
increased sweating
lack or loss of strength

Precautions

Precautions

Allergy: Before using exenatide, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.
Medical History: Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you had: stomach/intestinal disorders (such as gastroparesis, digestion problems), kidney disease, disease of the pancreas (pancreatitis), stones in your gallbladder (gallstones).
You may experience blurred vision, headache, dizziness, or drowsiness due to extremely low or high blood sugar levels.
It may be harder to control your blood sugar when your body is stressed (such as due to fever, infection, injury, or surgery.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Pregnancy Risk: Category C. This medication should be used only when clearly needed. Pregnancy may cause or worsen diabetes.

Breastfeeding: It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk, but it is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

Beta-blocker medications (such as metoprolol, propranolol, glaucoma eye drops such as timolol) may prevent the fast/pounding heartbeat you would usually feel when your blood sugar level falls too low (hypoglycemia). Other symptoms of low blood sugar, such as dizziness, hunger, or sweating, are unaffected by these drugs.

Overdose & Brands

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others.

Attend a diabetes education program to learn more about diabetes and the important parts of its treatment, including medications, diet, exercise, and having regular eye/foot/medical exams.

Learn the symptoms of high and low blood sugar and how to treat low blood sugar. Check your blood sugar levels regularly as directed.

Keep all regular medical and laboratory appointments. Laboratory and/or medical tests (such as kidney function, blood glucose, hemoglobin A1c) should be performed before you start treatment and periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store the new, unused pen injector in the refrigerator between 36-46 degrees F (2-8 degrees C). Do not freeze. After first use, store at room temperature at or below 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Protect from light. Discard 30 days after first use, even if some drug remains in the pen. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

Brands

There are no brands containing this molecule.