Description
Byetta (Exenatide)
Byetta (Exenatide) is a synthetic exendin-4 agent indicated for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in patients not on insulin. Exenatide belongs to a group of medications known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. It is used along with other medications (e.g., metformin, glyburide, gliclazide, or insulin glargine) to improve blood glucose (sugar) levels for people with type 2 diabetes. It works by helping your body make more insulin and control blood glucose levels. Also approved Byetta as an add-on therapy to insulin glargine. ‘Exanetide once-weekly’, a long-acting release formulation of exanetide, is also being developed.
Exenatide may enable type 2 diabetics to control their blood-glucose levels while reducing or eliminating the risk of hypoglycaemia and weight gain, which would represent a significant therapeutic gain. Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. The anti-diabetic, glucose lowering effects of exenatide have been demonstrated in a series of phase II trials. Overall these have shown that exenatide. Stimulates secretion of insulin only in the presence of elevated blood glucose concentrations, Lowers post-meal glucagon concentrations.
Slows gastric emptying thereby modulating absorption of glucose into the bloodstream, Increases sensation of fullness and satiety, Suppresses post-meal elevations in serum triglyceride concentrations and Lowers blood glucose concentration with concomitant reductions in levels of HbA1c, Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to use this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it. The usual starting dose of this medication is 5 µg (micrograms) injected subcutaneously (under the skin) in the thigh, abdomen, or upper arm twice daily. Inject this medication within 60 minutes before breakfast and dinner. You can also inject this medication before lunch and dinner.
