
Precautions

When is the best time to take Byetta?
For injection dosage form (solution, Byetta®): Adults—At first, 5 micrograms (mcg) injected under the skin 2 times a day at any time within the 60–minute period before the morning and evening meals (or before the 2 main meals of the day, about 6 hours or more apart).
What happens if I take Byetta after a meal?
Byetta helps lower your blood sugar after eating a meal. It also lowers your blood sugar between meals. This is called your fasting blood sugar level. Byetta can also help some people lose weight.
Can you take Byetta once a day?
You should not inject Byetta during or after a meal. You'll inject Byetta twice per day, up to an hour before your two main meals of the day. For most people, this will be an hour before breakfast and an hour before dinner. Your two doses of Byetta should be 6 hours or more apart.
Is Byetta approved for weight loss?
No, Byetta is not approved for use as a weight loss drug. But because Byetta is used along with a healthy diet and exercise program, you may lose weight while using the drug. Also, studies show Byetta can cause loss of appetite. This, too, may lead to weight loss.
Does Byetta make you tired?
You may experience blurred vision, headache, dizziness, or drowsiness due to extremely low or high blood sugar.
Do you have to refrigerate Byetta?
Patients can now keep a BYETTA Pen at a temperature anywhere from 36 degrees F (2 degrees C) to 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) after first use. Until first use, BYETTA Pens must continue to be stored in a refrigerator between 36 degrees F (2 degrees C) and 46 degrees F (8 degrees C).
What does Byetta do to the body?
Byetta works by increasing the secretion of insulin from the pancreas, reducing the action of glucagon (the hormone which raises blood sugar levels) and slowing the absorption of glucose from the gut. Together, these actions lower blood sugar levels and serve to reduce appetite.
How long does Byetta last?
Keep your pen and needles out of the sight and reach of children. How long can I use a Byetta pen? Use a Byetta pen for only 30 days after setting up a new pen for first use. Dispose of a used Byetta pen after 30 days, even if some medicine remains in the pen.
Does Byetta cause kidney damage?
You may also have a higher risk of kidney problems than usual if you have certain side effects with Byetta. These include vomiting, diarrhea, and nausea. * These side effects can lead to dehydration, which may cause kidney problems.
Who should not take Byetta?
BYETTA is not indicated for use in patients with type 1 diabetes. BYETTA contains exenatide and should not be used with other products containing the active ingredient exenatide. BYETTA has not been studied in patients with a history of pancreatitis.
What is the monthly cost of Byetta?
SynopsisNameStarting DosageApproximate monthly costExenatide (Byetta)5 mcg subcutaneously twice daily within 60 minutes before meals. Dose may be increased to 10 mcg after one month.$191 (60 doses of 5 mcg)$223 (60 doses of 10 mcg)Jun 15, 2006
What is the new diabetes drug that causes weight loss?
Mounjaro, a drug approved in 2022 to treat type 2 diabetes, has also shown remarkable weight-loss effects, reducing trial participants' weight by over 20%.
Does Byetta cause kidney damage?
You may also have a higher risk of kidney problems than usual if you have certain side effects with Byetta. These include vomiting, diarrhea, and nausea. * These side effects can lead to dehydration, which may cause kidney problems.
Does Take With food mean before or after?
If the label states “take with or after food”, it means the medicine should be taken during the meal, or within half an hour of eating.
Can you take Victoza after eating?
You may take this medicine with or without food. If you will be using liraglutide at home, your doctor will teach you how the injections will be given. Be sure you understand exactly how the medicine is to be injected.
How long does Byetta last?
Keep your pen and needles out of the sight and reach of children. How long can I use a Byetta pen? Use a Byetta pen for only 30 days after setting up a new pen for first use. Dispose of a used Byetta pen after 30 days, even if some medicine remains in the pen.
How often do you give Byetta?
Byetta comes as a prefilled multidose injection pen. You give yourself an injection under your skin ( subcutaneous) twice a day, before your main meals.
What is the FDA warning for Byetta?
An FDA boxed warning is used to alert doctors and patients about potentially serious side effects that might be associated with a drug.
Will I need to use insulin with Byetta?
You won’t need to use insulin with Byetta unless your doctor prescribes it. This depends on your individual situation.
Is Byetta used to treat PCOS?
Byetta is not FDA-approved to treat polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). However, exenatide was shown in one study to help with weight loss, improve insulin sensitivity (the way cells respond to insulin), and encourage more regular periods in women with PCOS.
Can I switch from Byetta to Bydureon?
Yes. You could switch from Byetta to Bydureon if your doctor thinks it would work better for your specific health situation. Also, Bydureon could be more convenient because you only have to inject it once a week instead of twice a day.
How many doses of Byetta are in a pen?
Byetta comes as a prefilled injection pen. It’s available in two strengths: 5 mcg per dose and 10 mcg per dose. Each pen contains 60 doses.
What is Byetta a type of drug?
Byetta contains exenatide, which is a type of drug known as a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonist. Byetta is given by injection. Byetta comes in a prefilled injection pen. You use the pen to give yourself an injection under your skin (a subcutaneous injection ).
How far apart should you take Byetta?
You should inject your Byetta doses 1 hour before each of your two main meals (for example, breakfast and dinner). If you don’t eat much for breakfast, you could inject your first dose in the hour before lunch. The two doses should be at least 6 hours apart.
What to do if you have too much Byetta?
You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach the American Association of Poison Control Centers, or use their online resource . But if you have severe symptoms, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately or go to the nearest emergency room.
What is Byetta’s form?
Byetta comes as a liquid solution in disposable pens. Each pen has 60 doses.
Is there a weekly dose of Byetta I could use, instead of daily doses?
No. Byetta doesn’t come in a weekly dose. It only comes as self-injection pens that are used twice per day.
What is Byetta a drug?
Byetta belongs to a group of drugs called glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists.
What is the best treatment for type 2 diabetes?
If you have type 2 diabetes, your doctor might suggest Byetta (exenatide) as a treatment option for you.
How to remember to inject Byetta?
If you need help remembering to inject Byetta on time, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm, downloading a reminder app, or setting a timer on your phone. A kitchen timer can work, too.

Overview
Exenatide is used with a proper diet and exercise program to control high blood sugar. It is used by people with type 2 diabetes.
May Treat: Type 2 diabetes mellitus
Drug Class: Antihyperglycemic - Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) Receptor Agonists
Availability: Prescription Required
Pregnancy: Consult a doctor before using
Lactation: Consult a doctor before using
May Treat: Type 2 diabetes mellitus
Drug Class: Antihyperglycemic - Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) Receptor Agonists
Availability: Prescription Required
Pregnancy: Consult a doctor before using
Lactation: Consult a doctor before using
Alcohol: Limit intake while taking this medication
Driving: May cause drowsiness or dizziness. Use caution
Manufacturer: ASTRAZENECA
What is Byetta’s form?
What strengths does Byetta come in?
What are the typical dosages of Byetta?
Is Byetta used long term?
- If you have type 2 diabetes, your doctor might suggest Byetta (exenatide) as a treatment option f…
Byetta is a prescription medication that’s used to manage hyperglycemia (high blood sugar). It’s used along with exercise and a healthy diet to treat type 2 diabetes in adults. - Byetta belongs to a group of drugs called glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists.
This article describes the dosages of Byetta, as well as its form, strengths, and how to use the drug. To learn more about Byetta, see this in-depth article.
Dosage adjustments
- Byetta comes as a liquid solution in disposable pens. Each pen has 60 doses.
Is Byetta used for weight loss? If so, what’s the dosage?
- Byetta comes in two strengths: 5 micrograms (mcg) of Byetta per dose in 1.5 milliliters (mL) of solution and 10 mcg of Byetta per dose in 2.4 mL of solution.
Is there a weekly dose of Byetta I could use, instead of daily doses?
- Typically, your doctor will start you on a low dosage of Byetta. Then they’ll adjust your dosage af…
The information below describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. But be sure to use the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs. - The typical starting dosage of Byetta is 5 mcg injected twice per day. You’ll use this dosage for …
If Byetta isn’t effective for you, or you experience serious side effects, your doctor may decrease your dosage or switch you to a different drug.
Symptoms of overdose
- Yes, Byetta is typically used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Byetta is safe and effective for you, it’s likely that you’ll use it long term.
What to do in case you use too much Byetta
- You and your doctor will regularly monitor your blood sugar levels while you’re using Byetta. You …
your health (other conditions you may have besides diabetes) - other medications you may be taking
if you have renal (kidney) problems
Q
- No, Byetta is not approved for use as a weight loss drug. But because Byetta is used along with …
Also, studies show Byetta can cause loss of appetite. This, too, may lead to weight loss. - It’s important to monitor your blood sugar levels closely during your Byetta treatment. Losing we…
If you have questions or concerns about losing weight during your Byetta treatment, talk with your doctor.
A
- No. Byetta doesn’t come in a weekly dose. It only comes as self-injection pens that are used twic…
But Bydureon, which has the same active ingredient as Byetta (exenatide), is a long-acting drug that’s used once per week. Like Byetta, it’s given with a self-injection pen. - To learn more about how these drugs are similar and different, see this comparison. If you have …
Byetta is a liquid solution that comes in prefilled disposable pens. It’s given as an injection under your skin in your upper arm, thigh, or abdomen (belly). You’ll give yourself Byetta injections at home after your doctor shows you how to use the self-injection pens. You can also follow these …