Byetta Injections Help Control Blood Sugar and Weight
Byetta, also known as Exenatide, is the first in a new class of medications specifically created to treat type 2 diabetes. This injectable drug is derived from the saliva of the gila monster, a poisonous lizard found in the Southwest United States. Exenatide is in a class called incretin mimetics because it mimics the action of the hormone human-glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). GLP-1s are produced and released into the blood by the intestine in response to food. They increase the secretion of insulin from the pancreas and slow the emptying of the stomach, which decreases the amount of glucose in the bloodstream They also suppress the release of glucagon by the liver, which can decrease hyperglycemic incidents; and they reduce the appetite. Combined, these actions reduce blood glucose levels overall. This medication works to lower the blood sugar levels when they are high but it does not continue to lower blood glucose after a normal level has been reached.
Byetta is capable of working alone but it is often used in conjunction with other oral medications. Currently it is prescribed for type 2 patients who have not achieved adequate blood glucose control using their current medications – metformin, a sulfonylurea, a thiazolidinedione, or a combination thereof.
Since Byetta stimulates the creation of insulin in the pancreas, it should not be used in patients with type 1 or as a replacement for insulin in patients who require it. Currently one of the most appreciated potential side effects of taking Byetta is weight loss. However, nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, and headaches are also potential side effects. Hypoglycemia is another possible side effect, especially if it is taken with other oral medications. Talk to your doctor if you are experiencing any of these side effects, as an adjustment in your medications may be necessary.
Byetta is manufactured and marketed by Amylin Pharmaceuticals and Eli Lilly and Company. A generic does not yet exist.
For full prescribing information, visit http://www.byetta.com/.