Byetta: Side Effects, Overdose and Pregnancy Information

Main ingredient in Byetta injection (subcutaneous) is Exenatide. Byetta is used to treat people with type 2 or non-insulin dependent diabetes. Byetta works by imitating the actions of a hormone called Glucagon-like Peptide-1, or GLP-1. GLP-1 is produced naturally by the body in response to food intake. By imitating these actions of GLP-1, Byetta helps reduce blood glucose levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Byetta is used for people with type 2 diabetes whose blood sugar is not controlled by either Metformin, or another type of antidiabetic medicine known as a sulphonylurea.

BYETTA SIDE EFFECTS

Side effects of Byetta may include nausea, vomiting, hypoglycemia (low blood glucose level), diarrhea, indigestion, abdominal pain, dizziness, headache, appetite loss, bloating, fatigue, allergic reactions at the injection site, rash, hives, constipation, flatulence, dehydration, swollen face, tongue or throat.

Byetta Warning and Caution

Byetta must NOT be injected after meals.

Byetta must NOT be injected into a vein (intravenous) or a muscle (intramuscular).

Hypoglycemia (low blood glucose) is a very common side effect when Byetta is used in combination with sulphonylurea medicines.

Cases of inflammation of the pancreas have been reported in people taking Byetta.

Byetta should be used with caution in seniors and people with decreased kidney function.

Byetta should not be given in Type 1 diabetes, people receiving dialysis or who have severe kidney disease, people receiving insulin treatment.

Byetta is not recommended for children under 18 years of age.

Byetta and Pregnancy

Byetta should not be used during pregnancy. Seek medical advice from your physician if you get pregnant or plan to get pregnant while using Byetta.

Byetta passes into breast milk. Nursing mothers should switch to bottle-feed while taking Byetta.

Byetta Interaction

Contraceptives and antibiotics that are taken by mouth should be taken at least one hour before Byetta. Byetta may increase the anti-blood-clotting effect of anticoagulant drugs such as warfarin.

Byetta Overdose

In case of Byetta overdose, seek medical attention right away.