What is Byetta?
Byetta is a type of anti-hyperglycemic medicine. It belongs to a group of medications known as GLP-1 receptor agonists. Byetta is developed by AstraZeneca, a Cambridge-based biopharmaceutical and pharmaceutical corporation that operates worldwide.
What is it used for?
Byetta is commonly used as an adjunctive treatment in diabetes patients for glycemic control. In particular, the drug is used to treat type II diabetes (but not type I diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis). For optimal therapeutic outcomes, Byetta should be used in combination with other non-pharmacological interventions such as exercise and diet. Keep in mind that Byetta does not replace insulin.
How to take this medication
Take Byetta exactly as directed. Patients should only use Byetta for its prescribed indications. Do not change the dosage without consulting the doctor.
Each dose should be taken at least six hours apart. Byetta should not be used after mea
What is Byetta?
Byetta is a type of anti-hyperglycemic medicine. It belongs to a group of medications known as GLP-1 receptor agonists. Byetta is developed by AstraZeneca, a Cambridge-based biopharmaceutical and pharmaceutical corporation that operates worldwide.
What is it used for?
Byetta is commonly used as an adjunctive treatment in diabetes patients for glycemic control. In particular, the drug is used to treat type II diabetes (but not type I diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis). For optimal therapeutic outcomes, Byetta should be used in combination with other non-pharmacological interventions such as exercise and diet. Keep in mind that Byetta does not replace insulin.
How to take this medication
Take Byetta exactly as directed. Patients should only use Byetta for its prescribed indications. Do not change the dosage without consulting the doctor.
Each dose should be taken at least six hours apart. Byetta should not be used after meals. Additionally, the drug should not be used in combination with a short-acting or fast-acting insulin, including regular insulin (Novolin R or Humulin R), insulin lispro (Humalog), insulin glulisine (Apidra) or insulin aspart (NovoLog). While on Byetta, patients should avoid alcohol intake, as this may further reduce the blood glucose levels. All antibiotics should be taken at least one hour before using Byetta. Byetta is intended to be administered via injections under the skin.
How does this drug work?
Byetta is formulated with exenatide as the medicinal ingredient. Exenatide has an amino acid sequence that is similar to that of human glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1); therefore, it is able to attach to and activate human GLP-1 receptors. GLP-1 is a type of incretin that can increase glucose-dependent insulin secretion. In addition, it has been shown to demonstrate other anti-hyperglycemic actions once released into the circulation.
Having agonist activities on human GLP-1 receptors, Byetta effectively improves glucose-dependent insulin secretion by the pancreatic β cells while suppressing elevated glucagon secretion. At the same time, Byetta exerts its actions to slow gastric emptying. It is believed that the mechanism of action of Byetta involves cyclic AMP and a number of other intracellular signaling pathways. Through these actions, Byetta helps enhance glycemic control through the reduction of postprandial and fasting blood sugar levels in patients who have type II diabetes.
Dosage
Initially, use 5mcg of Byetta subcutaneously two time a day for a minimum of one month. Then, based on the therapeutic response, the dose may be increased to 10mcg two times a day. The maximum recommended dose for Byetta is 10mcg two times daily.
Please note that the dose may vary depending on your condition. Your doctor will determine the appropriate dose.
Side effects
- Feeling jittery
- Dizziness and weakness
- Headache
- Heartburn
- Diarrhea and constipation
Please note that this is not a complete list of all the possible side effects of Byetta. Byetta may cause other side effects that are not included in this list. Patients should see a doctor if they experience any unusual or persistent symptoms. Refer to the product leaflet for a full list of side effects.
