Byetta is an injectable diabetes medicine that helps control blood sugar
levels. This medication helps your pancreas produce insulin more efficiently.
Byetta is a short-acting form of exenatide.

Byetta is used together with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control
in adults with type 2 diabetes. Byetta is not for treating type 1 diabetes.

This medication guide provides information about the Byetta, an immediate-
release brand of exenatide. Bydureon is an extended-release brand of exenatide
that is not covered in this medication guide.





Get emergency medical help if you have **signs of an allergic reaction to
Byetta:** hives, itching; rapid heartbeats; difficult breathing; feeling
light-headed; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Some people using exenatide have had serious or fatal bleeding caused by low
levels of platelets (blood cells that help your blood to clot). **Stop using
Byetta and call your doctor right away if you have unusual bleeding or
bruising.**

Stop using Byetta and call your doctor at once if you have:

  * **pancreas or gallbladder problems** \- pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting, fever, fast heart rate, yellowing of your skin or eyes;

  * **low blood sugar** \- headache, hunger, sweating, irritability, dizziness, nausea, fast heart rate, and feeling anxious or shaky; or

  * **kidney problems** \- little or no urination, painful or difficult urination, swelling in your feet or ankles, feeling tired or short of breath.

Common Byetta side effects include:

  * indigestion, nausea, vomiting;

  * diarrhea, constipation; or

  * itching or a small bump where the medicine was injected.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your
doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to
FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Byetta side effects (more detail)