You should not use this medicine if you have severe kidney disease (or you are on dialysis), or if you have slowed digestion or diabetic ketoacidosis.
You should not use this medicine if exenatide has ever caused you to have low platelet levels in your blood.
Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have nausea and vomiting with severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to exenatide (Bydureon or Byetta), or if you have:
severe kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);
a severe stomach disorder that causes slow digestion;
a history of low levels of platelets (blood cells that help your blood to clot) while using exenatide; or
diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment with insulin).
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
kidney disease or a history of kidney transplant;
a stomach disorder that causes slow digestion;
pancreatitis; or
gall stones.
Follow your doctor's instructions about using this medicine if you are pregnant or you become pregnant. Controlling diabetes is very important during pregnancy, and having high blood sugar may cause complications in both the mother and the baby.
Byetta can make birth control pills less effective. If you take birth control pills, take your pill at least 1 hour before your Byetta injection.
It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.
Exenatide is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.
How should I use Byetta?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Byetta is injected under the skin. A healthcare provider may teach you how to properly use the medication by yourself.
Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you don't understand all instructions.
Prepare your injection only when you are ready to give it. You must give the injection right away after mixing.
Byetta is usually injected twice a day, before the morning and evening meals. Do not use after eating a meal. You must use Byetta within 60 minutes (1 hour) before eating. Your Byetta doses should be given at least 6 hours apart.
You may have low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and feel very hungry, dizzy, irritable, confused, anxious, or shaky. To quickly treat hypoglycemia, eat or drink a fast-acting source of sugar (fruit juice, hard candy, crackers, raisins, or non-diet soda).
Your doctor may prescribe a glucagon injection kit in case you have severe hypoglycemia. Be sure your family or close friends know how to give you this injection in an emergency.
Also watch for signs of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) such as increased thirst or urination.
Blood sugar levels can be affected by stress, illness, surgery, exercise, alcohol use, or skipping meals. Ask your doctor before changing your dose or medication schedule.
Use a needle and syringe only once and then place them in a puncture-proof "sharps" container. Follow state or local laws about how to dispose of this container. Keep it out of the reach of children and pets.
Never share an injection pen or syringe with another person, even if the needle has been changed. Sharing these devices can allow infections or disease to pass from one person to another.
Byetta can lower your platelet counts for up to 10 weeks after you stop using this medicine. You may need frequent medical tests while using this medicine and for a short time after you stop.
Byetta is only part of a complete treatment program that may also include diet, exercise, weight control, regular blood sugar testing, and special medical care. Follow your doctor's instructions very closely.
Storing unopened (not in use) Byetta: Keep the medicine in its original container. Refrigerate and use until expiration date. Protect from light.
Do not freeze Byetta, and throw away the medicine if it has been frozen.
Storing opened (in use) Byetta: Store at room temperature and use within 30 days. Protect from heat and bright light. Do not store the injection pen with a needle attached.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Skip the missed dose and use your next dose at the regular time. Do not use two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Overdose can cause severe nausea and vomiting, or signs of low blood sugar (headache, hunger, irritability, dizziness, feeling shaky).
