Bydureon (Exenatide) Pens

Bydureon, also known as exenatide extended-release, is a weekly injectable prescription medication. It is indicated in adults and children 10 years of age and older with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) to improve glycemic control in addition to diet and exercise (similar to Januvia). Bydureon pen is a long-acting form of Byetta and is administered subcutaneously. Controlling hyperglycemia with Bydureon prevents downstream complications such as kidney damage, loss of limbs, blindness, heart attack, stroke, or nerve problems. It is important that diabetes remains controlled to lessen the chance of related complications. Bydureon is not recommended for the treatment of type I diabetes.

Incretins are peptide hormones originating from the gut that are quickly released after a meal. The two primary incretins in humans include glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). Incretins such as GLP-1 potentiate glucose-dependent insulin release and exert multiple antihyperglycemic effects after their secretion from the gut into the circulation.

Bydureon is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that increases glucose-dependent insulin secretion by pancreatic beta-cells, decreasing abnormally elevated glucagon secretion, and decreasing gastric emptying. Through this mechanism, it improves glycemic control in patients with type II diabetes.

Usage

Bydureon can be used by itself or if you cannot take metformin. It also can be used in combination with the drugs listed below. The mixture is used when these drugs no longer provide enough control of blood sugar levels on their own.

– Metformin
– A sulfonylurea (SU)
– Metformin and an SU
– Basal insulin
– Basal insulin and metformin

Do Not Use Bydureon If You:

– Are allergic to exenatide or any of the ingredients in this drug.
– Have severe kidney disease or are on dialysis.
– Have diabetic ketoacidosis (accumulation of ketones in blood and urine)
– Have type 1 diabetes.
– Are under 18 years old.

To help avoid side effects and ensure proper use, talk to your healthcare professional before taking Bydureon. Talk about any health conditions or problems you may have, including if you:

– Are taking other drugs to control blood sugar.
– Are taking a blood thinner such as warfarin.
– Have a high heart rate (fast pulse).
– Have a condition called heart block.
– Have any heart disease, such as angina, history of a heart attack, or heart rhythm disturbances.
– Have severe problems with your stomach (gastroparesis).
– Have severe vomiting and diarrhea, and dehydration.
– Have a history of problems with your pancreas, stones in your gallbladder.
– Are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
– Are over 65 years old.

Side Effects

Common side effects of Bydureon include:

– Diarrhea
– Constipation
– Nausea
– Injection site reactions
– Low blood sugar
– Headache
– Injection site nodule
– Indigestion