Exenatide: how to take it safely
Byetta
Reviewed by Pharm. Abeeb Junior
What it is for
Lowers blood sugar in type 2 diabetes.
How to take it
- Prescription medicine: take it exactly as your doctor or pharmacist told you.
- Inject under the skin of the tummy, thigh or upper arm, as your health worker showed you. Change the spot each time.
- Never share pens or needles.
- Store unopened pens in the fridge.
When to take it
Inject twice a day, within 1 hour before the morning and evening meals.
Take it with
With or without food.
What to avoid
- Tell your doctor if you have had pancreatitis or thyroid problems.
- Becoming dehydrated if you vomit or have diarrhoea.
- Pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to be.
- Stopping without advice.
Possible side effects
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, less appetite, constipation.
Get help if
Severe stomach pain that does not go away, with or without vomiting, or a lump or swelling in the neck: see a doctor straight away. Signs of dehydration: get help.
This is general information, not personal medical advice. Always follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions and read the leaflet that comes with your medicine. Medicines and doses can differ between products and people.