Byetta

Byetta is a brand-name injectable medication containing exenatide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist used to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes when diet and exercise alone are insufficient.

Mechanism of action: Exenatide mimics incretin hormones, enhancing glucose-dependent insulin secretion, suppressing glucagon release, slowing gastric emptying, and promoting satiety. These actions help reduce both postprandial and fasting glucose levels.

Administration and dosing: Byetta is given as a subcutaneous injection twice daily, ideally within 60 minutes before the two main meals of the day. The usual starting dose is 5 micrograms twice daily for about four weeks, then increased to 10 micrograms twice daily if tolerated and additional glycemic control is needed. It is administered by injection and injection site should be rotated. It should not be administered after a meal.

Indications, usage, and safety: Byetta is indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes and can be used as monotherapy or in combination with other antidiabetic agents when those agents do not provide adequate control. It is not indicated for type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis. Cautions include a risk of pancreatitis; patients should seek medical attention for severe abdominal pain. There is also a potential risk of thyroid C-cell tumors in animal studies, so it is not recommended for individuals with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2. Hypoglycemia risk may be increased when used with insulin or sulfonylureas.

Common adverse effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and injection-site reactions; these may improve with continued use.