Exenatide, sold as the brand name drug Byetta, is an injectable medicine that regulates blood sugar levels by helping the pancreas produce insulin more efficiently. Doctors prescribe Byetta to treat type 2 diabetes, sometimes in combination with oral medication. Byetta side effects are typically relatively minor, and include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, according to eMedTV. More serious effects may call for immediate medical attention.
Hypoglycemia
In pre-approval clinical trials with exenatide, as summarized by eMedTV, up to 35.7 percent of participants also taking other diabetes drugs experienced low blood sugar, known as hypoglycemia. This can be dangerous if blood sugar drops too low, but many symptoms can alert you that hypoglycemia is occurring. Signs may include extreme hunger, dizziness, irritability, problems with coordination, shakiness, sweating and blurry vision. Excessively low blood sugar can cause confusion, difficulty speaking, seizures and coma. Drugs.com recommends always keeping a source of sugar with you, such as fruit juice, milk or candy, if you use Byetta.
Pancreatitis
As with other diabetes medications, Byetta use may increase your risk of pancreas inflammation, known as pancreatitis. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, severe abdominal pain that may radiate to the back, and rapid heart rate. Pancreatitis can be life-threatening. Byetta manufacturer Amylin Pharmaceuticals advises telling your health care provider before taking Byetta if you have risk factors for this condition. Risk factors include a previous incidence of pancreatitis, gallstones, high blood triglyceride levels or a history of alcoholism.
Kidney Dysfunction
Byetta may cause problems with kidney function. You should not take Byetta injections if you have severe kidney problems, and you may not be able to safely use Byetta if you have had a kidney transplant, according to Amylin Pharmaceuticals. Signs of kidney problems include unexplained changes in urination, retention of fluid with swelling in the hands or feet, and middle or lower backache.
Allergic Reactions
Some people may experience an allergic reaction to Byetta. Signs may include a rash, hives, itching, wheezing, difficulty breathing and unexplained swelling, especially of the face, mouth or throat. Amylin Pharmaceuticals warns Byetta users to stop taking this medication at any sign of an allergic reaction and seek immediate medical attention. Allergic reactions to pharmaceutical products can lead to anaphylaxis, a life-threatening condition that causes a sudden drop in blood pressure and severe breathing difficulties.
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