According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, Byetta was released on the market in 2005. Generically known as exenatide, Byetta is a diabetes medication produced by Amylin Pharmaceuticals Inc. Since its release, one of the reported side effects includes an average weight loss of 5 pounds over 30 weeks. However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not approved Byetta as a weight-loss medication.
Function
Byetta helps the body control blood sugars primarily after meals. It works to control blood sugar in four different ways. It decreases the amount of sugar the liver dumps out and signals the pancreas to produce the right amount of insulin after a meal. These two actions directly affect blood sugar levels. Along with these actions, Byetta slows how quickly food leaves the stomach. This allows for a longer period of feeling full and satisfied after a meal. Mayo Clinic Endocrinologist Maria Callazo-Clavell, M.D., says it is suspected that there is signaling in the brain that decreases appetite, but "it's unclear how Byetta causes weight loss."
Dosing
Although Byetta is not insulin, it is given by injection. According to Amylin Pharmaceuticals Inc., "Byetta should be injected twice a day at any time within the 60 minutes before your morning and evening meals. Byetta should not be taken after a meal." Typically, a starting dose of 5mcg is given for 30 days then, if tolerated and necessary, a larger dose of 10mcg is given.
Side Effects
Some serious, even life-threatening, side effects have been reported with the use of Byetta. Although rare, they include acute renal failure, renal insufficiency and pancreatitis, according to PubMed Health. Less severe and much more common side effects include low blood sugar, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, weakness, stomach pain, rash, itching and diarrhea, notes PubMed. It is recommended that you contact your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.
Considerations
As stated above, Byetta is not approved by the FDA as a weight-loss medication, and it is only available by prescription from a medical provider. It is likely that a medical provider will not prescribe Byetta as a weight-loss medication unless you have diabetes, as it has not been studied as a weight-loss aid, explains PubMed Health. If you do have diabetes, discuss Byetta with your doctor. You may be able to take it safely and benefit from the weight-loss side effect.
Alternatives
Other appetite suppressant medications may be more appropriate than Byetta. These medications are approved by the FDA to treat obesity and include phentermine, sibutramine, phendimetrazine and diethylproprion. Orlistat, known as Alli, is another weight-loss medication approved by the FDA, although it is not an appetite suppressant. As with any weight-loss effort, whether taking medications or not, a balanced diet and exercise are the cornerstone for successful and long-term weight loss.
Member Comments