Byetta--generic name exenatide--is an injectable drug used to treat elevated blood sugar in type 2 diabetes, either alone or in combination with other diabetes medications, according to PDRhealth. Byetta improves blood sugar control by stimulating the pancreas to produce more insulin, as well as slowing stomach emptying which allows for better control over sugar absorption from the digestive tract. Like all medications, Byetta has a wide range of side effects which are usually mild; however, there are several potentially lethal side effects as well.
Hypoglycemia
All medications used to control blood sugar in diabetics have the potential for lowering the blood sugar too much, a condition called hypoglycemia, and Byetta is no exception. According to Drugs.com, Byetta, alone or in combination with metformin causes mild to moderate hypoglycemia in up to 11 percent of patients. The addition of a sulfonylurea increases the incidence of hypoglycemia to as high as 35 percent, depending on doses used. Symptoms include hunger, sweating, nervousness, nausea, headache, confusion, weakness, seizures and loss of consciousness. Treatment is with sugar, such as hard candy, juice or corn syrup, as well as intravenous sugar for more serious cases of hypoglycemia. Risk of hypoglycemia increases with dehydration, excessive exercise, lack of food and concomitant infections, according to Drugs.com.
Kidney Impairment
The FDA issued a warning in November 2009 about several instances of kidney insufficiency and failure caused by Byetta after it was released into the market for public use. Kidney function problems are seen most frequently in patients with underlying kidney disease, and should not be used in those with severe kidney failure. Patients should be monitored closely for signs of symptoms of kidney dysfunction, such as decrease urination, weakness, swelling, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal or back pain. Discontinuation of Byetta for drug-induced kidney impairment often results in improvement of kidney function.
Pancreas Inflammation
PubMed Health reports that several cases of severe inflammation of the pancreas, called hemorrhagic or necrotizing pancreatitis, have occurred; one-third of patients with Byetta-associated pancreatitis die from the condition. Symptoms of pancreatic inflammation include nausea, vomiting, anorexia, and severe abdominal or back pain. Diagnosis is confirmed by laboratory tests and radiologic studies. Upon diagnosis of pancreatitis, Byetta should be immediately discontinued. Therapy is supportive with intravenous fluids, pain control and antibiotics.
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