Byetta is an injectable diabetic medication that helps the pancreas make more insulin, so glucose can be absorbed into cells for use as energy. Byetta is used only for people with type 2, or adult onset, diabetes. Byetta is taken an hour or less before eating. As with any medication, Byetta has side effects; some can be serious.
Gastrointestinal Side Effects
Gastrointestinal symptoms are common in people taking Byetta; 44 percent report nausea, and vomiting and diarrhea occur in 13 percent of people, eMedTV states. Constipation is also common due to slowed gastric emptying, the Diabetes Monitor explains. One in five people have decreased appetite; heartburn affects up to 6 percent. Nausea can be decreased by eating close to the injection time, according to Diabetes Monitor.
Many people taking Byetta are hoping to lose weight while taking the drug. Twenty five percent of people taking Byetta lose a significant amount of weight, with 50 percent experiencing moderate weight loss.
Hypoglycemia
Hypogylcemia is low blood sugar. Symptoms of low blood sugar include tremors, lightheadedness, dizziness, weakness, hunger and confusion. Headache, cold sweats, vision problems and fast heart rate may also occur. Always check your blood sugar before taking Byetta; taking Byetta when blood sugar is high can cause your blood sugar to drop rapidly.
Other Side Effects
Byetta has also been associated with headache, dizziness and jittery feelings occurring in up to 9 percent of patients. Increased sweating occurs in one out of five people.
Allergic Side Effects
Byetta, like any drug, can cause allergic reactions, including hives, rash, difficulty breathing, facial swelling, chest pain and itching. Allergic reactions should be reported to your doctor.
Renal and Pancreatic Side Effects
Byetta has been associated with several potentially very serious diseases: pancreatitis and kidney disease. Symptoms of pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas, include severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and fever. Symptoms of kidney disease may not be evident until severe damage is done, but include frequent urination at night, nausea, vomiting, swelling of the feet and legs due to fluid retention and fatigue.
According to a CNN report on November 9, 2009, the FDA received 78 reports of kidney problems in patients taking the drug between 2005 and 2008, with 91 percent being hospitalized. Several need kidney transplants or dialysis, and four died. While this number is small compared to the 7 million people taking the drug, it indicates the need for close follow-up on kidney function while taking Byetta.
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