Exenatide Solution for injection Health Article

Generic name(s):

Exenatide Solution for injection

Brand name(s):

Byetta

What is this medicine?

EXENATIDE (ex EN a tide) is used to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes. This medicine is usually used with other oral diabetes medicines.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• kidney disease or if you are on dialysis
• stomach problems
• an unusual or allergic reaction to exenatide, medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for injection under the skin of your upper leg, stomach area, or upper arm. You will be taught how to prepare and give this medicine. Use exactly as directed. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed.

It is important that you put your used needles and syringes in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or healthcare provider to get one.

A patient information sheet for the product will be given with each prescription and refill. Read this sheet carefully each time. The sheet may change frequently.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• gatifloxacin

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• acetaminophen
• birth control pills
• digoxin
• lisinopril
• lovastatin
• sulfonylureas
• warfarin

Many medications may cause changes in blood sugar, these include:

• alcohol containing beverages
• aspirin and aspirin-like drugs
• chloramphenicol
• chromium
• diuretics
• female hormones, such as estrogens or progestins, birth control pills
• heart medicines
• isoniazid
• male hormones or anabolic steroids
• medications for weight loss
• medicines for allergies, asthma, cold, or cough
• medicines for mental problems
• medicines called MAO inhibitors - Nardil, Parnate, Marplan, Eldepryl
• niacin
• NSAIDS, such as ibuprofen
• pentamidine
• phenytoin
• probenecid
• quinolone antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, ofloxacin
• some herbal dietary supplements
• steroid medicines such as prednisone or cortisone
• thyroid hormones

Some medications can hide the warning symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). You may need to monitor your blood sugar more closely if you are taking one of these medications. These include:

• beta-blockers, often used for high blood pressure or heart problems (examples include atenolol, metoprolol, propranolol)
• clonidine
• guanethidine
• reserpine

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.