Bydureon (Exenatide) extended-release belongs to a group of medications known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. It is used alone or with other medications (e.g., Metformin, Glyburide, Gliclazide, or basal (long-acting) insulin) to improve blood glucose (sugar) levels for people with Type 2 Diabetes. It works by helping your body release more insulin and control blood glucose levels.

Bydureon (Exenatide) may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of Bydureon (Exenatide) may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of Bydureon (Exenatide) may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.

Your doctor may have suggested Bydureon (Exenatide) for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are using Bydureon (Exenatide), speak to your doctor. Do not stop using Bydureon (Exenatide) without consulting your doctor.

Do not give Bydureon (Exenatide) to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to use Bydureon (Exenatide) if their doctor has not prescribed it.

The usual adult dose of Bydureon (Exenatide) is 2 mg of extended release suspension, injected subcutaneously (under the skin) in the thigh, abdomen, or upper arm once a week.

Bydureon (Exenatide) extended-release is used with the guidance and supervision of a doctor. Your doctor or nurse will assist you in the preparation and injection of your first dose (or first few doses). Do not attempt to inject Bydureon (Exenatide) on your own until you completely understand how to inject a dose.

Bydureon (Exenatide) is provided in a pen injector that contains a glass cartridge with 2 compartments. One compartment contains the medication in a powder form, while the other compartment contains the diluent that, when mixed with the medication powder, creates a suspension that is injected. Read the user manual for instructions on how to properly use Bydureon (Exenatide). If you have questions about how to use Bydureon (Exenatide), contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Rotate the injection sites (arms, thighs, upper buttocks, or stomach) to minimize injection site skin irritation.

The diluent is clear and colourless and should not contain particles. After it has been mixed with the medication powder, the mixture will be white-to-off-white and cloudy. Inject the medication immediately after mixing the solution and powder.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important that Bydureon (Exenatide) be used exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, and it is less than 3 days since the missed dose, inject it as soon as possible. If it is more than 3 days since the missed dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not use a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store Bydureon (Exenatide) in the refrigerator, protect it from light, and keep it out of the reach of children. Do not allow it to freeze. If necessary, your pen may be stored at room temperature for up to 4 weeks.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is used in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who uses Bydureon (Exenatide). If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Bydureon (Exenatide) with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking Bydureon (Exenatide). Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• abdominal pain
• burping
• cold symptoms
• Constipation
• cough
• decreased appetite
• Diarrhea
• dizziness
• headache
• joint pain
• muscle pain
• nausea
• pain, swelling, burning, or bruising at the place of injection
• rash
• vomiting
• weight loss

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• signs of clotting problems (e.g., unusual nosebleeds, bruising, blood in urine, coughing blood, bleeding gums, cuts that don't stop bleeding)
• signs of dehydration (e.g., decreased urine, dry skin, dry and sticky mouth, sleepiness, dizziness, headache, thirst, confusion)
• signs of kidney problems (e.g., increased urination at night, decreased urine production, blood in the urine, swelling of the ankles or feet)
• symptoms of an abnormal heart rhythm (e.g., dizziness, seizures, fainting, or a fast or pounding heartbeat)
• symptoms of low blood sugar (e.g., anxiety, blurred vision, confusion, difficulty concentrating, difficulty speaking, dizziness, drowsiness, fast heartbeat, feeling jittery, headache, hunger, irritability, nausea, weakness, nervousness, numbness or tingling lips or tongue, sweating, tiredness, trembling, weakness)
• symptoms of thyroid cancer (e.g., a lump or swelling in the neck, trouble swallowing, hoarseness)

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• symptoms of a Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction) (e.g., Hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of the mouth, face, tongue, or throat)
• symptoms of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) such as abdominal pain and vomiting

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking Bydureon (Exenatide).

Each pen injector contains a dual chamber glass cartridge injector with a bypass channel and injection needle.

• The front chamber of the glass cartridge contains a white-to-off-white powder containing 2 mg of Bydureon (Exenatide). Nonmedicinal ingredients: poly (D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) and sucrose.
• The rear chamber of the glass cartridge injector pen contains sufficient diluent to deliver 0.65 mL after reconstitution. Nonmedicinal ingredients: carboxymethylcellulose sodium, dibasic sodium phosphate heptahydrate, monobasic sodium phosphate monohydrate, polysorbate 20, sodium chloride, and water for injection.

Do not use Bydureon (Exenatide) if you:

• are allergic to Bydureon (Exenatide) or any ingredients of the medication
• have or have had a family member with medullary Thyroid cancer
• have multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (a disease where people have tumours in more than one gland in their body)
• have severe or end-stage Kidney Disease

There may be an interaction between Bydureon (Exenatide) extended-release and any of the following:

• acetylsalicylic acid (Asa)
• atypical antipsychotics (e.g., Clozapine, Olanzapine, Quetiapine, Risperidone)
• beta-blockers (e.g., Metoprolol, Atenolol)
• birth control pills
• calcium channel blockers (e.g., Verapamil, Diltiazem)
• corticosteroids (e.g., Dexamethasone, Hydrocortisone, Prednisone)
• diabetes medications (e.g., chlorpropamide, glyburide, insulin, metformin, Nateglinide, Rosiglitazone)
• Digoxin
• Disopyramide
• diuretics (e.g., Furosemide, Hydrochlorothiazide)
• Epinephrine
• estrogens (e.g., conjugated estrogen, Estradiol, ethinyl estradiol)
• Glucagon
• Hepatitis C antivirals (e.g., daclatasvir, ledipasvir, paritaprevir, sofosbuvir)
• HIV protease inhibitors (e.g., atazanavir, indinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir)
• Lanreotide
• monoamine oxidase inhibitors (M.O.S. e.g., Moclobemide, Rasagiline, Selegiline, Tranylcypromine)
• mifepristone
• Niacin
• Octreotide
• Pasireotide
• Pegvisomant
• progestins (e.g., Dienogest, Levonorgestrel, medroxyprogesterone, Norethindrone)
• quinine
• quinolone antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin, Norfloxacin, Ofloxacin)
• selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs; e.g., Citalopram, Fluoxetine, Paroxetine, Sertraline)
• Sirolimus
• somatostatin
• Somatropin
• sulfonamide antibiotics ("sulfas"; e.g., sulfisoxazole, sulfamethoxazole)
• Sunitinib
• Tacrolimus
• testosterone
• Vorinostat
• Warfarin

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Bydureon (Exenatide). Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.