Bydureon

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Bydureon (Exenatide).

Bleeding:  Bydureon (Exenatide) may cause a reduced number of platelets in the blood, which can make it difficult to stop cuts from bleeding. If you notice any signs of bleeding, such as frequent nosebleeds, unexplained bruising, or black and tarry stools, notify your doctor as soon as possible.

Blood sugar control: Fever, infection, surgery, or trauma may cause a loss of blood sugar control and you may need to change to insulin temporarily, until you recover. Your doctor will recommend when this is needed.

If you regularly experience uncontrolled blood glucose levels, contact your doctor.

Diabetes identification: It is important to either wear a bracelet (or necklace) or carry a card indicating you have diabetes and are taking medication to manage your blood glucose levels.

Heart problems: Bydureon (Exenatide) extended-release may increase your heart rate and may affect how electrical impulses travel through the heart muscle. If you have heart disease (e.g., recent Heart Attack, Angina, heart failure) or an abnormal heart rhythm (e.g., heart block or fast heart rate), discuss with your doctor how Bydureon (Exenatide) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Bydureon (Exenatide), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

If you experience dizziness, palpitations (a rapid, pounding, or irregular heartbeat), fainting, or seizures, get immediate medical attention.

Kidney problems: Bydureon (Exenatide) may cause kidney problems. Your doctor will monitor your kidney function with blood tests while you are using Bydureon (Exenatide). If you have had a kidney transplant or have reduced kidney function, discuss with your doctor how Bydureon (Exenatide) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Bydureon (Exenatide), and whether any special monitoring is needed. If you are on dialysis or have severely reduced kidney function, you should not use Bydureon (Exenatide).

Low blood sugar (Hypoglycemia): Bydureon (Exenatide) may cause low blood sugar when it is used with sulfonylureas (e.g., glyburide, gliclazide) or insulin. If you are taking any of these types of medications, discuss with your doctor how Bydureon (Exenatide) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Bydureon (Exenatide), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

If you experience symptoms of hypoglycemia such as a cold sweat, nervousness, or shakiness, fast heartbeat, headache, hunger, confusion, lightheadedness, weakness, and numbness or tingling of the tongue or lips, contact your doctor. Your doctor may need to adjust the dose of your medication(s).

Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas): Bydureon (Exenatide) extended-release may cause pancreatitis that can be serious or life threatening. If you experience symptoms of pancreatitis such as severe and persistent abdominal pain that may move to your back and may be accompanied by vomiting, stop taking Bydureon (Exenatide) and contact your doctor or get immediate medical attention.

If you have previously had pancreatitis, gallstones, or alcohol use problems, discuss with your doctor how Bydureon (Exenatide) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Bydureon (Exenatide), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Stomach and intestinal problems: The safety and effectiveness of using Bydureon (Exenatide) have not been established for people who have inflammatory bowel disease (e.g., Crohn's Disease, Ulcerative Colitis) or slowed movement through the intestinal tract due to diabetes. If you have either of these conditions, you should not use Bydureon (Exenatide).

Thyroid cancer: It is not clear whether Bydureon (Exenatide) increases the risk of developing certain types of thyroid cancer. If you or a family member have ever had medullary thyroid cancer or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2), you should not use Bydureon (Exenatide).

If you experience possible symptoms of thyroid cancer, such as difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, trouble breathing or a mass in the neck, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Pregnancy: Bydureon (Exenatide) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you are planning to become pregnant, Bydureon (Exenatide) should be stopped at least 3 months before becoming pregnant. If you become pregnant while using Bydureon (Exenatide), contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if Bydureon (Exenatide) extended-release passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Bydureon (Exenatide), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Bydureon (Exenatide) have not been established for children and adolescents less than 18 years of age.

Seniors: If you are a senior, you may be more sensitive to the effects of Bydureon (Exenatide) and be more likely to experience side effects.