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 Byetta (Exenatide).
Blood sugar control: If you have a Fever, an infection, surgery, or trauma, you may experience a loss of blood sugar control and may need to stop Byetta (Exenatide) and use insulin until you recover. Your doctor will recommend when this is needed.
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.
Electrolytes (e.g., potassium and magnesium): If you have low blood potassium or magnesium levels or have a condition that could result in dehydration (e.g., diarrhea, vomiting), discuss with your doctor how Byetta (Exenatide) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Heart problems: Byetta (Exenatide) 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 Byetta (Exenatide) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Byetta (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: This medication may cause kidney problems. Your doctor will monitor your kidney function with blood tests while you are using Byetta (Exenatide). If you have had a kidney transplant or have reduced kidney function, discuss with your doctor how Byetta (Exenatide) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Byetta (Exenatide), and whether any special monitoring is needed. If you are on dialysis or have severely reduced kidney function, you should not use Byetta (Exenatide).
Low blood sugar (Hypoglycemia): Byetta (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 Byetta (Exenatide) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Byetta (Exenatide), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
You may also be more at risk of experiencing low blood sugar levels if you have pituitary or adrenal failure, have an eating disorder, are on a diet, skip a meal, exercise intensely, or drink excessive amounts of alcohol.
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): Byetta (Exenatide) 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 Byetta (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 Byetta (Exenatide) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Byetta (Exenatide), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Stomach and intestinal problems: The safety and effectiveness of using Byetta (Exenatide) for people with inflammatory bowel disease (e.g., Crohn's Disease, Ulcerative Colitis) or who have slowed movement through the intestinal tract due to diabetes have not been established. If you have any of these conditions, you should not use this medication.
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 Byetta (Exenatide).
Weight loss: Byetta (Exenatide) may cause weight loss. If you experience weight loss of more than 1.5 kilograms (3.3 pounds) per week, contact your doctor. Losing weight this quickly can be harmful.
Pregnancy: Byetta (Exenatide) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while using Byetta (Exenatide), contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if Byetta (Exenatide) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Byetta (Exenatide), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Byetta (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 this medication and be more likely to experience side effects.
