Bydureon, or exenatide, is a once-a-week injection that helps with the treatment of type 2 diabetes. The Bydureon injection for type 2 diabetes is the same drug as Byetta, except that it is released more slowly into the system. This is why administration for patients on Bydureon is only once a week, whereas patients on Byetta administer the drug twice a day. Please note that Bydureon and Byetta should not be used at the same time.
How Does Bydureon Injection for Type 2 Diabetes Work?
Bydureon starts working when food enters into the small intestine. More specifically, Bydureon reacts to carbohydrates, in the form of glucose. The drug will then stimulate the release of insulin, which inhibits glucagon and slows down the emptying of the stomach.
In some instances, Bydureon can lead to weight loss. However, it is not a weight loss supplement. Bydureon is only for patients who need better control of their blood glucose levels, as in the case of patients with type 2 diabetes.
Similarly, patients with type 1 diabetes should not use Bydureon, nor should the drug be considered a substitute for insulin treatments.
While Bydureon can help with the treatment of type 2 diabetes, it is not recommended as the first choice of treatment.
In some cases, Bydureon may be prescribed as a triple therapy for treating type 2 diabetes with either metformin and a sulphonylurea or metformin and a thiazolidinedione. In other cases, Bydureon may be prescribed as a dual therapy with metformin or with a sulphonylurea.
Bydureon Injection for Type 2 Diabetes Side Effects
The most common sides effects of being on Bydureon include:
- nausea
- diarrhea
- vomiting
Other, less common side effects of Bydureon include:
- sweating
- dizziness
- loss of appetite
- indigestion
- headaches
- weight loss
- injection site irritations, such as itching or redness
- gastro-esophageal reflux
Patients should speak with their doctors or to a healthcare professional to determine if Bydureon is the right treatment option for them.
Featured image: DepositPhotos/ lbrfzhjpf
