Bydureon

Print Email Share

Bydureon™ (exenatide extended-release for injectable suspension) is a once weekly medication distributed by Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Inc. The FDA approved the drug on January 27, 2012, for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

Bydureon™ is not a substitute for insulin and is not recommended as a primary therapy for individuals who have struggled in maintaining their blood sugar levels. Bydureon™ is not meant to treat people with type 1 diabetes or those with diabetic ketoacidosis. The effects of Bydureon™ in people with kidney problems or children are not known.

Bydureon™ contains the active ingredient, exenatide, and should not be used with medications like Byetta® or any other medication with exenatide as an ingredient.
Like Byetta®, Bydureon™ is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. However, Bydureon™ is a longer-acting medication, requiring only one injection a week versus the two-a-day injections of Byetta®.

Potential Complications/ Side Effects:

•    Early drug testing showed thyroid C-cell tumors in rats. It remains to be seen whether or not Bydureon™ can cause thyroid cancer in people. 
•    Swelling, hoarseness, lumps, or difficulty swallowing can occur and are symptoms of thyroid cancer.
•    Pancreatitis, (further research into the relationship between pancreatitis and Bydureon™ is necessary).
•    Bydureon™ can result in severe hypoglycemia if used with insulin secretagogue or insulin.
•    As a result of excessive nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, dehydration is a possible side effect of Bydureon™.
•    Allergic reaction to Bydureon™ can occur, so individuals should be aware of any allergies to medications or ingredients used in Bydureon™.
•    Nausea
•    Diarrhea
•    Constipation
•    Vomiting
•    Headache
•    Dehydration
•    Indigestion
•    Irritation or itching at the site of injection.

People who should not take Bydureon™ include:

•    Pregnant women
•    Individuals who are breast-feeding
•    Individuals with a history of thyroid cancer or pancreatitis.

How to take Bydureon™:

Bydureon™ is a self-administered medication and should be taken as packaged. 2 mg per dose of Bydureon™ should be taken every seven (7) days. This drug does not require food when administered, though taking any drug on an empty stomach can cause nausea. Bydureon™ does not require a set time to be taken outside of the scheduled seven (7) day cycle.  Individuals are free to take Bydureon™ at any time throughout the day that is convenient. Bydureon™ should be injected directly into the skin of the abdomen, arm, thigh, or buttocks.  The injection site should be moved with every new injection to prevent infection or the development of scar tissue. Bydureon™ should be injected immediately after it is mixed.

Individuals that miss a dose of Bydureon™ should take the missed dose as soon as remembered, provided the next scheduled dose is at least three (3) days later. If a dose of Bydureon™ is missed and the next dose is due less than three days later, do NOT take the missed dose. Instead, resume Bydureon™ on the next scheduled day.

Bydureon™ should be monitored in individuals already receiving diabetes treatment through the use of insulin or insulin secretagogue (sulfonylurea).

Bydureon™ should be refrigerated and kept between 36°F and 46°F (between 2°C and 8°C). Bydureon™ should NOT be used past its expiration point, indicated on the packaging of the medication. Bydureon™ should not be frozen or used if frozen. Bydureon™ should be kept in a dark location, as light can sometimes alter the medication. Bydureon™ should be used immediately after it has been mixed. Do NOT store mixed Bydureon™ with the intention of using the mixture at another time.  Read all the instructions on storing the medication and on disposing of the used parts.  Do NOT use Bydureon™ to treat a condition for which it was not prescribed or intended.

For more information about Bydureon™, go to www.bydureon.com or call 1-877-700-7365.

SOURCE:

1 – Bydureon.com. Bydureon™ (Exenatide Extended-Release for Injectable Suspension), http://www.bydureon.com/ (Accessed 2/3/2012.)

2 - Drugs.com. Bydureon Information, http://www.drugs.com/bydureon.html (Accessed 2/3/2012.)

3 - RxList.com. Bydureon (Exenatide) Drug - Overdosage and Contraindications, http://www.rxlist.com/bydureon-drug/overdosage-contraindications.htm (Accessed 2/3/2012.)