i have insulin resistance i am not diabetic. i have an aunt with the same condition and her Dr. put her on byetta because he is doing a trial. it has been succesful for her and she has lost 100 lbs. My Dr. won't perscribe. Is there any way for me to get into a trial? Check http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
You should be able to find trials there. What is the most important information I should know about Byetta?
Byetta should not be used to treat type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes.
You must use this medication within 60 minutes (1 hour) before eating a meal. If you miss a dose, use the medication as soon as you remember, but only if you have not yet eaten a meal. If you have already eaten a meal, wait until your next scheduled dose (1 hour before a meal) to use the medicine. Do not use Byetta after eating a meal.
It is important to use Byetta regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.
To be sure this medication is helping your condition, you will need to check your blood sugar at home. Your blood will also need to be tested by your doctor on a regular basis. It is important that you not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.
Use the Byetta pen for only 30 days and then throw it away, even if it still has medicine in it. Do not use the medicine after the expiration date on the label has passed.
Before using Byetta, tell your doctor if you use any of these oral diabetes medications: acetohexamide (Dymelor), chlorpropamide (Diabinese), glimepiride (Amaryl), glipizide (Glucotrol), glyburide (DiaBeta), tolazamide (Tolinase), tolbutamide (Orinase).
If you are using any type of antibiotic or birth control pills, take these medicines at least 1 hour before using Byetta.
What is Byetta?
Byetta is an injectable diabetes medicine that helps control blood sugar levels. This medication helps your pancreas produce insulin more efficiently.
Byetta is used to treat type 2 (non-insulin dependent) diabetes. Other diabetes medicines are sometimes used in combination with Byetta if needed.
Byetta may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Byetta?
Byetta is not a substitute for insulin in patients whose diabetes requires insulin treatment.
Byetta should not be used to treat type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes.
Before taking Byetta, tell your doctor if you have:
kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);
problems with digestion; or
severe stomach disorders (gastroparesis).
If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use Byetta, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.
FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or if you become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether Byetta passes into breast milk or if it could be harmful to a nursing baby. Do not take Byetta without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take Byetta?
Use Byetta exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in larger or smaller amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor.
Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication. Your dose needs may change if you are ill, if you have a fever or infection, or if you have surgery or a medical emergency. Do not change your dose of Byetta without first talking to your doctor. Use only the diabetes medications prescribed for you.
Byetta is given as an injection under the skin, usually in the upper thigh, stomach area, or upper arm. Your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist will give you specific instructions on how and where to inject this medicine. Do not give yourself an injection if you do not understand these instructions. Call your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist for help with injection instructions.
You must use this medication within 60 minutes (1 hour) before eating a meal. Byetta is usually injected twice a day, before the morning and evening meal. Do not use Byetta after eating a meal.
It is important to use Byetta regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.
Byetta comes in a prefilled pen with a "Pen User Manual" showing instructions for using the pen and injecting the medicine. You must do a "New Pen Set-Up" one time only, when starting a new prefilled Byetta Pen. If you do this "New Pen Set-Up" before each injection, you will run out of medicine before 30 days.
Pen needles are not included with this medicine. Ask your doctor, diabetes counselor, or pharmacist which needle size is best for you.
To be sure this medication is helping your condition, you will need to check your blood sugar at home. Your blood will also need to be tested by your doctor on a regular basis. It is important that you not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.
Store unused Byetta injection pens in the refrigerator, protected from light. Do not freeze them, and throw away any Byetta pen that has become frozen. After your first use of a pen, it may then be stored at room temperature, away from heat and bright light.
Use the Byetta pen for only 30 days and then throw it away, even if it still has medicine in it. Do not use the medicine after the expiration date on the label has passed. Do not store the Byetta pen with the needle attached.
If the needle is left on, medicine may leak from the pen or air bubbles may form in the cartridge. Keep your Byetta pen, pen needles, and all medicines out of the reach of children.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Use the missed dose as soon as you remember, but only if you have not yet eaten a meal. If you have already eaten a meal, wait until your next scheduled dose (1 hour before a meal) to use the medicine. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.
Symptoms of an Byetta overdose include severe nausea and vomiting, or signs of low blood sugar (headache, weakness, dizziness, confusion, irritability, hunger, fast heartbeat, sweating, and tremor). |
