Bydureon BCise

Bydureon BCise was a once-weekly prescription medicine containing exenatide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist used to help manage blood glucose levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. It was supplied as a single-dose prefilled pen designed to administer 2 mg of exenatide by subcutaneous injection.

UK availability notice: Bydureon BCise 2 mg/0.85 mL prolonged-release suspension for injection has been discontinued in the UK and supplies have been exhausted. It should therefore not be presented as a currently available medicine for new UK patients. Anyone who previously used Bydureon BCise should speak with their GP, pharmacist or diabetes team about an appropriate alternative.

This page provides educational information about Bydureon BCise, exenatide, its former use in type 2 diabetes and the current UK availability position.

What Is Bydureon BCise?

Bydureon BCise was the name of a prefilled injection device used to administer prolonged-release exenatide. Exenatide belongs to a group of medicines called GLP-1 receptor agonists.

The medicine was designed for once-weekly administration, making it different from some earlier exenatide products that required more frequent injections. The official patient instructions describe the BCise device as a single-use, fixed-dose prefilled pen with a hidden needle.

Each Bydureon BCise prefilled pen delivered 2 mg of exenatide in 0.85 mL of suspension. The official medicine information also states that the pens were supplied in packs of four, with larger multipacks also described in the product information.

What Was Bydureon BCise Used For?

Bydureon BCise was used as a treatment for type 2 diabetes. It was intended to help improve blood-glucose control alongside appropriate diet, physical activity and other diabetes-management measures where prescribed.

Exenatide works through the GLP-1 receptor. GLP-1 is a naturally occurring hormone involved in blood-glucose regulation and appetite-related signalling.

Bydureon BCise was not a UK-authorised medicine specifically marketed as a weight-loss treatment. Although GLP-1 medicines can affect appetite and body weight, patients should not use or switch diabetes medicines for weight management without appropriate medical assessment.

How Does Exenatide Work?

Exenatide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. It acts in a similar way to the body’s natural GLP-1 hormone.

GLP-1 receptor activation can help the body release insulin when blood glucose levels are elevated. It can also reduce inappropriate glucagon secretion and slow gastric emptying. Together, these effects can contribute to improved blood-glucose control in people with type 2 diabetes.

Because exenatide affects several processes involved in glucose regulation, it belongs to the same broad treatment class as other GLP-1 medicines, although different medicines in the class have different active ingredients, dosing schedules, indications and prescribing requirements.

How Was Bydureon BCise Administered?

Bydureon BCise was designed for once-weekly subcutaneous injection. The BCise pen was a single-use device that automatically administered the fixed dose.

The official instructions advised patients to receive appropriate training from their doctor or diabetes nurse before using the device for the first time. The instructions also described refrigerated storage between 2°C and 8°C.

Patients should never attempt to recreate, modify or substitute an injection schedule based on information from an old prescription. Any replacement treatment should be prescribed with an appropriate dose and schedule for the individual patient.

Why Was Bydureon BCise Discontinued in the UK?

UK medicine supply information confirmed that exenatide, marketed as Bydureon BCise 2 mg/0.85 mL prolonged-release suspension for injection in a prefilled pen, was discontinued and that remaining supplies had been exhausted.

The UK supply notification advised healthcare professionals not to initiate new patients on Bydureon BCise and to review existing patients for an appropriate alternative. Other GLP-1 receptor agonists and dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonists remain available for appropriate patients.

This means that a UK website should not describe Bydureon BCise as an in-stock product or encourage patients to purchase it as though it were currently supplied through the UK medicines market.

What Should Existing Bydureon BCise Patients Do?

If you previously used Bydureon BCise, do not stop or change your diabetes treatment without speaking to a qualified healthcare professional.

Your GP, pharmacist or diabetes team can review your current treatment and determine whether another medicine is appropriate. The replacement choice may depend on your blood-glucose control, other medicines, medical history, kidney function, treatment goals and other individual factors.

Potential alternatives within the wider treatment area include medicines such as Ozempic (semaglutide), Trulicity (dulaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide). These medicines are not interchangeable with Bydureon BCise on a simple one-to-one basis, so the appropriate option must be determined by a prescriber.

Bydureon BCise Compared With Other GLP-1 Medicines

GLP-1 receptor agonists are an established class of medicines used in the management of type 2 diabetes, although individual medicines differ considerably.

For example, exenatide was the active ingredient in Bydureon BCise, while semaglutide is the active ingredient in medicines such as Ozempic and Rybelsus. Liraglutide is the active ingredient in Victoza.

Some newer medicines, including tirzepatide, act on both GIP and GLP-1 receptors. Mounjaro is an example.

These medicines should not be selected solely because they belong to a similar category. A healthcare professional should assess which treatment is suitable for the individual.

Bydureon BCise and Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is a long-term condition in which the body does not use insulin effectively and, over time, may also produce insufficient insulin. Managing blood glucose can involve lifestyle measures, oral medicines, injectable medicines or combinations of treatments.

GLP-1 receptor agonists can be considered as part of diabetes treatment for appropriate patients. Their effects on glucose regulation can make them useful components of an individualised treatment plan.

If you are researching diabetes treatment options, you can also explore our diabetes medicines section for additional product information.

Important Safety Information

Bydureon BCise was a prescription medicine and should only have been used according to professional medical advice.

• Do not use discontinued Bydureon BCise obtained from unofficial or unverified sources.
• Do not switch from exenatide to another diabetes medicine without professional advice.
• Do not alter the dose or frequency of another GLP-1 medicine to replicate an old Bydureon BCise prescription.
• Tell your healthcare professional about other medicines you take before starting or changing diabetes treatment.
• Seek medical advice if you experience concerning or persistent symptoms while using a GLP-1 medicine.
• Always check the official patient information and prescribing information for the medicine you are actually prescribed.

Storage Information for the Former Bydureon BCise Pen

The official Bydureon BCise device instructions stated that the pen should be stored flat in a refrigerator between 2°C and 8°C. The instructions also emphasised that patients should receive appropriate training before using the device.

Because Bydureon BCise is discontinued in the UK, patients should not attempt to obtain old stock from unofficial sources simply because they previously used the medicine. Medicines obtained outside legitimate supply chains may have uncertain storage conditions, authenticity or expiry status.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bydureon BCise

Is Bydureon BCise still available in the UK?

No. UK medicine supply information states that Bydureon BCise 2 mg/0.85 mL has been discontinued and supplies have been exhausted. Patients who previously used the medicine should discuss alternatives with their healthcare professional.

What is the active ingredient in Bydureon BCise?

The active ingredient is exenatide. It is a GLP-1 receptor agonist used in the management of type 2 diabetes.

Was Bydureon BCise a once-weekly injection?

Yes. Bydureon BCise was designed as a once-weekly injection. The official device instructions describe it as a single-use, fixed-dose prefilled pen.

Was Bydureon BCise used for weight loss?

Bydureon BCise was used for type 2 diabetes rather than being a UK-authorised weight-management medicine. The fact that GLP-1 medicines may influence body weight does not mean that every medicine in this class is authorised for weight management.

What can replace Bydureon BCise?

The appropriate alternative depends on the patient’s clinical circumstances. UK supply guidance identifies other GLP-1 receptor agonists and dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonists as treatment options that may be considered. A prescriber should select the appropriate medicine and dose.

Can I switch from Bydureon BCise to Ozempic?

Ozempic contains semaglutide rather than exenatide. It may be considered as an alternative for some patients, but switching should be managed by a qualified healthcare professional rather than performed independently.

Can I switch from Bydureon BCise to Mounjaro?

Mounjaro contains tirzepatide, which has a different pharmacological profile from exenatide. It may be appropriate for some patients, but the decision should be made by a prescriber after reviewing the individual’s diabetes treatment and medical history.

Where can I find official information about Bydureon BCise?

The electronic Medicines Compendium provides the former official patient instructions for the Bydureon BCise device. The resource describes the 2 mg exenatide prefilled pen, administration instructions and storage requirements.

Key Product Information

Product	Bydureon BCise
Active ingredient	Exenatide
Medicine class	GLP-1 receptor agonist
Former strength	2 mg/0.85 mL
Former administration	Subcutaneous injection
Former frequency	Once weekly
Former indication	Type 2 diabetes mellitus
UK status	Discontinued; supplies exhausted
Prescription status	Prescription medicine

Explore Related Diabetes Medicines

If you are researching alternatives and related medicines, visit our Diabetes Medicines category.

You can also learn more about Ozempic (semaglutide), Rybelsus (semaglutide), Victoza (liraglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide).

For additional health and medicine information, visit our health and medicine articles.

Official External Resources

For independent, regulated medicine information, consult the following resources:

• Bydureon BCise Patient Information Leaflet – Electronic Medicines Compendium
• Bydureon BCise User Instructions – Electronic Medicines Compendium
• UK Medicine Supply Notification – Bydureon BCise
• Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA)
• Diabetes UK – Exenatide Information

These resources provide additional information about exenatide, Bydureon BCise, medicine safety and the UK supply position.

Important Notice

Bydureon BCise has been discontinued in the UK and should not be presented as an available product for purchase. This page is provided for educational and reference purposes. Patients should speak with a qualified healthcare professional about current treatment options and any required replacement therapy.