Byetta (exenatide)

Byetta (Exenatide)

Byetta contains exenatide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist used alongside diet and exercise to improve blood-glucose control in adults with type 2 diabetes.

Byetta is administered by subcutaneous injection twice daily and is a prescription-only medicine. Treatment should be used under the supervision of an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.

What is Byetta?

Byetta contains the active ingredient exenatide. It belongs to the GLP-1 receptor agonist class of medicines.

Exenatide helps regulate blood-glucose levels by acting on GLP-1 receptors. It may be prescribed alone when metformin is inappropriate or alongside other medicines used to treat type 2 diabetes.

How Does Byetta Work?

Exenatide increases glucose-dependent insulin secretion and reduces glucagon secretion when blood glucose is elevated. It also slows gastric emptying and may reduce appetite and food intake.

Byetta Dose Information

Byetta treatment is normally started at 5 micrograms twice daily. After at least one month, the dose may be increased to 10 micrograms twice daily according to the prescribing information and the patient’s clinical response.

Byetta doses should be administered before the two main meals of the day, with approximately six hours between doses.

Do not change your Byetta dose without advice from your healthcare professional.

How is Byetta Administered?

Byetta is injected subcutaneously into the thigh, abdomen or upper arm. It should be administered before meals according to the official instructions.

Your healthcare professional should demonstrate the correct injection technique before you use the pen yourself.

Who May Use Byetta?

Byetta is used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in adults when blood-glucose control is insufficient despite appropriate diet and exercise.

It can be used alone or in combination with other diabetes medicines depending on the patient’s individual circumstances.

Important Safety Information

• Byetta is a prescription-only medicine.
• Use Byetta exactly as prescribed.
• Common adverse effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation and other gastrointestinal symptoms.
• Tell your healthcare professional if you take insulin or sulfonylureas because the risk of hypoglycaemia may increase.
• Maintain adequate fluid intake, particularly if vomiting or diarrhoea occurs.
• Seek urgent medical advice if you develop severe or persistent abdominal pain.
• Do not combine Byetta with another GLP-1 receptor agonist unless specifically instructed by your healthcare professional.

Product Information

• Active ingredient: Exenatide
• Drug class: GLP-1 receptor agonist
• Administration: Subcutaneous injection
• Frequency: Twice daily
• Indication: Type 2 diabetes
• Dosage form: Solution for injection in a prefilled pen
• Legal category: Prescription-only medicine

Byetta Compared With Other GLP-1 Medicines

Byetta contains exenatide, while Victoza contains liraglutide and Ozempic contains semaglutide.

Mounjaro contains tirzepatide, which acts on both GIP and GLP-1 receptors.

These medicines have different active ingredients, dosing schedules and authorised uses. They should not be switched or combined without appropriate medical advice.

Related Products and Information

Explore our Diabetes Medicines category for other prescription treatments used in type 2 diabetes.

For information about prescription weight-management medicines, visit our Weight Management category.

You can also read our health and medicine articles for additional educational information.

Official UK Medicine Information

For complete information about Byetta, including contraindications, warnings, interactions, adverse effects and dosing, consult the official Byetta Summary of Product Characteristics and Patient Information Leaflet.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Byetta?

Byetta is a prescription medicine containing exenatide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist used to improve blood-glucose control in adults with type 2 diabetes.

What is the active ingredient in Byetta?

The active ingredient is exenatide.

How often is Byetta taken?

Byetta is administered twice daily, normally before the two main meals of the day.

What is the starting dose of Byetta?

The usual starting dose is 5 micrograms twice daily. The dose may be increased to 10 micrograms twice daily after at least one month when appropriate.

Is Byetta a weight-loss medicine?

Byetta is authorised for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Although treatment can be associated with weight reduction, it should not be presented as a UK-authorised weight-management medicine.

Can Byetta be used with Victoza?

No. Byetta and Victoza are both GLP-1 receptor agonists and should not be combined unless specifically instructed by an appropriate healthcare professional.

Is Byetta prescription only?

Yes. Byetta is a prescription-only medicine in the UK.

Where can I find official Byetta information?

The UK electronic Medicines Compendium provides official prescribing and patient information for Byetta.