BYETTA

BYETTA® (exenatide) injection: A New Way to Treat Type 2 Diabetes

BYETTA^® is the first in a new class of drugs, called incretin mimetics, for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. With type 2 diabetes, either the body does not produce enough insulin or the cells ignore the insulin, which is necessary for the body to be able to use sugar (our body's basic fuel for cells in the body). A 1998 UKPDS Group study demonstrated that high blood sugar can lead to serious problems with your eyes, kidneys, and nervous system. Please note that BYETTA^® was not used in this study, and it has not been shown to decrease the risk of long-term complications due to diabetes.

BYETTA^® is a synthetic version of a naturally occurring hormone that was first identified in the saliva of a lizard known as the Gila monster, a large lizard native to the southwestern U.S. This medicine lowers blood glucose levels by increasing insulin secretion. By helping the body produce just the right amount of insulin at the right time, this injectable medicine, taken with meals, improves glycemic control for patients who previously have been unable to get their blood sugar under control.

Patients receiving BYETTA^® in combination with a sulfonylurea had an increased risk of hypoglycemia. The most common side effect associated with BYETTA^® (excluding hypoglycemia) was nausea. For complete safety information and other important prescribing information, see full prescribing information at www.BYETTA.com.


Sources: www.fda.gov
              www.diabetes.org
           www.amylin.com