Now that Byetta has been out for a while,...

[nonnymouse]

what is your opinion about it? If you use it, how well has it worked for you?

I'm thinking of asking my endo about prescribing it for me (Type 2, non-insulin dependent).

[lewsterr]

Hi nonnymouse. I’ve been on Byetta for 3 weeks, and it has really given me my life back. I’m still experiencing some side effects, such as intermittent nausea and belly aches, but they are slowly diminishing. I no longer have to worry about lows (was taken off of Glipizide when starting Byetta), my numbers are consistently in the ‘normal’ range, and I am able to broaden my food choices to many things I couldn’t eat before. In addition, my appetite has been greatly suppressed, and I already lost 10 pounds.

All the reading I have done indicates that it is very safe, and is even beneficial to the beta cells in the pancreas. It’s worth a try. They start you off with 5mcg and gradually work up to 10mcg 2x/day.

[princesslinda]

I'm wondering, if you start Byetta, do you have to stay on it, or could you try it and then would it be possible to go back to the meds you were on before? I've thought about asking for it, as i've heard about the weight loss and better control, but I don't want to start something i'll have to stay on forever, and I hate to admit it, but the thought of sticking a needle in my stomach bothers me. Does it hurt much?

[lewsterr]

I'm wondering, if you start Byetta, do you have to stay on it, or could you try it and then would it be possible to go back to the meds you were on before? I've thought about asking for it, as i've heard about the weight loss and better control, but I don't want to start something i'll have to stay on forever, and I hate to admit it, but the thought of sticking a needle in my stomach bothers me. Does it hurt much?

I asked my endo the same question regarding having to stay on it. He indicated that it can be stopped at any time without cause for concern. You cannot become dependent on it.

As far as the needle, it is extremely thin and 8mm in length (for subcutaneous injection). During the first injection, I immediately pulled it right out before injecting, thinking the needle fell off the pen, since I didn't feel anything. After the first injection and realizing how pain-free it is, you really don't think anything of it.

My endo started me out with a sample 5mcg pen to try. He said that if I had a problem with it, he would put me on something else. Aside from tolerating the gradually diminishing side effects, I couldn't be happier.

Let us know if you decide to try it and how it works out for you.

[blacklightmike]

Six and a half weeks on it, started at 5/5 mcg and now on 10/10, along with Lantus, Actos and a side of Prandin. Yes, there is still the occasional nausea, but it passes quickly, and I have lost about 15 pounds since I started it.

[princesslinda]

Thanks for your encouragement Lew. I will ask my doc about it at my next appt. Glad to hear of your great response to it. I would love the weight loss side effect, as i'm really struggling to lose. Also, a little more food freedom would be helpful as well.

Thanks again for the info,
Linda

[lewsterr]

Mike, your signature line indicates that you are insulin dependent. I thought Byetta isn't prescribed to those who are insulin dependent.

[nneighbour]

I don't know too much about Byetta. What are the benefits? Apart from being non-insulin dependant and diabetic, what is the prescribing criteria?

[blacklightmike]

Mike, your signature line indicates that you are insulin dependent. I thought Byetta isn't prescribed to those who are insulin dependent.

Ya got me there, Lewster... I have no answer because this is the first time I've heard that. I can only tell you what I've been given as treatment since my hospital visit in February. Up until that point, I was on oral meds only, Glucotrol XL and Prandin. As soon as I got there, and they found my A1C was 250, I was put on Lantus and Byetta, along with Actos and my Prandin.

No one, including my endo, has ever said anything about this combination. Perhaps it's because I was prescribed both insulin and Byetta at the same time?

[lewsterr]

Here is an excellent link (http://www.byetta.com/patient/byetta_111.jsp?reqNavId=1.2) for information on Byetta and how it works.

[suec1958]

I have been on Byetta for about four months now, and I love it, I have only lost about 12 lbs. but I feel better. I very rarely get sick to my stomach any more.

[lewsterr]

I have been on Byetta for about four months now, and I love it, I have only lost about 12 lbs. but I feel better. I very rarely get sick to my stomach any more.

Suec, what has been your experiences on Byetta? How are your numbers? What kind of diet do you follow on it?

[blacklightmike]

Here is an excellent link (http://www.byetta.com/patient/byetta_111.jsp?reqNavId=1.2) for information on Byetta and how it works.

Lewster, you got me concerned, so I followed your link. I still can't find anything that says not to take both insulin and Byetta, only that Byetta is not a substitute for insulin. Can you tell me where you heard this?

[princesslinda]

Mike, found this on medicinenet.com: Exenatide is the generic name for Byetta.

PRESCRIBED FOR: Exenatide is used in combination with other drugs for reducing blood glucose in patients with type 2 diabetes who have not achieved adequate blood glucose reduction while taking metformin (Glucophage) or a combination of metformin (Glucophage) and a sulfonylurea (glyburide, glipizide etc). Exenatide should not be used in patients with type 1 diabetes or as a substitute for insulin in patients who require insulin. .

[blacklightmike]

Mike, found this on medicinenet.com: Exenatide is the generic name for Byetta.

PRESCRIBED FOR: Exenatide is used in combination with other drugs for reducing blood glucose in patients with type 2 diabetes who have not achieved adequate blood glucose reduction while taking metformin (Glucophage) or a combination of metformin (Glucophage) and a sulfonylurea (glyburide, glipizide etc). Exenatide should not be used in patients with type 1 diabetes or as a substitute for insulin in patients who require insulin. .

I understand, that description suits me to a tee. I was taking oral meds only, (Metformin, then Glypizide and Prandin), until I ended up in the hospital with a leg infection and an A1C of 250... they started me on both Lantus and Byetta at the same time, and I'm still on both, in addition to Actos and Prandin. Maybe I'm an extreme case?

I think I may have confused you, Lewster... I wasn't on insulin yet when I started the Byetta.

[lewsterr]

I think I may have confused you, Lewster... I wasn't on insulin yet when I started the Byetta.

Mike, I had no idea that you were on the Byetta first. To be honest with you, I'm still too new and inexperienced with all this stuff to give advice, so feel free to shut me up if I don't know what I'm talking about. It's my understanding, however, that Byetta stimulates the beta cells in the pancreas to produce insulin. Apparently, in your case, there aren't enough beta cells to produce all the insulin you need, so they are supplementing the Byetta with insulin. Does that make sense? Please bear with me while I try to get my facts straight.

[vauxhalldon]

The Byetta "label", i.e., the indication permitted by the FDA, is for T2's who are not achieving adequate control of blood glucose with Metformin and/or sulfonylureas, and since December 2006, TZD's as well.

However, doctors are permitted to and do routinely prescribe it "off-label," including for some who are taking insulin. Many find that they can stop the insulin when they start Byetta; others find that they can discontinue or reduce their insulin after a while.

Byetta is also undergoing trials to get approval as a monotherapy, i.e., as a stand-alone, at the point of dx.!

[honeyb1012]

HEY suec1958, I am wanting to go on Byetta too..going to ask my provider tomorrow...I am also on Benicar and Metformin (500 2x daily)...have you had any problems with taking the combination?

[nonnymouse]

Thanks for all your thoughts and opinions about Byetta, everyone.

I am going to see my endo soon and going to see if he'll prescribe the Byetta for me. Does anyone know if it's supposed to be ok for your Beta cells or not, i.e. not destroy them?

Susan M.

[lewsterr]

Thanks for all your thoughts and opinions about Byetta, everyone.

I am going to see my endo soon and going to see if he'll prescribe the Byetta for me. Does anyone know if it's supposed to be ok for your Beta cells or not, i.e. not destroy them?

Susan M.


Susan, I have been told that it poses no risk at all to the beta cells.

[clee]

HEY suec1958, I am wanting to go on Byetta too..going to ask my provider tomorrow...I am also on Benicar and Metformin (500 2x daily)...have you had any problems with taking the combination?


Honey..I'm on the exact same medications and doses as you, really. The Benicar and Metformin (500 2x daily). I have been on Byetta since Jan. 26, 2007. I have lost 12 lbs. as of today (03/15/07). I have had no nausea what-so-ever. I just recently learned that if I take my evening Metformin AFTER taking the Byetta and later at night (around 10:00 p.m.) my blood sugar levels are lower in the morning.

I started out on Byetta 5 mcg for 5 weeks. I was then switched to Byetta 10 mcg and this is my second week on the 10 mcg. I would encourage you to ask about going to Byetta and giving it a try. Don't be frightened by the fact that SOME (a small majority) of the people who begin Byetta have some nausea. I did not. I also read in another forum, that Delta Burk has been on Byetta for about a couple of years now and she looks great. I think you'll benefit from it. Good luck!!:T

Clee:

[blacklightmike]

Lewster, it's all good.

[nonnymouse]

Thanks, Lewster! :)

[suec1958]

My numbers are all low, my A1c was 6.0 this last time, from 11.0. I mainly try to make sure I go low on the carbs.

[suec1958]

No problem whatsoever, I take my nightly Byetta shot before my dinner, and then I take my other meds with my dinner, I asked my Doctor if it was alright to take meds after injecting Byetta, and he said they interact, so should be no problem, and there hasen't been.