Problems using Byetta

debcush · #1 (**permalink**) 07-30-2008, 01:29 PM

Hi all,

I have been using Byetta for 5 months - 2mths at the 5mg dose and then this was upped to the 10mg dose. Lately I have been experiencing a lot of nausea, vomiting and diarhorea (excuse the spelling!) This has sometimes been severe. I did have a bit of nausea at the beginning but this wore off. I was wondering could this be anything to do with the Byetta? Blood sugars have been great but no weight loss

I also take 3x850mg Metformin daily. Anyone out there experience similar??

princesslinda · #2 (**permalink**) 07-30-2008, 01:43 PM

Welcome Deb! Do you take your shots the recommended 30-45 minutes prior to eating? I notice if I take the shots right at the time I eat, I don't get the curbing of my appetite and I eat more and feel nauseous. I've never vomited before with it, though when I first started the shots I had extreme nausea with them.

I would wonder if the large metformin dose you're on is the culprit rather than the Byetta, as 2550 mg is the maximum dose allowed with metformin (according to what i've read online about it). How long have you taking this dose?

I'd encourage you to speak with your doctor about these symptoms and maybe he could lower the metformin dose.

I've not had the weight loss with Byetta (still on 5 mcg) that some have had. I have to constantly watch and make sure not to over-do the carbs, as it allows me to eat more carbs and still have great post-meal blood sugars.

As for weight loss, are you also exercising regularly? This will help with your insulin resistance and hunger as well as help with the weight loss.

alicat61 · #3 (**permalink**) 07-30-2008, 08:04 PM

Hi Deb,
I'm glad you have decided to join us lots of advise and information around here,plus lots of friendly people.
I'm also on Byetta and metformin (plus heaps more!)
I have had the occasional bought of nausea since I have taken it.(6months) but no V&D. As Linda said do you wait the 30 to 45 minutes before eating I ussually wait 60 minutes. Could you have picked up a virus?

I have been on Metformin for at least 15 years I take a 1000mgs 3 times a day. I always have it with food. I have the occasional bought of diarrhoea but doin't know if that is the medication or the years of shift work (my body doesn't know if its coming or going

)

Jill-O · #4 (**permalink**) 08-01-2008, 03:00 AM

I wonder if it could the the metformin?

I used it for nearly a year and a half w/o any problems and then I couldn't tolerate it. I had been taking 2 500mg ER's 2x a day (so 2000 total) and each time I'd stop, I'd be okay. For awhile, I could handle 1 500mg 1x a day (1/4 of what used to be okay) but now that's not okay either.

It surprised my doctor that it started causing me problems after being okay on it for so long, but I've read this sometimes happens.

If i had to pick just based on value in my life, I'd choose the Byetta, big time.

Good luck.

suec1958 · #5 (**permalink**) 08-05-2008, 01:34 PM

I have been taking Byetta for about 2 years - no great weight loss. I was on metformin -2000 mg day - had diarrhea for the whole time. Finally talked to doctor about it, and he took me off Metformin and put me on actos about 1 month ago - no diarrhea since. I wold think that it was likely the metformin.