Bydureon (Exenatide extended-release) for Diabetes

Overview
Bydureon is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat diabetes in adults. Bydureon is considered an adjunct treatment to diet and exercise. Bydureon is also referred to by its drug name, Exenatide.

Bydureon is an incretin mimetic. Bydureon mimes the effects of incretin, which signals the pancreas to make more insulin and prevents the liver from releasing glucose. Bydureon is believed to work by normalizing blood glucose levels. Bydureon also causes weight loss.

How do I take it?
Prescribing information states that Bydureon should be administered via a subcutaneous injection once a week.

Bydureon comes as a liquid in vials and prefilled pens.

Side effects
The FDA-approved label for Bydureon lists common side effects including hypoglycemia (low blood glucose), nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, indigestion, constipation, and minor irritation or bumps at injection sites.

Rare but serious side effects listed for Bydureon include pancreatitis, thyroid cancer, kidney failure, and gastrointestinal problems.