exenatide (Bydureon)

Pronunciation: ex EN a tide

Brand: Bydureon BCise, Bydureon Pen, Bydureon Tray

What is the most important information I should know about Bydureon?

You should not use Bydureon if you have a personal or family history of thyroid cancer, or if you have multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN 2, a cancer that can affect the thyroid, parathyroid, and adrenal glands).

You should not use this medicine if exenatide has ever caused you to have low platelet levels in your blood.

What is exenatide (Bydureon)?


Exenatide is an injectable diabetes medicine that helps control blood sugar levels. This medication helps your pancreas produce insulin more efficiently. Bydureon is a long-acting form of exenatide.

Bydureon is used together with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Bydureon is not for treating type 1 diabetes.


What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using Bydureon?


You also should not use this medicine if you are allergic to exenatide (Bydureon or Byetta), or if you have:

  • a history of low levels of platelets (blood cells that help your blood to clot) while using exenatide; or
  • diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment).

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

  • kidney disease, or a kidney transplant;
  • a stomach disorder that causes slow digestion;
  • pancreatitis; or
  • gall stones.





How should I use Bydureon?




Prepare your injection only when you are ready to give it. You must give the injection right away after mixing.

Bydureon is usually injected once every 7 days. Bydureon can be used with or without food and given at any time of the day. Follow your doctor's instructions. You may change your weekly dosing day, but do not inject on your new dosing day if it has been less than 3 days since your last dose.

Your care provider will show you the best places on your body to inject Bydureon. Use a different place each time you give an injection. Do not inject into the same place two times in a row.







Bydureon can lower your platelet counts for up to 10 weeks after you stop using this medicine. You may need frequent medical tests while using this medicine and for a short time after you stop.


Store Bydureon in its original container. Refrigerate and use until expiration date. Protect from light.

Do not freeze Bydureon, and throw away the medicine if it has been frozen.

You may also store Bydureon at room temperature for up to 4 weeks.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if your next dose is less than 3 days away. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?



What should I avoid while taking Bydureon?

You should not mix Bydureon with insulin in the same syringe. Do not use Bydureon together with Byetta.

Avoid drinking alcohol. It can lower your blood sugar.

What are the possible side effects of Bydureon?


Some people using exenatide have had serious or fatal bleeding caused by low levels of platelets (blood cells that help your blood to clot). Stop using Bydureon and call your doctor right away if you have unusual bleeding or bruising.


  • severe ongoing nausea and vomiting;
  • pain, warmth, swelling, an open wound or scab, or other skin changes where the injection was given;
  • pancreas or gallbladder problems --pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting, fever, fast heart rate, yellowing of your skin or eyes;

Common side effects may include:

  • indigestion, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation;
  • headache; or
  • itching or a small bump where an injection was given.


What other drugs will affect Bydureon?

Tell your doctor if you use insulin or oral diabetes medicine.

Exenatide can make it harder for your body to absorb other medicines you take by mouth. Tell your doctor about all your other medicines. Other drugs may affect Bydureon, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about exenatide (Bydureon).



Copyright 1996-2021 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 6.01. Revision date: 4/2/2020.

exenatide (Bydureon)