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Byetta User Reviews & Ratings

Byetta has an average rating of 7.9 out of 10 from a total of 81 reviews on Drugs.com. 72% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 11% reported a negative experience.

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Diabetes, Type 2  
7.9
81 reviews for Diabetes, Type 2 152 medications
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Reviews for Byetta

  • Lyndy...
  • July 3, 2013

For Diabetes, Type 2 "I have been on Byetta since August last year and except for some nausea and slight constipation have found it to be a miracle for me. My sugar levels have improved and also have halved my blood pressure medication. Also my eyesight has improved greatly. I have lost 30kg and am feeling great. Thanks Byetta!"

9 / 10
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90 Report
  • flute...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • November 3, 2013

For Diabetes, Type 2 "I started with Byetta Sept. 2012 and used until March 2013. A1C went from 7.5 to 6.1 and my morning fasting # went from 160s to 90s. I lost approx. 60 lbs. The main complaint was being sick to my stomach. It wasn't so much of a problem on the 5 but really bad on the 10. I had planned to just tough it out because the results were so good, but I mentioned it to my endocrinologist and she switched me to the once-a-week Bydureon. (Same drug but a slow release) Totally cleared up the side effects."

9 / 10
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76 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • December 17, 2014

For Diabetes, Type 2 "Been on it for ten years sugars are normal now. Plus the first seven months I lost 100 lbs. In the 10 years since weight has stabilized at 90 lbs loss. NEVER came back. 5'7" 148 lbs, can eat too!"

10 / 10
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67 Report

Frequently asked questions

  • Thato...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 15, 2015

For Diabetes, Type 2 "I dropped a Jean size. My close relatives say they have noticed some weight loss results. The nausea is awful when I eat unhealthy food. So I stick to my fruits, vegetables and lean meat. I cut out bread, white rice and other bad carbohydrates out of my diet. I only have half a cup serving of brown rice. For breakfast, I choose to eat fruits as I am a full time university student and I don't need to feel nauseated. For lunch I have a small meal, then in the evening I either eat fruits/veggies or nothing. I drink so much water...I am always thirsty lately. Again, the water seems to drain out the nausea and occasionally diarrhoea from bad food choices. I will keep you updated on my journey! In all honesty, I feel so good now ."

10 / 10
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48 Report
  • Colld...
  • May 2, 2015

For Diabetes, Type 2 "My endocrinologist gave me a sharp warning a year ago. He told me that if I did not lose weight immediately I would become diabetic and have to go on insulin. Through sheer force of will and terror I lost a lot of weight last year. My blood tests were looking fantastic. Unfortunately I just could not lose more weight this year. My doctor put me on Byetta a month ago. My mind is made up not to eat sugary foods or highly refined carbs. I have lost 4 kgs in a month. Since April last year I am 17kgs lighter and feel so many good effects. I am determined to lose another big chunk of weight this year. The Byetta definitely takes away the appetite. I literally can't eat too much. I think it's great. The side effects are minimal."

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Are you taking this medicine?

  • Anonymous
  • April 14, 2012

For Diabetes, Type 2 "I have been on Byetta for 10 weeks now and lost 18kg. Been on Byetta. It's the best thing that has happened to me. I weighed 150kg in January and was gaining weekly. My endocrinologist gave it to me so I could lose weight for a hip replacement, but now my hip feels 60% less pain, so might not have to have the hip replacement soon. The only thing I can say is get your mindset right as to your portion size with a low carb diet, no alcohol, fizzy drinks or sweets if you trying to diet. Also I am a type 2 and was on Glucovance until Byetta. Now my reading is 5.1 and dropping slowly. Please understand I use it for weight loss hoping to get off medicines...so far so good."

10 / 10
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56 Report
  • Deborah...
  • Taken for 5 to 10 years
  • March 16, 2013

For Diabetes, Type 2 "I have been on Byetta for 5 years. My A1C was 8 when I started Byetta and is now 5.6 the past 4 years. I have been able to lose 63 pounds without any diet plan, just slowly lost this weight. I am now on half the dosage of other diabetic medications I am taking and reduced my blood pressure medications to 1/4 the dose . The only problem I have with Byetta is nausea while waiting to eat."

8 / 10
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50 Report

More FAQ

  • Lauri...
  • June 20, 2008

For Diabetes, Type 2 "I just started Byetta 4 days ago on 5mg and will increase to 10mg in a month. I have been taking 45mg of Actos before starting Byetta. Actos did bring my glucose into the mid to low 100's just as Byetta does, but I have loads more energy on Byetta. I didn't realize that I was dragging because I lost my energy slowly over the years. After 2 days on Byetta I appreciate feeling just normal again. I love Byetta."

10 / 10
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57 Report
  • Anonymous
  • August 12, 2008

For Diabetes, Type 2 "I've been using Byetta (10mg 2 x daily) for just over a year now in conjunction with glucophage (metformin) 500mg 2 tablets twice a day for my Type 2 diabetes. I've also been on a pretty tight diet and exercise plan during this time and have gone from nearly 330lb to 260lb. My sugar numbers stay under 120 - usually in the 100-115 range and the a1c has been outstanding for each quarterly test. My goal is to get under 200lb. I've had no difficulties or side effects from the Byetta - worst is a bruised area if I get rambunctuous with the needle. One thing to remember - Byetta isn't some magical weight loss drug by itself. I hate to sound like a doctor but you have to change your eating habits totally and exercise, exercise, exercise."

10 / 10
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  • patso...
  • June 16, 2008

For Diabetes, Type 2 "I started on Byetta about 4 months ago. I have lost 45 lbs and have never felt better. My blood sugar readins have gone from 275 to 135 2 hours after a meal. I take the 5, doctor tried to put me on 10 but was vomiting after meals and had to go back to five. This drug has been a God send for me."

10 / 10
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55 Report
  • Kelly...
  • October 14, 2015

For Diabetes, Type 2 "Byetta has helped me lose 32 lbs in 63 days. I have kept my sugar levels in the 100 range since starting this medicine. I was 253 pounds at 5 foot 9. Diabetes was not something I ever thought I would get but my glucose numbers were in the 300 range and fasting they were 250! The doctor put me on byetta and metphormin. I will be honest, at first, I ate the same bad foods and was throwing up every time! Now, I keep my sugar grams to 22 grams a day and 110 grams of carbs. Once I controlled the sugar and carbs, the nausea stopped! You just need to re-train your brain! My eyes wanted to get lots of food but I couldn't eat it after byetta! Just know your body and if it's too much, tell your doctor."

8 / 10
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34 Report
  • Energ...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • June 3, 2016

For Diabetes, Type 2 "I started my Byetta experience in August of 2012 wearing a size 18/20 and standing at 5'2. Before April of 2013 I was wearing a size 14. I was feeling good, looking good, and energized! I had nausea but it didn't last it took two weeks to go away. I experienced the thinning of my hair and hair loss with a different texture so I stopped Byetta because that was a No No for me to lose my hair. When I stopped the Byetta I gained more weight than I lost but my hair grew back and the texture was never the same again but I tell you this; I choose Byetta over hair loss, I just wear a short pretty hairstyle. On Byetta, my A1C has gone from 8.4 to 6.9!"

10 / 10
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30 Report
  • Helani
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • December 12, 2014

For Diabetes, Type 2 "Been on Byetta for 2 years & it is fine except the nausea in the morning after the injection so my doctor told me to have it 15 minutes before my breakfast & it works wonders. No more nausea. I also have it 15 minutes before dinner also. My weight stays the same as I am not overweight."

10 / 10
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34 Report
  • onclark
  • July 18, 2008

For Diabetes, Type 2 "I have been taking Byetta for 2 years and it is a great drug. 10 mg is too much, I get sick after I take it. I hope my doctor will allow me to go back and stay on the 5 mg. It is a great appetite supprecent. I've lost 25 lbs and kept it off for 2 years."

10 / 10
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50 Report
  • teige
  • June 28, 2009

For Diabetes, Type 2 "I was on Byetta for two years. It was a nightmare with a very bad ending. Perhaps it did control my sugars, as the A1C's were stable during this time, but the first 6 months was miserable with the constant nausea and vomiting. Sometimes in public places. The nausea was acute and non-manageable except to throw up and get it over with. That was slowly conquered and then wore off after my body got used to it. I became aware of the FDA reports that this drug can cause pancreatitis. I had my pancreatic enzymes checked (I'm a medical technologist in a hospital laboratory) and my lipase had shot up to 2000 u/ml. The normal is around 200u/ml. Had my Doctor change me to Januvia. Okay now."

2 / 10
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47 Report
  • upand...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • December 20, 2015

For Diabetes, Type 2 "As a prediabetic, I am anxious to not hit a "tipping point" into full diabetes. I asked my GP for Vitroza, but could only get insurance to cover Byetta. Three weeks later and 25 pounds less, I am thrilled. I still lap swim 3 times a week and lift weights with no hunger or sweet cravings. Also I inject in my thigh with no side effects. WHEW! Thanks Byetta!!"

10 / 10
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30 Report
  • dweaver
  • October 14, 2008

For Diabetes, Type 2 "Byetta is my life saver. It not only lowered my blood sugar levels but has helped me lose weight with only mild side effects (nausea). I have lost 28 pounds in three months and my appetite it way less than it used to be. It is expensive but as they say you get what you pay for."

9 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • December 27, 2011

For Diabetes, Type 2 "On 7/19/11 I had a routine A1C and my Doctor called me during the weekend to tell me to drink lots of water and stay away from sugar. My A1C was 11.0 and he was really worried. I started on Metformin 1000 mg a day and then 2000 mg a day. My blood sugar was still consistently in the mid 200's. They started me on Byetta mid-August. After getting used to the nausea, the 5 mcg dose was fine (started 8/4/2011). I switched to the 10 mcg dose one month and once again spent 3-4 weeks dealing with almost crippling nausea that not only made me sick, but worsened my panic problems. I stuck through it though because I could see the changes in my blood sugar. Yesterday 12/26/11 A1C is 5.5 and I have lost 25 lbs. Dr gave me high five!"

9 / 10
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39 Report
  • drago...
  • June 14, 2013

For Diabetes, Type 2 "I too am experiencing hair loss and want to know what to do about it. I had been taking 5mcg of Byetta twice a day with only minimal side effects for about 3 months. Then the specialist recommended increasing to 10mcg and that is when I noticed the severe hair loss. I had been losing my hair before in small amounts but after taking 10mcg it started really falling out in great clusters. Once I realized that it must be the Byetta I stopped taking 10mcg and have gone back to 5 but am still losing hair - not as much but still happening. Does anybody know what I should try - I have read some other blogs and this has been great because now I know I am not alone. I too have this dilemma - stop the Byetta and gain several stone or no hair?"

6 / 10
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35 Report
  • Anonymous
  • October 22, 2010

For Diabetes, Type 2 "I have been on Byetta for 3 months now. The weight loss is good, 10 lbs and I haven't even exercised. I am on 10 mcg and still have some minimal lingering nausea. My blood sugars are doing great. The biggest side effect for me is that I never feel hungry and this is amazing to me, since before I started taking Byetta, I had a constant feeling of hunger and ate everything in sight. Now, I have to make myself eat. I love Byetta."

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40 Report
  • goodn...
  • May 28, 2008

For Diabetes, Type 2 "I started taking Byetta 3-4 months ago. It has along with diet, metformin and amaryl, enabled me to stop all insulins, (which I was allergic to). My blood sugar has dropped from the 180-250 range to 84-120, which I am very happy about. I also was informed by my doctor that Byetta reduces fat deposits around the liver so for people who have liver disease it is very important."

8 / 10
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45 Report
  • brn
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • March 20, 2013

For Diabetes, Type 2 "My a1c is in the normal range now, and I have lost 42 lbs. All my labs are great due to the weight loss. I have been on 10mcg for over 2 years. My last a1c was so good last time, my doctor wants me to decrease to 5mcg. I have been to several dermatologists over the last 2 years trying to figure out why I am having hair loss, unhealthy hair, and change in texture. I never wanted to attribute it to the Byetta although the hair loss started a few months after I began taking it. I am now so desperate to stop the hair loss, I'm considering stopping the Byetta. I can't decide which would be worse - being bald or gaining back 42 pounds! I would really love to know if the person who recently posted had any hair regrowth after stopping Byetta."

10 / 10
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33 Report
  • mrsgman
  • December 3, 2008

For Diabetes, Type 2 "I started using byetta in May 07 my A1C was 9.1 now it's 5.2 by blood sugar levels are excellent and as an added bonus. When I started I weighed 340lbs and currently weigh 239lbs. I have watched my diet. It makes you feel full and controls blood sugars. It is awesome I would highly recommend to anyone. 5mg is what I use. 10 mg is too much, it makes me sick. Good luck to you all."

10 / 10
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42 Report
  • Anonymous
  • June 22, 2009

For Diabetes, Type 2 "I have been off and on Byetta for about 2 years. I had issues with vomiting and not being able to tolerate the 10mg. Finally I found the answer. My doctor said to take the injection then wait 1 full hour to eat, and not to eat more than a very very small portion of food. I have not had any upset stomach doing this. I thought it was because of what I ate, like salad dressing or greasy foods, but it was the amount of food that I ate that was making me sick. I haven't been sick this round of using the medicines, using this method and feeling very full after just a few bites of food. Try limiting your food intake to relieve stomach upset."

10 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • April 21, 2012

For Diabetes, Type 2 "The first week of Byetta 5mcg dose, no side effects, 6 pound weight loss but high blood glucose numbers. My Endocrinologist suggested I try going up to the 10mcg dose. nausea, gas, stomach upset and constipation. I ended up in bed most afternoons. Numbers are now good and I've lost another 4 pounds. Too much lifestyle impairment due to side effects so I went back to the lower dose, still having stomach aches and constipation. I'm giving it time, but so far this has been an uncomfortable experience."

6 / 10
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35 Report

Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.