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Bydureon - Has anyone had lumps at the injection site? I inject near my belly button?
Question posted by kaaos on 1 July 2012
Last updated on 22 September 2021
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
24 Answers Page 2
MimiGa
17 Nov 2015
Yes, I have a lump for each week-6
Zanthor
18 Nov 2015
I was on this for a few months and it was a nightmare. The lumps were much bigger than I had expected. My endocrinologist suggested it was because of a polymer base that would dissolve in time... I hated it so badly I told her I wanted off of it. She recommended I try Victoza because the needle was smaller although I'd have to take it daily. I did this for a year or so until I lost my insurance. The bumps went away after several months and the Victoza was amazing after only a few months. My blood sugar levels were extremely normal and after a few months of that, I quit (well, losing insurance helped because the stuff is so expensive!) I was worried that the stories I've heard about how things stop working over time, so I wanted to quit it anyways. I've kept my diet relatively healthy, but not as well as my endocrinologist would approve, but I've lost about 40 pounds and kept them off for almost 2 years, now (I quit all my meds).
I feel pretty good, and like believe that my DIabetes II, for me, is like alcoholism. I believe it's waiting there for me to slip-up, so I have to remain vigilant and things will be okay. But the lumps from Bydurion were awful, and I don't recommend that form of synthesized lizard spit to anyone!
goldenyearsha
4 March 2015
I have been on Bydureon 6 wks. On the fifth wk I had a lump come up at the injection site. It was itching and finally went away by the 6 wk. When I did the sixth wk injection, another lump came up under the skin which was bigger. But I think I hit a vein because I began to bleed from the injection site. Both of the injections where place on opposite sides on the navel. I am due to inject on Thursday, so I will try moving them further out on my belly, to see if there is a change.
The needles are bigger than I am use too. I went from a 7.2 to 5.6 and have started to lose weight.
CPITTAZ
4 Feb 2015
I have been taking Bydureon for 5 weeks now and have an itchy lumpy belly... The first lump is a little bit smaller than the second and so on. I'm so sick of itching and scratching and the lumps. Seriously :( Dislike!!
nicole1719
4 Feb 2015
The lumps and itching will go away in about 8 weeks or so I went thru the same thing now I have no problems
MsPolyTheist
4 Feb 2015
CPITTAZ, I was on it for 9 or 10 weeks, and it took MONTHS for my lumps to go away, even after I went off the drug. I wouldn't recommend this drug to my worst enemy!
rgbear
4 Feb 2015
I also was using Bydureon for 5 weeks, and after the fifth week, within a few a days, I developed the series of lumps on each side of my stamach. Close to, but NOT at the injection sites. These lumps are about the same size and hardness as a marble on or about where your lower rib is on each side. They ARE VERY HARD and itchy. (about a series of four on each side) and one big goose-egg on my thigh. I discontinued about three weeks ago, but they are still there!! I think the side-effects outweighed the benefits. I am very leary about new drugs and the long-lasting effect it can have on you. I was presented with Victoza as an alternative, but my ins. co. does not cover it!! Is there anything that will get rid of these lumps!!!
MsPolyTheist
4 Feb 2015
Yes, time. That's the only thing that will get rid of the lumps!
angelica97
3 April 2016
The itching is driving me insane!!! I'm gonna try to stick it out and hope it gets better!!
Laurel72
21 July 2017
I'm in my 6th week and just started with the itching and welts. It's worth it for me though, bydyreon has totally turned my life around in a very short time. I've been applying ice packs to the itchy areas and it really helps a LOT. I used a heating pad once and that helped too but it's summer time so I favor the ice packs right now. Hope this helps.
Laurel72
21 July 2017
I'm in my 6th week and just started with the itching and welts different than the small, hard nodules. It's worth it for me though, bydyreon has totally turned my life around in a very short time. I've been applying ice packs to the itchy areas and it really helps a LOT. I used a heating pad once and that helped too but it's summer time so I favor the ice packs right now. Hope this helps.
MsPolyTheist
1 May 2014
Yes, count me in as someone with lumps. When I switched insurance providers in January I was told that my new insurer wouldn't cover Victoza. While I was using up the last of the Victoza, my doctor filled out paperwork, but after several attempts at an authorization failed, he switched me to Bydureon. I started it 6 and a half weeks ago. I know this precisely because I have six lumps, none of which have gone away. I just have to count the lumps to recall when I started taking it. Just this week my insurer surprised us all by suddenly authorizing Victoza, so after I showed my doc all six lumps that were still there, he switched me right back to the Victoza.
Regarding peoples' comments that it must be a bolus of the medicine sitting at the injection site, I don't think so: on advice from my doctor, I massaged the injection area to test that theory. Right after injecting my thigh one day, I sat down on a couch and VIGOROUSLY massaged and moved the area, trying to move the medication, for a full half an hour (while watching a half hour tv show, so I'm positive how long it was!). I still got a lump.
Regarding refrigeration and the effect of coldness: I have injected it ice cold from the fridge, warmed up for an hour out of the fridge, and warmed up for *several* hours out of the fridge: the several hour test was actually the most successful. It seemed at first that I was not going to get any lump at all! But by the next morning, there was the same old lump in that spot.
Regarding injection site, I have used both arms and both thighs, but I refuse to even try my stomach because of the lump issue. Frankly, if my doc hadn't taken me off of it this week, I am not sure where I would have injected next: short of injecting into old lumps, I imagine I would soon have run out of clear spots to inject!
My doc is going to report this to AstraZeneca as an adverse reaction, and I really hope that they call me about it. This is cruel and unusual punishment, to allow a drug to market that basically makes you a leper after a number of weeks. Summer is coming, and how can you leave the house covered in lumps unless you wear a full-body sweatsuit??
Mlpd
22 Nov 2014
I met with an RN provided by the drug rep before I started Bydureon . She told me to expect the lumps. She said the lumps are like time released meds and they will go away. I injected my 4th shot today. No results yet lowering my numbers but was told it takes 10 weeks for it to fully take effect.
MsPolyTheist
24 Nov 2014
Mlpd, that sounds like a crock of bull&%*. What the RN is describing is a bolus, a lump of medication that sits under the skin until it dissipates. What the bydureon causes is a site reaction, something more like a hive or an edema, but it is NOT, as far as I have been told, the medication remaining in one lump. You can verify this by massaging the hell out of the lumps, and they don't go anywhere. I would ask her directly next time you speak to her, "Are you saying that the lump I get is a bolus?" I'm on Invokana right now and I like it much better. One pill a day, and I have lost 9 pounds in just three weeks on it!
nicole1719
5 Dec 2014
I just started bydureon 3 weeks ago I have lumps on my neck arms stomach and my arm has swollen up this medicine is cuel punishment
Streetlaw
24 Dec 2014
I have the lumps. 7 weeks and the first shot is the largest lump, diameter of a golf ball. Do these things ever go away? I also had skin reaction to Victoza and insurance wouldn't cover it.
nicole1719
24 Dec 2014
Streetlaw the lumps do go away I've noticed that if I take it out the refrigerator at let it sit awhile it doesn't cause lumps don't use it directly after it take it out the fridge
MsPolyTheist
27 Dec 2014
Streetlaw, the lumps will go away, but they will take *months* to do so. And I had no luck whether I used the Bydureon straight out of the refrigerator, or let it warm up a bit.
LisaKay
6 Jan 2015
I let my Bydureon sit out for 15 minutes before injecting like the paperwork says to and I still get lumps. Not sure the temperature of the med makes a difference?
Akmals02
15 April 2015
I have been on Bydureon, for three weeks now I just took my third week dose. The first two weeks I put in my stomach at room temperature no problem. Today's injection however was at room temperature and I put it in my thigh and now I have a Pea sized lump. The first week I took the shot on the fifth day I had extreme stomach cramps with diarrhea and vomiting. But my provider felt that that was a stomach virus and asked me to take it one more week. Which I have and haven't had a problem since.
Anitaea
12 Aug 2015
Hi. My insurance won't cover victoza. I loved Victoza!! I am on bydureon. My sugar level has not been under 200 ... going on week three.
I have BCBS INSURANCE just wondering what you have.
MsPolyTheist
12 Aug 2015
I'm surprised to hear that BCBS won't cover it. I'm on BS of California. You should ask your doctor to contact the insurer to make an exception, especially if you're having a reaction from Bydureon.
lpn4life
28 July 2016
I only get the knotted areas when I inject around my belly button. After more than 3 months of injections, I only have developed 3. As for the "bolus" issue, my MD explained that this medication is a weeks worth that is time leased until the next injection is due. From the Bydureon website: "Bydureon is an extended-release form of exenatide". When medications are given via "bolus" dose, that means they are given a drug injected intravenously and usually a concentrated dose to work quickly. So the RN that you spoke with gave good information and description. HTH!
trishtlc
27 May 2013
Yes, I do get lumps each time. I have a feeling that when you inject it the medicine sits in the lumps. Also, I've read somewhere that they go away after 6 weeks. I tested this myself and this has proven to be true. They do disappear after 6 weeks but that is each one. For me it is worth it because my A1C has really lowered.
ducrider900
27 Sep 2013
I have gotten the lumps as well. What I did find out that you should take the shot at room temperature and not right out of the refrigerator. I will be trying my first dose tomorrow at room temperature. I will let you know in a week or so what happens. My A1C has gone from 8.2 to 6.1 in 2 months. very happy with that.. I hope I will start shedding pounds soon too.
rfats
19 March 2014
I have been taking Victoza since Sept 2013 at room temperature. At first I did not get any lumps giving injection in the abdomen. Then I had 2 stents put in my heart in December. More sensitive - stinging sometimes and aching after the shot, and, started getting lumps - very hard but small. Now they are bigger and gigantic bruising from the heart meds and aspirin. I have been told to move to my thigh. Although it is harder to get a grip on my fat there, no lumps so far. Still get bruises, too, but not as bad. I would like to hear about byopsies also, since my endo did not even seem concerned. BG is down and have lost some weight. I also take glimepiride since my exercise is down since heart work done. Hopefully, I can get off that and lower the amount of Victoza when I get more exercise in my day.
ELMAFO
27 March 2014
I have been using Bydureon for 8 weeks now and I have 7 nodules under my skin at the injection sites. The first few weeks I didn't notice them and one day I felt a large bump. When I started feeling around I felt more. Then I began observing the process. I would inject and end of the day the area around the injection site would appear white, then the next day it would be red and start itching! Then the lump would start forming. So currently I have seven lumps under my skin. A few of them are quite large and some very noticeable visibly without feeling for them. I still get pretty nauseus and indigestion often. Sometimes severely other times mildly. My doctor has taken me off the Bydureon and prescribed Victoza. I don't know if these nodules under the skin are harmful or not. If you or anyone finds this out, lease let me know. Thanks!
Luann62
13 Sep 2018
I have been injecting bydureon for several weeks now, I have a large, hard lump at every injection site. They don't seem to be going away. This is a little scary, this medicine does help with my sugar levels, though my reading are all over the map. Some days my level is in the 80s, and other days it's as high as 140s. I was wondering if there is a secondary medication that can be taken in combination with the bydureon injections that would normalize my sugar levels.
lavishlady6
24 Feb 2013
When I first started taking the shots I got lumps.I give on my stomach for some reason 3 to 4 inches on each side of my navel. I havnt had anymore lumps and injection goes in very well. If you have stretch marks don't give near that area. I did have itching really bad for a month and now I don't ever itch.
SeekingACure
8 March 2014
What happens if you inject over stretch marks? My doctor never mentioned this. My stomach is disfigured and was stretched from a large ovarian cyst, so it has a foot long scar down the middle and stretch marks almost everywhere.
LisaKay
6 Jan 2015
I am glad I read your comment. I have always given my injections in my stomach. First Victoza and now Bydureon. I have many stretch marks on my belly from my pregnancy. I didn't even consider that might be the problem. Maybe this next injection will go in my thigh (fingers crossed no lump). Thank you for your insight.
holtcanyon
12 July 2016
I've been taking Bydureon for three months. Thursday June 30th was the last time I gave myself a shot. In the later part of the three months on three different occasions I've thrown up and had nausea issues. The nausea was slight in the beginning. The problem is how do you replenish the sugar in your body when you are throwing up. Bydureon is a weekly and not a daily diabetic medication. It also seemed at least with me, that as the consecutive shots were given, they seemed to build upon one another in strength. So the results after the first week weren't nearly as dramatic as the last week. I had to make certain that my blood glucose wasn't getting to low. I check my blood glucose multiple times daily. The lumps are evident too. So how long does it take Bydureon to dissipate out of your body if the lumps are excess Bydureon? For me Bydureon was a scary diabetic medication.
Jill B
31 Aug 2016
I took about 8 injections of Bydureon. I have 8 lumps, 6 in my thighs and 2 in my stomach. My lumps are as itchy as a mosquito bite! I called my health care provider and he took me off of it. I now take Trulicity and it not only works better but it does not cause these lumps and the needle is much smaller. I have been off Bydureon for about 4 weeks and my lumps are still there.
Zanthor
1 Nov 2012
YES!!! I had 5 injections starting over 7 weeks ago (I quit Bydureon last week and saw the doctor). Even the 1st one is still there. They all are big lumps, and don't seem to be going away. They itch and at least the pain is stopped. I was told the manufacturer is presently leaving it to the physicians... I got two opinions. They both agree it's working, but one thinks I should continue and see if they start to go away, the other suggested they'd go to Victoza or Byetta if the lumps were on them and they were experiencing the discomforts I have expressed. I opted for the once-a-day Victoza... pending my insurance company's response... and then a few days later got a call from my doc... he has seen several patients with the "larger than expected bumps" and related itching, etc. and asked me if I had the lot number of the last prescript I got.
He also seemed to think I may be correct in wondering about the polymer that the medicine is mixed and injected with could be the culprit... but he wants to be sure it's just not a particular lot as a precaution. After all, it did seem to work. Although, after week 5 I had 3 "events" three nights in a row... the first one I had just measured my blood sugar to be 225. 1/2 hour later, after making my daughter a grilled cheese, I felt weak, broke sweat, had to sit... measured it to be 74. A sugar fix - corrected the situation in about 1/2 hour. The next night I was prepared with nearby coke and hard candy, so I nipped it before it really hit... the third night I was busy working and ignored it for the first 10 minutes, but then it hit so hard I couldn't get out of my chair. Saved again by my daughter, but not before I spent some time worshiping the porcelain disposal unit. After a bit of that, and a forced coke... I began to slowly improve. This was before I got off the Bydureon. I tried cutting back on one of my other diabetes meds (Glipizide) which my doc concurred on. This helped with the nausea, as well as cutting back portions to 1/2... for about two days before I spoke to the doc (as described above) and got off Bydureon completely. We're waiting a few weeks to start Victoza, so the Bydureon has time to clear my system. I've felt better since getting off the Bydureon... now I'm just concerned about the lumps. Good luck and God Bless!
LisaKay
6 Jan 2015
Good luck with the Victoza :) I was on that first and loved it until I started to react to that. I love how small the needle is compared to the Bydureon needle :D I am sorry others suffer the lumps but am glad to read that I am not the only one experiencing the horrible hard spots. I may have to quit this one too, then I am not sure what I will do. Diabetes sucks... plain and simple!
TabbyM
30 Sep 2015
I met with my endocrinologist yesterday and he told me that the lumps are auto immune reactions caused by the Gila Monster saliva that is used in the medication. He told me that it has about a 20% chance that it will cause these lumps. He told to quit taking this medication and prescribed a new medication that has only a 1-2% chance of this occurring. I suggest meeting with your health care provider that prescribed this medication.
I have been using the medication for several months and the lumps have not dissipated.
Do not ignore them.
karwitha
10 June 2017
Sorry to divert from the subject but a number of people have quoted readings of blood sugar that I do not understand, eg. You mention 225 and 74 ? When I take a reading like I am looking at this week being 8.1, 7.0, 7.6, 7.8, 8.7,7.1... My lumps are staying with me and the itching subsides after a few days but the nausea, weakness and hunger feeling is horrible.
Pchowell1
19 Aug 2012
I have completed 6 injections of Bydureon and have 6 lumps that do not appear to "going away". Should I get biopsies to find out why they are not going away?? Also my blood sugars have dropped to 106 to 132 daily = control looks to be great.
SUZAG
8 Sep 2012
I've been on Bydureon for 8 to 10 weeks and I inject in my thigh. I haven't had any bumps. Of course the first couple of times, I did it in the belly but didn't get any lumps or bumps. For me, the thigh is more comfortable. My blood sugars have gone from the high 250's down to 105 and I've lost 16lbs. So far, so good!
SUZAG
1 Nov 2012
Well, as an update to the lumps, or lack of... for three weeks in a row I got the lumps, that was about 6 weeks ago and two of them are still there... very large and hard. One has completely disappeared... I wonder, as one writer mentioned, if it was a bad lot. I've switched now to my belly and also a new box on Bydureon and so far, so good...
Esmeralda60
3 Oct 2013
I will be seeing the doctor this month to get off of Bydureon. My numbers are still high, diarrhea every day, stomach upset with cramps, first month was a nightmare. I had a CT scan done to see if I had anything going wrong in my system, that is how horrible I felt. Thankfully, nothing showed. However, I have lumps under my skin which take forever to go away. I have two injections left and I am off to see if anything else is going on. Also, found my hair to be thinning since I started this, not sure if related. Anybody out there feel the same?
Esmeralda60
3 Oct 2013
I will be seeing the doctor this month to get off of Bydureon. My numbers are still high, diarrhea every day, stomach upset with cramps, first month was a nightmare. I had a CT scan done to see if I had anything going wrong in my system, that is how horrible I felt. Thankfully, nothing showed. However, I have lumps under my skin which take forever to go away. I have two injections left and I am off to see if anything else is going on. Also, found my hair to be thinning since I started this, not sure if related. Anybody out there feel the same?
LisaKay
6 Jan 2015
I was on Victoza but after 6 weeks began to have allergic reactions to it. The injection sites got very red, swollen and extremely itchy. The itch lasted a very long time and nothing helped relieve it. My doctor told me to stop taking it and switched me to Bydureon. I have been on Bydureon for 6 weeks now (just took my 6th injection yesterday). Last weeks injection reacted for the first time on this med. At first I had a white colored halo around the site then it became swollen and red. Two days after the itching started. Now there is a hard lump and more redness :( My numbers are improving and I have lost 12 pounds but today I noticed another lump forming where one of the earlier injections went in. I have only used my stomach for injecting and haven't tried my thigh. I plan on calling my doctor tomorrow as the lumps do scare me some.
angelica97
3 April 2016
I also have extremely itchy lumps, and my last injection left a huge nasty bruise!! Not sure if I want to continue or not, I've done 4 injections, my next is due this Tuesday, to do or not to do!!! Help!!!
Iramirez77
2 Sep 2016
I have been on Budureon for 3 weeks, I am due for my 4th injection today. I have 3 nodules, I for each injection. The very first injection was on my thigh and stung like hell! I am able to tolerate the burn a little more if I inject the solution slowly. I noticed my first module on my thigh, after I took my second injection. It is huge and dark in color now almost like a bruise, and itches like crazy. The other two nodules are in my belly one on each side. I don't like these things one bit and think I will be coming off of it. I was hoping to get some good news by reading these reviews, but it seems like 98% of the people on here, still have their nodules regardless of how much time ha passed. :-(
Jane 9007
22 June 2018
I have been on Bydureon 5 weeks the first 2 injections were on my belly which left quarter size lumps. Went to the Dr and was told to take Benadryl before injection. I did this in back of my arm my lumps are the size of a pea. Injection does hurt and my arm was a little swollen. I'm not very sure about this meds. I totally hate those big lumps on my belly scared to do them next on my thighs :(
lindaknetsch
13 July 2012
yes, I have only used bydureon 6 times and I have a hard lump dor each shot. Just had a biopsy on 4 of the 6 lumps. Will get results Wed. I am planning on going back to Byetta.
Pchowell1
19 Aug 2012
Could you please tell me the results of your biopsies?? Thank you.
Zanthor
1 Nov 2012
I'd like to hear the results, as well. Regards.
SUZAG
24 Feb 2013
Me too! I have found that if I massage (hard) the exact injection spot with my thumb immediately after the injection, it seems to help with not getting a bump/lump.
rfats
1 May 2014
i do not use Bydureon but Victoza. I got lumps in the middle of large bruises due to my heart meds (the bruises are from the heart meds). My General Practitioner told me not more shots below the belly button and nothing within 2" of the belly button. It is much better than my thigh which is what my Endochronologist told me to do. The fat around my middrif is easier to grab and no more lumps. Still get some bruises till off heart meds. Good luck.
goldenyearsha
4 March 2015
Please let us know the results!
wildtowest
30 May 2015
I have been on bydureon for 5 weeks. Each shot I end up with a bump. By the next day it is very large red, hot and it also Itch's. So far none of the bumps have gone away.
Anitaea
12 Aug 2015
How were UR biops.
My insurance won't pay for Victoza. I loved it. I started Bydureon. Large lumps itchn like crazy. Did u like Byletta? Hope you doing well.
Babs K
11 June 2016
So reading the info here, I also have gotten the bumps, itching, and I am on my 7th dose. My bumps are about the size of a small pea, and I've done my injections in my stomach, and both thighs... The info, says they usually go away in 4-6 weeks? Glad to know these side effects are actually common, but does anyone else think these injections hurt too much? I am in tears EVERY TIME I do them! Not only does the needle (aka drill bit) hurt, but the drug being injected BURNS! I will have to wait and see if it is worth the pain!
Nancyuha
11 Sep 2016
Tanzeum used a much smaller needle and didn't hurt at all compared to the Bydureon. I have used Bydureon 7 times and have 5 big lumps (larger than a quarter) and one much smaller one. The fat in my upper abdomen between breasts and waist seems to get smaller lumps than upper thighs. To the person that is itching--- you are allergic to something in the shot and probably need to get your doctor to prescribe something else. I was getting itching with the Tanzeum and got switched to the Bydureon.
poohluv29
16 May 2017
I have lumps too. They started after the 6 shot. The booklet says it can be a side effect. They itched at first, seemed lumps were bigger at first. My doctor thiught it was nothing to be alarmed about. But I don't know. I took it Friday night. What about the biopsy???
mpluto717r
10 Jan 2018
Yes, I'm the same I've had 6 injections and everyone left a lump under my skin. I switched to trulicity injections and have had no problems
BJB918
19 Jan 2018
I've used it in the belly and thighs, about 8 times and lumps every injection site. If I pinch up the skin, shake it as I'm injecting, it doesn't burn or hurt at all. Make very sure you allow time for it to reach room temp and also mux well... very important. 80 strikes don't always do the trick. I have many times I've had to shake it over 100 times to mix well. The shots in the belly became large and inflamed. I went to ER, Doc said infection. Told m to wipe better with alcohol swabs. Put me on antibs, cleared up, but left the bb sized lump.
Related topics
Further information
- Bydureon uses and safety info
- Bydureon prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Bydureon (detailed)
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