Bydureon and Nausea: What Users Say

• Anonymous
• August 28, 2014

For Type 2 Diabetes "Had taken my 4th injection of Bydureon. No problems at the injection site, but after my 3rd injection, I began to feel sick all the time. No appetite at all, not even coffee. Had persistent bloating, heartburn, and a bad taste in my mouth. Stopped craving sweets and carbs. A1c went from 8.5 to 6.3 in 4 weeks. Blood sugars down from 166-180 to 120-125. Love the way this medication works, but can hardly tolerate the discomfort in my belly and nausea. Not sure if I can continue or not."

• Eye...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 31, 2014

For Type 2 Diabetes "I'm in my fifth week taking injections. I've been on 2000mg metformin daily for 4 years but my A1C has been creeping up over the last year (7.3) and my fasting blood sugars (morning) had averaged around 160 and almost never registering below 150 and too often above 170. Over the last 4 weeks, my fasting sugars have steadily dropped. Last week they averaged 116 and this week they are averaging 107. I've experienced sporadic mild nausea and a reduced appetite (not as hungry as often and I fill up much faster). I'm not a fan of the injections but they're tolerable. I've not followed my weight (definitely not gaining) and we won't check my A1C for a couple more weeks."

• NWc...
• January 21, 2014

For Type 2 Diabetes "I'm on week 4, and so far, so good. The first injection was done with my nurse and went smoothly. About 3 days later, I started to experience extreme nausea anytime I ate something, so I didn't eat much the first week. My blood sugar dropped from 300 to about 180. The second shot didn't go in as easily and kind of burned, but I wasn't as nauseous that next week. I had an idea that I probably did something wrong during that injection, and my blood sugars doubled that second week. The third shot I was really careful to pinch my fat and make sure it wasn't muscle, and that time went smoothly and didn't burn at all. In week 3, my blood sugar dropped to 105-140. I messed up week 4 again, and the shot burned, and this time I got a bump. I think it was too close to the last injection site."

• Mer...
• June 3, 2015

For Type 2 Diabetes "Bydureon worked well helping my A1C level, 7.6 to 6.5. Also, sugar levels went from 120-140 fasting to 90-110. After meals, levels went from 180-220 to 140-160. I also lost 19 lbs in three months. After three months, the side effects became too much to handle. Nausea and vomiting were constant. Woke up one night so sick I could not keep anything down. Three hours later, ended up in the ER dehydrated. Have stopped taking Bydureon two weeks ago, but it still is in my system. Still nausea and upset stomach with a sour taste in mouth. Results were great. Just couldn't handle side effects."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 8, 2012

For Type 2 Diabetes "I have been on Bydureon for approx. 8 weeks now. My morning glucose has gone from 230 down to 105 now. I don't really feel any different with it lower, but it is probably helping my kidneys to perform better. As far as the larger needle, I started injecting in my thigh and barely feel it. At first, I was ravenous and was really surprised. Now sometimes I have to remind myself to eat and eat much smaller portions. I've lost 16 lbs., and I'm at the lowest weight I've been in 35 years. When I first started, I would feel nausea and throw up for no reason when my dose was wearing off. The doctor said she had never heard of that complaint before! My only complaint is that the medicine seems to stick to the vial, and I really have to beat on it!"

• Bet...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 24, 2013

For Type 2 Diabetes "I have been on Bydureon since November 2012 and 2000 mg metformin a day. I am pre-diabetic, have hypothyroidism, and polycystic ovarian syndrome variance. After much difficulty, this medicine has been a lifesaver! I have lost 51 lbs to date (235 to 184) and am feeling great! My A1C went from 6.5 to 5.7 in three months. I get new lab results next week. I did have side effects in the beginning, but I stuck with it, and it is fine now. No more nausea. Some diarrhea, but I also have Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Good luck to anyone out there dealing with this."

• gra...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 6, 2014

For Type 2 Diabetes "I've been on Bydureon for a year now. My HbA1c is running between 5.5 and 6.6. Every once in a while, I will have nausea, but rarely. The diarrhea isn't too bad, and I counter that with Imodium AD. Weight loss has stopped. I was 295 lbs when I first started Bydureon a year ago. I am now stuck at 275. But Thanksgiving and Christmas, I'm sure, didn't help any. I'm back on my strict diet of salads, turkey, and tuna. So I'm sure to lose more weight, from where, I don't know because I'm in decent shape. My blood sugars run from as low as 74 all the way up to 200, but mainly stay around 80 to 130. It has gotten more expensive for me. I was paying $20 a month. Now it has jumped to $150 a month."

• flu...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 3, 2013

For Type 2 Diabetes "I have been on Bydureon since March 2013. Started initially with Byetta in Sept. 2012 but had to make a switch because of nauseousness. Bydureon has been so much easier to deal with, and I haven't been nauseous. The differences I found were 1) I feel hungrier with Bydureon (not as much appetite suppression) so I just have to make sure I'm using good portion control; 2) I'm not losing weight as quickly as I did on Byetta. It could be that I'm reaching goal weight and it's harder to lose the last little bit. Current loss: 82 lbs. As far as BG numbers, I have gone from morning fasting numbers of 160s/170s before Byetta/Bydureon to 80s/90s now. I've also gone from 2000 mg metformin daily to 1000 mg daily."

• Ari...
• July 21, 2015

For Type 2 Diabetes "My experience has been great. I have lost about 20 pounds in 2 months. Side effects: just mild nausea if I don't eat, loss of appetite. Glucose levels of 107 in the mornings vs. 160. I do have the bumps on the injection sites. I chose my belly, but I think I need to change sites. I am really happy with the results and would not change it for anything else. I was having a really hard time losing weight before, and now it became really easy. My doctor also put me on a lactose-free diet, and it's working wonders for me. No more upset stomach or bloating."

• Typ...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 5, 2016

For Type 2 Diabetes "On Bydureon about a year. I'm 57, been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes for about 8 years. On insulin + Metformin. Doc prescribed this for me originally because I just couldn't get my A1C below 7.0 even though my daily numbers rarely climbed over 130 even right after eating. The Pros: A1C dropped into the low 4's and remains at that level. Lost 20 - 25 lbs and the weight has stayed off. Pen device is not difficult to set up and use once a week, takes about 5 minutes max to do the injection routine, and I've only had 1 instance total in a year's time of a pen not working properly. The Cons: HUGE needle that hurts. Bad nausea after injection and occasional itchy hard lumps at the injection site. One major B/sugar crash - low 50's."

• Tmi...
• January 1, 2014

For Type 2 Diabetes "I have taken 7 shots. My blood sugars have gone from 250 to 140 in the mornings waking up. I do have 2 knots just on each side of my navel. I have experienced nausea and feeling sick within 24 hours of the shot. I have lost 12 pounds. That's a lot considering I weighed 188 when I started and I'm at 176 now. I'm 6'2" tall, and losing that much weight kind of scares me. I feel a lot better taking the Bydureon, and I take 2000 mg metformin daily. This medicine has stabilized my sugar levels in 7 weeks."

• Hay...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 9, 2017

For Type 2 Diabetes "I started on the weekly injection after oral hypoglycemic tablets stopped controlling my blood sugar level (BSL). The effect was pretty much instant. Within two weeks, my BSL had normalized and I had lost weight. I am still on track and have lost 6 kgs in 3 months. Some tips from me: Take the injection out of the fridge at least 30 minutes prior to mixing and injecting, it mixes better and doesn't hurt to inject. Take an anti-nausea medication 30 minutes prior to the injection and take the injection at night before you go to bed. Eat small, regular meals 6 times a day with high fat (fat has no glycemic index), moderate protein (90 gm/day), and low carb ("

• Raw...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 4, 2016

For Type 2 Diabetes "On Bydureon since January 2016. The most significant problem from the beginning are the small hard lumps at the injection site. It has improved since I first began. I find the plunger is difficult to press down firmly. Tap gently 20 times then 1/4 turn till 80 to mix. It's recommended to hold in place for 10 seconds. I put my foot on a low step stool to firmly keep a 45-degree angle from hip to knee. For months, no symptoms, only lumps. Now I'm here sharing my story because I'm suspicious it's responsible for these bouts with severe nausea with VERY LOUD STOMACH/GUT NOISES. I'm taking Metformin too. I've lost 53 pounds. Size 14 to 8. A1C pending. Can't confirm nausea, growling stomach, or belching are caused by it. Stopped ALL WHITE FOODS/MOST SUGAR. Need to know if I'm hurting myself to be continued."

• cpr...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 17, 2013

For Type 2 Diabetes "Just like another reader said, I could not get enough to eat the first two weeks on the medication. Now I'm nauseous all the time and having difficulty eating anything at all. I don't find the needle that big, but I do have bumps where I've injected. I'm hoping they go away. I'm also concerned about the thyroid issue-just praying all is well."

• MC2...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 27, 2018

"Started Bydureon six weeks ago. I do not have sugar problems, nor have I ever. This drug was prescribed to me as an appetite suppressant and to assist with weight loss. Started Bydureon weighing 205 lb, six weeks later, I currently weigh in at 186 lb. There are side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, and hard lumps at the injection site, however, the benefits outweigh those side effects."

• Dow...
• March 18, 2016

For Type 2 Diabetes "Started Bydureon 2 mg in May 2015. It's been 10 months, and my A1C is 5.7. I've dropped 60 pounds, went from a size 15 to a size 8, feel great. The nausea really gets me some days, and I just can't eat much at all. But it does do its job. I was on metformin for 2 years before Bydureon, and I had constant diarrhea. I'll take the nausea over the #2s."

• Cer...
• July 27, 2015

For Type 2 Diabetes "I was prescribed Metformin 1000 mg twice a day and Glicazide 40 mg four times a day. I took this for four years but constantly had an upset stomach, and my blood sugar readings were always between 10 and 15 mmol/L, and I was gaining weight even though I eat healthy foods. I was then advised to take Actos 30 mg once a day instead of Glicazide. Although this helped initially, my readings were still high, and I was gaining weight. I then saw a diabetic consultant, and he suggested trying Bydureon 2 mg injections once a week. I have been on these for nine weeks now, and my readings are down to 5-6 mmol/L, and I have lost 1st 2 lbs and feel much better. I get occasional nausea. I have to pay for the injections, and they are expensive but well worth the money."

• Lil...
• December 6, 2014

For Type 2 Diabetes "Took first dose. Had some mild nausea and indigestion. Took second injection and within 24 hours was violently ill with horrible diarrhea and vomiting. This went on for 10 hours. I feel awful still, and it's three days later. Reported it to my doctor and AstraZeneca. Both agreed it was the medicine's and have advised me not to take any more."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 7, 2012

For Type 2 Diabetes "I'm on my fourth week of Bydureon. Last 5 days, I'm so nauseous. I love the fact that it is once a week. I have had no lumps at the injection site. The needle is a bit fat, but it is really short. Hard to get it to go into the skin, so I kind of go at it fast. It sure has curbed my appetite. But I don't know how much longer I can handle this nausea."

• cpr...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 31, 2013

For Type 2 Diabetes "Update: Am now on week 6 and considering stopping the med due to constant nausea and generally not feeling well at all. The med is great for curbing my appetite, but it's hard to eat or drink anything-even coffee. As soon as I eat anything, I immediately feel bloated and sick. I ate 3 shrimp for dinner and was in bed by 7:30 due to nausea. Love the appetite suppression, but not sure how long I can put up with this feeling. My clothes still fit the same, too. On another forum, a user said that they felt nauseous whenever they ate any fat. I'll watch this and see if that has an impact. Good luck, everyone."

• Red...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 5, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "I'm in Australia. I've only had the one Bydureon dose, 5 days ago. I am so sick. I have constant nausea, with painful indigestion. I get confused and dizzy. I can't see properly to drive, and I have to wear incontinence pads. My temperature skyrockets, and I'm getting shortness of breath. I'll never use this again. I just wish I knew how long it will be until it's out of my system."

• rlo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 30, 2015

For Type 2 Diabetes "I am on my 5th week of taking Bydureon. So far, I have had no reactions to my injection sites. I usually inject at the same time every Monday, and I am good on the first day, but on the 2nd and 3rd day, I feel so nauseous that I can hardly eat. I also find that I have diarrhea a lot. I have not really lost any weight but have not gained weight either. Best of all, I went from 414 (my highest blood level) to 99 (my lowest level) so far. So there is a major difference in my blood sugar. I cannot wait to see what my A1C reading will be when I get my blood work done in a month."

• Lor...
• March 28, 2017

For Type 2 Diabetes "I am now on Bydureon for nine weeks. So far, I lost 30 and a half pounds. I am eating right and exercising with the injection. I have some nausea the first 2 days after the injection, but not real bad. Also, at the injection site, I was getting lumps, but took someone's advice on here to apply ice for 15 minutes after the injection, and it works. I am very grateful to have these meds."

• Mo ...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 28, 2013

For Type 2 Diabetes "I was on Bydureon for about 2 months. I really noticed the loss of appetite and lost my sweet tooth. My weight came down, and my blood sugar levels dropped from 8.5 to 6.0. I was really happy with the medicine until the known side effects started to show. They were nausea, this happened approx once a week in the fourth week in on taking the medicine, and bloating, indigestion, a lot of passing wind, and acidy burps. Also, I felt a bump and itchy feeling around the injection area whenever I injected. If they can sort out these side effects, then it would be really fantastic for people with Type 2 diabetes. I was really reluctant to stop, but the horrible nausea beat me."

• Hog...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 17, 2012

For Type 2 Diabetes "Took over a month for my numbers to begin coming down. Now, after 6 weeks, I'm lower than anything obtained on my previous meds, but still not down to 'normal.' Injections are not a problem. I've been giving my wife B-12 shots for years, so I know to not be timid about sticking the needle in. Does it hurt? Not really. Just a prick that's not any worse than the prick needed for using my meter. Did develop a few nodules that are slow about going away, but they are not sensitive or uncomfortable. No nausea, and my appetite is similar to before. Don't like the cost but expect to stay with Bydureon."