Exenatide for Type 2 Diabetes User Reviews (Page 3)

• Ene...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 3, 2016

"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!"

• Smi...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 1, 2019

"Love the medication when I can use it. I have had 6 pens malfunction in the last month, four in the last week. I have been without my meds for two weeks. They keep replacing them, but the new ones don't work either. Been injecting myself for years, it's not operator error."

• Kel...
• October 14, 2015

"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 feet 9 inches. 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 Metformin. 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 retrain 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."

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

"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

"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."

• Hel...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 12, 2014

"Been on Byetta for 2 years, and 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, and 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."

• Dow...
• March 18, 2016

"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."

• Lor...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 7, 2017

"I have been on Bydureon for 4 months now. I have, so far, with a low carb diet and exercise, lost 44 lbs. I encourage, if you are on this medication, to take advantage of it, even if you are on it for diabetes, still follow a low carb diet and exercise for 30 minutes a day. You won't believe how the weight comes off."

• Anonymous
• December 27, 2011

"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-200s. 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 a high five!"

• Cer...
• July 27, 2015

"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

"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."

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

"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."

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

"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."

• tom...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 7, 2012

"I found it to be extremely helpful and love the fact I only have to take it once a week. I am on my 3rd week now. The needle size is bigger, yes, but it does not hurt me to stick myself. It hurts about the same as poking my finger for my blood sugar meter. I found through the Bydureon website you can get a card to help with the copay. It's wonderful to know there are manufacturers that are willing to help those who take their medicines. Also, if you use the Freestyle meters, you can sign up through Abbott to get a free meter and card to save money on the test strips."

• dee...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 10, 2015

"I love it. I've been on it since July 2014, since then, I've lost 17 lbs, down from 240 to 223. Yes, I'm loving it. Only downside is the thick needle, but I deal with it. My A1c levels are perfect... it's working for me."

• goo...
• May 28, 2008

"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."

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

"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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 25, 2012

"I am very happy with Bydureon. I hated the daily injection of Victoza, so this once-a-week injection is much better. The needle is a little bigger than the pen, but still pretty small when you look at it by itself. I have been taking Bydureon for 3 months, and my A1c went from 8.4 to 6.8! Amazing. I also lost 6 lbs."

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

"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."

• upa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 20, 2015

"As a prediabetic, I am anxious to not hit a 'tipping point' into full diabetes. I asked my GP for Victoza, 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!!"

• Dal...
• January 30, 2020

"I have been on Bydureon now for 8 weeks, I inject every Saturday evening. Sunday I'm fine, Monday I'm a little unwell, Monday evening a bit more dazed. Tuesday when I wake, I can barely move, my body is so sore it takes all my strength to walk a few paces. I sleep from sheer exhaustion, and this continues Wednesday and Thursday. Friday was my good day, but even that has been taken away. I don't know how much longer I can keep up with this total shutdown of my body. It has made me totally useless, I struggle to stand long enough to make a cup of tea."

• Mom...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 17, 2015

"I have been on Bydureon for 7 weeks after fighting my doctor about using an injectable for about a year. I have previously been on Metformin and Xigduo (still taking these), after adding the Xigduo, my numbers actually went up. However, after adding the Bydureon, I have seen an amazing turnaround. My fasting glucose has been between 190-210, now it runs between 113-149, depending on what I have eaten the day before. Even better is that I am down about 14 pounds. I told my doctor that I wish I would have agreed sooner, but the medication wasn't available before then. I did have diarrhea in the first couple of weeks, but that has gone away. No nausea, but I am not nearly as hungry, and most importantly, I don't have cravings like before."

• Lor...
• March 28, 2017

"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."

• mrs...
• December 3, 2008

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

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

"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."