Exenatide and Nausea: What Users Say (Page 2)

• tei...
• June 28, 2009

For Type 2 Diabetes "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, and my lipase had shot up to 2000 u/ml. The normal is around 200 u/ml. Had my doctor change me to Januvia. Okay now."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• December 27, 2011

For Type 2 Diabetes "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!"

• 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."

• Anonymous
• October 22, 2010

For Type 2 Diabetes "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."

• 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."

• Cat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 3, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "I took Bydureon for 8 weeks. The nausea built up every week. My blood sugar did drop. But the nausea got so bad I could not continue. Stopped 2 weeks ago, I am still sick, can't look at food, even the thought of eating makes me sick. Yes, I lost 22 pounds so far because I can't eat. This is not good. I get lightheaded, cold, and very tired. Sorry I ever tried this medicine."

• Mel...
• June 14, 2016

For Type 2 Diabetes "Bit of nausea at the start but eased off until I changed my stab day, then sickness came back for a couple of weeks. 11 weeks in and have dropped 12 kg in weight. Blood sugars are way down and have more energy. Struggle to always eat three times a day, but when I do, I feel great and that's when the weight melts off."

• Lan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 2, 2016

For Type 2 Diabetes "I took my sixth Bydureon injection yesterday. The great news is my morning BG levels have dropped dramatically, to the 100 range (after being in the 200s). Bad, however, I am debilitatingly nauseous 12 to 24 hours after injecting and 4x have thrown up at the 12-hour mark. I am not a fan of the pea-sized lumps at each injection area. The first from 6 weeks ago has not shrunk one iota. The three abdomen injections each itched considerably the first week. I switched to injecting the front of my legs, which do not itch. My vision, especially at computer monitor distance, is horrible, but I think that is due to the drop in my overall blood sugar. I am not sure if I can hang with the nausea and would like more info as to whether it will go away in time."

• dab...
• April 12, 2014

For Type 2 Diabetes "This is an update from my previous posting. I need to correct that I take 1000 mg of Metformin, NOT 2000 mg a day. On Thursday, I took my 4th injection of Bydureon. At first, I had some nausea and heartburn. By my 3rd injection, that has subsided. As far as weight loss, I've only lost 9 lbs so far. My fasting sugar in the morning the day after injection is about 118. However, as the week goes on, they tend to spike. The highest I've had is 185. Before Bydureon, I ranged between 120-150. I've also noticed that my ankles swell by the evening time, which is somewhat new. During these four weeks, I had stopped my Actos because I couldn't afford the copay, but I was able to restart it this week. I put a call into my doctor. I'll see what she has to say."

• Ama...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 18, 2015

For Type 2 Diabetes "I started 10 weeks ago and saw an immediate drop in my home testing glucose levels, from double-figure mmol readings to 4/7 mmol after fasting. I had no side effects at all for the first four weeks but subsequently suffered terrible nausea, overnight hypos, skin rash, and the most revolting sulfur/egg-smelling burps (cured immediately by Alka-Seltzer if anyone else has the same problem!). I've noticed no reduction in appetite (except when nausea has prevented me from eating at all) but had already reduced my intake to 1200 calories a day in an effort to lose weight. If anything, Bydureon is hindering my weight loss. I often see no loss after a week of eating like Snow White, which is disappointing. Overall, delighted though."

• MiM...
• April 10, 2015

For Type 2 Diabetes "Started taking Bydureon 6 weeks ago. The first 4 weeks, blood sugars were lower by 15-25 points, no weight loss, but happy with BS results. Week 5, began to be very nauseous on and off, being around food or cooking for family difficult. Could only eat bland, room temp/cold foods like half a bagel, granola bar, cereal, bananas. Everything else made me sick. Week 6, nausea much worse without stopping, could not tolerate the smell/sight of food, especially meat. Weekend trip with family was ruined because I could not be in any restaurants. Vomited several times. Finally called my doctor, and he took me off of it. Waiting to get it all out of my system. Will look for an alternative drug."

• nor...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 21, 2013

For Type 2 Diabetes "Update: Took 1st shot 2/8/13. Have little nausea, but raised bump for every injection and intermittent, intense itching. Numbers seem good, but I have changed up diet to Paleo plan. I think that has more to do with good numbers, as when I do have the occasional piece of bread or potato, blood sugar shoots up way over 200 and can take many hours to normalize. I've lost 20 lbs since diet change. I am very concerned because so much of my hair is falling out since I started Bydureon. I find Drs. don't like to address anything that the manufacturer does not have on their list of side effects."

• Anonymous
• April 21, 2012

For Type 2 Diabetes "The first week of Byetta 5 mcg dose, no side effects, 6-pound weight loss but high blood glucose numbers. My endocrinologist suggested I try going up to the 10 mcg 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."

• mul...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• August 25, 2014

For Type 2 Diabetes "Was on the 5 mcg and increased to 10. Had the usual nausea and lost about ten pounds. A1c leveled out in the high 6's to low 7's. Got ugly last fall/winter and dropped another 35 lbs. BMI is now normal with 65 lbs lost from an initial 235 lb start. Have been having a problem with low (50's and 60's) sugars within 2 hrs of injection/eating. This started 3 months after the latest weight loss. I was forced to sugar load with glucose and fruits to counteract the Byetta and stopped it last week (just too dangerous). I am going to ask to be put on the time release and then adjust the Glucophage to try to get a stable dial in. Testing like a mad dog my fingers are a mess. If the time release doesn't cut it, I will try going back to 5 mcg."

• Dil...
• May 23, 2016

For Type 2 Diabetes "Four injections so far and experienced the nausea, which initially lasted three days and slowly is backing down. I have no problem with the injection. I don't know if this will help others who develop a lump after their injection, but I immediately massage the area on my belly, then use ice for about 10 minutes. No rash, no pain, no lump. I don't know if this is the answer to the lumps or I'm one of the lucky ones, but it might be worth a try. My appetite is practically nonexistent. I am experiencing the bloat. I seem to be able to not eat more than seven or eight bites of food without bringing it back up. I also have the most embarrassing huge burps you have ever heard. Also take 2000 mg 'Metfartin.'"

• Mak...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 4, 2015

For Type 2 Diabetes "Bydureon is working for me, albeit with a few side effects. The injection site lumps are an irritation that goes away after 6-9 weeks, only to be replaced by others. I hate the thick needle, but hate even more when the needle gets stuck and won't inject some weeks, and I need to re-inject. I get nausea when my sugar levels drop quickly, and especially go below 5.6 mmol/L, which happens after exercise. I have found this a good excuse for a beer with teammates, and have to have glucose/sweets available a period 1-2 hours after strenuous exercise (surfing especially). My weight has dropped steadily about 1 kg/month without a change of diet, but I am just inclined to eat less. I have reduced insulin levels 50%, and don't use after sport."

• Ell...
• December 4, 2014

For Type 2 Diabetes "Just had my second injection of Bydureon. First one went fine-just a little bit of nausea. The second one was two days ago. Last night I woke up sick as a dog with horrible vomiting and diarrhea. I've been ill for hours and am now missing work. That makes me unhappy. Guessing it's the Bydureon, but maybe a stomach virus. Will check in with my doctor today. Byetta I could not tolerate at all. I'm wondering if this one is the same."

• eve...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 7, 2013

For Type 2 Diabetes "I have been on Bydureon for 3 months now and have found it to be effective at lowering my blood sugar and decreasing my appetite. The side effects, however, have caused me to discontinue using it per my doctor's instructions. I have been experiencing symptoms likened to having a stomach virus, bloated stomach, nausea, and diarrhea, about every third to fourth week of the month. The effects are bad enough that I have had to miss work. I haven't experienced any knots at the injection site, but my goodness, that's a large needle that has to be used!"

• Nor...
• March 29, 2017

For Type 2 Diabetes "I just started Bydureon a few days ago. The needle was intimidating, and while I did not get any lumps (so far) at the injection site on my thigh, I bled a lot and bruised. Within an hour of my injection, I experienced heart palpitations, dizziness, and extreme lethargy. Then, the extreme vomiting started. I vomited every 2 hours for 12 hours straight, it was terrible. The next day, I was just a little nauseous but okay. Now, I experience queasiness and loss of appetite. I am nervous to take my next injection due to the extreme vomiting. I am hoping the results are worth it."

• Nor...
• March 29, 2017

For Type 2 Diabetes "I just started Bydureon a few days ago. The needle was intimidating, and while I did not get any lumps (so far) at the injection site on my thigh, I bled a lot and bruised. Within an hour of my injection, I experienced heart palpitations, dizziness, and extreme lethargy. Then, the extreme vomiting started. I vomited every 2 hours for 12 hours straight, it was terrible. The next day, I was just a little nauseous but okay. Now, I experience queasiness and loss of appetite. I am nervous to take my next injection due to the extreme vomiting. I am hoping the results are worth it."