Drug Interaction Report

Medications like exenatide can delay the emptying of food and liquid from your stomach. If you are scheduled for a surgery or procedure that requires general anesthesia with etomidate, you may have residual contents in your stomach despite following the fasting instructions provided by your doctor. This can increase the risk of regurgitation during anesthesia and having the stomach contents inhaled into the lungs, which can cause inflammation or injury to the lungs, pneumonia, or even death. Therefore, it is important to let your doctor know prior to your surgery or procedure that you are receiving treatment with exenatide. Depending on your condition and your individual circumstances, the doctor may instruct you to temporarily withhold treatment with exenatide in advance, or they make take extra precaution during anesthesia and your surgery/procedure to minimize the risks. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. Your doctor may be able to prescribe alternatives that do not interfere with the safety of your anesthesia. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

You should take exenatide twice a day, at any time within the 60 minutes (1 hour) before your morning and evening meals, or before the two main meals of the day, and at least 6 hours or more apart. You may experience decreased absorption of exenatide in the presence of food or other medications. Your other medications should be administered at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after your exenatide injection.

Using etomidate together with ethanol (alcohol) may increase side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, and difficulty concentrating. Some people may also experience impairment in thinking, judgment, and motor coordination. You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with etomidate. Do not use more than the recommended dose of etomidate, and avoid driving, operating machinery, or engaging in potentially hazardous activities requiring mental alertness and motor coordination until you know how the medication affects you. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.