How does Bydureon work?
Bydureon works by mimicking the effects of a naturally occurring human incretin, called GLP-1. Incretins are gut-derived hormones, similar to glucagon, that are released in response to food ingestion, mainly when we eat glucose or fat. When GLP-1 binds to the GLP-1 receptor it causes an increase in our body’s production of insulin in response to food. When Bydureon is given by injection into the upper thigh once a week, it binds to the GLP-1 receptor, stimulating insulin release from the beta cells of the pancreas whenever we eat.
References
- Bydureon (exenatide) [ Product Information] Updated 12/2022 https://www.drugs.com/pro/bydureon.html
Read next
Which GLP-1 drug is best for weight loss?
The most effective GLP-1 drug for weight loss currently (as of mid-2025) is tirzepatide, marketed under the names Zepbound (for weight loss) and Mounjaro (for diabetes).
Continue reading
How long can Bydureon be unrefrigerated?
Bydureon can be left unrefrigerated at room temperature for up to 4 weeks (28 days) as long as the temperature in the room does not exceed 86°F (30°C). This will allow you to take your weekly dose with you, especially if you are traveling. Never leave your Bydureon pen in the sun or a hot place, like your car's jockey box, because it will become too hot. And do not put it back in the refrigerator if it has been out of the refrigerator for longer than an hour. Continue reading
How long does it take for Bydureon Bcise to take effect?
Bydureon Bcise starts working as soon as you inject the first dose but it may take two or more weeks before it has a noticeable effect on your blood sugar, and longer before it decreases your HbA1c levels. Bydureon Bcise builds up gradually in your body with each weekly dose and reaches its optimal level after 10 weeks of dosing. The extended-release delivery system keeps a consistent level of medicine in your body. Continue reading
See also:
Related medical questions
- How do you use the Bydureon pen?
- How and where is the Bydureon injection given?
- How do you use the Bydureon Bcise autoinjector?
- What is the safest diabetes medication?
- What foods should I eat or avoid for hypoglycemia?
- Always Hungry? You Might Have One Of These 12 Conditions
- Can you have hypoglycemia without diabetes?
- What is the connection between the endocrine system and osteoporosis?
- Which type of insulin has the longest duration of action?
- What is the natural Mounjaro recipe for weight loss?
- Mounjaro vs Ozempic: Which is right for you?
- Zepbound vs. Mounjaro: Comparison Guide for Weight Loss and Diabetes Treatment
- Ozempic Side Effects to Watch For
- Why am I not losing weight on Mounjaro?
- What are the long-term side effects of Ozempic?
- How long does metformin take to work?
- Mounjaro side effects you need to be aware of
- Wegovy vs Ozempic: Which is Right for You?
- How long does it take for Ozempic to work?
- When is the best time to take metformin?
- How many doses are in an Ozempic pen?
- Tirzepatide vs semaglutide: How do they compare?
- Do Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro & Zepbound cause hair loss?
- How long does it take for Mounjaro to start working?
- Can you switch between Ozempic and Mounjaro?
- A1C levels: Dangerous vs normal and how to lower It?
- What happens when you stop taking Ozempic?
- Does Ozempic need to be refrigerated?
- Why does metformin cause diarrhea?
- Will my insurance cover the cost of Ozempic?
Drug information
Related support groups
- Bydureon (14 questions, 90 members)
- Exenatide (6 questions, 7 members)
- Diabetes, Type 2 (511 questions, 1,431 members)