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Bydureon BCise Side Effects

Generic name: exenatide

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 16, 2024.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Bydureon BCise Side Effects associated with exenatide. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Bydureon BCise.

Applies to exenatide: subcutaneous solution, subcutaneous suspension extended release.

Important warnings This medicine can cause some serious health issues

Subcutaneous route (suspension, extended release)

Exenatide extended-release causes an increased incidence in thyroid C-cell tumors at clinically relevant exposures in rats compared to controls.

It is unknown whether exenatide extended-release causes thyroid C-cell tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), in humans, as the human relevance of exenatide extended-release-induced rodent thyroid C-cell tumors has not been determined.Exenatide extended-release is contraindicated in patients with a personal or family history of MTC and in patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).

Counsel patients regarding the potential risk for MTC with the use of exenatide extended-release and inform them of symptoms of thyroid tumors (eg, mass in the neck, dysphagia, dyspnea, persistent hoarseness).

Routine monitoring of serum calcitonin or using thyroid ultrasound is of uncertain value for detection of MTC in patients treated with exenatide extended-release

Precautions

Never share medicine pens or single-dose trays with others under any circumstances. It is not safe for one pen to be used for more than one person. Sharing needles, pens, or single-dose trays can result in transmission of infection.

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure that this medicine is working properly. Blood and urine tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.

Tell your doctor if you are also using insulin. You should not use prandial insulin (eg, Apidra®, Lantus®) while you are using this medicine. Using these medicines together may cause unwanted effects.

It is very important to carefully follow any instructions from your health care team about:

In case of emergency—There may be a time when you need emergency help for a problem caused by your diabetes. You need to be prepared for these emergencies. It is a good idea to wear a medical identification (ID) bracelet or neck chain at all times. Also, carry an ID card in your wallet or purse that says that you have diabetes and a list of all of your medicines.

This medicine may increase the risk of having thyroid tumors. Tell your doctor right away if you have a lump or swelling in your neck or throat and if you use Bydureon® or Bydureon® BCise®. Also tell your doctor if you have trouble swallowing or breathing, or if your voice gets hoarse.

Pancreatitis (swelling of the pancreas) may occur while you are using this medicine. Check with your doctor right away if you have sudden and severe stomach pain, chills, constipation, nausea, vomiting, fever, or lightheadedness.

This medicine may cause serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis and angioedema, which can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. Check with your doctor right away if you have a rash, itching, hoarseness, trouble breathing, trouble swallowing, or any swelling of your hands, face, mouth, or throat while you are using this medicine.

This medicine may lower the number of platelets in your blood, causing your body to not form blood clots. This may lead to serious bleeding and death. Call your doctor right away if you have unusual bleeding or bruising. Your blood platelet count may continue to be low for about 10 weeks after stopping this medicine.

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects at the injection site, including depressed or indented skin, blue-green to black skin discoloration, or pain, redness, or peeling of the skin.

This medicine does not cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). However, low blood sugar can occur when you use exenatide with other medicines, such as insulin or sulfonylureas, that can lower blood sugar. Low blood sugar also can occur if you delay or miss a meal or snack, exercise more than usual, drink alcohol, or cannot eat because of nausea or vomiting.

Symptoms of low blood sugar include: anxiety, behavior change similar to being drunk, blurred vision, cold sweats, confusion, cool, pale skin, difficulty with thinking, drowsiness, excessive hunger, fast heartbeat, headache (continuing), nausea, nervousness, nightmares, restless sleep, shakiness, slurred speech, or unusual tiredness or weakness.

If symptoms of low blood sugar occur, eat glucose tablets or gel, corn syrup, honey, or sugar cubes, or drink fruit juice, non-diet soft drink, or sugar dissolved in water to relieve the symptoms. Also, check your blood for low blood sugar. Glucagon is used in emergency situations when severe symptoms including seizures or unconsciousness occur. Have a glucagon kit available, along with a syringe and needle, and know how to use it. Members of your family should also know how to use it.

Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) may occur if you do not take enough or skip a dose of your antidiabetic medicine, overeat or do not follow your meal plan, have a fever or infection, or do not exercise as much as usual.

Symptoms of high blood sugar include: blurred vision, drowsiness, dry mouth, flushed, dry skin, fruit-like breath odor, increased urination (frequency and amount), ketones in the urine, loss of appetite, stomachache, nausea or vomiting, tiredness, trouble breathing (rapid and deep), unconsciousness, or unusual thirst.

If symptoms of high blood sugar occur, check your blood sugar level and then call your doctor for instructions.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.

Common side effects of Bydureon BCise

Some side effects of exenatide may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common side effects

  • belching
  • diarrhea
  • feeling jittery
  • heartburn
  • stomach discomfort or upset

Less common side effects

  • decreased appetite
  • increased sweating
  • lack or loss of strength

Incidence not known

  • change in taste
  • excess air or gas in the stomach or bowels
  • hair loss, thinning of hair
  • loss of taste
  • passing gas
  • pressure in the stomach
  • rash with flat lesions or small raised lesions on the skin
  • redness of the skin
  • sleepiness or unusual drowsiness
  • swelling of the stomach area

Serious side effects of Bydureon BCise

Along with its needed effects, exenatide may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking exenatide:

Incidence not known

  • agitation
  • bleeding, blistering, burning, coldness, discoloration of the skin, feeling of pressure, hives, infection, inflammation, itching, lumps, numbness, pain, rash, redness, scarring, soreness, stinging, swelling, tenderness, tingling, ulceration, or warmth at the injection site
  • bloated or feeling of fullness
  • chest tightness
  • chills
  • confusion
  • constipation
  • cough
  • dark urine
  • decreased awareness or responsiveness
  • decreased urination or urine output
  • depression
  • difficulty with swallowing
  • dizziness
  • dry mouth
  • fainting
  • fast heartbeat
  • fever
  • headache
  • hives or welts, itching, or skin rash
  • hostility
  • increase in heart rate
  • indigestion
  • irritability
  • large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or genitals
  • lightheadedness
  • loss of appetite
  • loss of consciousness
  • muscle twitching
  • nausea
  • pains in the stomach, side, or abdomen, possibly radiating to the back
  • puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
  • rapid breathing
  • rapid weight gain
  • seizures
  • severe sleepiness
  • sunken eyes
  • swelling of the face, ankles, or hands
  • thirst
  • unusual bleeding or bruising
  • unusual drowsiness, dullness, tiredness, weakness, or feeling of sluggishness
  • vomiting
  • wrinkled skin
  • yellow eyes or skin

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking exenatide:

Symptoms of overdose

For healthcare professionals

Applies to exenatide: subcutaneous powder for injection extended release, subcutaneous solution, subcutaneous suspension extended release.

General adverse events

The most commonly reported side effects have included nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, injection site pruritus, and injection site nodules.[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

Immunologic

Metabolic

Renal

Local

During clinical trials for the exenatide auto-injector (Bydureon BCISE[R]), injection site nodule was the most commonly reported adverse reaction reported in 10.5% of patients (n=526). Injection site pruritus and injection site erythema were reported in 3.2% and 2.3% of patients, respectively. Injection site nodule was reported as the reason for discontinuation in 0.5% of patients.

Clinical trials comparing immediate-release (Byetta[R]) and extended-release (Bydureon[R]) exenatide have shown that injection-site reactions occurred more frequently in patients treated with extended-release (17.1% vs 12.7%).[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

In clinical trials with the extended-release auto-injector, acute pancreatitis occurred in 0.4% of patients.[Ref]

Cardiovascular

Increases in heart rate of up to 4.5 beats per minute have been observed; long-term effects of increases in heart rate have not been established.[Ref]

Dermatologic

Rare (less than 0.1%) Alopecia[Ref]

Genitourinary

Musculoskeletal

Nervous system

Psychiatric

Respiratory

Other

Hematologic

See also:

References

1. (2005) "Product Information. Byetta (exenatide)." Amylin Pharmaceuticals Inc

2. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information."

3. (2017) "Product Information. Bydureon BCise (exenatide)." Astra-Zeneca Pharmaceuticals

Frequently asked questions

Further information

Bydureon BCise side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.