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Exenatide Microspheres

Pronounced

"ex-EN-a-tide"

Common brand names:

Bydureon

Uses

Exenatide is used either alone or with other medications, and with a proper diet and exercise program, to control high blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. Controlling high blood sugar helps prevent kidney damage, blindness, nerve problems, loss of limbs, and sexual function problems. Proper control of diabetes may also lessen your risk of a heart attack or stroke.

Exenatide is similar to a natural hormone in your body (incretin). It works by causing insulin release in response to high sugar (such as after a meal) and decreasing the amount of sugar your liver makes.

Exenatide is not a substitute for insulin if you require insulin treatment.

How to Use This Medication

Read the Medication Guide and the Instructions For Use Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using exenatide and each time you get a refill. Learn all preparation and usage instructions. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Before injecting each dose, clean the injection site with rubbing alcohol. Change the injection site each week to lessen injury under the skin.

Inject this medication under the skin in the thigh, abdomen, or upper arm as directed by your doctor, usually once every 7 days. It may be used with or without meals.

If you are using insulin at the same time as exenatide, give exenatide and insulin as separate injections. Do not mix them. You may inject these medications in the same area of the body, but the injection sites should not be next to each other.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it every 7 days. It may help to mark your calendar with a reminder. Carefully follow the medication treatment plan, meal plan, and exercise program your doctor has recommended.

Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely. Consult your pharmacist.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens (such as if your blood sugar remains high or increases).

RxAnswers™ is a copyrighted combined product from TraceGains and First DataBank, Inc.

Drug information is selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First DataBank, Inc. This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your healthcare professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective or appropriate for you.

This information is intended only for residents of the United States. Products sold under the same brand names in other countries may contain different ingredients.

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Information expires December 2024.