Exenatide

What people use it for

• Type 2 diabetes (blood-sugar control)

What Exenatide does in the body

A synthetic version of exendin-4, a hormone from the Gila monster lizard that mimics human GLP-1 but resists breakdown. It increases insulin release when blood sugar is high, reduces glucagon and slows stomach emptying. Byetta is short-acting; Bydureon is an extended-release form.

Strength of evidence

Strong for blood-sugar control; its cardiovascular outcomes trial (EXSCEL) showed safety but not a clear benefit.

Look up the evidence

• Reviews on PubMed: Summaries of the published research
• Clinical trials on PubMed: Published studies in people
• ClinicalTrials.gov: Registered trials, past and ongoing
• Prescribing information (DailyMed, US): Official US label
• Patient leaflets (emc, UK): Official UK product information

Live searches of official databases. New to the terms? See the glossary.

Reported side effects & risks

• Nausea and vomiting (common, especially early on)
• Lumps or nodules at the injection site (extended-release form)
• Pancreatitis (uncommon); use with caution in kidney disease
• Low blood sugar when combined with insulin or sulfonylureas

Who should avoid it or take extra care

• Severe kidney problems
• Past pancreatitis (talk to your doctor first)
• Personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or MEN2 (extended-release form)
• Pregnant or breastfeeding

Not a complete list. Check with a doctor or pharmacist about your own health and medicines.

Regulatory status

Approved for type 2 diabetes as Byetta (twice daily) and Bydureon (weekly) in many countries. Availability of individual brands varies by country.

How it's taken

Route: Injection under the skin, twice daily (Byetta) or weekly (Bydureon)

How long it lasts (half-life): About 2–3 hours (short-acting form)

Storage

Pens: refrigerate before first use; follow the patient leaflet.