GLP-1 & incretin medicines

Byetta and Bydureon BCise

exenatide · GLP-1 receptor agonist · AstraZeneca

✓Last reviewed · Written by Dr. George Grunberger · Medical review: pending — clinician review in progress · How we review

In short

Exenatide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist made by AstraZeneca, used for blood sugar control in type 2 diabetes. Schedule: twice daily (byetta) or once weekly (bydureon bcise). It is prescription-only in the US and Canada.

FormPen injection
How oftenTwice daily (Byetta) or once weekly (Bydureon BCise)
United StatesLargely withdrawn from the US market; availability is limited. Ask a pharmacist before relying on supply.
CanadaCheck the Drug Product Database for current marketing status.
PrescriptionRequired
⚠ Bydureon BCise carries the thyroid C-cell tumor boxed warning; twice-daily Byetta does not.

What it is used for

  • Blood sugar control in type 2 diabetes

Exenatide dosage

Per the official label. Your prescriber sets your dose — never change it on your own.

Exenatide label dosing schedule
1Byetta5 mcg twice daily within 60 minutes before morning and evening meals; may increase to 10 mcg after 1 month
2Bydureon BCise2 mg once weekly

How to take it

Byetta: before meals. Bydureon BCise: same day each week, with or without meals.

Storage

Refrigerate.

How it works

How GLP-1 medicines workGLP-1 medicines raise insulin after meals, lower glucagon, slow stomach emptying and reduce appetite.1More insulinreleased after meals,only when sugar is high2Less glucagonso the liver makesless sugar3Slower stomachfood leaves the stomachmore slowly4Less appetitethe brain signalsfullness sooner
The four main actions of GLP-1 receptor agonists, as described on their labels.

Side effects

Common

  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Constipation
  • Abdominal pain
  • Indigestion / heartburn
  • Fatigue
  • Decreased appetite

Serious — get medical help

  • Pancreatitis (severe stomach pain that may spread to the back)
  • Gallbladder problems, including gallstones
  • Low blood sugar when combined with insulin or a sulfonylurea
  • Kidney problems, often from dehydration after vomiting or diarrhea
  • Serious allergic reactions
  • Diabetic retinopathy complications (people with type 2 diabetes)
  • Pulmonary aspiration during anesthesia or deep sedation — tell your surgical team you take it

Who should not use it

  • Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma, or MEN 2
  • Prior serious allergic reaction to the drug or its ingredients
  • Pregnancy (stop before a planned pregnancy as advised by your prescriber)
  • Use together with another GLP-1 receptor agonist

Cost

Limited availability; prices vary.

GLP-1 cost without insurance →

How to buy Exenatide legally

  1. Get a prescription from your doctor or a licensed telehealth provider.
  2. Fill it at a licensed pharmacy.
  3. Verify any online pharmacy first (US: safe.pharmacy; Canada: your provincial pharmacy college register).

Buying legally in the USA → Buying legally in Canada →

Frequently asked questions

Why is exenatide hard to find?

Newer once-weekly options largely replaced it, and the manufacturer has wound down US supply.

Also searched as: Byetta, Bydureon, Bydureon BCise, exenatide, exenatide weekly, Byeta

Sources

Checked against these primary sources on .

GLP-1 & incretin medicinesTrulicitydulaglutide · Once weeklyGLP-1 & incretin medicinesOzempic (injection)semaglutide · Once weekly
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