Byetta (exenatide)

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Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data

Overview

Exenatide, a synthetic, human glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist (incretin mimetic), is an antidiabetic agent.

Exenatide, a synthetic analog of a naturally occurring peptide isolated from the saliva of Heloderma suspectum (Gila monster), is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) mimetic (incretin mimetic). Exenatide has 53% amino acid similarity to human GLP-1 and is structurally and pharmacologically unrelated to insulin, sulfonylureas, meglitinides, biguanides, thiazolidinediones, and alpha-glucosidase inhibitors. Several antihyperglycemic actions of exenatide similar to the effects of human GLP-1 are involved in the lowering of fasting and postprandial glucose concentrations in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

The drug improves pancreatic beta-cell function by increasing glucose-dependent insulin synthesis, secretion, and acute beta-cell responsiveness (i.e., first phase insulin response). In contrast to sulfonylureas, stimulation of insulin secretion by exenatide subsides as blood glucose concentrations following a meal decrease and approach euglycemia. Exenatide inhibits inappropriately high glucagon secretion during episodes of hyperglycemia (e.g., after a meal) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus but does not impair the normal glucagon response to hypoglycemia.

In addition, exenatide slows gastric emptying, which reduces the rate of glucose absorption from a meal, reduces food intake, and is associated with weight loss; the drug also may reduce appetite and promote early satiety. Exenatide does not appear to be associated with clinically important prolongation of the QT interval (corrected for rate using Bazett's formula (QTc)).

Extended-release exenatide consists of exenatide incorporated in an extended-release microsphere formulation containing the 50:50 poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) polymer along with sucrose. Each dose of extended-release exenatide contains 37.2 mg of the polymer and 0.8 mg of sucrose. Following a single dose of exenatide given as the extended-release formulation, the drug is released from the microspheres over approximately 10 weeks.

Exenatide plasma concentration peaks around week 2 and week 6-7 after administration of the extended-release formulation, representing an initial surface-bound release and then a more gradual release of the drug from microspheres. Steady-state plasma concentrations of the drug are reached at approximately 6-7 weeks with once-weekly (every 7 days) administration. Plasma exenatide concentrations generally fall to undetectable levels approximately 10 weeks after discontinuance of dosing.

USES: Exenatide is used with a proper diet and exercise program to control high blood sugar. It is used by 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 a diabetes drug that is similar to a natural hormone in your body (incretin). It works by increasing insulin release (especially after a meal) and decreasing the amount of sugar your liver makes.

It also slows down food digestion in your stomach, decreases the amount of sugar absorbed from food, and may help decrease your appetite.

Generic name: exenatide
Pronunciation: (ex-EN-a-tide)

Reference product & biosimilars

No reference, biosimilar or interchangeable associated with this drug.

Today’s intelligence on Byetta

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Indications

The following indications are listed for Byetta:

  • Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Also known as: Adult Onset Diabetes, Adult Onset Diabetes Mellitus, Adult Onset Dm, Diabetes Mellitus Type 2, Diabetes Mellitus Type Ii, Ketosis-Resistant Diabetes Mellitus, Ketosis-Resistant Dm, Maturity Onset Diabetes, Maturity Onset Diabetes Mellitus, Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus, Non-Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus, Type Ii Diabetes Mellitus.

Dosing

No dosing information is available for this tab.

Drug interactions

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Contraindications

Known hypersensitivity to exenatide or any ingredient in the formulation.

History of drug-induced immune-mediated thrombocytopenia from exenatide products.

Extended-release exenatide is contraindicated in patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) and in patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).

Adverse reactions

The most common adverse effects (>=5%) in clinical trials of exenatide injection were nausea, hypoglycemia, vomiting,diarrhea, feeling jittery, dizziness, headache, dyspepsia,constipation, andasthenia. Nausea usually decreased over time.

The most common adverse effects (>=5%) in clinical trials of extended-release exanatide were injection-site nodule and nausea.

Precautions

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ICD codes

No ICD codes are available for this drug.

Formulary status

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Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data