Exenatide (
Byetta®) is a prescription medication licensed to treat
type 2 diabetes (also known as noninsulin-dependent
diabetes or adult-onset diabetes). Although exenatide is taken by injection, it is not a form of insulin and is not intended to treat
type 1 diabetes. Exenatide is approved only for use in combination with certain oral
diabetes drugs. Interestingly, exenatide was first discovered in the saliva of gila monster lizards.
Side Effects of Exenatide
As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with exenatide. However, not everyone who takes exenatide will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate exenatide well. When exenatide side effects do occur, in most cases they are minor and either require no treatment or can be easily treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
The most common side effects of exenatide include: