Side Effects of Exenatide (Cont.)

Common Side Effects of Exenatide

Exenatide has been studied thoroughly in clinical trials, with many people having been evaluated. In these studies, the side effects occurring in a group of people taking the drug are documented and compared to the side effects that occur in a similar group of people not taking the medicine. As a result, it is possible to see what side effects occur, how often they appear, and how they compare to the group not taking the medicine.
 
Based on these studies, the most common exenatide side effects include:
 
  • Nausea -- occurring in up to 44 percent of people
  • Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), when used in combination with other diabetes drugs -- in up to 35.7 percent (see Byetta and Blood Sugar)
  • Vomiting -- in up to 13 percent
  • Diarrhea -- in up to 13 percent
  • Feeling jittery -- in up to 9 percent
  • Dizziness -- in up to 9 percent
  • Headache -- in up to 9 percent
  • Upset stomach or heartburn -- in up to 6 percent.
     
Other side effects that occur in 1 to 5 percent of people taking exenatide include:
 
  • Weakness
  • Decreased appetite
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
  • Increased sweating.
     
(You can also read about another possible exenatide side effect by going to Byetta for Weight Loss.)
  

Exenatide Side Effects: Summary

You may experience some or none of the exenatide side effects explained above. Unfortunately, there is no way for your healthcare provider to know beforehand if you will have side effects from a medicine that you have never tried. Therefore, make sure to let your healthcare provider know if you develop any exenatide side effects. Also, let your healthcare provider know if you develop something that "just does not seem right." While it may not be a side effect of exenatide, your healthcare provider will be able to diagnose and treat the problem.
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;