Side Effects of Exenatide: An Introduction
As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with
exenatide (
Byetta®). However, not everyone who takes exenatide will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate the drug well. When 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.
(The exenatide side effects discussed below are not a complete list of the side effects reported with exenatide. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of possible side effects with you.)
Exenatide Side Effects to Report
There are a number of less common (but more serious) side effects of exenatide that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider. These include, but are not limited to:
- Symptoms of high blood sugar, including:
o Increased hunger
o Increased thirst
o Increased urination
o Blurred vision
o Fatigue
o Shortness of breath
o Nausea or vomiting
- Symptoms of low blood sugar (which can occur if exenatide is taken with other diabetes drugs), including:
o Sweating
o Shakiness
o Extreme hunger
o Dizziness
o Cold sweats
o Blurry vision
o Changes in behavior, such as irritability
o Loss of coordination
o Difficulty speaking
o Confusion
- Signs of an allergic reaction, including an unexplained skin rash, itching, hives, wheezing or difficulty breathing, or unexplained swelling
- Severe diarrhea (which can lead to dehydration).
