Byetta the new medicine for people with type 2 diabetes works for me even better than I had ever imagined. As I write, I just came back...
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Marcia
Saturday, April 01, 2006 at 08:21 PMre: Beyetta and weight loss
Anonymous
Tuesday, November 11, 2008 at 07:45 PMMy doctor took me off of Glyburide because she says it causes weight gain. I still take Metformin, though. Ask your doctor about Glyburide.
Thanks!
replyre: Beyetta and weight loss
Anonymous
Tuesday, November 11, 2008 at 07:45 PMMy doctor took me off of Glyburide because she says it causes weight gain. I still take Metformin, though. Ask your doctor about Glyburide.
Thanks!
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Marilyn
Sunday, April 02, 2006 at 12:50 AMI am a Canadian living in Japan and fighting Type II Diabetes by low carbing against my doctor's advice. It works - - A1c down from 11.8 mid-Jan 2006 to 7.5 as of yesterday Apr.1, 2006. I would like to try Byetta for the glucose contro; and the weight loss. Is it avaiable in Japan? If not, can it be ordered on the internet and imported? David's Response: I'm sorry, Marilyn, but so far Byetta is only available in the United States. I just double checked with the manufacturer, Amylin. That will certainly change.
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Bob F.
Sunday, April 02, 2006 at 08:23 PMI began using Byetta 5 nights ago. I have lost 9.2 lbs in 5 days. I am 100 lbs overweight (make that 90.2) with normal A1c levels. I achieved these through diet and excercise and have maintained them for 3 years. However, until Byetta could achieve no real weight loss. It is miraculous. And I haven't even started the 10 pen. I have never felt so little hunger, never felt satiated with so little food, never had entire days go by where the thought of my next meal wasn't a predominant thought. I love this drug - and no nausea.
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debbie
Wednesday, September 19, 2007 at 07:50 PMI am on insulin but like yourself am having ttrouble loosing weight. I am 40 lbs over weight female. Go next week to see endro. doctor and am like you tired of being hungry all the time. I follow the carb diet etc. but loose two lbs gain then back. Question to you is where you on insulin before taking byetta? thanks for you help
debbie
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David Mendosa
Thursday, September 20, 2007 at 12:07 PMDear Debbie,I don't know if you were addressing your question to Bob or to me. But, no, I wasn't on insulin before using Byetta.Weight loss on Byetta isn't automatic. The key is to gradually get in touch with when you feel full so you don't eat so much. Byetta will help you by increasing your satiety so you can listen to your body better.
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Anonymous
Wednesday, February 27, 2008 at 04:50 PMIt is necessary to be type II diabetic to be places in byetta. What if you are significantly over weight (100). Will doctors still prescribe to you.
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David Mendosa
Wednesday, February 27, 2008 at 05:06 PMGood question. The FDA approved Byetta only for people with type 2 diabetes. However, doctors are legally allowed to prescribe any drug approved for anything for any other purpose. So your doctor is free to prescribe Byetta to you. He or she may or may not do that at his or her discretion (of course you could always fire your doctor, like I did, and get one who is compliant with your needs).
Still, the probably of paying for it remains. Few if any health insurance company will reimburse you for it. And Byetta is costly -- about $200 per month.
When all is said and done, however, it may well be worth it.
Best regards,
David
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Marilyn
Sunday, April 02, 2006 at 09:58 PMI live and work in Japan where Byetta is not yet approved. However, we are permitted to import medications for our own use. How can I obtain a Byetta pen and a few catridges and have them shipped AIR EXPRESS, refrigerated, straight to my office in Tokyo? Thanks in advance. I will try anything/ pay anything for this medication. David's Response Customer service at Byetta didn't have any idea when I called them just now, Marilyn. My only suggestions are to find a doctor somewhere who will give you a prescription for it and then find a drugstore in the United States that will ship it to you. Some of the on-line drugstores, like walgrens.com, do stock Byetta, but only ship to the continental U.S. If you ever had a personal relationship with a pharmacy here, that might be the best place to start.
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Mary Jo Brown
Monday, April 03, 2006 at 11:12 AMI am thrilled with Byetta. I have been on it since 8/17/2005. I have lost 45 pounds. I am able to eat less and be satisfied for longer periods of time. In the beginning the nausea had me eating less. Now that the nausea is gone, I am still eating less and thinking about my choices of foods. I have also starting a walking program. The weight is still coming off, but a little slower now - about 2-3 pounds a month.
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Rosalind
Wednesday, June 20, 2007 at 05:06 PMHow long did it take you to get past the nausea? I have been on 10mcg for 40 days after being on 5 mcg for 60 days. I also take 500mg of Metformin at bedtime. My evenings are still affected by either nausea or just on the verge of nausea. I'm getting tired of it robbing my evenings, but don't want to give up yet.
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David Mendosa
Wednesday, June 20, 2007 at 05:12 PMRosalind,
The nausea doesn't have to last that long at all! Please read my tips for controlling it at:
http://www.healthcentral.com/diabetes/c/17/2085/nausea-byetta/pf/
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Rosalind
Friday, July 20, 2007 at 10:41 PM
Thanks for your reply David. I have gotten past the Byetta induced nausea with your helpful advice, but I am having a difficult time with low blood sugar within 30 minutes of completing dinner which causes a nasty headache. I am stubborn and don't want to give up on the 10mcg dosage even though my doctor has called in a prescription taking me back down to the 5mcg dosage. I'll take 2 tablets of glucose and my sugar keeps dropping. The frustration of treating a low after dinner is that the Byetta has slowed digestion which means the glucose doesn't work as effectively. Do you have any suggestions?
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David Mendosa
Saturday, July 21, 2007 at 12:42 PMDear Rosalind,Everybody reacts a bit differently to different drugs, but I have never heard of Byetta ALONE causing hypos or low blood sugar. Generally, that would be caused by other diabetes drugs, including the sulfs (sold under various names) or insulin. You may no longer need that drug, if indeed that's the culprit, so please discuss this with your doctor.
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David Mendosa
Saturday, July 21, 2007 at 12:42 PMDear Rosalind,Everybody reacts a bit differently to different drugs, but I have never heard of Byetta ALONE causing hypos or low blood sugar. Generally, that would be caused by other diabetes drugs, including the sulfs (sold under various names) or insulin. You may no longer need that drug, if indeed that's the culprit, so please discuss this with your doctor.
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Rosalind
Saturday, July 21, 2007 at 09:53 PM
Well David, you have now met someone who experienced low blood sugar on Byetta alone. My doctor had me stop my Metformin for a week and track the results. I still had difficulty keeping my blood sugars above 65. I did break down and fill the 5mcg prescription today. It was interesting that my pharmacist congratulated me on the change; she saw it as not needing so much medicine. This evening has been pure joy...no headache, no nausea. Hopefully I will continue to lose weight, even if it will be slower. Thanks so much for your input. This and reading the other comments have been a great help to me.
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Rosalind
Saturday, July 21, 2007 at 10:21 PM
Just an additional note...tonight my after dinner blood glucose was 92!!! It's wonderful being on the correct dosage for me. I will re-start the Metformin for overnight control, but that is a small concession for having my evenings back.What I wish I could do is use the 10mcg in the mornings and the 5mcg in the evenings (evenings gave me more problems with low blood sugar), but I don't see my doctor agreeing with me.
I may be the exception (for now), but hopefully knowing about my experience will help others.
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David Mendosa
Sunday, July 22, 2007 at 09:58 AMDear Rosalind,Thank you for your follow up messages. I am happy for you that you found such a great solution. An after-dinner reading of 92 is superb!
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Charis Davis
Monday, January 21, 2008 at 08:47 AMI am on Byetta 10 mg and I haven't lose a pound. I feel sick all the time. I feel as though my food is on the verge of coming up immediately. I am having to eat more often because my sugar drops too low after breakfast and after supper. I am so tired of this cycle. It is robbing me of energy. I feel good during the day. It is when I take my shot that i feel so bad. I only wait about 5 minutes to eat or I will vomit. I eat a healthy breakfaast such as oatmeal, and within an hour I am having to drink orange juice because my sugar is too low. I do like Byetta for hunger control. I am just confused. If I dont eat enough, my sugar is too low with Byetta. I used to be on the 5 mg. Maybe I need to get back on that one.
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David Mendosa
Monday, January 21, 2008 at 09:38 AMDear Charis,
Yes, if I were in your shoes I would ask my doctor to put me back on the 5 mcg dose of Byetta. But there is a lot that I don't understand about your message, particularly where you write that your blood glucose drops too low. No one has reported that Byetta alone will make you go hypo. So what other diabetes medications are you taking? A couple of them will make you go too low. Maybe you need to talk to your doctor about stopping the other medication. Then, you will not need to eat so much, which is the reason that you feel sick to your stomach and are not losing weight.
Best regards,
David
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Charis Davis
Monday, January 21, 2008 at 01:51 PMThe other medication that I am taking is metformin. I was probably a little unclear about eating too much. I am not eating too food. I am not sure what is all going on with my body to tell you the truth. I am weak and feeling terrible. That does not mean it is the Byetta. It could be a number of things. I called my doctor this morning and talked to the nurse and I will be getting a phone call later this afternoon. Thank you for writing me back. Diabetes can be very frustrating. It is a difficult disease to understand and go through. I know things will go better. I really just think I need to go back on the 5 mcg. I was doing well on that one. Let me know what you think.
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David Mendosa
Monday, January 21, 2008 at 02:08 PMDear Charis,
Well, metformin is NOT one of the diabetes medications that can cause hypos. And it is rare that people who have been using Byetta for more than a couple of weeks will feel weak. It is, however, common in the first first week or so, as we get used to eating MUCH LESS food. I experienced that myself at first. Anyway, my guess is that your doctor will agree with us for you to cut back on your Byetta dose to 5 mcg at least for now. Good luck!
David
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Charis Davis
Monday, January 21, 2008 at 04:42 PMI do have one more question for you. Are you supposed to keep the Byetta in the refrigerator all of the time? I know that you are until it's first use, but what about after that? I keep it in my purse in my Byetta case that I sent off for. Some people say that you are supposed to keep in refrigerated all of the time, others say room teperature is fine after the first use. Let me know.
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David Mendosa
Monday, January 21, 2008 at 05:23 PMDear Charis,
No! They changed that some time ago. See my article about it at:
http://www.healthcentral.com/diabetes/c/17/5937/stop-byetta/
David
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Gary
Thursday, April 06, 2006 at 09:57 AMI am getting ready to start using Byetta. Could you please comment on why it is so important to eat within 60 minutes of an injection, and what foods are good/bad to eat while using Byetta. Thank you. David's Response: Gary, here is what Amylin's medical science liaison for this region told me about when to eat: "For those who do experience nausea (on average about 4 out of 10), it is best for them to dose closer to the meal until the nausea subsides. There have been reports that the nausea lasts anywhere from a week or two up to 2 months. However, as for efficacy, dosing to get adequate appetite suppression should be closer to 1 hour prior to the meal. So you want to to work towards that goal. Some will get there sooner than others." On a couple of occasions I didn't eat until about an hour and one-half after taking a Byetta shot. It didn't feel any different for me, but possibly it did not hold down my blood glucose as much as it would have if I had eaten in time. That's an interesting question about what to eat. When I was planning to start Byetta, I looked at what people were saying and found that some people could not tolerate very different foods. Somebody, for example, couldn't tolerate eggs. So I was careful of eggs, for a while. But they are absolutely no problem for me. My diet on Byetta is low calorie, low carb, and low glycemic. That is the best way to lose weight, which I very much want to do, and to control blood glucose as well. Since I don't eat nearly as much as I did before, I am careful to eat only good food that tastes great. Maybe that is the secret to my weight loss.
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Renee
Thursday, April 06, 2006 at 10:17 AMI have been on Byetta for about six weeks. I didn't lose anything on the 5mg pen but have lost about 4 pounds on the 10 mg pen. I have had a couple of days of feeling extremely tired and a little queasy but most days I feel fine. I will say that I have also had to deal with my blood sugar dropping dramatically a couple of hours after taking the 10mg. This has made me keep a power bar in my purse just in case I suddenly feel like I must eat. For example, my blood sugar dropped last week from 145 morning fasting level to 76 three hours after taking 10mg and eating a modest breakfast of 2 eggs and 1 slice of multi-grain toast with butter. My blood sugar NEVER dropped below about 120 no matter what I did. Byetta is definitely helping me but I am still adjusting to all the changes. I am really amazed that I am losing weight, having tried EVERYTHING, including diligent exerise, which would lower my BS for a few hours but then it would be 80 points higher in the morning. Now I take 1000 mg metformin at night and Byetta 10mg twice a day. My BS has dropped from 200+ in the morning to 140 using this combination. It is still going down and my doctor says I will see 80-100 and be 40 pounds lighter in about 10 months!
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Annie B
Thursday, April 06, 2006 at 12:27 PMAlthough i have had a daily battle with nausea and vomiting since i was started on Byetta in december, i wouldn't give it up for the world. I am extremely insulin resistant and have gone to immeasurable lengths to get my blood sugars under control without success. Well, Byetta is the key. I have lost almost 40lbs, my blood sugars have gone from the fasting range of 600 to the 130 range. My post prandial sugars are in the 105 range and my HgA1c has gone from 15.6 to 8.4. still a long way to go, but i feel i am definitly on the right track.
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karen
Monday, April 10, 2006 at 11:22 AMI was given a month sample of Beyetta by my doctor. And it worked great ! I lost 12 pounda and my BG were the best they have been sicne diagnoised 6 months ago. HOWEVER my group insurance plan will not approve the drug for me, and I can not afford it on my own. So I am now off and my BG is ago way up. I just do not understand how they can deny my a drug that apparnetly works because of cost. They now have me on a comanation that is causing me to gain the weight I lost with the Beyett right back !! David's Response: That's terrible, Karen! My first thought would be to contact Byetta's reimbursement hotline to see what help they can offer. See http://www.byetta.com and click on insurance.
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Carolyn
Wednesday, April 12, 2006 at 12:14 AMWith regard the folks in Japan... My husband, a Doctor of Pharmacy, states, unfortunatly, the law prevents shipping prescription drug out of the United States unless prescribed by a US Doctor and there is a patient-doctor relationship on file. That would require you be seen here in the US by a physician at which time the physician could prescribe and you could get your prescription filled here before returning home. I'm thinking if you can afford anything to get it..head on over and get it, then your refills from a pharmacy that can refill and ship your medication for the future. Just a sugggestion.
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Pamela Hogue
Monday, April 17, 2006 at 05:26 PMI can understand the weight loss as I tried Byetta 5 mcg and was deathly ill, losing 6 lbs in 6 days. I have found that all Byetta pens "are not created equal" and that some have more side effects than others. I now have a new pen that I will test shortly and see if the same extreme nausea and vomiting will be repeated. I hope not as I did like the BG levels resulting from the use of Byetta. I did still experience some "dawn effect" with high fasting numbers in the mornings but the overall low numbers after injecting were welcome. At times, though, I had too many lows and found that when I injected the evening dose I needed to discontinue my 1.25 mg of Glipizide. David's Response: You're right, Pamela. The Byetta won't alone cause hypos, but together with a sulfonylurea, which glipizide is, you can go low. Many doctors have their patients go off sulfonylureas, myself included, as soon as they start Byetta. If you mention it to your doctor and your numbers are good enough, your doctor may suggest that.
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Ann
Monday, April 17, 2006 at 07:21 PMI was on Byetta from Apr. 1 to Apr. 10. It was working great for me until I developed this severe rash with itchy, hot welts all over. I had lost 10 lbs and I was pleased w. my diabetic numbers..I had nausea in the beginning (3 days) but the rash stopped it all. I'm really sad about this great hope and now my doctors say I am allergic! I wonder if any one else got a rash..
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Eleanor Guerrero
Monday, November 26, 2007 at 06:27 PMYes, I have been on byetta for about 6 days and in the 2nd dose I vomited 4 times and after that I felt nauseated but didn't vomit. Soon the nausea stopped but I began to get red itchy rashes. I am seeing the doctor tomorrow. I also now have abdominal pulsating pain on the right side of my abdomen. I really want to continue using it. I don't eat as much as it curbs my appetite. I want to continue using it but I am affraid my doctor is going to take me off of it.
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Eleanor Guerrero
Monday, December 17, 2007 at 01:14 AMI went to my doctor and he is also a diabetic and said that that had happened to him as well, the abdominal pain. He said to try it again but to take another medication 30 minutes prior to taking byetta until my system gets used to it. He said he had not heard of anyone getting a rash before. It took 12 days for the pain to go away and I plan to try it again the way my doctor has prescribed. We will see if it works this way but I plan not to continue if this happens again.
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David Mendosa
Monday, December 17, 2007 at 10:37 AMDear Eleanor,
Thanks for your follow-up message. I am glad that you are still hanging in there. It's worth it!
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Nancy Meister
Sunday, April 23, 2006 at 08:15 AMI have been on Byetta for 5 days and my sugar was 91 when I went to bed. When I got up I checked it and it was 253. Am I not doing something wrong? I am on the lowest dose now. I, also, seem to get rather tired and sleepy, not sure if this is the after effects of a cold or the Byetta. David's Response: That is very strange, Nancy. If you don't have a cold and this pattern continues, you very much need to discuss it with your physician.
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Ginny
Sunday, April 23, 2006 at 06:38 PMI started on 5 mcg of Byetta in Dec 05. I had some nausea, but it seemed to be subsiding with time. I noticed right away that I had to eat immediately after injecting. In Jan 06 I went to 10 mcg and I had incapacitating nausea attacks, and severe headaches with immediate onset after injecting. By March, I was injecting only once per day, and sometimes not at all. I spoke with my doctor and he reluctently agreed to have me go back on the 5. I believe my dr. felt I was exaggerating my symptoms, which I wasn't. Since going back on 5 I haven't had nausea or headaches. Since Dec 05, I have only lost 15 pounds, but I have noticed that I don't gain weight while on the medication, and my appetite is in better control. My A1C has improved, but my morning bs levels are still elevated. I have failed on all other oral meds, so I hope I can stick this out. I seem to have gotten the double whammy, extreme ill-health effects on the higher dose (almost as if I was over-dosing) and little to no weight-loss. But, I would recommend this treatment for anyone who their dr. feels would benefit. Injecting isn't fun, but I am hopeful that the long-term effects will prove to be most beneficial.
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Sherry
Tuesday, April 25, 2006 at 02:17 PMI have been using Byetta for approximately 4 months now. By A1C was around 7.5-8 and I was headed for insulin. I had maxed out on oral meds and decided to try Byetta. I have lost 32 pounds in 4 months. I have so much energy I cannot sit still. I am eating better, and stay full longer, and fill up quicker which causes me to take in less food--thus the weight loss. I have been very happy with Byetta and the results. I am beginning to feel like a normal person for the first time since I was diagnosed 8 yrs. ago. God bless whomever made this. I only pray it was more affordable for more people. My doctor now has 300 patients on this medication. I am so glad I tried it.
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Rosalind
Wednesday, June 20, 2007 at 05:15 PMYou are blessing Dr. John Buse at the University of North Carolina, UNC Diabetes, Endocrinology, Metabolism Clinic. He is one of the co-founders of Byetta.
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Rose
Friday, April 28, 2006 at 03:14 PMI, too, got itchy welts about 1" around the injection site with the 10 Byetta. My doctor returned me to the 5 size. I started on Byetta about 7 weeks ago, and have gained 2 lbs. Am I doing something wrong? My Alc level is 5.8, down from 6.2, so that worked. Should I just be satisfied with the improvement in BG? David's Response: There's not too much that you can be doing wrong, Rose. The main thing to consider is when you are taking your Byetta. You need to take it from one minute to one hour before eating breakfast and dinner. If you take it closer to the one minute mark you will get less nausea, if that is a problem. If you take it closer to the one hour mark, you will get more appetite suppression. The other thing to remember is that Byetta is not magic. It helps you by reducing your appetite. But it doesn't stop you from eating a lot, and if you continue to eat a lot you can't possibly lose weight.
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Deb
Friday, May 05, 2006 at 08:40 AMI have been on Byetta for a month now and have lost 10 lbs. I do have a daily bout of nausea every morning but it subsides with a bit of ginger ale and a sugar free mint. The evening dose is the one that gives me the worst nausea, sometimes really bad for up to 2 hours. Is there a reason the one at night seems to be worse? David's Response: Yes, Deb, there is certainly a reason why you might expect to have nausea after the evening dose of Byetta. We almost always have a bigger meal at night. It is that food that triggers the nausea. Byetta folks tell me that you can minimize the nausea by eating right after taking the shot. But if you want to maximize the satiety, wait until almost an hour, when you get over your nausea.
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Donna
Friday, May 12, 2006 at 06:16 PMI started Byetta 5 15 days ago, I have lost 17 pounds already! The first 10 days were excellent, great bg readings, no nausea, reduced appetite and weight loss. For the past few days, I am extremely weak, have bouts of swating, rapid pulse, simply lifeless feeling, no energy at all. Called my doctor today, he said to reduce from 2 injections to 1 per day to see if I get over weakness, etc. I certainly don't want to give up on Byetta with the great results in weight loss and glucose control. Have you received similiar reports of this much weight loss in such a short time and any reports of weakness, sweats, rapid pulse, etc. ? Thanks so much! David's Response: Donna, just like you, I went through a period of a lot of weakness and lack of energy when I started on Byetta. I was concerned enough that I mentioned it to my doctor. He reassured me that it was absolutely normal, considering my change of diet (eating a lot less) and that it would pass. It certainly did. And now I have more energy than ever!
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John
Friday, May 12, 2006 at 08:35 PMI am scheduled to begin Byetta within a few days. Thanks for all the comments regarding the variety of things I might expect. My question: I travel frequently -- sometimes to Europe which could be a 17-hour deal -- and wonder what kind of travel kit is best. Thanks. David's Response: Byetta does offer a free travel kit that you probably will get a coupon for with your first pen. However, for your longer trips I would suggest the kind of travel kits that insulin users rely on the most. This is the Frio. See http://www.mendosa.com/carrying_insulin.htm
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Sara Warne
Monday, May 15, 2006 at 10:12 PMDavid, what a great site. Thank you. I have been taking Byetta 5 for a week now. I also take 1000 mg metformin/am/pm and 2mg avandia/am/pm. This drug is amazing. I have experienced a couple of morning lows (75) (87) and once I passed out at the gym (100bg), but my bg #'s are running really great. Never been this good before. I do feel slightly nauseaus and fatigued, but my numbers are so good, I am happy. I have lost 3 lbs. In the last 2 days I have noticed increased energy, but it quickly dissipates. Is that a normal expectation? If I am getting such good results on the 5, do I need to increase to 10? Oh, I forgot, I just don't feel like eating. I have read on other blogs about people just doing Glucerna for 2 meals and then eating a light dinner. Is this a smart thing to do? I have NEVER been able to shed my excess lard (HAHA)210 lbs and 3 lbs in 1 week makes me ecstatic. I think this drug is such a miracle and I don't want to do anything tht might jeopardize it's effectiveness. Thank you for your help and advise. David's Response: I appreciate your kind words and am so glad that Byetta is working so well for you. I am sure that your energy will be tremendous soon. But I certainly would not recommend Glucerna. I have never been able to understand that in what way it is appropriate for people with diabetes. Many of the ingredients certainly aren't (the high level of maltodextrin certainly bothers me) and there sure are a lot of them:
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Lynda
Tuesday, May 16, 2006 at 10:11 PMI began taking Byetta four days ago and have had minimal bouts of nausea and headache. The one question I had, "What happens if I don't eat within and hour of taking Byetta?" seemed to have no written answer. Then I found it on your blog. Thanks so much for your research and commentary.
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Dana
Wednesday, May 17, 2006 at 11:18 AMI've been on Byetta for 9 days now, I've lost 6lbs. I haven't experienced any nausea, I have however been having headaches and body aches the last couple of days,in everything that I've read about Byetta it's never mentioned body aches as a side effect. Could it be the Byetta? David's Response: Different people do experience different side effects from drugs, Dana. But body aches as a result of taking Byetta is not one that has been reported. Please see http://pi.lilly.com/us/byetta-pi.pdf
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nan cavnor
Wednesday, May 17, 2006 at 04:46 PMi have been using byetta for 2.5 m,onths now and have been doing great TILL 5 days ago-now after dinner i have a very severe LOW - nothing has changed but my weight , which is down - i am an insulin user and tye 2 diabetic for 6 years now- i surely want to stay on the byetta but the lows puzzel me. David's Response: Byetta is now known for causing severe lows unless you use it with a sulfonylurea or insulin. I would suspect the latter, Nan. You may have to cut back your insulin dose.
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Janna
Wednesday, May 17, 2006 at 08:50 PMHi David How fascinating to read all these accounts of people's experiences with Byetta. I have been on it just a few months. I started out with 5mcg and am now on my 2nd 10 mcg pen. I've lost about 10 pounds, much to my surprise! I'm also on Avandia (4mg, 2X daily) and Metformin (1000mg, 2X daily). I haven't had too much trouble with nausea, though I have had some mild nausea in the evenings. My evening meal is usually the smallest meal of my day, because I'm just not hungry at dinnertime. Most evenings I don't feel unwell, but I find that a few saltines and a sip of water can quell that nausea. The best news, however, is that my last A1C was 5.9! That is in the range of a person that doesn't even have diabetes! So I feel I'm having success with the combination of meds I'm taking. My dilemma, however, is that my husband was laid off from his job last week, and my medical benefits run out as of midnight, May 22nd, 2006. My pharmacy told me that the Byetta pens are $250 each. There is absolutely no way I will be able to afford the Byetta out-of-pocket with my husband unemployed, especially since I MUST have the oral medications. I'm seeing my doctor tomorrow to see if he has any advice. I've looked online and can't find any information about Byetta sold at a discount, and I doubt in our present situation I could afford it if it were over even, say, $50. I'm so excited about what the Byetta has done for me, and I'm so disappointed about having to potentially stop using it. If anyone has any ideas, I would be grateful. Byetta is not available in Canada, I checked. David's Response: It would be terrible if you had to stop Byetta now, Janna, because you can't afford it. There is, however, some hope. Please contact the manufacturer's patient assistance program. See http://www.amylin.com/products/reimbursement.cfm
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Hazel Blackmon
Saturday, May 20, 2006 at 11:03 AMI have been on byetta about 6 wks and I havenot lost any weight i have somewhat gain a lot of fluid so my Doctor have changed my fluid pill i hope somrthing begain to work.
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Nancy Nye
Sunday, May 21, 2006 at 05:50 PMI started on 5 mg of Byetta once a day about 6 weeks ago. Had some initial bouts of moderate nausea but got over that in a couple of weeks. Two weeks ago, I upped the Byetta to twice a day. The nausea came back but again is subsiding. However, I am feeling sooooo tired and listless that it's almost unbearable. I want very much to stay the course with the Byetta as i have lost 6+ pounds which i haven't been able to do in several years. But will the fatigue go away? It's a killer ;-(( David's Response: When I started on Byetta, I had the same fatigue. My doctor said that it was normal, particularly in consideration of my change in diet and eating less and that it would go away. It did -- and now I have more energy than ever! Hang in there, Nancy!
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Missy
Thursday, May 25, 2006 at 05:44 PMI am experiencing low bg in the evening with a lot of nausea. My bg have been as low as 52 but average 70's 2 hrs after meal in the evening. I don't have any problems in the am -have not lost much weight on the 5 pen. I take glucophage 500mg/2x day. What am I doing wrong? David's Response: What else are you taking with Byetta? It isn't known for causing such low numbers. If you are taking insulin or a sulfonylurea, however, they do cause such hypos.
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jess
Friday, May 26, 2006 at 12:03 AMmy results are similar to yours in control, but I have less weight loss and no complications if I eat a full meal. One tip I can pass along. In disposing of the needle, I use a sharps container and the recommended method of using the shield to remove the needle and then disposing of both in the container,clogs us my sharps container and the opening is too small for the shield. I just uscrew the needle taking care not to stick myself and drop it in the container and then throw the plastic shield in the garbage. Keep up the good work, byetta can really help people and I have found very few complications. I have some burping and have to eat prunes to try and keep regular, but otherwise have good readings and decent energy for an old guy. my AIC has gone from 7.7 to 6.5 in a month and my present 30 day meter reading is 141 and my 14 day is 132. I take actos and metformin and have gone from 213 to 200 in six weeks.
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Art
Sunday, June 04, 2006 at 08:10 PMI have been on Byetta 10 for 3 months. Have been having a lot of problems with heartburn. Not sure if this is a side effect or not and not sure how to handle it. Experience some nausea, and no appetite @ noon many days. BS readings are coming down but no weight loss. Any help with the heartburn issue? Also, is there any problem eating a mid-afternoon snack and then getting the shot several hours later for the evening meal - in other words, how long must a person wait after eating before taking the evening shot? David's Response: Whether or not your hearburn is a result of taking Byetta, Art, I would suggest that you see your doctor about it. From my personal experience, I know that I had heartburn for years. I took Tums or Mylanta for it, which would help temporarily. It wasn't until I got a prescription from my doctor that I was able to stop it permanently. Good question about how long to wait to take Byetta after a snack. The official Byetta advice is to take it before eating, not afterwards. But I have never seen a recommendation about how long to wait until after a snack. My guess is that if you waited two hours, it would be fine. That's because in two hours essentially all of the blood glucose effects of your snack would be gone.
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T
Thursday, June 08, 2006 at 08:11 AMI love being on Byetta. For the first time since I can remember I am loosing weight (10 lbs - yes). I do battle with nausea. To combat it I started with 1-2 sugared soft ginger piece after the shots (healthfood store bulk) and this seems to help me.
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Leslie
Saturday, June 10, 2006 at 01:24 AMI have used Byetta since January 2006. I had not been managing my diabetes for a very long time (many months)and I didn't know what to do, what to eat, or anything. My BG was completely out of control. I finally was scared enough to go to the doctor. He suggested Byetta injections, since he said I was on the way to insulin anyway if I didn't get control of myself. I too was apprehensive of the needles, but when I saw how teeny-tiny they were I laughed! I can do this! I inject in my midrift area. No big deal. After my first injection, my BG went from over 200+ to around 100. I was amazed. When I first started Byetta, I had nausea mostly in the evenings, but I was taking metformin and glyburide twice a day. My blood sugar after my evening shot and dinner would plummet to 40-50. Not fun! So my doctor took me off the evening dose of glyburide. That helped the drop in blood sugar. I had some nausea issues in the mornings, but it usually subsided in a couple hours. I keep saltine crackers around. It is just like morning sickness to me and the crackers help. I have lost about 25 pounds so far because I just don't get hungry! It is so nice not to have the "raving cravings" I used to have. Sometimes I even forget to eat lunch. A far cry from the chronic overeating I was doing before Byetta. It took about three months to completely lose the nausea, but it does go away. So be sure to give it a good chance to work. I intend to stay on Byetta indefinitly. Good luck to everyone.
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Leslie
Saturday, June 10, 2006 at 01:37 AMI forgot to say in my first message....Prior to Byetta, I was having vision problems. Very blurry vision. That has cleared up completely. I also used to have terrible foot pain, but that is not a problem anymore. I'm not sure if it is because of the weight loss or what. All I know is doesn't hurt when I get out of bed in the morning or when I do a lot of walking.
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Debbie
Saturday, June 10, 2006 at 10:07 AMMy husband started the Byetta 5 pen 4 days ago today. He was diagnosed Type 2 about 5 years ago. Has not lost any weight. Had one bought of low bg, but otherwise felt fine until yesterday. Now about 20-30 minutes after the morning injection (injecting 2x a day)he gets excessive fatigue, some lightheadedness and can hardly keep his eyes open. I know on your blog David that you say the fatigue passes, but he cannot work or even drive to work when he is like this. When he started the byetta they cut his amaryl from 4 mg per day to 2 mg per day (takes in the am) and still takes 45 mg actos in am and 1500 mg glucophage in pm. Do you have any thoughts on this? David's Response: Please suggest that your husband discuss this problem with his doctor. I can't diagnose it, but one concern that immediately comes to mind is that he is taking four different drugs for diabetes. Doctors generally don't prescribe more than two or at the most three diabetes medications. My other suggestion, which I just made in reply to another comment is that a low-fat diet will help.
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Mike
Saturday, June 10, 2006 at 10:09 AMAs a new Byetta user I have been very pleased. I had been taking 80-100 u of insulin daily. That has been eliminated completely. My Bg is higher than it should be, usually running in the 170's, but that is without any insulin. I am anxious to go to the 10 unit dose. Wish I didn't have to wait another 2 wks. To comment on the tiredness and weakness some have experienced - I wonder if that isn't the result of increased fat metabolism with a resulting increase in keytone build-up? I think you would be well advised to increase your water intake to see about flushing things our of your body. In my case, regarding weight loss, I was rather shocked to get on a scale that said I had lost 12 lbs in 11 days. That seemed too incredible, however welcome. Between the reduced calorie intake and the increase in fat metabolism as am no longer injecting insulin, I am hopeful. Thanks for the information of your site, it is most helpful.
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Nancy Nye
Saturday, June 10, 2006 at 02:09 PMhi again.......As you said a few weeks ago, my fatigue/nausea has started to subside. However, I started a new pen about 4 days ago and I am right back where I started from. Have barely been able to get up and do anything which is VERY unusual for me. Any suggestions? David's Response: I asked a Byetta physician that question when I met him at the ADA convention that just finished. He told me that he would recommend a low-fat diet
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Debbie
Monday, June 12, 2006 at 12:25 PMI have been on Byetta for about 7 weeks total now. I had good results and only a tiny bit of nausea when starting the 5mcg injections. But my morning #'s began slipping back up from 150ish to the mid 200's. My doc increased my dosage to 10mcg about 10 days ago. Within about 3 days, I began feeling sicker than I've ever felt...nausea, vommiting, even diarrhea. I've lost about 20 pounds in the 7 weeks (of about 100 I needed to lose), but I don't think this is the way it's supposed to go (at least the past week's pattern). My doc is taking me back down to the 5 mcg pen as I've been too sick to even commute to work. I also find that the thought of meat-type food makes me queasy. Is this common? Will it pass? Do you have suggestions for how to wait-out the sickness. I am so encouraged by the lower post-meal #'s and the weight loss, I don't want to give up my Byetta. Thanks for your help! David's Response: It seems like different people have different food sensitivities on Byetta, Debbie. Some, like me, don't seem to have any, but I have heard of several different ones. My first suggestion, as I just wrote in response to another comment, is to cut way back on fat. That seems to help reduce the nausea. Eventually, the nausea will go away, but a low fat diet will make it go away faster. My second suggestion is to ask your doctor for an anti-nausea prescription.
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Jaimie
Thursday, June 15, 2006 at 12:05 PMHi David, Your information on these pages is priceless. I am type "1.5" and starting byetta. been taking it a little over 1 week and the nausea is passing but I am SOO fatigued and tired that I can barely keep my eyes open at the computer. I called my endo and she says "humm, never heard of it" do you want to discontinue? I know the tiredness is from byetta and I want to stick it out to see if it helps me more with weight loss. My sugars are good, my A1c last time was 6.1 but need to lose about 40 pounds and I do exercise and watch carb/calories so I hope the byetta will be my answer....... How long before your tiredness went away? Keep pressin' on! Jaimie "When I started on Byetta, I had the same fatigue. My doctor said that it was normal, particularly in consideration of my change in diet and eating less and that it would go away. It did — and now I have more energy than ever! Hang in there, Nancy! " David's Response: My tiredness lasted two or three weeks, Jaimie. I have heard of several people who had to go through this stage. It's worth waiting it out. Now, I have more energy than ever!
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Tanya
Monday, June 19, 2006 at 07:38 AMQuick update on my incedible nasuea after starting the 10mg pen. IT IS GONE. (I had no side effects of mention on 5 BUT my first full week on 10 was a REAL challenge) But I feel wonderful now and a bit scared that I can't eat much at all so am focusing on lean protein and veggies...20 pounds in 40 days..and only 30-40 more to go. NOW I KNOW I CAN DO THIS for the first time since losing 100 pounds 15 years ago and getting stuck at 220 plds. Blood sugar levels in double digits in the a.m. for the first time ever and glucophage down to 500mg twice a day. Be patient with this drug. Be kind to yourself!
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Phyllis Maley
Monday, June 26, 2006 at 07:42 AMThanks for this informative and responsible site! I started Byette a week ago. On Avandia for years with good control but horrible weight gain. So far doing well with only Byette...losing weight. I have noticed a pin prick sensation under my skin since the 3rd day...anyone else have this feeling? Not a severe itching but more noticeable after injection.Thanks!
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Brian
Saturday, July 01, 2006 at 03:20 PMDavid...I started Byetta app. 2 months ago. Finally had to stop due to extreme nausea. Would love to try again. However, I have a problem that no one, not even my endo, can answer. When I got my scrip, the nurse practitioner gave me a sample pen to try before I got the scrip filled. I followed her directions that night and injected a 5mg dose. Immediately after injecting, I noticed that printed on the side of the pen in red letters was: "Not intended for human use." Then in black print below that was "Demonstration Pen". I tried to call my endo, but his office was closed, so called the pharmacy and asked the pharmacist what the heck I had injected into my stomach. She had no idea. The only ingredient listed on this pen is "Contains metacresol, no active ingredients." When I finally got hold of my endo, he said he had no idea. I have contacted the company with no response. But since that time I have had stomach pains in the injection site, and a "hardening", for lack of a better word, of that site. I cannot use that site for my insulin injections due to the pain when injecting. Any idea what I injected? I am very concerned, but cannot get an answer. Thanks! David's Response: Brian, I was quite disturbed by your report so I called the Amylin Lilly Customer Support Center hotline at 1-800-868-1190 and spoke with a pharmacist there by the name of Michon. You might want to call him too, and he also suggests that you may be having an allergic reaction to the metacresol, so he recommends that you see an allergist.
replyre: Sample Pen
Theresa_Cyrgalis
Friday, November 14, 2008 at 02:55 PMBrian look up the ingredient in the pen, this is just one link I found. They say it is used in making explosives. I would be a little pissed at your doctors office, hopefully you are OK since this was in July, would be curious to know if you suffered any side effects or serious damage due to the negligence of the nurse practitioner that is something she should definitely checked before dispensing it to you.
http://www.springerlink.com/content/w3u602654n705423/
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Laura
Sunday, July 16, 2006 at 11:53 PMI read the comment from the woman stating she is itching after taking the shot, I have been itching as well. Is that a side affect, other than that Byetta has been great for me.
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Gabrielle
Tuesday, July 18, 2006 at 07:30 PMI wonder if you've heard about any negative interactions between Byetta and Lithium. I've been having severe depression since I started using Byetta, more severe the higher the dose. I don't know if it's coincedental, and I hope it's not! I'm happy with my new sugar levels and the 7 pounds I've lost in a month. But I fear there may be a connection. Any data? David's Response: I haven't heard about any interaction between Byetta and lithium, Gabrielle. So I called Byetta customer service for you. They said that they found no specific interactions during clinical trials and have issued no precautions or warnings about it. However, some medications require rapid absorption and those medications need to be taken an hour before taking Byetta. We don't know if lithium is one of those medications and suggest that you ask your health care provider.
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Sam
Saturday, July 22, 2006 at 02:12 PMI am planning a trip backpacking the problem is what to do with the Byetta. Since starting it my insulin usage has gone doen from 85 u of Lantus to 29 U. I don't want to leave it at home Will be back packing and camping for 2 weeks David's Response: Two weeks away from a refrigerator can be a problem, Sam. The travel pack that Amylin provides -- and which I often use -- is rated for storing Byetta for just three hours. So I called Byetta customer support on your behalf. All that they could tell me was that as long as the Byetta is not refrigerated for more than a total of 144 hours over the life of the pen -- about six days -- you wouldn't have a problem. It does otherwise need to be stored at 36 to 46 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Charles
Tuesday, July 25, 2006 at 09:53 AMI have been using Byetta 10 for 5 months,I have nausea all day ,foods don't taste good anymore, just plain miserable! Wasn't sure if you should stop cold turkey or what. Called doctor but he did not call me back. I just stopped using Byette and see what happens. I will watch diet, I did lose weight but being miserable was not worth it. Good luck to those who can use it.
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Tammy
Friday, July 28, 2006 at 10:01 PMHas anyone else experienced a metallic taste when eating? The first bite will be okay until just before I swallow, then WHAM! tin can taste. The taste lingers for a while afterwards. I've lost 10 pounds this first month without really trying, now if I could only add 120 more to that! :)
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Mare
Saturday, July 29, 2006 at 07:14 AMI am starting Byetta on Aug 1. What is a good meal plan to follow while on it? Right now I usually have a small bowl of whole grain cereal, a piece of fruit and coffee with fat free milk as my breakfast, my main meal at 3 or 4 pm (4-6 ozs protein, a carb and veggie, and then a small snack around 7 (coffee, tea, water, sugar free cookies or a sugar free frozen yogurt. Sometimes I have a piece of fruit as a snack during the day or a handful of peanuts. I can't imagine eating less than I do right now. I have already lost over 50 lbs on my own since I found out I have Type 2, so will Byetta help me lose more? My doc is adding it to my medications (also take glucophage-2000 mg a day) because I have not been able to lose any weight the past three months. David's Response: This is an excellent question, Mare. And it's something that I have thought a lot about in the six months that I have been on Byetta. I think the main point has to be that because people on Byetta usually aren't very hungry and therefore don't eat a lot, we have to be careful that absolutely everything that we eat is nutritious. That means first no empty calories. It then means carefully balancing the good (low glycemic) carbs with the good fats (monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, and fish oil) and protein that is low in saturated fat. It also means that we have to up our fiber intake because we are eating so much less. I take a fiber supplement. Personally, I cannot tolerate anything but a very small breakfast with almost no carbs now that I am taking Byetta. So my breakfast is largely protein, like turkey bacon and fried eggs. For lunch I have a small salad and/or some of the delicious fruit of the season. I don't forget to get a handful of nuts. Sometimes I will have a small bowl of plain non-fat yogurt. For dinner most people who don't have diabetes (yet) usually have something like bread, then an appetizer, then soup or salad, and then the entree of some protein, a veggie, and some starch, like a potato, french fries, corn, or rice. And then a dessert. Of this all I have is the protein (fish, chicken, or bison) and a veggie.
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judy
Thursday, August 10, 2006 at 03:19 PMi have been on byette for 3 months- i have lost 30 pounds. I i must be wierd but i seem to have more energy after dosing. maybe the engery is from weight lost i am on 10 mg but the first 2 months i was on 5. on 10 every morning i weigh myself and am surprised at another weight loss.
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Jules Amero
Monday, August 21, 2006 at 12:11 PMMy first month on the 5.. yay. A little nauseous, tired but NOT HUNGRY! Very nice. Well worth sticking to it. My question is about other meds, I take wellbutrin, but must take it in the morning or it keeps me up all night, I also take once a day antibiotic, for my skin and spironalactone.. when should I take this stuff? Also, is it okay to have a smoothie instead of a meal? and last, if I have say, 3 crakers and cheese, must I really wait 3 hours till my PM shot? Are liquids like broth or soda okay before shots? You never remember to ask your Doc everything and the hotline doesnt give out too much info!! Good luck to everyone.. lets hope this works wonders for all of us!
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Mare
Monday, August 21, 2006 at 06:08 PMIt's been three weeks on 5 mcg of byetta. I have no appetite, a slight metallic taste in my mouth (only ccasionally), no nausea, and have lost 5 lbs. I wonder if the doctor is going to increase to the l0 mcg dosage at the end of the month when i see her? Is that something that is commonly done? Does a higher dosage give you more of a chance at weight loss? David's Response: Yes, Mare, usually but not always the doctor will increase the dose after a month to 10 mcg. It will help you increase your weight loss, because it will help you to eat less.
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Christine
Friday, September 08, 2006 at 11:37 AMI'm researching Byetta, and I'm trying to find a Canadian who uses it. It's not approved here yet, but I understand some people are driving across the border to the US to get it. I would love to interview such a person. Email me at ccrosbie@globaltv.com.
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Karen
Thursday, September 14, 2006 at 09:51 AMI started byetta 6 days ago and I am happy to see mostly all positive comments about this medication. My doctor started me on the 5 dose and I go see her next week for a follow up on how I am doing I am counting 1600 carbs a day and watching my fat intake while on this medicine and I have not had any side affects so far. I take my byetta just before I eat breakfast and just before I have dinner. I definitely see the difference in my appetite since starting this medicine makes me very anxious to start the 10mg.
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Jeanne
Thursday, September 14, 2006 at 06:00 PMDavid, I've been following your work for quite some time. I'm so happy to find this site about Byetta since I started it one week ago. I hope your comment about a low fat diet works for me becasue the nausea is horrible. Great site!
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Kelley Crumpler
Monday, September 18, 2006 at 02:58 PMHi David, I am a diabetes nurse educator and just love to peek in on your blog from time to time. You are such a great guy! I was reading today and something alarmed me. In response to the post by "Brian" on July 1st regarding his "Byetta" pen. For future reference the pen he describes is what is called a "demo" pen supplied to physicians offices by Lilly to demonstrate to patients how the Byetta pen works. It is not intended for actual SQ injection. It was most likely a mistake by his NP and should be reported to the Dr's office and Eli Lilly & Co.
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Stacey
Wednesday, September 20, 2006 at 11:46 PMI started byetta 4 weeks ago. I have had nausea and fatigue. I am feeling a bit better now. I have lost about 5 pounds but the best thing about this new drug is my sugar has come down so much! My A1C was 6.1, down from 9.2. I am very pleased with the results. My first pen was paid for by Anthem but my second pen, which I am trying to get, isn't covered by my insurance. I guess byetta hasn't been approved in Indiana yet. I tried to get assistance from Amylin but since I do have medical insurance they won't help me. So, if I continue to use it, I have to pay $267 a month for it. The only way its covered is under my major medical and it is considered out of network so we are penalized. I am very frustrated. Do you have any idea's? I would like to continue using this medication. Stacey in Indiana
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Clara
Thursday, September 21, 2006 at 09:59 AMI would like to know if there is a contraindication between Actos, Aleve, and Byetta
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Mare
Saturday, September 30, 2006 at 03:16 PMI have started my first l0 mcg byetta pen today. Doctor kept me on the 5 mcg for two months. I had a weight loss of 6 lbs the first month and zero lbs the second month with no bad side effects, i.e. nausea. After not losing any weight after the second month on 5mcg, she has decided to put me on the l0 mcg dose. Now for my question, I notice in reading the various posts that people suffer from nausea. How to ask this delicately...Is it the feeling of nauseau, or is there actual vomiting? I felt very nauseous after my l0 mcg shot this morning, but after an hour or two it subsided. I should also mention that I am on Byetta solely for weight loss benefits as I have all my numbers in normal range. David's Response: Nausea is a pretty common side effect of Byetta at first. Vomiting is much less common, Mare.
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JudiAnne
Sunday, October 01, 2006 at 05:09 PMI was prescribed Byetta over a month ago but with changes in medicines due to migraines and a bout of sickness, I am just starting to to use it today. I found out about your site by going back on the WebMD diabetes boards and reading everything I could find about Byetta. There was very little so I am very glad I found this. Anyway, I have already picked up some tips like not overeating and not eating a lot of fat after the injection in order to keep the nausea at bay. I think I read here about not taking the shot until three hours after eating. I am a snacker and sometimes that will be hard for me to do. If it is a hard and fast rule, I guess I will have to do it, but I am wondering if it is. Another thing I am wondering about is - I am now taking Synthroid for my thyroid and I am required to take it and not eat anything for 30 to 60 minutes. Can I do the injection andtake the Synthroid at the same time? Thanks for being here. David's Response: There doesn't seem to be a hard and fast rule about how long to wait after a snack before taking Byetta for dinner, JudiAnne. I asked a Byetta doctor about that when I met him at the ADA convention in Washington a few months ago. He told me that it varies from person to person. My guess is that if you don't wait long enough, it might increase the chance of nausea. Personally, I wait at least two hours and have never had a problem. I don't remember if you can take Synthroid and Byetta together. That would be a good question for you to ask the Byetta hotline people.
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Venus
Monday, October 02, 2006 at 08:56 PMI have been on Beyetta for 7 weeks. I lost 22 lbs. but my BS has just dropped a little. However, I developed severe hives at the injection site and last weekend my tongue swelled - a severe allergic reaction. I am heartbroken that I will not be able to continue with the Beyetta. DOes anyone have any solutions? Will be speaking with dr. in the morning. David's reply: You mention injection "site," Venus. Have you tried other sites? Have you contacted the Byetta hotline? The people there can be helpful too. The toll-free number is 1-800-868-1190.
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Wesa
Saturday, October 14, 2006 at 09:19 AMMy endocrinologist. talked to me about Byetta months ago and gave me the option to try it for weight loss. I am not a diabetic YET! But I know I had to do something or I would be. I finally consented, I only wish I had sooner. In one month I have dropped 10lbs. I have joined one of those 30 minute exercise facilities designed for women. I will be measured this coming week, I know I have lost inches because I am down almost 2 pant sizes. For those of you that take synthroid. He told me to take my thyroid medicine and then take the Byetta an hour later. This works well for me, I can do my 30 minute workout in that hour and have breakfast when I get home. I never experienced full blow nausea, just a queezy stomach. He suggested Glucerna if that happens and it seems to work well. What is amazing to me is that I have always reached for sugar over good food, now I see baked goods in the store and my stomach turns, the thought of it isn’t even appealing. Good luck to all and will check back when I get measured. David's Response: Good for you, Wesa! You are so lucky to be on Byetta BEFORE diabetes. May you avoid this disease completely.
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Wesa
Friday, October 20, 2006 at 10:48 AMWell, as I promised 4 weeks after starting Byetta for weight loss, her are the results. I have lost 10 lbs. and with the help of Curves.....17 inches. Six of those inches are from my hips. I have just increased to 10mg. only nausea the first day. David's Response: That's wonderful, Wesa! You are off to a great start. I believe that Byetta can be a life-changing opportunity for you. It certainly has been for me!
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barb snyir
Sunday, October 22, 2006 at 06:19 PMi hope i put the lat letter in right just found this site love it started byette a month ago....for wieght and sugar surgar is now normall..lost 15 lbs the side affects are horrible but food make me sick to even smell it ..i will be posting often thks fo the message board barb David's Response: Congratulations on your great weight loss, Barb! And please do see my article about controlling nausea on Byetta. It's here at: http://blogs.healthcentral.com/diabetes/david-mendosa/controlling-nausea-on-byetta-2006-08-08/print
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barb snyir
Saturday, October 28, 2006 at 11:45 AMeven tho ive gone on the number ten pen ti realy makes me sick....ive lost weight but being sick is not the way i want to be...doc has cut the evening dose out and im to start again in 2 weeks because id get chills and go immediatly to sleep even tho my numbers are normal im still sickly... has any one else gone thru this feel David's reply: You have several choices, Barb. You can ask your doctor to put you pack on the 5 mcg Byetta pen, at least for now. If you stay on the 10 mcg dose, there are many things you can do for the nausea. Please see "Controlling Nausea on Byetta" at: http://blogs.healthcentral.com/diabetes/david-mendosa/controlling-nausea-on-byetta-2006-08-08/print
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Michael
Tuesday, October 31, 2006 at 09:57 PMHow long does it take to start seeing results on Byetta David's reply: Some people see results almost immediately, Michael. I know that I did. My blood glucose level was about 80 right afterward, lower than it had been in a long time. I also noticed that my appetite was much less right away.
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Wendy
Thursday, November 02, 2006 at 04:19 PMI started Byetta 2 mos. ago (5 mcg the 1st mo. & now 10mcg). I have not experienced any bad side effects, but I also have not lost one ounce or inch. In fact, it doesn't seem to do anything to my appetite or my cravings for carbs. Since I'm paying for this out of pocket, I'm wondering whether to continue. I'm so discouraged & wondered why others are experiencing weight loss - are they eating less, exercising more? Help! David's reply: Certainly more exercise helps by revving up our metabolic systems. I've noticed more weight loss on the days that I do a lot of exercise. But certainly I would recommend that you consider one of my most recent blog articles, which directly addresses your situation. Please see "When Byetta Fails" .
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Dina
Friday, November 03, 2006 at 11:03 PMMy doctor has given me information on Byetta-Metaformin made me sick, so she feels that Byetta is the best option for me at this time. I'm concerned about the injection and the side affects!! David's reply: Your concerns are certainly those that most people have when contemplating Byetta. But if you have ever given yourself a fingerstick to test your blood glucose, that is a lot more painful that an injection, which you almost never feel. The side effects of nausea an GI upsets do bother almost half of Byetta users for a week or so. But you can certainly minimize or prevent them. Please see "Controlling Nausea on Byetta".
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Josie
Saturday, November 11, 2006 at 10:59 PMHi David and all that leave a comment on this site. I was just browsing the internet in reference to people who have used Byetta and I happened to find this site. I found it very interesting and very helpful. I am not using Byetta (yet) but my Endicrinologist has prescribed it to me mostly for weight loss and I just couldn't understand and neither could my boss and his partner which happen to be Pharmacists. But reading some of the comments left here I can now understand why my Doctor wants me to go on Byetta and now I am more ready to start using it since I have read some of the comments left here. My question is what causes the Nausea? Is it the Byetta itself or is it the "type" of foods that are eaten ie: fatty foods, etc.,etc.,? Unfortunately, I have a bad habit of eating fast food and munching on snacks that are not good for me so I was told by my bosses that using Byetta would not be beneficial unless I changed my eating habits is this true? Thank you for your time and I will wait for a response. Yours Truly, Josie (In Miami) David's Response: Excellent question about the cause of nausea, Josie. It depends on a lot of things, but particularly the type and amount of food that you eat. I discuss it at great length in "Controlling Nausea on Byetta at: http://blogs.healthcentral.com/diabetes/david-mendosa/controlling-nausea-on-byetta-2006-08-08/print
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Sherri
Sunday, November 12, 2006 at 07:08 PMI am on now on my 5th week of Byetta (the 5 mg dose). I love the fact that I have been able to lower my Lantus dosage from 20-30 units to 10-15 units, and have lost 8 lbs. I no longer have the wide swings in blood sugars anymore. What I am not enjoying is the constipation--I never thought constipation could be debilitating & sometimes painful!! Before I started taking Colace & Fibercon, it may be 3-4 days before I could "go", and when I "went", the stool was rock hard. Still on the Colace & Fibercon, and am able to "go", but stool still hard, and I feel like I'm not done going. My doc. has not had any of his patients have this complaint ... he is willing to prescribe something, but I'd rather not take any more meds. (yes, I am drinking LOTS of water -- eat only whole grain foods and fruit and veggies -- nothing processed in our household). Has anyone else had this problem as bad as this for this long? I read that it gets better, does it really? David's Response: It sounds to me like you need more fiber in your diet, Sherri. There are many choices, but one of the most commonly used is psyllium. Please see "Fiber and Diabetes" at: http://blogs.healthcentral.com/diabetes/david-mendosa/fiber-and-diabetes-2006-02-07/print
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barb snyir
Wednesday, November 22, 2006 at 10:10 AMhi david.. no.10 pen didnt work for me was sicker then sick finally doc put me back on no. 5 already feel better my readings are down to anywhere from74-to94 after 2 hours of taking this byetta.one morning however reading was 238 but it did come down:) well hoping u have a great thanksgiving,,,oh still losing lbs but not as fast started a walking program even a little jog take care
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kay
Thursday, November 30, 2006 at 05:14 PMReply to Shari: I am on the BYETTA 10 - having the same problems as you. After 5 days of not "going" I finally had the urge. After an hour of camping out on the pot doing very little except strain, grunt, and cry a little...I was beginning to think I may have to go to the ER for help. Like total embarrasment! I do the water, fibercon, etc, too. Know where you're coming from!
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Andrea
Thursday, December 07, 2006 at 01:42 PMI have been taking Byetta for over a month. It does curve my appetite but I have not lost an ounce/pound. I started with 5mcg and now I'm on 10. I don't eat as much and I excersise @ least 3 to 4 days a week. what am I doing wrong? David's reply: Byetta helps you to lose weight by reducing your appetite, Andrea. But it won't make you eat less. It facilitates that and if you eat less, I guarantee that you will lose weight.
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Elvia
Saturday, December 16, 2006 at 05:55 PMMy Dr just gave me a 5mg pen but I'm afraid to start on it as I have read alot of experiences of nausea. My question is what is in Byetta is it true that it has Gila Monster saliva in it and lizard proteins in it? I have untill Monay o deceid to take it help.
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shannon
Friday, June 01, 2007 at 11:31 AMI did read an article that it is derived from gila monster venom. It's now a big joke at my house. They tell me not to lick my eyeballs or swat them with my ever growing tail.
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Wendy
Wednesday, December 27, 2006 at 02:17 PMWell, I gave it my best shot (pun intended!). I am just one of thos
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