WHAT IS BYDUREON PEN?

Buy Bydureon Online, also known as exenatide extended-release, is a weekly injectable prescription medication. It is indicated in adults and children 10 years of age and older with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) to improve glycemic control in addition to diet and exercise. Bydureon pen is a long-acting form of Byetta and is administered subcutaneously. Controlling hyperglycemia with Bydureon prevents downstream complications such as kidney damage, loss of limbs, blindness, heart attack, stroke, or nerve problems. It is important that diabetes remains controlled to lessen the chance of related complications. Bydureon is not recommended for the treatment of type I diabetes.

HOW DOES BYDUREON WORK?

Incretins are peptide hormones originating from the gut that are quickly released after a meal. The two primary incretins in humans include glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). Incretins such as GLP-1 potentiate glucose-dependent insulin release and exert multiple antihyperglycemic effects after their secretion from the gut into the circulation.

Bydureon is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that increases glucose-dependent insulin secretion by

pancreatic beta-cells, decreasing abnormally elevated glucagon secretion, and decreasing gastric emptying. This mechanism, it improves glycemic control in patients with type II diabetes.

SIDE EFFECTS

Common side effects of Bydureon include:

• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Nausea
• Injection site reactions
• Low blood sugar
• Headache
• Injection site nodule
• Indigestion

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Thyroid C-Cell Tumors

Bydureon has been shown to cause thyroid C-cell tumors in rats. Other GLP-1 receptor agonists have been known to cause thyroid C-cell adenomas and carcinomas as well. Liraglutide, for example, has demonstrated medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) in post-marketing data; though causality cannot be determined at this time.

Currently, it is not known if Bydureon can induce thyroid C-cell tumors, but those with a history of MTC should avoid use of Bydureon. Patients should look out for MTC symptoms, such as a neck mass, dysphagia, hoarseness, or dyspnea. If these signs are present, patients should be evaluated for thyroid disease.

Acute Pancreatitis

Both fatal and non-fatal hemorrhagic or necrotizing acute pancreatitis cases have been reported in post-marketing data. Patients should be monitored for pancreatitis signs, such as abdominal pain or vomiting. If these symptoms occur, Bydureon should be stopped immediately and pancreatitis should be managed appropriately. Therapy with Bydureon should not be reinitiated in the presence of true pancreatitis.

Hypoglycemia with Concomitant Use of Insulin Products

Bydureon can cause hypoglycemia when used in combination with other products that lower blood glucose, such as insulin. Dose adjustments to insulin may be required to prevent the development of hypoglycemia. Patients should be made aware of other drugs that can potentiate the glycemic effects of Bydureon and cause hypoglycemia. Patients should also be counseled on typical signs and symptoms of low blood sugar.

Acute Kidney Injury

Bydureon runs the risk of causing nausea and vomiting with transient hypovolemia, potentially impairing renal function. Bydureon has been reported to potentially cause elevated serum creatinine or worsen chronic and acute renal failure, resulting in the need for a kidney transplant or hemodialysis. In some cases, other drugs with renal effects such as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and diuretics were being used concomitantly. Multiple cases of altered renal function have been reversed with supportive care and halting of causative agents. Because of these occurrences, Bydureon should not be used in those with an eGFR of less than 45 mL/min/1.73 m².

Gastrointestinal Disease

Bydureon has been shown to cause gastrointestinal (GI) side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Because Bydureon has not been analyzed in pre-existing GI diseases like gastroparesis, it is not recommended for use in patients with serious GI diseases.

Immunogenicity

Patients can have anti-exenatide antibodies following treatment with Bydureon. The presence of antibodies has been associated with an attenuated glycemic response. If glucose control worsens or glycemic targets are not reached, providers should switch patients to another therapy.

Hypersensitivity Reactions

Bydureon has been shown to cause severe hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis and angioedema. Patients with a history of hypersensitivity reactions with other GLP-1 receptor agonists should be closely observed for allergic reactions. If anaphylaxis or angioedema occur, Bydureon should be stopped and the patient should seek medical attention.

Drug-Induced Thrombocytopenia

Drug-induced thrombocytopenia involves the immune system’s development of exenatide-dependent antibodies against platelets. When Bydureon is used, these antibodies can damage platelets and cause serious bleeding. Drug-induced thrombocytopenia can be fatal, and thus Bydureon should be stopped instantly if suspected. If confirmed, Bydureon should not be initiated.

Injection Site Reactions

Bydureon has been reported to cause severe injection-site reactions. These reactions include necrosis, abscess, and cellulitis, potentially with the presence of subcutaneous nodules. Isolated cases will necessitate intervention with surgery.

Acute Gallbladder Disease

Other GLP-1 receptor agonists have been shown to cause acute occurrences of gallbladder disease, such as cholelithiasis or cholecystitis. If gallbladder disease is suspected, providers should provide appropriate clinical interventions and monitoring.

DRUG INTERACTIONS

Use with Insulin or Insulin Products

Bydureon stimulates pancreatic beta cells to release insulin when high glucose levels are detected. There is a higher risk of developing hypoglycemia when Bydureon is used simultaneously with insulin or insulin secretagogues. When starting Bydureon while on other insulin products, it is recommended to decrease the dose of other glycemic control drugs to lessen the chance of becoming hypoglycemic. Patients should monitor for common signs of hypoglycemia, such as anxiety, palpitations, sweating, or confusion.

Warfarin

Although Byetta, another exenatide product, did not affect INR values in studies, there have been cases of exenatide elevating INR when used with warfarin. Some of these reports have resulted in bleeding. Bydureon has not been studied in combination with warfarin, however, caution should be taken if used concomitantly. Providers and patients should monitor INR more often after starting Bydureon. Patients should maintain a stable INR before continuing to monitor at normal, less frequent intervals usually used for warfarin.

Orally Administered Drugs (e.g. Acetaminophen)

Bydureon reduces the rate of gastric emptying, potentially causing Bydureon to slow the absorption rate of other oral drugs. Providers should take caution when patients are taking oral medications concomitantly with Bydureon, as a decreased oral absorption rate may reduce the clinical effectiveness of important medications. Order Now