Exenatide belongs to a class of medication called glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists. It works by mimicking a hormone to make the pancreas produce more insulin and less glucagon to control blood sugar level. It is used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Bydureon® and Bydureon BCise® are the extended-release injectable suspension of Exenatide. Bydureon® is administered via subcutaneous injection pre-filled pens, while Bydureon® BCise™ is administered via subcutaneous injection by auto-injector.
The usual dose is 2 mg subcutaneously once weekly on the same day each week. If changing the day of administration in a week is necessary, allow at least three days between the two doses.
Common side effects of Exenatide include diarrhea, dyspepsia, nausea, vomiting, constipation, dizziness, or injection-site nodule (more common with the pen).
For Pen:
Allow the pen to come to room temperature (wait at least 15 minutes after removal from the refrigerator) prior to administration. Hold the pen by the end with the orange label and tap firmly against the palm of the hand to mix until the suspension is evenly mixed with no residual medicine along the top, side, or bottom. The mixture should appear uniformly white to off-white or cloudy, then administer immediately after mixing. To ensure a full dose is delivered, after insertion of the needle press the injection button until it clicks and holds for 10 seconds.
For auto-injector:
Allow the auto-injector to come to room temperature (wait at least 15 minutes after removal from the refrigerator) prior to administration. Shake the autoinjector vigorously for at least 15 seconds until the suspension is evenly mixed with no residual medicine along the top, side, or bottom. The mixture should appear uniformly white to off-white or cloudy, administer immediately after mixing. To ensure a full dose is delivered, press the auto-injector against the skin until it clicks and holds for 15 seconds.
Common dosing schedule:
Exenatide can be injected subcutaneously in the abdomen, thigh or upper arm. You may administer at any time of day, independently of meals.
This schedule is for reference only, adjustments may be made according to individual needs.
Some common medications Exenatide may interact with:
Please notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the above medication, dosage adjustments might be needed.
In Hong Kong, Exenatide is a prescription only medicine, and requires a prescription from a doctor to be purchased in a pharmacy. It can also be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.
For more information about drug names and ingredients, you can visit Hong Kong’s Drug Office at https://www.drugoffice.gov.hk
Need more information?
For detailed information about the use of Exenatide in children, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for questions about drug interactions, please check with your pharmacist or doctor.
Disclaimer: our goal is to provide you with the most relevant drug information and common dosage for Hong Kong. This information does not constitute medical advice. For specific treatment recommendations and advice, always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, and follow the instructions included with your specific medicine.
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