Anyone using Byetta???
Find a Conversation
Anyone using Byetta???
| Mon, 08-27-2007 - 9:33pm |
Hi,
I just started using Byetta about a week ago and am experiencing the nausea that was pretty much promised. I was just wondering how long I might expect this to last. Or if anyone had any luck with quelling the nausea? I certainly am not able to eat anywhere near what I am used to eating...actually after about 5 bites, I want to quit. I also just started back on metformin, so I know that is causing some of the stomach upset, as well.
TIA for any information.
Joan

Pages
It is very good for losing weight. They recently completed clinical trials for it as a weight loss med in pts with diabetes with good results. Weight lose on Byetta is slow and steady so it is a good way to lose weight that is sustainable. I still have to watch what I eat and exercise daily.
It is actually an appetite suppressant so I now eat about 1/4 of what I used to eat. A message is sent from the neuropeptides in the stomach to the brain that says "STOP EATING." Works like a charm. I pay 100 bucks for 3 months worth (3 pens) through my husband's mail order insurance pharmacy. Still pricey but it's worth it to be a non-diabetic who is still losing weight after being on it for a year.
I had a set back for 6 months this year because I was put on Lyrica and I gained all of the 35 pounds I had lost on the Byetta while on Lyrica. I also had severe peripheral edema (ankles, hands, legs) and edema of my face and neck so I had to come off the Lyrica even though it got rid of my neuropathy (of my feet and hands) and fibromyalgia. In fact, the FDA has just put out a new safety warning about Lyrica and edema as well as some other side effects.
I have been off the Lyrica for a couple of weeks and I am back to losing weight!!!! Happy, happy. My feet are all tingly again, but it's not bad. It was hard coming off the Lyrica. I tried 3 times before I was able to successfully stop taking it. I had severe body pain and had to titrate down off of it very slowly. Sorry, I digress.
Some people need to be on Byetta and Metformin, like my DH. His A1C was still in the 7s on Byetta alone so he is now on Byetta 10 mcgs and Metformin XL (500 mg 1x daily) and he is battling chronic constipation because of the Metformin. Now he has to take a laxative daily, but his A1C is down in the mid 6s now so it's good. We both hate the Metformin, but it is a necessary evil right now since nothing else seems safe and he does not want to be put on insulin yet. Soon, I hope a once a week Byetta shot will be put on the market that has shown more promise in bringing down fasting blood sugars. My DHs blood sugars go up overnight because his liver produces too much glucose overnight--I think that's how it works. So the once a week shot would be really nice.
We would not be able to afford Byetta if it were not for the insurance we have. I will say this for Metformin...(besides that it is cheap!) I had a better lipid profile while I was on it and my DHs lipid profile is much better now that he is on the Metformin. It's a good drug. It's just awful hard on the stomach for some of us, LOL.
Visit the PMDD Group at: Http://groups.ivillage.com/pmdd
My DH and I get the appetite suppression with all three meals. There is a stabbing sensation near the stomach/chest area (kinda hurts) and that is followed by the fullness feeling
Are you on the 5 or 10 prescription.
Amy
Hi,
If it did not come with the video or DVD or book with instructions go to http://www.byetta.com/index.jsp
and you will find everything you need. They even have an 800 number you can call with questions.
I am on the 5 mcgs. I have never been able to up the dose to the 10 mcgs. My A1C is not really high so I think that has something to do with it. My DH is on the 10 and doing fine. You should start on the 5 and at one month or a little earlier get an A1C done or whatever test your doc uses to see where you are at. If you are still too high then you go to the 10. If you are low like me, then you stay on the 5.
The easiest place is the abdomen. The way I was taught by my doc who also uses Byetta! is to go around the stomach and never stick in the same spot often so just move around in a circular way and stay far away from the belly button. the other place is the upper thigh. You could theoretically do upper arm, but that is too hard to maneuver.
You must first prime the pen. Put a needle on the pen. On average it takes 3 squirts to get most pens primed. Then you move the dial to the arrow pull out on the dial and then go to the number (my guess is you are starting with the 5) then tap the pen lightly so that there are no drops of med on the needle. Sometimes it can cause a rash. Insert the needle into you skin till you can't see the needle anymore--all the way and then press the dial with your thumb as hard as you can (to make sure you get the whole dose). Then count to 50 and at this point I twirl the pen around so that any drops on the needle go under my skin and not on it. This also allows you to get every drop of medication.
I hope the Byetta site helps you. Let me know if you have questions. I know Mary-Francis knows all about this also as I think she uses pen needles.
Visit the PMDD Group at: Http://groups.ivillage.com/pmdd
Amy
You must prime the pen. It will not work correctly and give you the correct dose without priming it. You should prime it before you use it again to make sure it is working. You want to see a steady long stream come out of the pen.
The nausea lasts a couple of weeks on average.
Good luck
Visit the PMDD Group at: Http://groups.ivillage.com/pmdd
This stuff is truly amazing.
Amy
Visit the PMDD Group at: Http://groups.ivillage.com/pmdd
Pages