Re: Anyone use Byetta?
Hi , I started on Byetta on Friday. Up till now it has been a bit of a disaster. Initially I got incomplete and disturbing info from one of the nurses. I had to come on the forum to get info advice and reassurance( thanks for that Fergus) Anyway on Thursday I realised that I hadn't been given info about how I should prepare, should I be fasted, should I take my meds priior to the first dose, so I called the clinic, the receptionist said she would check for me, she returned and said there was no need to fast and that I could take my meds. Yes you've guessed, when I got there I was told that I should not have had breakfast, and that I should not have taken meds! She then went on to say that it wouldn't make any difference for ther first dose. I was concerned that all the info said it should not be taken after a meal, but she insisted it was ok. I had the dose and must admit that I did feel quite ropey for about an hour afterward, particularly with headache and epigastric discomfort, I had slight nausea, but not bad, certainly nothing like I was led to believe by the first nurse. When I got home that night I realised I had not been advised as to when I should
take my Gliclazide, and in what sequence, Byetta first, Gliclazide first etc. I decided to call NHS 24 to get some guidance. I won't bore you with the details of how that went, but it took 2 hours to get someone to talk to me. I spoke to a pharmacist who read to me from the patients info sheet and admitted that she didn't really know what to advise. So, as well as the fiasco with the GP and pharmacist not knowing what needles to give me and then giving me the wrong ones. They couldn't give me the ones that were reccomended because they were not on their dictionary? Anyway I have spent the weekend worrying whether I am taking the pills at the right time, and incidentally the only time my BG fell below 10 was when I took the Byetta after food! Any advice info out there re timings? Does Byetta usually have an effect on BG immediately or does it take time? I am finding it quite scary that I don't feel able to trust the health professionals. I would be grateful for any info,
Thanks Linda C