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Been offered by my Diabetic Nurse to switch to Byetta

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dave1961

Member
Hi All

new to this forum so any thoughts would be helpful

Over the last 2 years my blood sugar level has started to rise, especially over night, my original average was around 6-7 over a 6 month period (now 8.6), this was when taking metformin and rozigliazone

since they have banned rozigliazone and put me one a replacement called Pioglitazone that's when my levels have increased (looks to me that i am incompatible with the Pioglitazone although it is supposed to work the same way.

anyway, my Diabetic nurse has offered my the choice of either another pill or switching to Byetta, they only have a small amount of people on the drug as its so expensive, i wondered if anyone else here was on Byetta and if they had found any side effects, problems or did it work for you OK

Thanks in advance

Dave
 
The short answer is:

Byetta is a great drug for a lot of people, with some initial side effects. If you are offered it you should give it a go.

Check the thread above - it's a loooong read, though! :wink:
 
I am new to this and have been taking byetta for only 2 days. I have read all the comments but none refer to kidney problems. I have had high BP which now seems to be under control, some very high bg readings of 14.5 during day which even after 2 days are down to less than 10 but I have moderate kidney failure and I am very worried about the effect the injections may have on this. Has anyone else got this problem - my sensible brain says if BP and sugars down that must help kidney but there is another very scared bit which needs some reassurance.
I do need to lose lot of weight but to be honest I am much more interested in the effect on my one remaining kidney so would appreciate any help.
 
barleymo.
Renal problems should have been discussed with you before any prescribing of Byetta......

This from the BNF 61 (Prescribing bible) :

Renal impairment :
use with caution if eGFR 30–50 mL/minute/1.73 m2; avoid if eGFR less than 30 mL/minute/1.73m2
Click to expand...

I think that you have every reason to be worried about this. I would suggest you discuss this with whoever prescribed it asap. If only to satisfy yourself that you meet the criteria above.
 
Haven't had any replies to my query about existing renal problems - surely there is someone out there who had problems before taking Byetta or am I unique. I have to admit to being so worried about this that I am considering stopping injections - have spoken to doctor and diabetic nurse but they just say continue til blood test in 3 weeks and then make a choice - will that be too late to avoid further damage or are my chances of further damage so small I am just being daft. Please someone reply.
 
Well first day if taking Byetta, none of the symptoms yet, checked BG 2 1/2 hrs after eating listed @ 6.9 (normally around 12-15) so it must be doing something, gonna check BG before I go to bed to see if its gone lower ....
 
Well the symptoms have now appeared

Very nauseous, full feeling, dizzy hopefully they will go away later on although only on 5

Diet wise I am eating half or less of normal portions ( so weight should go down) now have cereals (25 gm) cornflakes or bran flakes. 1 brown toast & marmite for breakfast

2 slices bread sandwich for lunch and either fruit or yogurt maybe a couple of fruit ryvita

Meat and veg or salad for dinner fruit or maybe 2 inch sq fruit cake

Since taking injection have found that I am drinking less (which is bad) have to force myself to drink

Well weight was 118.5kg according to Nurse should lose 1.5 - 2kg a week I hope 8-)
 
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