BYETTA

Re: Anyone use Byetta?

Hi there to all fellow Diabetes sufferers.
I am type 2 for over 10 years now & have been on Byetta for about 18 months now.
I am glad to say that I have never experienced any nausea or other side effects since starting the drug.
On a plus side I have managed to loose nearly 14.5 kg in the past 18 months, which to me is great as I have not changed my diet or eating habits at all.
My readings were great until about 6 months ago when I noticed they had started to increase again considerably for no apparent reason.
Since then I have changed around some of my tablet medication in the hope of bringing things back under good control once again.
Good luck to you all.

Chris

Re: Anyone use Byetta?

Been on Byetta several months

Strongly Suggest by Hospital Consultant @ North Middlesex

As Diabetic 2 on Insulin - late diagnosed
And after several weeks insulin needed topping up - higher levels - Novamix
Was up as high as 30 in morning and 20 @ night

But since I have been on Byetta - it has stayed level most day's
Reduced Insulin to 10 morning & Evening

Also helped by doing two day's @ Local Sports Centre - Mechanic Gym - using machines
& Studio Hour - One hour of Movement and different Excercises
Part of the Active for Life Scheme

Do not seem to have lost any weight - around 115 Kilo @ 5.7 - Male

In my 60th Year - Early retired - Much time spent on computer - web sites etc

Aware have now got to sort out a more Active Life - As Free Gym has finished
After 12 Weeks -

Noticeable since being on Byetta - Is Stomach pains - and Head Aches
Not taken medication just rested

Due a Hospital visit in a couple of weeks

Interesting on Web site and litrature - not to be taken with Insulin
Consultant stated it was OK -
Accepted as Senior Diabetic Consultant

BOB/R

Re: Anyone use Byetta?

Hi Susiep

Very interesting about your other meds, my father-in-law is type 1 and we noticed that if you are taking Frusemide and Lisinopril you have to be regularly monitored because the two together can cause very low BP so we immediately took him off the lisinopril and he felt 100% better they now have him on Ramipril 1.25mg instead of 25mg of Lisinopril. Incidentally we told the GP what we did so they were fully aware and when he went into hospital recently they said that they and the GP should have noticed this combination as it is a no no.

Hope you are feeling better, and that your toe and ankle are healing okay.

Take care

Re: Anyone use Byetta?

Hi I have used byetta for a few months now and finding that my weight is slowly going down, it seems to reduce my appetite and my blood sugars are slightly better. I have been a type 2 for 5 years and continually find it difficult to control my blood sugars

Re: Anyone use Byetta?

I have been using Byetta for about 6 months what do you need to know ?
Just ask me any question that you have

Re: Anyone use Byetta?

Hi all I use Byetta 2x10mg dailey 1 hour before meals, Im also an insulin user 4 times a day.
I think Byetta is really good and it has helped me lose over a stone in wieght I get it on the N H S, free might I add.it did help me to control my sugar lvls at first but now they seem to be back to [] 1 unfortunately but still curbing my appitite.

Well worth the extra 2 injections I think.

Re:

SweetGuy said:

Byetta (Exenatide) is not listed in the BNF online: http://www.bnf.org.uk

Are you sure it is available on NHS prescription at all?

Rob

Click to expand...

Yes it is, the consultant has to prescribe it at first and then the GP will give it to you every month on the N H S, If he doesnt I sugest you have a strong word with him.

Re: Anyone use Byetta?

Hi Phillip.

:?

The post you have quoted here is from the 27th August 2007 ? Since that time Byetta is listed in the BNF and has been for some time. It does not have to be prescribed by a Consultant anymore, a GP can prescribe providing the local PCT agrees.

Re: Anyone use Byetta?

Lol Sorry i didnt realise it was so old lol as it was in an email to me, as I am T2 on insulin I was told the consultant needed to ok it first but only because Im on insulin though and maybe I assumed the others were , sorry for any confusion

Phil

Re: Anyone use Byetta?

HI am on my third month am takeing it with insulin but can only get it from hospital as a trial if they can get me of the insulin then the gp will take over. have lost 5klo so far does make me feel a bit sick sometimes but hay 5klo lost.


Malc.

Re: Anyone use Byetta?

I have been using Byetta for 3 months, it was difficult at the start but now I have got used to it. I too have lost 4kg-6kg. It controls the blood sugar very well during the day but over night it can be in double digits. I have now been given some slow working Insulin to be taken at night, hope to start this tomorrow
Does anyone have similar issues??

Re: Anyone use Byetta?

Hellow everyone I am a diabetic of 5 years and have done very well managing with diet until the last 6 months when my average readings over a 28 day period are now up to between 10 -12. They tend to go up over night by 1 or 2 points but even during the day never drop below 8 just recently.
My Gp has taken 2 lots of blood tests and is still adament I can continue on diet without medication. However, some days I feel awful, lethargic, tired, irritable and although dieting as recommended cutting down on carbs eating fruit salad etc I cannot keep weight off which would help of course. I am at a loss as to how to improve my condition and on how I feel.
After all the ramble my question is would BYETTA be a solution for me. I am 64 years old and wish to improve my quality of life, I would be willing to pay if necessary although this would be a struggle.
Secondly are blood sugars of 10-12 acceptable for diabetics without the need for medication to lower them to what understand is anacceptable 5-6 range.

Andrewstephen64

Re: Anyone use Byetta?

Hi Andrew.

There is a strict criterion for the prescribing of Byetta. These are the guidelines.

Consider adding a GLP-1 mimetic (exenatide) as third-line therapy to first-line metformin and a second-line sulfonylurea when control of blood glucose remains or becomes inadequate (HbA1c ≥ 7.5%, or other higher level agreed with the individual), and the person has:

• a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 35.0 kg/m2 in those of European descent (with appropriate adjustment for other ethnic groups) and specific psychological or medical problems associated with high body weight, or

• a BMI < 35.0 kg/m2, and therapy with insulin would have significant occupational implications or weight loss would benefit other significant obesity-related comorbidities. [new 2009]

Only you know if you are suitable ? Sometimes the guidelines are routinely ignored ??

As for Bg levels for a T2 they should be within the following guidelines.
Fasting(waking) ..............between 4 - 7 mmol/l.
2 hrs after meals.............no more than 8.5 mmol/l.
If you can get below the figures for post meal readings then so much the better.

I am 61 and this has turned my life around and have lost almost 4 stone since January this year.

Re: Anyone use Byetta?

Thanks for your help on this one. With BMI I would say I am suitable as having a problem with my back excercise is extremely difficult not helping with weight.
With regard to the readings you quote I have not attained those readings for 18 months now and have been told by my GP there is nothing to worry about but every thing I read on this site appears to indicate otherwise, perhaps its time to refer myself to a consultant for peace of mind and perhaps to see whether BYRETTA would be suitable for me, what do you or anyone else think.

Re: Anyone use Byetta?

There is one thing that I would like to say about Byetta, when or if you suffer from Hypo`s you need to remember that Byetta slows the stomache down so that the food you eat lasts longer there for if you do have a Hypo you will need to have a sugary drink rather than a piece of chocolate or a biscuit as the drink will work faster in this case.
There is so much great advice and help regarding Byetta and I would like to say thank you to you all for the information as im sure it will help many Diabetics in the future who reads this thread.

Byetta has helped me and I think without it I would resemble a rather large michilin man. hehehehe

Re: Anyone use Byetta?

Hi Andrew.

Get your GP to refer you to an Endocrinologist, a specialist in Diabetes and other matters. You are entitled to ask for a second opinion.

A private referall could be costly. Byetta when paid for privately is about £120 per month, so it is better to use the NHS services. There is also another new drug called Victoza which is a once a day injection as opposed to Byetta twice daily. There is a thread on here about it in Diabetes Discussions.

Byetta with Insulin

Hi Guys,

Can anyome tell me if they are using Byetta with insulin and if so how are they feeling.

Since starting using insulin in December 08(various ones over the time) I have put on 2 1/2 stone in weight I am mortified. I have been to the dietician and my diabetic nurse and they both agree it is definately not what I am eating. To be honest I dont think I eat enough to keep a bird a live but it must be but anyway......

I am using Humilin I in the morning 28 and Humalog 50 evening meal 26. As well as the insulin I am taking Pioglitazone 40g and Metformin 1000mg twice a day. I have been to see the specialist this week and he has suggested using the Byetta as well twice a day which will assist the weight loss. He has informed me that the makers of Byetta wont be responsible for my using it along with the insulin as they arent 100% sure of the side affects. The specialist has said it it obviously my choice at the end of the day and he has many other people doing the same with no problems and with great success with the weight loss. One of the problems is Gall stones but I have already have mine removed in 1982 and also Pancreaitis (sp). He was very graffic as to what can happen which does concern me a little and has said in no uncertain terms that I have to go straight to A & E if I develope stomach pains.

I had some new bloods taken and he wants me to start in Sept along with a few others. What are your thoughts guys and I am not quite sure what I should do. I have to say the weight gain is really getting me down as I just cant cope with it. I was the same weight for years and years then all of a sudden its piled on, its so depressing trying to find clothes to wear every day. My arms amd legs are like little sticks and then I have this big fat body which feels like its going to pop LOL. Doesnt help my legs and feet are so swollen with water retention I can hardly walk some days because they are so painful. I look like the blasted michelin man.

Thanks for listening Guys.......on a good note its my birthday today so I have a day off work so I can look as fat as I like without anyone seeing me Ha Ha.

Milly

Re: Anyone use Byetta?

Hi, one very depressed newbie here! I have been to see my nurse today and I am having trouble getting my BS down (on metformin and gliclazide). I asked about Byetta and was told its not suitable for me as my BS too high at 11 - 14 on waking 6.5ish before meals. She also said it takes a long time to have any effect (3 months) in bringing BS down. Now after reading the posts on this site that sounds like rubbish!! Also I have never seen a doctor or consultant which most of you mention, I was diagnosed 10 years ago (millenium new years eve!! certainly spoiled my night out!!) and have always been sent to the nurse in both practices that I have been to. Any advice on how to approach the subject next time I see her in three weeks time? Thanks all

Re: Anyone use Byetta?

Hiya jampanda

Im sorry that you ar feeling so depressed, personally if I were you I wouldnt wait 3 more weeks I would demand to see a consultant aswell as my GP and there should also be a specially trained diabetic nurse somewhere.

Good luck for the future but remember to keep coming here to ask your questions and then you wont feel as though you are suffering alone, I have found a lot of comfort and support from this site over the time I have been a member.

Phil.

Re: Anyone use Byetta?

I was diagnosed with Diabetes type 2 last March during a routine check up. My mum was diabetic for many years. My GP put me on Metformin and I was seeing him once a month and also the nurse once a month, both for follow up. Nurse also checks my feet periodically and I did the retinography eye test. Metformin gave me side effects and GP referred to a consultant who's brilliant. He put me on Byetta and glucophage. The diabetes nurse showed my how to use Byetta and that I have to take it one hour before eating. Consultant prescribed it, initially for one month, along with Glucophage. Now I go to GP for repeat prescription of Glucophage but go to the consultant monthly for Byetta prescription. I had two days of nausea. Otherwise, all is well.