BYETTA

[Iain77]

Re: Anyone use Byetta?

Hi

I started Byetta today.
25 stone of bare a***d scottish guy and i couldnt inject myself ,I was scared.I had to wake my wife and she done it ,this morning.

I have felt fine all day nothing out the norm,blood sugars fine as well.

I came home and it took me 30 minutes but i injected myself for the first time tonight.

Thanks for the support and advice
I have needed it.

Iain

 

[cugila]

Re: Anyone use Byetta?

Well done Iain, it does get easier.

 

[Trulee]

Re: Anyone use Byetta?

well done Iain - have to admit to being a bit apprehensive the first time too!

 

[parageiss]

Re: Anyone use Byetta?

Well I have been on it now for two months and its the wonder drug I hoped it would be, its fantastic, my blood results are down from14's 18's now they are 6's and 7's I have so much energy, I am thinking correctly, sleeping better. The side effects, few and far between bit of a sore stomach and if I had to much sugar I would feel sick so I now can regulate it myself I know the point. What I did find out about the drug I was watching a programme on Sky about venomous animals and this one came up the Gila Monster and its venom was synthesised to make Byetta, :shock: Mother Nature to the rescue again. :wink:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gila_monster

 

[thedame]

Re: Anyone use Byetta?

Hi

I am about to start my second month on Byetta and have my x10 pen at the ready! So far my bloods have come down to under 8 from 13 and I have lost 9 lbs. My team are really pleased with my progress.

One thing which confuses me is the question of low carbs. I see this has been raised on here recently and I question my nurse about this as on an average day, I start with a cereal such as Weetabix have a low fat sandwich lunchtime or soup and crackers and a balanced evening meal such as a small serving of meat and two veg - sometimes potato as the carb or rice or pasta. I also have 3 small pieces of fruit a day. I have struggled all my life with severe weight problems but my nurse said that I am eating the correct balance of foods and will continue to lose weight slowly but surely if I watch the portions, take exercise and cut out the treats!

I also read an article on this site "Diabetes and Carbohydrate Diets" which more or less dismisses a low carb diet as a recommended way of maintaining a healthy weight loss - it implies that although users see a satisfying and fast loss, this is not always healthy in the long run. So now I am a bit confused! The article does stress that individuals need to find what regime suits them - so I guess that if certain foods do not agree with you, adjustments need to be made but if the weight is shifting, albeit slowly compared to what some other Byetta users are reporting, could this not be the right thing in the long term?

 

[cugila]

Re: Anyone use Byetta?

Well I have been on it now for two months and its the wonder drug I hoped it would be, its fantastic, my blood results are down from14's 18's now they are 6's and 7's I have so much energy, I am thinking correctly, sleeping better. The side effects, few and far between bit of a sore stomach and if I had to much sugar I would feel sick so I now can regulate it myself I know the point. What I did find out about the drug I was watching a programme on Sky about venomous animals and this one came up the Gila Monster and its venom was synthesised to make Byetta, :shock: Mother Nature to the rescue again. :wink:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gila_monster

THe Gila Monster........seen my avatar......?

 

[cugila]

Re: Anyone use Byetta?

I also read an article on this site "Diabetes and Carbohydrate Diets" which more or less dismisses a low carb diet as a recommended way of maintaining a healthy weight loss - it implies that although users see a satisfying and fast loss, this is not always healthy in the long run. So now I am a bit confused! The article does stress that individuals need to find what regime suits them - so I guess that if certain foods do not agree with you, adjustments need to be made but if the weight is shifting, albeit slowly compared to what some other Byetta users are reporting, could this not be the right thing in the long term? [/quote ]

Hi thedame.

Whatever works for you is the 'right way'. Low carbs can and does work for many. Then there are others who use low GI/GL and various other regimes. There is no one way suitable for everybody.
Test and see your results. If you have good control of your Bg levels, your weight is dropping with what you eat, then stick with it.

I personally couldn't get any sort of good numbers or have lost 4 stone without a drastic reduction in carbs, avoiding strenuously any of the sort of foods you can eat.
So, whatever you find on the net which dismisses things out of hand, there is, more than one single way. Unfortunately the Dieticians etc seem to think in a lot of cases that their dietary advice is the only way. Not true.

 

[Trulee]

Re: Anyone use Byetta?

sorry all - just want to begin by apologising for my negative attitude yesterday

things aren't much better today unfortunately, but rolling my sleeves up and getting on with it again as usual :roll:

have a question if anyone can answer it though - how do I tell if the Metformin I have been prescribed is slow release or not, and should it be slow release when used with Byetta? (Proably a really dumb question but I dont know the answer :? )

Also, have checked several websites and find that 2550mg or Metformin should be the maximum adult dose - but my SDN has suggested that I introduce an 'extra' 2x500mg tablets at lunchtime which would take me to a total of 3000mg - has anyone else tried this?

thanks a lot
Trulee

 

[cugila]

Re: Anyone use Byetta?

Hi Trulee.
Don't apologise.....we can all have 'bad days'.

Metformin if slow release should have on it's container/box SR or MR denoting Slow Release or Modified Release. There should also be a Patient Information Leaflet in the packet or with the container. If there isn't one ASK for it.

BYETTA is not expected to have any clinically relevant effects on the pharmacokinetics of metformin or sulphonylureas. Hence, no restriction in timing of intake of these medicinal products in relation to BYETTA injection are needed.

The maximum dose in the BNF for ordinary Metformin and MR/SR is listed as 2000mg (2g).
However this doseage is sometimes ignored and routinely upped by members of the medical profession. I was on 3000mg (3g) per day for a long time without any problems at all. So, if that is what they recommend and you are OK with the upped dose, then fine.

 

[thedame]

Re: Anyone use Byetta?

Hi Trulee

I am also on 3000mg of Metformin - 2 x500 taken 3 times a day. My consultant told me that was the maximum dose? He would not prescibe any other of the conventional meds as they could add to my weight probs hence I am on the Byetta. Luckily I tolerate the Metformin - worse that happens is that I am on the loose side when it comes to the loo :wink: This is not a problem and beats not being able to go! Hang on in there - hope you will find your level soon. This time last year I was having a very bad reaction to a drug called Accomplia - now withdrawn by the NHS and it can be disheartening to read of others success stories when you are having problems, but posts on here show how different we all are when it comes to our treatment so give it time

 

[Trulee]

Re: Anyone use Byetta?

thanks both of you.

Have now spoken to SDN and going to try upping the Metformin to three times a day starting tomorrow, as I dont have any at work with me :roll:

She is of the opinion that we could re-introduce the Gliclazide, but I've asked her to confirm that as my understanding from the consultant was that part of the reason he was able to get me the Byetta in the first place was because Glic was not suitable for heart patients - will wait and see on that one - but at least she is trying to help.

 

[cugila]

Re: Anyone use Byetta?

Gliclazide bad for your heart.......that's a new one on me ??? :?

Extract:
Gliclazide also has effects in the blood vessels. It has been shown to prevent blood cells called platelets from clumping together in the blood. It also increases the breakdown of blood clots that form within the blood vessels. This may help prevent the long-term complications of diabetes, which may be partly due to changes in the blood vessels caused by these mechanisms.

It does say to use with caution in those WITH severe vascular disease, eg severe coronary heart disease.

I have been on Glic for several years after a Heart Op without any problems at all. It was prescribed by my Endo.

 

[Trulee]

Re: Anyone use Byetta?

thanks for that Cugila - am totally confused now lololol - but then that appears to be my normal state at the minute.

I had a heart attack last Xmas and am now on various medications - maybe I should get them to check that its not a 'conflict' with something that is the problem then :?

 

[Trulee]

Re: Anyone use Byetta?

Really quick drop in with one of my 'lunchtime questions' if no-one minds :roll:

But first - spoke with DSN late yesterday - no reason to not use Glic, increasing Metformin first to see if that works and will then try with Glic and see what happens.

OK - silly question for the day - has anyone else suddenly noticed they are constipated on Byetta?

 

[cugila]

Re: Anyone use Byetta?

Hi Trulee.

You do pick' em. :lol:

My answer NO. Maybe what you are eating ?

 

[Dennis]

Re: Anyone use Byetta?

Hi Trulee,

Contrary to Ken, my answer is yes, it can do. One of the actions of Byetta is to slow down the rate at which food is digested and in some people this can have a slightly constipatory effect. This is why people suffering from IBS often find things in that department improve on Byetta.

But it does also depend on exactly what you are eating. I know tthat if I eat prunes then no amount of Byetta will save me!!!

 

[Trulee]

Re: Anyone use Byetta?

Thanks guys - will have a think about what I've eaten then - but glad to know I'm not totally 'abnormal' :roll: :roll: :roll:

 

[RWJ]

Re: Anyone use Byetta?

Hi

Am new on here today having searched for the forum. Started on Byetta today on 5. Was a little nervous about it after hearing of side affects but after being diabetic type 2 for 17 years and weight constantly going up I knew I had to try. I was beginning to feel desperate and was so happy when my GP suggested seeing the consultant about Byetta and they put me on it straightaway. Unfortunately I started with a cough and cold last night and so wasnt at my best when I started this morning but I was not going to be put off for a moment longer. I was told to take 15 minutes before I ate as this would lessen the nausea. Was fine at work in the morning just had a sort of far away feeling and didn't feel like I was getting much work done. :shock:

Was okay in the afternoon, kept myself busy and then just felt a little sickly after tea. But am feeling fine now.

I am impressed at the weight loss people have had here - that is my great aim to lose weight. I have been like this for years but not quite as heavy. I am at my heaviest weight to date and I hate it, I feel so restricted and can't do the things I wish I could.

Anyway, had a good old read up on these pages and got lots of information that you all share.This page is going to be my saviour in the coming weeks and months and look forward to reading more and will keep you updated on my progress.
RWJ

 

[cugila]

Re: Anyone use Byetta?

Hi RWJ.
Welcome to the forum. Another dedicated reader of this thread. If you haven't found the answer to any questions you might have just ask. Have a good look around all the other forum areas. They might be useful too.

 

[thedame]

Re: Anyone use Byetta?

Hi RJW and welcome to the Byetta Club :wink:

Good luck with the meds- I am just into my 2nd month and now on the higher dose. Just wanted to let you know that I too got that "spaced out" feeling. Weird or what! Not an unpleasant feeling and for me not a problem as I do not work - hope it doesn't cause you any problems. For me this only lasted for the first 2 or 3 days and this time round it is much less obvious.