Exenatide: Uses, indications and cautions when using

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Exenatide is used to treat type 2 diabetes. It works by stimulating the pancreas to secrete insulin when blood sugar is high. Exenatide must not be used as a substitute for insulin to treat type 1 diabetes.

1. What disease does Exenatide treat?

For people with diabetes, good control of blood sugar can help prevent many complications, such as:
Kidney damage; Loss of vision; Diabetic nerve problems; Amputation of a limb; Sexual dysfunction; Risk of heart attack or stroke. Currently, Exenatide is a prescription medication used by people with type 2 diabetes to control high blood sugar, in conjunction with a proper diet and exercise plan.

2. How to use Exenatide

You need to read the instructions for use and the injection pen provided by your pharmacist before you start using Exenatide and each time you receive a refill. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for exact answers if you have questions. Before using Exenatide, you can check with the naked eye to see if the product has particles or discoloration, if so, do not use it. Before each injection, the injection site should be cleaned with rubbing alcohol and the injection site should be changed to reduce subcutaneous damage. Inject Exenatide under the skin in the thigh, abdomen, or upper arm as directed by your doctor, usually twice a day. Should be injected within 60 minutes before breakfast and dinner; or before any 2 main meals of the day, at least 6 hours apart. Exenatide should not be used after meals because it will no longer work. If you are also using insulin, inject Exenatide and insulin separately, do not mix the two solutions. You can inject these drugs into the same area of ​​your body, but the injection sites should not be close to each other. Because Exenatide slows the digestion of food and medicine in the stomach, some medications (eg, birth control pills, antibiotics) may not be effective if you take them at the same time. If you must use it, you should take birth control pills or antibiotics at least 1 hour before using Exenatide. If you must take these medicines with food, choose meals or snacks when not taking Exenatide. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for detailed instructions on when to take the medicine. The dose of Exenatide injection will be prescribed according to each person's health condition and response to treatment. Regular use of Exenatide will provide the most benefit. In order not to miss a dose, take the medicine at the same times each day. Carefully follow your diabetes control plan, which includes medication, diet, and exercise. While taking Exenatide, check your blood sugar regularly, monitor the results and share them with your doctor. In particular, let your doctor know if your blood sugar is frequently too high or too low so that your medication, exercise schedule, or diet can be adjusted more appropriately. Do not share Exenatide injectors with others, even if the needles have been changed, to avoid serious infection. Learn more about how to safely store and dispose of medical supplies from a professional.

3. Side effects when taking the drug Exenatide

During the process of the body adapting to Exenatide, you may experience side effects such as:
Nausea; Vomiting; Diarrhea ; Worried; Stomachache; Decreased appetite; Weight loss. The feeling of nausea usually subsides as you continue to use Exenatide for a while. Tell your doctor or pharmacist right away if unwanted symptoms persist or get worse.
Before prescribing Exenatide , your doctor has evaluated the benefits of treatment to outweigh the risks of side effects. Many people use Exenatide without serious side effects.
Although Exenatide itself does not usually cause hypoglycemia, low blood sugar can occur if you also prescribe other diabetes medications. So tell your doctor or pharmacist about all the diabetes medications you are taking.
Patients should make it a habit to carry glucose tablets or gels for first aid when blood sugar is low. If not, you can quickly raise blood sugar by eating sugar, honey, candy, or drinking fruit juice, sweet soda.
In general, while using Exenatide, you need to tell your doctor right away for emergency medical care if:
Have a serious side effect: Change in the amount of urine, yellow eyes, yellow skin, bruising purple, bleeding; Pancreatitis (rare) with symptoms: Nausea, vomiting that doesn't stop, severe stomach or abdominal pain; Very serious (very rare) allergic reaction: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing; Other side effects of Exenatide are not listed.

4. Caution when using Exenatide

Before using Exenatide, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any allergies. The risk of allergic reactions or other problems may come from the inactive ingredients contained in the product.
The patient also needs to tell the doctor or pharmacist his medical history, especially of:
Digestive disorders, problems with the stomach or intestines; Kidney disease; Pancreatitis; Stones in the gallbladder ; Thrombocytopenia due to Exenatide. You may experience blurred vision, headache, dizziness, or drowsiness from your blood sugar being too low or too high. Therefore, do not drive, operate machinery or similar activities that require safety until you are awake and have clear vision.
In general, patients should limit alcohol while taking Exenatide to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia.
Blood sugar can be more difficult to control when your body is under stress (due to fever, infection, injury or surgery). In this case, your doctor may change your treatment plan, medication, or blood sugar test.
During pregnancy, Exenatide should only be used if absolutely necessary. Furthermore, pregnancy can affect diabetes. Therefore, pregnant women need to work closely with their doctors to control their blood sugar well (such as adjusting their diet and taking medications such as insulin).
It is not known whether Exenatide passes into breast milk, but it is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Women who are on medication should still consult their doctor before breast-feeding.

5. Interaction between Exenatide with other drugs

Drug interactions can change the way Exenatide works or increase your risk of serious side effects. Many medications can affect your blood sugar, making it harder for you to control your blood sugar. You need to make a list of all medicines (prescription/nonprescription) and herbs you are taking for your doctor and pharmacist to see. Without your doctor's approval, do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medication on your own. Beta-blockers (such as metoprolol, propranolol, glaucoma eye drops) can cause your heart to beat faster and harder when you have low blood sugar. Therefore, need to be careful while combining with.

6. Some other notes when using Exenatide

6.1. Overdose and missed dose If you have overdosed on Exenatide and have severe symptoms (passing out or having trouble breathing), call 911 right away. If you forget a dose of Exenatide, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, you can skip the missed dose. Take your next dose of Exenatide at the usual time and dose. 6.2. Storage Store new, unused injection pens in the refrigerator between 2-8 degrees Celsius. Do not freeze or keep near children and pets. After first use, store at room temperature at or below 25°C, protected from light. Dispose of the medication properly 30 days after first use (even if there is still medication in the pen), or when it has expired and is no longer needed. Keep all medications away.
6.3. Note Do not share Exenatide with others. Patients should educate themselves more about diabetes and the role of treatment, including medication, diet, exercise, and regular eye/foot/general exams. Renal function tests, blood sugar, hemoglobin A1c should be performed before starting treatment and periodically to monitor disease progression or check for drug side effects.

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Reference source: webmd.com