Anyone here using Byetta?

[MeadowLark]

If you are... how are you doing on it?
I've a cold and starting it at the same time. So, I cant tell if the sinus headache is a side effect or just a "cold headache." ugh.
Otherwise, I am losing weight already! Not hungry and no sick tummy:)
MeadowLark

[clee]

If you are... how are you doing on it?
I've a cold and starting it at the same time. So, I cant tell if the sinus headache is a side effect or just a "cold headache." ugh.
Otherwise, I am losing weight already! Not hungry and no sick tummy:)
MeadowLark


I have been on Byetta for 1 year and 3 months. I have lost a total of approximately 53 lbs. I did have a bit of nausea but nothing I could not handle and it happened only once in a blue moon. Not everyone responds the same way to Byetta. I did, however, have a headache every now and then, immediately after the injection, but lasted only 5 minutes at the most. My taste buds changed too. Actually, they were enhanced. I love veggies and Byetta made me crave them even more. For a long time, I did not want to eat any meat. All I wanted were the veggies (all kinds). Even now, a day doesn't go by without me eating a huge salad for lunch or dinner.

I have, as of this past weekend, discovered tofu! It tastes great! What I found out was that whatever it is cooked with, that's the flavor it takes on. You may be able to tolerate certain foods more than others but just hang in there. :2thumbsup:

My suggestion would be to eat small, non-greasy meals. It will help with nausea if you have it.

[JSNorris]

I've just started using the Byetta pen...it's been about two weeks, now. One thing I've noticed with me, is that I almost have no appetite, whatsoever...which, I guess is good in a way.

The first few days, I haven't felt all that great, but, I figure in time, I'll feel better. So far, my morning fasting blood sugar has come down some (prior to starting Byetta, it was at around 300 in the A.M.)...but, not enough, I don't think...last time I checked it was at 152...maybe, it just takes time...I don't know.

Anyone else using Byetta??

[bettydlls]

I've been on Byetta for 9 months, I lost 5 pounds but recently gained 6. I've not experienced diarrhea. When bored or depressed my appetite is ravenous unable to control. The doctor started me on 5 mcg 2 x day; I'm suppose to take 10 mcg 2x day but I only take 10mcg 1x day in the morning and it seems to work all day in controlling my appetite. Because of other medical problems that cause me nausea, I woulnd't be able to tell if the Byetta is the cause. I 've decided to get serious about my Diabetes staring today.

[mandiees]

Is Byetta supposed to decrease your appetite, or is that just one of the common side effects?

[bettydlls]

It's suppose to help control your blood sugar and your appetite, atleast that what my dietician says. When I started couldn't control my eating, now I have to make myself eat, not when I'm depressed. Nothing really helps during those times. ::thumbup:

[JSNorris]

I started on Byetta back in May...since then, I've lost over 25 pounds. Even now, I have almost no appetite. I may get really hungry, but, after I eat a few bites...I feel full and can't eat anymore. But, for the most part, food, as a whole, has no appeal to me. I eat mainly because I have to.

I don't think the intention of Byetta is weight loss...but, as I read it's one of the side effects...but, not a serious one, or one that needs to be halted.

I do notice that some food kinda makes me feel kinda queasy...but, when I notice that, I stay away from that particular food (although, at the moment, I can't recall what foods that was).

I take 5 mcg 2xDay...and it seems to work for me. Just recently, I heard some "bad" news about possible problems with Byetta...and I kinda panicked...not because I was scared that I would have a problem...but, that Byetta would be taken off the market and I would no longer be able to take it...but, so far, so good. I really don't want to give up the Byetta!!!

[skatss]

I just read an article about the once a week dosage of Byretta that said it works better than the two times a day dosage.

But with the news about the possibility of getting a rare but potentially deadly pancreatic condition that's linked to its use and that the federal regulators are going to announce plans to strengthen warnings about the drug makes me worry about anyone taking it at all.

I keep thinking that it's getting to the point where no one cares about how deadly a drug can be as long as it helps people lose weight.

I know that losing weight is important, but is it more important than keeping us alive and healthy? I know that losing weight can help diabetes, it helped me, but I still would hope that by losing weight that the person become healthy and not suddenly get yet another terrible disease.

If we would just start to look at dieting as a success right from the start, that the person trying to change their eating habits are champions right from the getgo and that the final goal weight is not that important, then we all can enjoy our health as we lose.

I just don't think that losing weight at any cost is a good idea. If we lose a pound in a healthy fashion, then it is better for us than losing all our excess weight if we get sick by doing it.

[JSNorris]

A friend sent me an article that went into detail about the potential problems with Byetta...and from what I read, those that became very ill...or died, had extenuating circumstances...such as leukemia and other illnesses. I also know that any medication can have adverse affects on a particular person, or group of people...heck, I'm allergic to penicillin...but, many folks have no problem with it. So, I'm not just taking it to lose weight, BUT, I have been able to do so...it helps control my blood sugar extremely well...and my doctor is very savvy about these things, and if she feels there is a real problem, she will discuss it with me. I'm just not the type of person to go into a tailspin just because of some "study" about problems with a certain medication...I will research the matter. All studies have to be looked at with a healthy dose of skepticism...and I am certainly a very skeptical person.

Many years ago, I had to take Prozac for depression...not long after I began taking it, there was all this negative press about the harmful side effects from it...all I knew was that it helped me feel better...and I continued to take it for the duration of the time I needed it. I never had any problems with Prozac, despite the "studies".

So, while a person shouldn't just ignore potential problems with any medication...they shouldn't panic, either...just do the research and talk to their doctor. Determination of possible problems should be made on a patient to patient basis...not just a blanket guilty verdict for the drug.

[jimmys devoted]

Byetta complicatins are called pancreatitis. Everyone who takes Byetta is at risk for this serious disease. some more supceptible than others. the majority of peopel who ahve died, all 6 died from Pancreatitis. none from what has been released ot teh medical communit had leukemia etc.

All ahd been on Byetts for dual therapy or montotherapy for weight control associated with type 2 diabeets. 1 pateint was put on it and had no reason to be other than he was 50 pounds overweight. According to teh autospies, each one died of degraded pancrease and massive infection that overloaded teh system.

Byetta owrks in three ways on teh system. The first is it creates Gastric paeresis. os slows the emptying of the stomach. A complication that diabetics are warned about and try to avoid. Becaus eo fth is pyloric action you feel full on less food because your just not digesting your food. The second is it stops teh liver from secreting Glycogen in low blodo sugar phases. wthis leaves peopel at risk for hypoglycemia becaus eo fteh first action as well.
Third is makes your pancreas force beta cells to produce more insulin.
Three items that are a recipe for disaster by all semblence of sanity.

Many doctors are prescribing Byetta for obese peopel and now peopel are begining to get it on teh black market for weight loss who do not need it.

The pancraetitis caused by Byetta was because it exhausted teh beta cells and started al sow death for teh pancreas. Inflammation from forced production and seocndary complaictions from the effects of byetta does is what eventually kileld these people.
Byetta will nto be pulled yet until a full inquiry into the safety and use pattern has been done. So for now they are trying to settle for Black Box Banding so as to warn peopel fo teh dangers of taking the medication. Many of my collegues are just not prescribing it anymore because of this problem.


"Last week, the FDA said two patients who died had hemorrhagic pancreatitis, in which the pancreas is inflamed and bleeding, or necrotizing pancreatitis, in which there is inflammation and tissue death, with the pancreas destroying itself. The pancreas makes pancreatic juices and hormones, including insulin."

http://diabetes.webmd.com/news/20080827/diabetes-drug-byetta-6-deaths-reported

[bettydlls]

That's all I need to hear, I'm getting off the Byetta. I have enough health issues without worrying if my pancreas will be compromised. I have type 2 and my bg is never over 180. I'm going to try losing weight on my own. I can't afford insulin or diabetic training, so I do the best I can with what I have. I don't want to risk my life taking something that will cause more problems. I konw all meds have risks but why take a chance when people are dying, warnings comes before destruction.:(

[JSNorris]

Hey, you gotta do what you think is best!! If you think the best thing to do is discontinue using Byetta...then that's what you should do.

[ramesh68]

Hi there,

I don't think Byetta is approved by FDA or not. If it is OTC it can be purchased but I insist for doctor's prescription. Because it has got its side effects and exces usage may lead to death. So If anybody tries to use Byetta, its better to take doctor's advice before using it.


Thanks

[JSNorris]

Byetta is only available by prescription...it's not OTC. I've been on Byetta for 2 years...with absolutely no problems. It has really helped keep my blood sugar at really good levels. But, like with all medications, it isn't for everyone...for some, it can have bad side effects...and for some (like me), it's works perfectly. No medication is "one size fits all". Whether, or not, you use it, is a matter between you and your doctor.

[Marci Sloane]

Most drugs have side effects and they also save lives. Byetta seems to be one of them. It's important for physicians and YOU as their patients to request the proper tests so you can monitor any problems that may be starting before they become life-threatening.
It's diffcult to measure different drugs and foods for that matter effects on our demise. Many people voice concerns about a medication, however, they are living on fast foods, saturated fat and sodium - which makes me wonder which is really the major contributor to their ill-health. It's looking at the entire picture of your life. Here are some interesting statistics to relate to the 6 deaths caused from pancreatitis that was mentioned due to Byetta.
Annual Causes of Death in the United States
Tobacco 435,0001
Poor Diet and Physical Inactivity 365,0001
Alcohol 85,000 1
Microbial Agents 75,0001
Toxic Agents 55,0001
Motor Vehicle Crashes 26,3471
Adverse Reactions to Prescription Drugs 32,0002
Suicide 30,6223
Incidents Involving Firearms 29,0001
Homicide 20,3084
Sexual Behaviors 20,0001
All Illicit Drug Use, Direct and Indirect 17,0001, 5
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs Such As Aspirin 7,6006
Marijuana 07

[docphil]

Marci's post is exactly right, any medicine can hurt you if you have a reaction to it, but fear of a reaction is not a reason to not take a medication.

When I was first diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, two years ago, my sugar was so high (1000) that I was initially given insulin injections, metformin, and byetta. Very soon after that, I had a reaction to the metformin and stopped it, along with the insulin. Now, 80 lbs later, I take two injections of Byetta each day, exercise and my 30 day glucose average is 88!

Byetta is not for everyone, but if it can work for you, it has fewer of the problems than insulin. If I take my injection and then don't eat, nothing happens to me because Byetta assists the body's insulin to work well. Also, it kills your appetite to some extent and, in fact, is currently in trials as an appetite/diet medication.

Hope this bit of insight helps.

[Marci Sloane]

Good for you! You took your health into your hands and lost 80 pounds and can keep your glucose in control without the extra medication. That is definitely the best scenario. I've seen Byetta do fantastic things for many people. It has kept them off many other drugs and helped them to lose weight. We all know by now - I hope! - that excess weight is detrimental to our longevity and quality of life.