I am a Canadian living in Japan and fighting Type II Diabetes by low carbing against my doctor's advice. It works - - A1c down from 11.8 mid-Jan 2006 to 7.5 as of yesterday Apr.1, 2006. I would like to try Byetta for the glucose contro; and the weight loss. Is it avaiable in Japan? If not, can it be ordered on the internet and imported? David's Response: I'm sorry, Marilyn, but so far Byetta is only available in the United States. I just double checked with the manufacturer, Amylin. That will certainly change.

I live and work in Japan where Byetta is not yet approved. However, we are permitted to import medications for our own use. How can I obtain a Byetta pen and a few catridges and have them shipped AIR EXPRESS, refrigerated, straight to my office in Tokyo? Thanks in advance. I will try anything/ pay anything for this medication. David's Response Customer service at Byetta didn't have any idea when I called them just now, Marilyn. My only suggestions are to find a doctor somewhere who will give you a prescription for it and then find a drugstore in the United States that will ship it to you. Some of the on-line drugstores, like walgrens.com, do stock Byetta, but only ship to the continental U.S. If you ever had a personal relationship with a pharmacy here, that might be the best place to start.

I am getting ready to start using Byetta. Could you please comment on why it is so important to eat within 60 minutes of an injection, and what foods are good/bad to eat while using Byetta. Thank you. David's Response: Gary, here is what Amylin's medical science liaison for this region told me about when to eat: "For those who do experience nausea (on average about 4 out of 10), it is best for them to dose closer to the meal until the nausea subsides. There have been reports that the nausea lasts anywhere from a week or two up to 2 months. However, as for efficacy, dosing to get adequate appetite suppression should be closer to 1 hour prior to the meal. So you want to to work towards that goal. Some will get there sooner than others." On a couple of occasions I didn't eat until about an hour and one-half after taking a Byetta shot. It didn't feel any different for me, but possibly it did not hold down my blood glucose as much as it would have if I had eaten in time. That's an interesting question about what to eat. When I was planning to start Byetta, I looked at what people were saying and found that some people could not tolerate very different foods. Somebody, for example, couldn't tolerate eggs. So I was careful of eggs, for a while. But they are absolutely no problem for me. My diet on Byetta is low calorie, low carb, and low glycemic. That is the best way to lose weight, which I very much want to do, and to control blood glucose as well. Since I don't eat nearly as much as I did before, I am careful to eat only good food that tastes great. Maybe that is the secret to my weight loss.

Although i have had a daily battle with nausea and vomiting since i was started on Byetta in december, i wouldn't give it up for the world. I am extremely insulin resistant and have gone to immeasurable lengths to get my blood sugars under control without success. Well, Byetta is the key. I have lost almost 40lbs, my blood sugars have gone from the fasting range of 600 to the 130 range. My post prandial sugars are in the 105 range and my HgA1c has gone from 15.6 to 8.4. still a long way to go, but i feel i am definitly on the right track.

With regard the folks in Japan... My husband, a Doctor of Pharmacy, states, unfortunatly, the law prevents shipping prescription drug out of the United States unless prescribed by a US Doctor and there is a patient-doctor relationship on file. That would require you be seen here in the US by a physician at which time the physician could prescribe and you could get your prescription filled here before returning home. I'm thinking if you can afford anything to get it..head on over and get it, then your refills from a pharmacy that can refill and ship your medication for the future. Just a sugggestion.

I was on Byetta from Apr. 1 to Apr. 10. It was working great for me until I developed this severe rash with itchy, hot welts all over. I had lost 10 lbs and I was pleased w. my diabetic numbers..I had nausea in the beginning (3 days) but the rash stopped it all. I'm really sad about this great hope and now my doctors say I am allergic! I wonder if any one else got a rash..

I started on 5 mcg of Byetta in Dec 05. I had some nausea, but it seemed to be subsiding with time. I noticed right away that I had to eat immediately after injecting. In Jan 06 I went to 10 mcg and I had incapacitating nausea attacks, and severe headaches with immediate onset after injecting. By March, I was injecting only once per day, and sometimes not at all. I spoke with my doctor and he reluctently agreed to have me go back on the 5. I believe my dr. felt I was exaggerating my symptoms, which I wasn't. Since going back on 5 I haven't had nausea or headaches. Since Dec 05, I have only lost 15 pounds, but I have noticed that I don't gain weight while on the medication, and my appetite is in better control. My A1C has improved, but my morning bs levels are still elevated. I have failed on all other oral meds, so I hope I can stick this out. I seem to have gotten the double whammy, extreme ill-health effects on the higher dose (almost as if I was over-dosing) and little to no weight-loss. But, I would recommend this treatment for anyone who their dr. feels would benefit. Injecting isn't fun, but I am hopeful that the long-term effects will prove to be most beneficial.

I, too, got itchy welts about 1" around the injection site with the 10 Byetta. My doctor returned me to the 5 size. I started on Byetta about 7 weeks ago, and have gained 2 lbs. Am I doing something wrong? My Alc level is 5.8, down from 6.2, so that worked. Should I just be satisfied with the improvement in BG? David's Response: There's not too much that you can be doing wrong, Rose. The main thing to consider is when you are taking your Byetta. You need to take it from one minute to one hour before eating breakfast and dinner. If you take it closer to the one minute mark you will get less nausea, if that is a problem. If you take it closer to the one hour mark, you will get more appetite suppression. The other thing to remember is that Byetta is not magic. It helps you by reducing your appetite. But it doesn't stop you from eating a lot, and if you continue to eat a lot you can't possibly lose weight.

I started Byetta 5 15 days ago, I have lost 17 pounds already! The first 10 days were excellent, great bg readings, no nausea, reduced appetite and weight loss. For the past few days, I am extremely weak, have bouts of swating, rapid pulse, simply lifeless feeling, no energy at all. Called my doctor today, he said to reduce from 2 injections to 1 per day to see if I get over weakness, etc. I certainly don't want to give up on Byetta with the great results in weight loss and glucose control. Have you received similiar reports of this much weight loss in such a short time and any reports of weakness, sweats, rapid pulse, etc. ? Thanks so much! David's Response: Donna, just like you, I went through a period of a lot of weakness and lack of energy when I started on Byetta. I was concerned enough that I mentioned it to my doctor. He reassured me that it was absolutely normal, considering my change of diet (eating a lot less) and that it would pass. It certainly did. And now I have more energy than ever!

David, what a great site. Thank you. I have been taking Byetta 5 for a week now. I also take 1000 mg metformin/am/pm and 2mg avandia/am/pm. This drug is amazing. I have experienced a couple of morning lows (75) (87) and once I passed out at the gym (100bg), but my bg #'s are running really great. Never been this good before. I do feel slightly nauseaus and fatigued, but my numbers are so good, I am happy. I have lost 3 lbs. In the last 2 days I have noticed increased energy, but it quickly dissipates. Is that a normal expectation? If I am getting such good results on the 5, do I need to increase to 10? Oh, I forgot, I just don't feel like eating. I have read on other blogs about people just doing Glucerna for 2 meals and then eating a light dinner. Is this a smart thing to do? I have NEVER been able to shed my excess lard (HAHA)210 lbs and 3 lbs in 1 week makes me ecstatic. I think this drug is such a miracle and I don't want to do anything tht might jeopardize it's effectiveness. Thank you for your help and advise. David's Response: I appreciate your kind words and am so glad that Byetta is working so well for you. I am sure that your energy will be tremendous soon. But I certainly would not recommend Glucerna. I have never been able to understand that in what way it is appropriate for people with diabetes. Many of the ingredients certainly aren't (the high level of maltodextrin certainly bothers me) and there sure are a lot of them:

I've been on Byetta for 9 days now, I've lost 6lbs. I haven't experienced any nausea, I have however been having headaches and body aches the last couple of days,in everything that I've read about Byetta it's never mentioned body aches as a side effect. Could it be the Byetta? David's Response: Different people do experience different side effects from drugs, Dana. But body aches as a result of taking Byetta is not one that has been reported. Please see http://pi.lilly.com/us/byetta-pi.pdf

Hi David How fascinating to read all these accounts of people's experiences with Byetta. I have been on it just a few months. I started out with 5mcg and am now on my 2nd 10 mcg pen. I've lost about 10 pounds, much to my surprise! I'm also on Avandia (4mg, 2X daily) and Metformin (1000mg, 2X daily). I haven't had too much trouble with nausea, though I have had some mild nausea in the evenings. My evening meal is usually the smallest meal of my day, because I'm just not hungry at dinnertime. Most evenings I don't feel unwell, but I find that a few saltines and a sip of water can quell that nausea. The best news, however, is that my last A1C was 5.9! That is in the range of a person that doesn't even have diabetes! So I feel I'm having success with the combination of meds I'm taking. My dilemma, however, is that my husband was laid off from his job last week, and my medical benefits run out as of midnight, May 22nd, 2006. My pharmacy told me that the Byetta pens are $250 each. There is absolutely no way I will be able to afford the Byetta out-of-pocket with my husband unemployed, especially since I MUST have the oral medications. I'm seeing my doctor tomorrow to see if he has any advice. I've looked online and can't find any information about Byetta sold at a discount, and I doubt in our present situation I could afford it if it were over even, say, $50. I'm so excited about what the Byetta has done for me, and I'm so disappointed about having to potentially stop using it. If anyone has any ideas, I would be grateful. Byetta is not available in Canada, I checked. David's Response: It would be terrible if you had to stop Byetta now, Janna, because you can't afford it. There is, however, some hope. Please contact the manufacturer's patient assistance program. See http://www.amylin.com/products/reimbursement.cfm

I started on 5 mg of Byetta once a day about 6 weeks ago. Had some initial bouts of moderate nausea but got over that in a couple of weeks. Two weeks ago, I upped the Byetta to twice a day. The nausea came back but again is subsiding. However, I am feeling sooooo tired and listless that it's almost unbearable. I want very much to stay the course with the Byetta as i have lost 6+ pounds which i haven't been able to do in several years. But will the fatigue go away? It's a killer ;-(( David's Response: When I started on Byetta, I had the same fatigue. My doctor said that it was normal, particularly in consideration of my change in diet and eating less and that it would go away. It did -- and now I have more energy than ever! Hang in there, Nancy!

my results are similar to yours in control, but I have less weight loss and no complications if I eat a full meal. One tip I can pass along. In disposing of the needle, I use a sharps container and the recommended method of using the shield to remove the needle and then disposing of both in the container,clogs us my sharps container and the opening is too small for the shield. I just uscrew the needle taking care not to stick myself and drop it in the container and then throw the plastic shield in the garbage. Keep up the good work, byetta can really help people and I have found very few complications. I have some burping and have to eat prunes to try and keep regular, but otherwise have good readings and decent energy for an old guy. my AIC has gone from 7.7 to 6.5 in a month and my present 30 day meter reading is 141 and my 14 day is 132. I take actos and metformin and have gone from 213 to 200 in six weeks.

I love being on Byetta. For the first time since I can remember I am loosing weight (10 lbs - yes). I do battle with nausea. To combat it I started with 1-2 sugared soft ginger piece after the shots (healthfood store bulk) and this seems to help me.

I forgot to say in my first message....Prior to Byetta, I was having vision problems. Very blurry vision. That has cleared up completely. I also used to have terrible foot pain, but that is not a problem anymore. I'm not sure if it is because of the weight loss or what. All I know is doesn't hurt when I get out of bed in the morning or when I do a lot of walking.

As a new Byetta user I have been very pleased. I had been taking 80-100 u of insulin daily. That has been eliminated completely. My Bg is higher than it should be, usually running in the 170's, but that is without any insulin. I am anxious to go to the 10 unit dose. Wish I didn't have to wait another 2 wks. To comment on the tiredness and weakness some have experienced - I wonder if that isn't the result of increased fat metabolism with a resulting increase in keytone build-up? I think you would be well advised to increase your water intake to see about flushing things our of your body. In my case, regarding weight loss, I was rather shocked to get on a scale that said I had lost 12 lbs in 11 days. That seemed too incredible, however welcome. Between the reduced calorie intake and the increase in fat metabolism as am no longer injecting insulin, I am hopeful. Thanks for the information of your site, it is most helpful.

I have been on Byetta for about 7 weeks total now. I had good results and only a tiny bit of nausea when starting the 5mcg injections. But my morning #'s began slipping back up from 150ish to the mid 200's. My doc increased my dosage to 10mcg about 10 days ago. Within about 3 days, I began feeling sicker than I've ever felt...nausea, vommiting, even diarrhea. I've lost about 20 pounds in the 7 weeks (of about 100 I needed to lose), but I don't think this is the way it's supposed to go (at least the past week's pattern). My doc is taking me back down to the 5 mcg pen as I've been too sick to even commute to work. I also find that the thought of meat-type food makes me queasy. Is this common? Will it pass? Do you have suggestions for how to wait-out the sickness. I am so encouraged by the lower post-meal #'s and the weight loss, I don't want to give up my Byetta. Thanks for your help! David's Response: It seems like different people have different food sensitivities on Byetta, Debbie. Some, like me, don't seem to have any, but I have heard of several different ones. My first suggestion, as I just wrote in response to another comment, is to cut way back on fat. That seems to help reduce the nausea. Eventually, the nausea will go away, but a low fat diet will make it go away faster. My second suggestion is to ask your doctor for an anti-nausea prescription.

Quick update on my incedible nasuea after starting the 10mg pen. IT IS GONE. (I had no side effects of mention on 5 BUT my first full week on 10 was a REAL challenge) But I feel wonderful now and a bit scared that I can't eat much at all so am focusing on lean protein and veggies...20 pounds in 40 days..and only 30-40 more to go. NOW I KNOW I CAN DO THIS for the first time since losing 100 pounds 15 years ago and getting stuck at 220 plds. Blood sugar levels in double digits in the a.m. for the first time ever and glucophage down to 500mg twice a day. Be patient with this drug. Be kind to yourself!

David...I started Byetta app. 2 months ago. Finally had to stop due to extreme nausea. Would love to try again. However, I have a problem that no one, not even my endo, can answer. When I got my scrip, the nurse practitioner gave me a sample pen to try before I got the scrip filled. I followed her directions that night and injected a 5mg dose. Immediately after injecting, I noticed that printed on the side of the pen in red letters was: "Not intended for human use." Then in black print below that was "Demonstration Pen". I tried to call my endo, but his office was closed, so called the pharmacy and asked the pharmacist what the heck I had injected into my stomach. She had no idea. The only ingredient listed on this pen is "Contains metacresol, no active ingredients." When I finally got hold of my endo, he said he had no idea. I have contacted the company with no response. But since that time I have had stomach pains in the injection site, and a "hardening", for lack of a better word, of that site. I cannot use that site for my insulin injections due to the pain when injecting. Any idea what I injected? I am very concerned, but cannot get an answer. Thanks! David's Response: Brian, I was quite disturbed by your report so I called the Amylin Lilly Customer Support Center hotline at 1-800-868-1190 and spoke with a pharmacist there by the name of Michon. You might want to call him too, and he also suggests that you may be having an allergic reaction to the metacresol, so he recommends that you see an allergist.

I wonder if you've heard about any negative interactions between Byetta and Lithium. I've been having severe depression since I started using Byetta, more severe the higher the dose. I don't know if it's coincedental, and I hope it's not! I'm happy with my new sugar levels and the 7 pounds I've lost in a month. But I fear there may be a connection. Any data? David's Response: I haven't heard about any interaction between Byetta and lithium, Gabrielle. So I called Byetta customer service for you. They said that they found no specific interactions during clinical trials and have issued no precautions or warnings about it. However, some medications require rapid absorption and those medications need to be taken an hour before taking Byetta. We don't know if lithium is one of those medications and suggest that you ask your health care provider.

I have been using Byetta 10 for 5 months,I have nausea all day ,foods don't taste good anymore, just plain miserable! Wasn't sure if you should stop cold turkey or what. Called doctor but he did not call me back. I just stopped using Byette and see what happens. I will watch diet, I did lose weight but being miserable was not worth it. Good luck to those who can use it.

I am starting Byetta on Aug 1. What is a good meal plan to follow while on it? Right now I usually have a small bowl of whole grain cereal, a piece of fruit and coffee with fat free milk as my breakfast, my main meal at 3 or 4 pm (4-6 ozs protein, a carb and veggie, and then a small snack around 7 (coffee, tea, water, sugar free cookies or a sugar free frozen yogurt. Sometimes I have a piece of fruit as a snack during the day or a handful of peanuts. I can't imagine eating less than I do right now. I have already lost over 50 lbs on my own since I found out I have Type 2, so will Byetta help me lose more? My doc is adding it to my medications (also take glucophage-2000 mg a day) because I have not been able to lose any weight the past three months. David's Response: This is an excellent question, Mare. And it's something that I have thought a lot about in the six months that I have been on Byetta. I think the main point has to be that because people on Byetta usually aren't very hungry and therefore don't eat a lot, we have to be careful that absolutely everything that we eat is nutritious. That means first no empty calories. It then means carefully balancing the good (low glycemic) carbs with the good fats (monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, and fish oil) and protein that is low in saturated fat. It also means that we have to up our fiber intake because we are eating so much less. I take a fiber supplement. Personally, I cannot tolerate anything but a very small breakfast with almost no carbs now that I am taking Byetta. So my breakfast is largely protein, like turkey bacon and fried eggs. For lunch I have a small salad and/or some of the delicious fruit of the season. I don't forget to get a handful of nuts. Sometimes I will have a small bowl of plain non-fat yogurt. For dinner most people who don't have diabetes (yet) usually have something like bread, then an appetizer, then soup or salad, and then the entree of some protein, a veggie, and some starch, like a potato, french fries, corn, or rice. And then a dessert. Of this all I have is the protein (fish, chicken, or bison) and a veggie.

My first month on the 5.. yay. A little nauseous, tired but NOT HUNGRY! Very nice. Well worth sticking to it. My question is about other meds, I take wellbutrin, but must take it in the morning or it keeps me up all night, I also take once a day antibiotic, for my skin and spironalactone.. when should I take this stuff? Also, is it okay to have a smoothie instead of a meal? and last, if I have say, 3 crakers and cheese, must I really wait 3 hours till my PM shot? Are liquids like broth or soda okay before shots? You never remember to ask your Doc everything and the hotline doesnt give out too much info!! Good luck to everyone.. lets hope this works wonders for all of us!

I'm researching Byetta, and I'm trying to find a Canadian who uses it. It's not approved here yet, but I understand some people are driving across the border to the US to get it. I would love to interview such a person. Email me at ccrosbie@globaltv.com.

David, I've been following your work for quite some time. I'm so happy to find this site about Byetta since I started it one week ago. I hope your comment about a low fat diet works for me becasue the nausea is horrible. Great site!

I started byetta 4 weeks ago. I have had nausea and fatigue. I am feeling a bit better now. I have lost about 5 pounds but the best thing about this new drug is my sugar has come down so much! My A1C was 6.1, down from 9.2. I am very pleased with the results. My first pen was paid for by Anthem but my second pen, which I am trying to get, isn't covered by my insurance. I guess byetta hasn't been approved in Indiana yet. I tried to get assistance from Amylin but since I do have medical insurance they won't help me. So, if I continue to use it, I have to pay $267 a month for it. The only way its covered is under my major medical and it is considered out of network so we are penalized. I am very frustrated. Do you have any idea's? I would like to continue using this medication. Stacey in Indiana

I have started my first l0 mcg byetta pen today. Doctor kept me on the 5 mcg for two months. I had a weight loss of 6 lbs the first month and zero lbs the second month with no bad side effects, i.e. nausea. After not losing any weight after the second month on 5mcg, she has decided to put me on the l0 mcg dose. Now for my question, I notice in reading the various posts that people suffer from nausea. How to ask this delicately...Is it the feeling of nauseau, or is there actual vomiting? I felt very nauseous after my l0 mcg shot this morning, but after an hour or two it subsided. I should also mention that I am on Byetta solely for weight loss benefits as I have all my numbers in normal range. David's Response: Nausea is a pretty common side effect of Byetta at first. Vomiting is much less common, Mare.

I have been on Beyetta for 7 weeks. I lost 22 lbs. but my BS has just dropped a little. However, I developed severe hives at the injection site and last weekend my tongue swelled - a severe allergic reaction. I am heartbroken that I will not be able to continue with the Beyetta. DOes anyone have any solutions? Will be speaking with dr. in the morning. David's reply: You mention injection "site," Venus. Have you tried other sites? Have you contacted the Byetta hotline? The people there can be helpful too. The toll-free number is 1-800-868-1190.

Well, as I promised 4 weeks after starting Byetta for weight loss, her are the results. I have lost 10 lbs. and with the help of Curves.....17 inches. Six of those inches are from my hips. I have just increased to 10mg. only nausea the first day. David's Response: That's wonderful, Wesa! You are off to a great start. I believe that Byetta can be a life-changing opportunity for you. It certainly has been for me!

even tho ive gone on the number ten pen ti realy makes me sick....ive lost weight but being sick is not the way i want to be...doc has cut the evening dose out and im to start again in 2 weeks because id get chills and go immediatly to sleep even tho my numbers are normal im still sickly... has any one else gone thru this feel David's reply: You have several choices, Barb. You can ask your doctor to put you pack on the 5 mcg Byetta pen, at least for now. If you stay on the 10 mcg dose, there are many things you can do for the nausea. Please see "Controlling Nausea on Byetta" at: http://blogs.healthcentral.com/diabetes/david-mendosa/controlling-nausea-on-byetta-2006-08-08/print

I started Byetta 2 mos. ago (5 mcg the 1st mo. & now 10mcg). I have not experienced any bad side effects, but I also have not lost one ounce or inch. In fact, it doesn't seem to do anything to my appetite or my cravings for carbs. Since I'm paying for this out of pocket, I'm wondering whether to continue. I'm so discouraged & wondered why others are experiencing weight loss - are they eating less, exercising more? Help! David's reply: Certainly more exercise helps by revving up our metabolic systems. I've noticed more weight loss on the days that I do a lot of exercise. But certainly I would recommend that you consider one of my most recent blog articles, which directly addresses your situation. Please see "When Byetta Fails" .

Hi David and all that leave a comment on this site. I was just browsing the internet in reference to people who have used Byetta and I happened to find this site. I found it very interesting and very helpful. I am not using Byetta (yet) but my Endicrinologist has prescribed it to me mostly for weight loss and I just couldn't understand and neither could my boss and his partner which happen to be Pharmacists. But reading some of the comments left here I can now understand why my Doctor wants me to go on Byetta and now I am more ready to start using it since I have read some of the comments left here. My question is what causes the Nausea? Is it the Byetta itself or is it the "type" of foods that are eaten ie: fatty foods, etc.,etc.,? Unfortunately, I have a bad habit of eating fast food and munching on snacks that are not good for me so I was told by my bosses that using Byetta would not be beneficial unless I changed my eating habits is this true? Thank you for your time and I will wait for a response. Yours Truly, Josie (In Miami) David's Response: Excellent question about the cause of nausea, Josie. It depends on a lot of things, but particularly the type and amount of food that you eat. I discuss it at great length in "Controlling Nausea on Byetta at: http://blogs.healthcentral.com/diabetes/david-mendosa/controlling-nausea-on-byetta-2006-08-08/print

hi david.. no.10 pen didnt work for me was sicker then sick finally doc put me back on no. 5 already feel better my readings are down to anywhere from74-to94 after 2 hours of taking this byetta.one morning however reading was 238 but it did come down:) well hoping u have a great thanksgiving,,,oh still losing lbs but not as fast started a walking program even a little jog take care

I have been taking Byetta for over a month. It does curve my appetite but I have not lost an ounce/pound. I started with 5mcg and now I'm on 10. I don't eat as much and I excersise @ least 3 to 4 days a week. what am I doing wrong? David's reply: Byetta helps you to lose weight by reducing your appetite, Andrea. But it won't make you eat less. It facilitates that and if you eat less, I guarantee that you will lose weight.

Well, I gave it my best shot (pun intended!). I am just one of those cases where Byetta did not work. I am not diabetic & I have about 75 lbs to lose, but didn't lose anything in the 3 months I was on it. I started with the 5, then the 10, then the 10 3x a day as recommended for stubborn cases. Still nothing! I never experienced the big decrease in appetite others felt, but I also never experienced any horrible side effects either. What I DID notice was that I had cravings for sweets, which I never experienced before. And my recent labwork only showed a little drop in glucose levels. I'm extremely discouraged Byetta didn't work for me, especially when I read about the tremendous success others have had.

I was put on Byetta a year ago (Jan. '06) to help my Type 2 diabetes. I lost 25 lbs. in about 5 months due to my appetite decreasing. After about the 8th month, my appetite came back and then some. I have put back most of the weight I lost. My Endo seems to think I am the ONLY one this has happened to....has it happened to anyone else out there? I'd love to know.

Renee I have had low blood sugar since childhood. The doctor says that insulin resistance caused this. Two years ago I went to a new doc. An endo. He started me on metform 1000 twice a day. Also my thyroid antibodies were not right, so doc. started me on synthroid. after a year and a half of taking metform doc. suggested Byetta , started this on 5 mcg. after this my sugar would drop down too low so doc. told me to stop taking the metform,all of it,and just take the Byetta this seems to work. Went up to 10mcg now for 2 months. But I have no weight loss,doc. wants me to lose weight and I would also like this at 39 and two children I need to keep up with them too. I am very tired after work and can't seem to get my exericse in,but I keep trying a little at a time. I would like to know if I need to space my synthroid 1 or 2 hours or more apart from my Byetta shot in the morning. I have not felt good in several weeks I had my thyroid checked , blood work was fine. But I feel like the Byetta is interfering with the synthroid meds. Also has anyone lost weight with Byetta that has a thyroid problem? How long does this take? I really want this to work ,I have not been able to lose weight since thyroid went bad five years ago.Even though doc. says I should be able to. Doc.thinks I just need to eat less and exercise more. When I really try several months at a time , eat right and exercise I still see no weight loss. Im hoping the Byetta helps , maybe it just takes more time. THANKS! Renee P.S.~I aiso take cytomel with my thyroid meds. 3 tablets twice daily . This helps give me energy and also helps me with depression one of the problems you have with thyroid disorders. THANKS AGAIN FOR ANY HELP RENEE

I have been on Byetta (5) for a month.  I have lost approx 6-7 pounds and only experience a  little heartburn at times.  I feel outstanding and I have so much energy it's like a miracle drug to me.  I went in for a checkup yesterday and my A1C went from 8 to 7.5 in just under 1 month.  My doctor is increasing me to the 10 for the next month.  All my test results came back outstanding and my blood pressure was normal.  I was hesitant to start because of some comments I had read, but after having tried it for a month, I would recommend it to anyone who has has trouble getting their numbers lowered. My doctor has changed my meds from two metformin a day to one and only one advandia a day and he said his goal is to get me compeltely off the pills.  Also he says I should have a larger weight loss with the byetta 10.  I'll keep you posted.

I have been on Byetta for over a year now and I love it. I am one of those people who never lost an ounce on Byetta and I have suffered severe nausea at night in particular which lasts for hours. The doctor who prescribed the Byetta acted like there was something wrong with me for not losing any weight. "I have other patients who have lost 10-20 lbs already". I don't see that doctor anymore but I still take the Byetta and swear by it.

Pre-Byetta my counts were never under 120. After starting the drug my counts dropped to 90 and 110 range. I then decided to drop my glucophage(it never agreed with me). Now my levels are ranging between 100 and 120. So the Byetta has allowed me to get rid of one medication! I am now on Actos and Byetta only. I too have higher levels in the morning but on average it's around 126 now.

I did start a new weight loss program in February and have lost almost 20 lbs. I believe the Byetta has helped with that by curbing my appetite but I can't get all the food in that the diet requires which seems to be a big point of contention with my weight loss counselors. I have requested they check into byetta and modify my diet plan accordingly. I haven't been nauseous in a couple months now. The new diet is low to no fat and it seems the fat is what used to trigger my severe nausea binges. I have become nauseous on low fat food but only when I try to get in all the food they require.

Ive been on it for 1 month and no nausea, lost about 12 lbs & dont have to take any insulin after meals.  Before Byetta my workouts yielded no weight loss, my workouts are 30 - 45 min on a recumbant bike along with weight lifting.  Now Iam shedding the pounds, I also have stopped actos. my sugar readings have never been better 86 to 120 througout the day.. Iave been amazed.  I take 90-100 units of Lantus in the morning as well as the Byetta along with 2000 Glucophage half in the morning half at dinner time.

Just found this site today and I am so glad that I found it.  I have been on Byetta for just over two months I started on the 5 and just went up to the 10.  I have had severe nausea and just reading has give me idea's to try to help.  I have lost about 10lbs. since I have started and don't want to give it up now.  My levels have dropped too say it is working great except for the nausea.  So I am crossing my fingers that some of your ideas will help me.  I have told my husband even though he isn't diabetic that he should talk to his doctor since he needs to lose a considerable amount of weight.  I am glad I found this site and will keep you informed if your idea's have helped for the nausea.  Thank you for being here.

I begain Byetta on Sept 1, 2007 and have been losing 2-2.5 pounds per week since that time. Also on metformin and glyburide (reduced does on glyburide when starting Byetta).A1C is currently 5.2 (was 5.8 before Byetta).

 

Three interesting observations:

 

(1) Tracking calories consumed per day, I am losing weight at the correct rate (based on energetics), now that I am on Byetta.

 

(2) If looking at the difference in calories consumed daily before and after Byetta, I am losing weight at about 2-3 times what would be expected from the daily change in calories. It looks like Byetta has changed my metabolic rate, as well as reduced calorie consumption.

 

I exercise 1 hour, 3 days per week (mix of cardio and weight lifting). Have been doing so for about 4 years. Since beginning Byetta, the amount of weight that I can lift (bench press) has increased at about 3 times the rate as before. It appears that Byetta is promoting muscle mass increase.

 

 

Can this medicine be used for people who are over weight but not diabetic?

I've struggled with weight for the last 15 years, and, now, after slipping (more like slamming) into menopause, it's only gotten worse.  I'm finally getting my hormones in check with Bio-identicals (which are a God send), but I still struggle with hypothyroidism.  I told the doctor that I had been working out for 40-60 min per day, 6 days a week for the last 4 weeks.  I also included 15 minutes  of weight training 4 days a week. I was on a 1500 caloried a day diet....I only lost 1 lb!  And I was always hungrey!!  When my labs came back indicatin 'pre-diabetes', my doctor immediately prescribed Byetta and Metformin.   I pick up the medication today.  But I have to say, I was terrified about taking these drugs.  I do everything possible to NOT take drugs and work so hard going the natural way.  But, having gained 27 pounds in a year while eating healthy AND exercising, I'm at the end of my rope.  I found many articles and websites that explained what it does as well as defined all the possible side effects.  It still scared the 'cr_p' out of me..until this blog!  THANK YOU ALL for being so willing to share your concerns and progress.  I feel so much better about the treatment.  I'll be sure to write back and let everyone know how its working for me....and hopefully, this process will continue to help others, like myself, who are contemplating it's use.  Thanks David.  I'm ordering your book now!

Deb

Just started Byetta 5 two days ago and have lost 5 lbs.  I am not really having any nausea, but am dealing with heartburn.  I notice I am slightly dizzy right after injection, but it doesn't last long.  I have been on oral medications for many years (diagnosed in 1999 - started meds a year or so after) and added Lantus to the mix in 2004.  This week was the first time I had ever seen an endocrinologist.  After a change in health insurance plans I had been without the Lantus for about 2 months and my A1C was 12.5 (my highest ever - it as 10.4 in April).  I also am unsure what my sugars were running on a regular basis because I was without testing supplies during that time.  My numbers are not great (still most of them in the 200s) but I feel better.  My vision seems to be less blurry, so I'm sure that my current levels are lower.  I go back to see the endo in 3 weeks and he'll decide if I can continue on the Byetta or if we have to try something different (hopefully things will be enough improved that he keeps me on it, even if we have to go up to 10).  I also take Gipizide 5 mg and Metformin 100 mg twice a day.  I have noticed a decrease in my appetite - now I just have to stay focused on that and not continue to eat (so far so good) as I am an emotional eater.  I wanted to try Byetta a long time ago but my family physician didn't think I was a good candidate.  I'm glad I now get the chance to see if it will work for me.

HELLO, SO HAPPY TO READ YOUR ARTICLE ON BYETTA. I JUST STARTED BYETTA ONE WEEK AGO, AND LET ME TELL YOU ...WOW... I FEEL SO MUCH BETTER, MY GLUCOSE IS DOWN TO NORMAL RANGE, AND I REALLY HAVEN'T HAD ANY SIDE EFFECTS AS OF YET. I HAVE BEEN ON A FEW MEDICINES IN THE LAST 10 YEARS, AND ALWAYS FELT BASICALLY LOUSY. SO FOR ME THIS IS A GOD SEND.  THE INJECTIONS ARE A PIECE OF CAKE (OH BOY, EXCUSE THE PUN !) AND I WORRIED SO MUCH ABOUT THAT PART OF IT FOR NOTHING. THANK YOU FOR THE ARTICLE, AND BYETTA HAS MY VOTE !!     MARY

I've been on it since 2005, 10mcq.  I read all of todays threads because I've been having problems lately and 95% were all the same that I have read here.  I have noticed if the pen is not refrigerated and nearing the end of the month I don't feel "right" after the dose.  It took me 3 months to get used to stomach pain and nausea.  The past year I notice headach and irritability at evening dose.  Although I lost 45 lbs to start, for 3 yrs I've lost none, but I also know I'm not eating right.  But lately I feel pretty bad, loss of energy which goes with diabetes but seems to be heightend after my dose. Btw, here is MD a pen cost $300 :(   $68 for me with ins which is still hard.  I have experienced some severe hypoglycemia when not eating enough.  I am a little borderline with 50lbs more to loose so I know it is part me and part the medicine.  I came here today for comfort and found it, validation that is.  I do not take a pill.  I started on metaforamin, but it did not help,but I was also eating wrong.  The other pills were too strong and do make you gain weight.  Metaforamin can too for some people.  Latlely I feel too tired to do anything much less exercise and I know enough to know why and that there are others like me so I am not a "bad" person but hoping to get healthier.  I need to connect with more diabetics, I've traveled this alone too long.  And btw too, I am now 64, female, and been overweight all my life and embarassed to say, a nurse, but unable to work now.  I want to be healthier.  I made an urgent appt. with my doc to try to make a plan, I am thinking 5mcq and metaforamin for better control.  I hope my sharing helps others.