The biggest mystery about Byetta is why some people are so successful at losing a lot of weight on it and others are not. I know people who have lost more than 60 pounds in less than a year on Byetta. Yet I hear of others who have lost very little weight, if any. The answer may be in our genes. Eve...
The Byetta Mystery
4/20/06 8:25am
I began using byetta 3 weeks ago. I have lost 15 pounds. I have never had this type of relationship with food - I do not think about it. Never have I experienced going through a day without thinking of my next meal. Never have I eaten such controlled portions. The weight loss comes from a significant decrease in eating. Period. I am never hungry. I have had no nausea. In short - this drug is what I have been waiting for. I wonder, for those whom the drug is not working, apart from a genetic answer, if the problem isn't desire. In reading many comments, many people for whom the drug is working were highly motivated prior to its use. Were serious about diet & excercise prior to beginning. Often, like myself, had fairly controlled BG levels. For those diabetics who are looking for a magic pill or shot to keep eating what they want, perhaps nothing works. I feel most sad for those experiencing great nausea. I have been lucky there, and it would be frustrating if I were a nausea victim who couldnt take byetta. Even my morning numbers, always my worst in the past (130 to 150) have fallen for the first time to an average 105. I love this drug. I believe it is the eating answer I have searched for. With some reports about long term use potentially healing pancreatic function, it may be much more.
4/20/06 11:46am
Another great article David.
As a Family physician my focus treating weight and insulin resistance has
always been the control of hunger by choosing foods which control appetite.
What ever you call it, Low GI, low carb, controlled carb. Less carbs in the
diet means less hunger and less appetite.
All insulin resistant patients should always eat less carbs whether or not
they take Byetta. I have a type II diabetic that recently lost 30 lbs with
dietary modification and glucophage alone. Byetta was only recently started
to further weight loss. Based on physiology the combination of a low carb
diet and Byetta should be the best combination irregardless of sensitivity
to Byetta. The GLP-1 mutation is however interesting
I believe that this combination of low carb and Byetta will give insulin
resistant patients a fighting chance!
Dr. Jeff
David's Response:
Thank you for your kind words about my article, Dr. Jeff. And thank you even more for being my primary physician and for giving me my prescriptions for Byetta!
6/22/07 5:18am
6/22/07 10:33am
Denise,
I think that there is a very good chance that Byetta will help you reduce both your blood glucose levels and your weight. That's because type 2 diabetes, for which
Byetta is usually prescribed, and PCOS are so closely related. If your doctor is up-to-date on the latest research, he or she could well prescribe it for you.
I think that there is a very good chance that Byetta will help you reduce both your blood glucose levels and your weight. That's because type 2 diabetes, for which
Byetta is usually prescribed, and PCOS are so closely related. If your doctor is up-to-date on the latest research, he or she could well prescribe it for you.
6/16/08 10:57pm
Hi,
I was wondering I to have been told i have pcos and I am wanting to lose wt. i have byetta works great my only concern is i am getting married in a few months and we want to have children. do you have to discontinue byetta before tring to get pregnant and if how long prior to tring to conceive must you discontinue???
Please help if you know Thank you
Kristen
6/16/08 11:29pm
The only related problem that I have ever heard of is that if you are taking an oral contraceptive -- which it sure sounds like you won't be doing when you get married -- you have to take it and Byetta at least an hour apart. That's because the contraceptive needs to reach its maximum level quickly and Byetta taken at the same time would prevent it.
This tells me that you can have children and Byetta both! Congratulations!
David
4/22/06 4:12pm
I have been using Byetta for 3-1/2 months and have lost 30-35 lbs. No side effects--except for easily feeling full (satiety is a new experience for me!) and decreased appetite. Hba1C just done-results pending but glucometer results are usually around 100-150. They had been over 200 even with diet & Metformin, avandia, prandin, etc. I am so pleased and want to be the Byetta "poster lady". I sometimes skip a dose in order to eat dinner . . . I am still full from breakfast dose! Byetta is the best thing since invention of the wheel, sliced bread, electricity, radio, dishwashers, microwaves, etc. For more info, please contact me by e-mail (above) David's Response: Maybe we can pose together, Karen. I have a similar desire: to be the Byetta poster guy.
7/23/07 9:02pm
Hi Karen,
My name is Nicole. I have insulin resistance and have been on Metformin 500 mg. (April 07 to June 07, 1000 mg June 07 to July 07) and have seen no change in Glucose or Weight. Dr. Just upped the Metformin to 1000 mg 2/day and if I am not doing any better by Oct. He wants me to start Byetta. I see you had some positive feedback about 1 yr. ago. Do you still feel the same and are there any reasons I shouldn't take it. Please email me back at nikki0106@verizon.net
Any help you can give me will be greatly appreciated.
8/ 7/09 7:39pm
4/23/06 5:26pm
BYETTA ISN'T WORKING FOR ME ANYMORE. NOT SURE WHY. I TRIED TO GO ON THE 10 MCG PEN AND THE NAUSEA WAS HORRIBLE AND MY SUGAR DROPPED TO 49. I 'M BACK ON THE 5 MCG PEN BUT STILL HAVE THE NAUSEA . I THINK I HAVE TO STOP TAKING IT NOW. IT DOES BRING MY SUGARS DOWN THOUGH. ALSO I HAVE VERY BAD CHILLS AFTER THE INJECTION. DO YOU HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS? THANKS
David's Response:
You need to discuss this with your doctor, Marcia. Your doctor can give you a prescription for something to counteract the nausea, if it continues. Also, Byetta alone doesn't give you a blood glucose level of 49. Are you also taking insulin or a sulfonylurea?
1/25/11 10:17pm
Im a type 1 diabetic with numbers that run 300 easily, daily. My Dr. put me on Byetta 5 and My numbers dropped, and this is awsome for the after meal spike, its what Ive been looking for, BUT Im Very nausea and I too get the chills to my bone. I continue to take Byetta as its been curving my appetite and giving me better #s, so I ddnt call my Dr to tell him. Has anyone tried thr new symlin??
4/30/06 1:37am
I started on Byetta a week ago I have known about it for almost a year. I have lost 4 lbs in this week my Eating habit have changed slightly due to when I take the shots. I don't have a desire to eat all the time anymore. Metforin wasn't working anymore, my Blood sugars were in the 400's and my AC1 is at 10.5 since I started the shots 5mcg my sugars have dropped to the mid to high 100's. We are adding one Metforin a day to see if it will bring it down in to the normal range. Side affects have been mild.. and accually have gotten better in the week I have been on it.. Tina
4/30/06 11:04am
Hi David, I am also on 2000 mg.of Glucovance. I've been a diabetic for about 18 years now.
Also I'm on a thyroid medication. I have another question . Have you ever heard of Oolong tea helping with weight loss? I just started drinking 2 cups a day and the last few days I noticed I lost a couple of pounds. thanks, Marcia
David's Response:
I asked in response to your previous comment if you were taking a sulfonylurea that might be causing your hypos, one symptom of which can be the chills you describe. Your response tells me that you are. Glucovance is a combination of glyburide (the sulfonylurea) and metformin. Many doctors, including mine, will discontinue sulfonylureas when we go on Byetta. Please discuss this with your doctor.
As to Oolong tea, Marcia, I haven't heard that it helps with weight loss. But Byetta certainly does!
5/ 1/06 3:15pm
does anyone else have quite a bit of pain at the injection site? It burns so bad. Also, isnt a low carb diet bad as high protean is hard on the kidneys. Help!
David's Response:
I have heard of at least one other person, Vicky, who gets a burning feeling at the injection site. My first suggestion would be to try alternative sites. The company's website says that Byetta "should be injected into your abdomen, thigh, or upper arm using the injection technique recommended by your healthcare professional." Please check out http://www.byetta.com/patient/byetta_faq_150.jsp?reqNavId=5.1#whereInject including the video.
Some people do believe that a low carb diet may be hard on the kidneys. But Richard K. Bernstein, M.D., has certainly debunked that in his life, his practice, and his books.
5/ 1/06 4:55pm
5/ 1/06 6:32pm
5/ 2/06 4:25pm
I wonder if Byetta would work for women with PCOS (Poly-Cystic Ovarian Syndrome). One of the results of having this mysterious disease is getting Type 2 diabetes and weight gain as well as an overproduction of male hormones. My sister has PCOS- just was diagnosed last summer. I don't have it, but I am a Type 1 diabetic for 17yrs now and on the pump. David's Response: Since PCOS is closely related to type 2 diabetes, I wouldn't be surprised if Byetta would help control it. I don't know of any trials of Byetta for PCOS, but it is a reasonable suggestion for your sister to make to your doctor.
5/12/06 12:11pm
I'm on my 4th week of Byetta 5, ready to move to the 10 on Monday. I've lost only 4 lbs, and I am still battling late night snacking urges. However, most of my snacks truly taste ugly to me, salty etc, but I cant seem to stop myself. It has always been my problem. I'm hoping the stronger effect of the 10 pen will make a difference. I'm very controlled during the day, meals are of a decent size too. Let me just add that I had a gastric bypass and lost 120 lbs very quickly. I did not reach my goal, needed to lose another 50 lbs and there I stayed for the last 3 years. Hoping that Byetta will help me get the rest of the way with weight loss and also bring my blood sugar levels to normal and staying there. I'm getting close at least in BG readings!
5/13/06 2:36pm
5/16/06 11:25am
i had terrilbe nausea which led to migraine headaches on Byetta 5. I had to stop taking it. Does anyone have any tips to minimize side effects? I would like to take Byetta again but don't know if I can tolerate the headaches and nausea.
David's Response:
Probably the best thing would be to get a prescription from your doctor for the nausea, Jennifer. There are a couple of prescriptions that people are often prescribed for it.
5/21/06 6:58am
On Byetta (5mcg) for only a week and a great skeptic of pharmacological solutions...However...here is my history since I want other folks who may be frustrated to hear... I lost 100 pounds through diet and exercise 12 years ago and have kept 80 of it off...but still Type 2 diabetes crept in to my life, PCOS, and now pre-cancerous uterine cell changes...I eat EXTREMELY well( no refined sugars or refined cards bor 3 years now--about 2500 calories a day), exercise a minimum of 60 minutes daily and take 2000 MG of metformin. STILL A1C of 7.4 and about 40 extra pounds that I can't or rather COULD NOT SHED.... BYETTA HAS GIVEN ME NEW HOPE THAT MY DISCIPLINE IN EATING AND EXERCISE WILL PAY OFF....Results in one week. NO real side effects except some stinging the first two days in my legs within an hour after the shot. AND no need for coffee since I never feel sluggish. (I guess this is a good thing but I do miss my coffee!!!) NOW THE GREAT THINGS: I have lost 6-8 pounds!!!! I only eat about 1/3 of my normal portions and am very satisfied (although baffled.) My morning glucose is down to 110--it has most always been over 150. I have slept though the night 3 nights in a row...a new record for me. I am gobbling up the research on Byetta....particularly concermed with long term--more than a year---adverse side effects or organ damage and have not been able to read any negative conjecture anywhere. I am grateful for this week and shocked by the results...I will update in a month. Wishing all well.
5/23/06 7:16pm
I have been on byetta for over a month and have lost 20 lb. I am still on the 5 as when I was switched to the 10 I had extreme nausea. The 5 is working well with weight loss and great control in blood gluc. reading which are ususally in the 90's in the mornings and maintained well in the 80 to 110 range. I am delighted in the change and progress. My only problem seems to be my right leg going numb once in awhile. My diet control is great now and very easy to deal with. Really great to be on byetta.
5/24/06 8:03pm
Today is just day 2 for me and Byetta. The only negative side effect so far is very slight dizziness awhile after injecting. It's so minor, though, that I'm not too worried about it.
Question for those who have had nausea and other negative effects.. how soon after beginning the injections did the negatives start?
Also, do any of you take Byetta in conjunction with insulin?
Thanks!
David's Response:
Usually the negative side effects start immediately and then disappear after a few days or perhaps a month.
5/29/06 3:45pm
I will be taking Byetta for the first time. What should I prepare for. I read to eat right after you take it to help with nausea. Any other suggestions??
David's Response:
You are wise to be prepared, Anna. You may not have any nausea. Most people don't and it soon goes away. Besides nausea, however, you will not be nearly so hungry. So don't plan on eating like you used to. And if you do, you certainly will have nausea. So plan on eating much less, and specifically much less high carbohydrate food.
6/ 2/06 9:23am
I was hoping to get on byetta next week after my next dr. visit. We just found out my brother in law down under is seriously ill and are planning to go visit. It will be a 13 hour flight, plus 3-4 weeks visiting family. Should I wait to start byetta until after the trip? I was also concerned about possible side effects while traveling. Thanks!
David's Response:
I don't know what your doctor would say, Stephanie. But if I were in your shoes, I would wait until you get back home. Travelling can be awfully stressful!
12/26/08 9:31am
Why wait?
I have been on Byetta for 9 months now. I have lost over 40 lbs. My A1C has dropped from 7.5 to 5.3 and my blood sugar readings average around 105 both before and 2 hrs after meals. I travel fairly often and take long flights.
The trick is to carry the pen in your carry on bag (as you should any medication you take). Your Doector should give you a letter stating that you take the medication by injection so if TSA stops you you can show it, although I have never had such a problem. On long flights they usually serve a main course within an hour of take off and a second meal about 1 1-1/2 hours before landing (I found this true to both AUS and India). So, inject yourself after you board, and about 2 hours before landing. I also carry a couple of high protein energy bars (I like the Atkins bars because they are very low in carbs) and if food isn't served when expected or is too high in carbs or sugar, have the bar to prevent nausea.
6/ 6/06 11:40pm
Dear David,
I have insulin resistance, taking Avandia twice a day, insulin levels back to normal. Eating 1500 cal a day, exercising 4 times a week, no weight loss, at all!! Doctor would like to put me on Byetta, he has seen good results, was wondering what you think? Had gestional diabetes and problems with ovulation. Thanks for any information. Gale Fischer.
David's Response:
It is the Avandia that undoubtedly is preventing you from losing weight on a 1500-calorie diet. That is even a bit less than what I have been eating on Byetta, and I have lost a lot of weight.
Avandia is one of those drugs that almost always causes weight gain. It's great otherwise for controlling blood glucose, which you do need to do to deal with your insulin resistance.
If you doctor wants you to go on Byetta, I think that's a great idea. I do hope that your insurance company will cover it.
6/ 9/06 8:38am
This is all very depressing. I think I must be one of those people who don't benefit from Byetta. I've been on it since the begiining of the year. I was very excited about using it because a collegue had be using it and lost weight. Although I have seen a small improvement in my BGL, I haven't lost a bit of weight and I haven't experienced a sense of fullness at meals. David's Response: Are you already on the 10mcg dose, Catherine? If you are on the starter 5mcg dose, you will likely see greater feeling of fullness and lose weight. Another suggestion to get in touch with feeling full is to slow down as much as possible when you eat. That way the satiety can catch up with you before you finish your meals. And you probably won't want to eat it all.
6/16/06 12:28pm
I started taking Byetta in March. Since then I have lost 25 pounds. It is so wonderful not to be ravenously hungry all the time. On Byetta I find myself just not wanting to eat or not eating a lot when I do eat. When my doctor put me on Byetta, he took me off Insulin 70/30 twice a day and put me on Insulin N at bedtime. Byetta itself doesn't seem to get my sugar down. However, as he had me increase the insulin at night, I found my appetite coming back. I would still be losing weight if not for the Insulin N. When I go to my doctor in a few weeks, I'm going to tell him I think it would be best to come off of Insulin N altogether and just use the Byetta. That way I can get my weight down and my blood sugar will start coming down naturally. I LOVE BYETTA!
6/23/06 1:05pm
7/17/06 9:46am
I am a very discouraged 28 year old woman who misses life before PCOS/type 2 diabetes! My local news channel had a segment on Byetta and for the first time in 6 years, I saw a chance of hope. I used to be a size 8 now I am a 20. I plan to discuss this drug with my doctor in the hopes of FINALLY getting rest and PEACE with myself. I have been extremely unsuccesful in past attempts, but I am very positive about hopefully a chance to try what seems to be an amazing drug! If it can give me back the life I once had, I would be willing to kiss the feet of the inventor!
7/26/06 3:09pm
I have been on Byetta for about a month. I also take Amaryl (4mg) and Glucophage xr (1500mg). The Byetta was working well controling my hunger (I had already lost 50 pounds by changing my diet and walking) but after a month the nausea was too severe and I had to quit the Byetta. My doctor wanted me to take a month off and try again, it's only been two weeks and I am getting my prescription refilled tonight. I feel that the nausea, while pretty sever) is better than feeling the way I do now. Are there any OTC meds for nausea that are safe with Byetta? David's Response: This is such a great question, Joe, that I will answer it in a new blog entry I am going to write now. Please watch for it on my blog. I expect that it will have the words "Byetta" and "nausea" in the title. Maybe something like, "Fighting Byetta's Nausea."
8/ 2/06 2:16pm
I have been on Byetta since early March and have lost 30 pounds. As a Type II diabetic for about 15 years, I thought there was no way that the weight would ever come off. I'm 60 years old and needed to get the weigh down to have a chance to live out a "normal" life span. My only side effect has been occasional but significant diarrhea. I don't see anyone mentioning this. Do others have this "loose stool" problem? I mentioned this change in bowel habits to diabetic educator/nurse practioner, and her only comment was that this is not uncommon. Is there an OTC product or prescription that can counter this? Will it go away? How concerned should I be?
David's Response:
I am pretty sure that you can use most of the strategies that work for nausea, Monty. Probably not the prescription and OTC drugs, which are a last resort in any case. I have a new blog entry about Byetta and nausea that should be here this week.
8/19/06 1:57pm
After using Byetta for around 4 months, I am greatly disappointed that it seems to have stopped helping at all. Initially, I had to be very careful as Byetta would actually drive my sugars too low - maybe 100 points. Now, It appears that it does little at all - maybe 10 points. Has anyone found an explanation for such? I was told Byetta was basically acting as a hormone - how does a hormone stop working? My sugars are actually worse than before. I am also on Avandia and Amaryl. Using the 20 size of Byetta. Any help?
8/21/06 8:06pm
I've been trying to take it for 3 months and I just can't live with the sickness. I wish I could take it, but I've been throwing up almost every day since I started...
David's Response:
I'm sorry, Becky. Before you quit I hope that you have a chance to review my article about "Controlling Nausea on Byetta" at http://blogs.healthcentral.com/diabetes/david-mendosa/controlling-nausea-on-byetta-2006-08-08/print
9/ 1/06 8:19am
9/17/06 11:45pm
I have been using the byetta along with actos plus metformin for only a couple of days. The nausea was horrible. How long will that last or is it because I'm not hungry and don't eat that it makes me nauseated?
David's Response:
The nausea will subside. Please be sure to read my article about Controlling Nausea on Byetta at:
http://blogs.healthcentral.com/diabetes/david-mendosa/controlling-nausea-on-byetta-2006-08-08/print
9/28/06 3:01pm
Can Byetta be taken in combination with Levemir
David's Response:
Byetta hasn't been studied in combination with Levemir or any other insulin. Some doctors do prescribe that combination, but it is a off-label use. It's perfectly legal and acceptable, but not well studied and can lead to a greater chance of hypos. It's up to your doctor.
10/ 1/06 9:45pm
I've been using Byetta for about 2 months and have lost 25 pounds. I also take 1000 mg metformin twice a day, 15 mg actos in the morning, 40mg glipizide in the morning and 20 units of lantis efore bed. My sugars have gotten much better and I feel better being so much lighter. The only problem is, probably at least twice (sometimes more)a week I am violenty ill about an hour after I eat. It's fast, projectile, and sometimes hard to get to the bathroom in time if I'm out. I can't figure out what it is that triggers it - just that i don't seem to have any type of control. Of course , I try very hard to eat healthy. But it doesn't seem to matter what I eat, sometimes some things will bother me, and sometimes they won't. Do you have any input on this? Also- I am curious- I have read everywhere that you shouldn't take Byetta after eating- but have not seen anything tell ing why not, or what would happen. Do you know? Thanks in advance for your reply :O)
David's Response:
There are some tips for preventing nausea in one of my articles, Valerie. Please check it out at:
http://blogs.healthcentral.com/diabetes/david-mendosa/controlling-nausea-on-byetta-2006-08-08/print
Yes, they say that we should wait a couple of hours or so after a snack before taking the Byetta shot at dinner time. But, like you, I have never heard why it is important to wait. My guess is for the very thing that you are talking about.
10/31/06 9:57am
I am type 2 and about 260lbs...I had weight loss surgery 8 yrs ago and have gained backed about 30lbs(my highest was 328lbs.)..
I currently take Starlix and Lantus, but my levels are still too high...Also, it seems impossible to lose weight!
My question is this...Can Byetta be taken alone or would I need to continue either the Lantus or Starlix?
I feel like just taking Byetta and if ti worked for me would be the answer to my prayers...Any help would be appreciated!
David's reply:
Byetta is intended to be taken by those who do not get adequate control on one of the sulfonylureas or on metformin. It has been tested with these drugs, and the FDA has approved it for use with those drugs. The FDA did not approve Byetta for use with insulin or Starlix or alone. That would be considered an off-label use, and prescribing it is up to your doctor.
11/ 1/06 5:46pm
Those people who are genetically deficient in GLP-1 lose weight on Byetta because that was the casue of their obesity in the first place. See below.
from: http://richandthin.bravehost.com/archive9062006.html
Five hundred generations ago, prior to inception of agriculture, what we now call the metabolic syndrome was a naturally selected trait that enhanced survival prospects. Paolithic hunter-gatherers, who were genetically disposed to eat voraciously whenever food was available, were more likely to survive those periods when food was scarce. That such individuals were more likely to develop diabetes and related cardiovascular diseases later in life, was of no consequence. Life expectancies were short anyway, and it only mattered that they reached reproductive ages, for their genes to be passed on.
One way for natural selection to promote the propagation of those predisposed to metabolic syndrome was to have genetic strains evolve that under expressed hormones such as GLP-1 which naturally counteract the metabolic syndrome. That is where ALMN comes in. The method of action of their drugs, such as Byetta, offsets the deficiency of GLP-1. ...
That a large number of those treated with Byetta lose significant amounts of weight, along with Byetta’s known method of action, suggests that for those people, the actual cause of their obesity is being addressed.
11/12/06 6:56am
I was on byetta for a year. It controlled my blood sugars and i lost a little weight, but the nausea and headaches returned with a vengance and I went off it for awhile and on insulin. With a four pound weight gain in a month, I am considering going back on byetta. i took two doses so far and no side effects, however it also did not lower my blood sugar like it used to after a meal? What could be happening here? Its a new pen.
David's Response:
Excellent advice, Lisa! I couldn't agree more, especially when you say that the discipline is up to you and Byetta (or anything else) won't do it for you.
11/15/06 2:18pm
I have had PCOS since I was 13, and I am now 45. I gained 100 pounds in on year on Clomid (which never once made me ovulate!) for anovulation when I was 23, and wasn't diagnosed with PCOS until I was 34! At 37 I started the Atkins diet and lost 80 pounds in 7 months, but it stopped working after being on the induction part of it for 4 1/2 years, even when I ate NO carbs at all. I have gained all the weight back plus 10 pounds, and now have a serious lung problem which I had surgery for that precludes any kind of exercize because of severe pain. Will Byetta help me if I can't exercize? Also, I have a son with type one diabetes, and a brother with type 2 who say my blood sugars are terrible, and they think I have diabetes too. (I had gestational diabetes 9 years ago) My hemaglobin A-1C was normal when it was done 3 months ago, and yet my blood sugars (an hour or 2 after eating) are 145-165. Also My hair is falling out in handfuls, and I am always exhausted and depressed, even on anti depressants. (Effexor) My doc told me to take my Glucophage at night...1000 mg all at once. Is that the correct way? I am very discouraged by my inability to lose weight even on extreme low carbs. At one point I was even down to eating about 300 calories a day and doing 3 hours of heavy aerobics a day (before I got Pleurisy and Pleural effusions). I did not lose one pouund although I did that for about 3 months just to show my doctor what I was up against. He just said "try harder". I rarely leave my house anymore, and have lost contact with friends and loved ones, I am so embarrassed to be seen now. I was a size 8 and now I am a size 22 with a huge stomach like I am 9 months pregnant. I was on Prednizone for my lungs (didn't help one bit!) but I gained 50 pounds in 4 months on it!!! Does Byetta help with PCOS?
11/20/06 11:58am
I HAVE PICKED UP A SUBSTANIAL AMOUNT OF WEIGHT OVER THE PAST 5 YEARS. IM CURRENTLY WORKING WITH A DIETICIAN THAT SUGGESTED THAT I TRY BYETTA FOR WEIGHT LOSS. IM NOT DIABETIC, BUT IM HAVE CONDITIONS THAT WILL EVENTUALLY LEAD TO DIABETIES(PRE-DIABETIC). SINCE WORKING WITH THE DIETICIAN, IM WORKING OUT AND EATING HEALTHY, BUT I STILL HAVE EXTREME HUNGER AND THAT'S WHY THE DIETICIAN IS SUGGESTING BYETTA. DO ANYONE KNOW OF ANYONE THAT HAS TAKEN BYETTA WITHOUT ANY OTHER DIABETIC MEDICINE FOR WEIGHT LOSS??
7/12/07 11:16am
I am ABOUT to start taking it for weight loss only. I am not a diabetic though I see a specialist for my underactive thyroid. I'm only aproximately 25lbs overweight, I eat extremely healthy and exercise regulary. My doctor seems to think this would be a great assistant in weight loss for me since I'm very uncomfortable at this weight. :) Good luck to you!
6/29/09 5:10pm
6/29/09 5:38pm
6/29/09 6:42pm
1/11/10 3:33pm
David, how is your weight now? I took byetta for about 6 mos. I lost about 30 lbs, but felt so tired I didn't want to do anything. I stopped taking about the middle of Oct. 2009. It is now Jan. 11th and I have put it all back on. Are others experiencing such results? I have already bought another 1 mo. supply of byetta. Are you able to loose weight again? I did notice for about the last 2 mos. I took byetta, I did not loose any weight. Anyone else have any input?
Jim
1/11/10 3:57pm
Dear Jim,
If you went on a very low-carb diet when on Byetta, it will make you tired for a couple of weeks until your body adjusts to burning fat instead of carbs for fuel. I had that experience at first. And if you don't increase the amount of fat you consume, you will stay tired. On the other hand, if you don't go very low-carb, you will be tired, just because all those carbs will do it.
When I went on Byetta on Feb. 6, 2006, I weighed 312 pounds. By December 1, 2007, my weight dropped to 170, so I decided to stop taking all medications, including Byetta. Since then, on a very low-carb diet, my weight dropped to about 155, where it is now.
Good luck with your diabetes and weight control,
David
11/28/06 4:47pm
11/28/06 4:48pm
2/ 2/07 8:41am
I have been on Byetta for 6 months. The first 3 mts I lost 15 pounds and stop the drug for 2 weeks; after I started on Byetta again it seems the drug was not as effective, I did not lose any more weight but now le blood sugar started again to show a good improvment. I keep the weight down whithout losing any more and I think it is because of my way of eating,I lost my appetite for protein (eggs and meat,my favorite food before) and I feel like eating more sweet and carb.
Daniele. Feb.2.2007
7/12/07 11:23am
I'm about to start taking Byetta for weight loss. Has anyone taken Byetta not being diabetic? My endocronolist prescribed this medication (I see him for an underactive thyroid) I'm only about 25lbs overweight, but very uncomfortable with it. I eat very healthy and work out regularly, and have for the past 18 years :)
I'm debating between taking this medicine or Meridia which he also suggested.
7/12/07 11:27am
I'm about to start taking Byetta for weight loss. Has anyone taken Byetta not being diabetic? My endocronolist prescribed this medication (I see him for an underactive thyroid) I'm only about 25lbs overweight, but very uncomfortable with it. I eat very healthy and work out regularly, and have for the past 18 years :)
I'm debating between taking this medicine or Meridia which he also suggested.
7/24/07 6:32pm
I have been on Byetta for 30 days, and have lost 11 lbs. My sugar level has dropped some. The highest I ever registered was 185. Now it is 130-135- 2 hrs after meals. I had nausa for 3 days and felt really tired for a week. I am now past all these side effects and am doing well. My appetite has decreased to half as much as I used to eat. Good luck people
P Cook99785
8/14/07 8:10pm
I suspect I have insulin resistance but I've not been tested. My blood pressure is quite high about 145/90 most days and my hdl-213, tri-200, ldl 43 total chol. 287 I'm also obese, about 235 lb @5'8. I don't have high blood sugar but I suspect if I do the glocuse tolerance test it'll be discovered. My question is, how do I convince my doctor that byetta can help me loose weight? I'm Desperate and will try anything at this point. Diet and exercise has not helped much lately. Is there some research that I can share with my doctor to make him feel at ease prescribing byetta? Thanks a lot for your time.
Mercy.
8/14/07 9:26pm
Dear Mercy,
I am so sorry. But, first, I am not a doctor. I have diabetes myself and am a writer about the condition.
By all means have your doctor test you to see if you have diabetes!!! If you don't, consider yourself awfully lucky and then do everything possible in your power to lose weight, eat low glycemic, exercise so you don't get it!
If you do have diabetes, then there is an excellent chance that you can persuade your doctor to prescribe Byetta. However, your chances of getting it without a diabetes diagnosis are minimal, because it's not approved for people without diabetes. And even if your doctor would prescribe it -- and some doctors do prescribe it to overweight people who are insulin resistance but do not have diabetes -- then it is very unlikely that your insurance would cover it. That would mean that you would pay a little over $200 a month for it out of pocket. It could well be worth it, but it would not be inexpensive!
8/15/07 2:28pm
Thanks very much for your response. I'll definitely have him test me. I have all the signs of insulin resistance; if get the prescription and insurance refuses to pay; won't mind paying for it myself. I've gotten to the point where I could do anything to get my weight under control again. I exercise and eat healthy but have gotten no results,
Have a pleasant day,
Mercy.
12/19/07 8:37pm
Hello all,
I've taken Byetta 5mcg for over 6 months. Everything is great - perfect weight loss, glucose levels under control, 5.0 A1c, great diet managment, but.........OMG I AM LOSING MY HAIR! Is anyone else experiencing this side effect besides me? Calling my Endo tomorrow... hate to lose the Byetta but hate to lose my HAIR even worse.
12/19/07 9:13pm
6/13/08 7:48am
8/30/08 8:39am
Hi-
I've been on Byetta for about 1 year. I have been for about 3 months losing hair like crazy! I talked to the endocrenoligist and she said try Menoxidril. I'm researching on my own trying to find out if it's the combo of all the drugs I'm on or what. I'm taking thyroid (but it's under control), BP med, metformin, and starlix (diabetes related). The hair loss have been really horrible. My hair is now so thin. Have you heard anything back from this blog?
Please write back - would love to hear about yours.
Barb Harrison
mustangs2here@aol.com
7/22/09 11:15pm
Hello,
I just googled "Byetta and hair loss" and this site popped up with all of your comments. I have just started my second month on Byetta (5mcg) and am noticing that my hair is falling out too. The only other drug that I am taking is metformin (500mg in the AM and 1000 mg in the evening). BTW I have not lost weight.
Does anyone have a clue why this might be happening and how to correct it?
FF
9/ 9/09 3:19pm
I have been taking Byetta now for the past 17 months and at first my hair growth slowed (pointed out by my hairdresser who got less and less to cut) and then over the last 5 months it has fallen out by the handful until I finally bought a wig in order for me to be confident enough to get out of the door in the morning to go to work. I am entirely bald except for a small patch of hair about the size of a postage stamp. My iron level is a bit low but everything else is the same as pre-byetta including all medications. Having said all that, although traumatic, my hair loss won't cause me problems that would be life threatening, diabeties could if not controlled so I guess I'll just have to cope! I have also have major nausea and headaches if I don't time things right when eating - weight loss is slow but steady.
9/14/09 7:38pm
10/22/09 10:33am
I am totally freaked out. I've lost so much hair from Byetta. My doctor warned me about this but every other doc said it can't be true. BUT IT IS!!!!
I've been spending a fortune on restoring my hair but nothing works. BE WARNED & PAY ATTENTION... YOUR HAIR WILL FALL OUT FOREVER! It will not grow back. I'm thin but have very little hair...you must make the choice for yourself.
I'm devastated. 
5/20/09 10:51pm
I have used Byetta (with Janumet) since July 2007. I immediately lost 40 lbs. However, in the past 4 months, I've gained 30 lbs. back with no change in diet, etc. It is as if the Byetta simply stopped working. It is very frustrating and depressing. I now feel like I am injecting myself twice a day for no reason. I am on the 10 mcg. dosage.
5/21/09 3:48pm
Dear Diana,
Sorry! But please consider this: Byetta itself won't MAKE anyone lose weight. And combining Byetta with a very low-carb diet, as many of Dr. Bernstein's patients do, works better by reducing our appentites. That's because carbohydrates -- the starches and sugars -- trigger insulin release in our bodies. And insulin, of course, makes us hungry. And, of course, when we are hungry, we eat more.
David
8/24/09 5:15pm
2/ 4/10 4:47pm
When I started taking Byetta, I went to a seminar at my doc's office. They talked about the nausea and said it would be lessened by eating 5 to 10 minutes after the shot. I was very nauseated and always ate right after the shot. I began losing weight (steadily, no matter what I ate) and have lost 47 pounds since last May 2009. Now I can wait up to an hour before eating with little nausea and I'm still losing.
5/28/10 12:43am
I have been on Byetta for 4-5 weeks, and I've lost 15 pounds to date. I usually wait about 30 minutes before I eat after I take it, because it helps me to become fuller faster. Nausea is not that bad and it passes pretty fast, if and when I do have it, which isn't often. I'm pretty much in disbelief that this injection could cut down my appetite (I've always been a big eater). I can barely eat a half of a sandwich these days and I have NO appetite most days and I'm always full. If anything it has been only with a major effort that I'm getting in any carbs, fats etc. everyday. If I had one concern it would be that I'm suddenly so fatigue. That may be due to the fact that I barely eat.
5/28/10 1:46pm
Hopefully someone will have an answer for this as I haven't been able to find one. I continue to read that Byetta will not produce lows, but I routinely crash. Like today, for example. My reading was 185 when I injected (I take the 10 mcg, but have similar results w/5). I ate a normal lunch with a mix of protein and carbs (the content doesn't seem to matter anyway). Forty-five minutes after my meal, my reading is 82. Dropped more than 100 pts in less than an hour. I often can't tell that I'm going low until I hit 40- or 50-something and then I'm gobbling sugar like crazy because I feel so terrible. I understand that I will probably crash if I start out w/a reading that is too high. But I've injected with a reading of 112 (very good for me!) and still crashed. I can't figure out what's going on. I never know from day to day when this will happen. I take the Byetta 6 hours apart and I've even experimented with taking 5 at breakfast & 10 at lunch or vice versa. I've also lost the appetite suppresant benefit - lost 50 lbs initially and now have gained at least 20 back. Anyone have some advice? Not getting much from the doctor....
6/19/10 5:10pm
Same thing happened to me. I crashed every night after dinner, had lost 25 lbs using byetta, then started putting the weight back on. Also, now my blood sugars are high again (over 200) no matter what time of day. I think my body has become resistant to Byetta. I, too, am on the 10 mcg dosage. Is there a higher dosage, and do you think that would help?
6/21/10 10:52am
One friend of mine took a higher dose when he ran into the same problem. Actually, he took Byetta three times a day instead of the normal twice a day. Eventually, that didn't work too well for him either. So his doctor switched him to a different GLP-1 inhibitor, Victoza. You might discuss that with your doctor.
David
7/ 8/10 11:56am
I just recently started taking beyetta (its been almost a month now). I started losing weight immediately. I try to eat right after I take the shot, but half way through the meal I begin to feel full. If I wait to eat, I feel so full that I can't even look at my food. An hour and a Half after taking the beyetta I feel nauseaus which last a good two hours. I do count my carbs and check my my blood sugar levels.
7/ 8/10 3:18pm
My doctor recently suggested that I consider taking the Byetta treatment. I am a 41-year-old female with type2 diabetes and fibromyalgia. I have been very proactive in managing my diabetes with great results but have been unable to lose weight. Because my activity level is limited I am concerned that Byetta may not be as helpful to me as say if someone who's activity level is not restricted. What do you think?
Thank,
April
8/21/10 3:30pm
I see an endocrinologist for a thyroid problem and am not diabetic. I have been exercising and watching my diet (low calorie) but no success. I need to lose about 100 lbs. Doc put me on Byetta 5 mcg twice a day then upped to 10 mcg twice a day after two weeks. Had slight nausea at lower level and intense nausea at 10 mcg. However, after about 5 days the nausea leveled off and is now non-existent. After 5 weeks I have lost 21 lbs. I feel full after eating and am not hungry between meals. I actually have to remind myself to eat. The fullness seems to be what's important for me. I never finish my plate in restaurants anymore. When I did try to eat more I felt very uncomfortable and bloated. Won't do that again. I am following a 1500 calorie diet eating any type of food I want. I do eat pretty healthy most of the time with the occasional sweet or salty snack. The Byetta really helps me to stay on track. There is no jitteryness and once you body adjusts and the nausea disappears you wouldn't know you were taking anything. I go for my first weigh-in next week. Can't wait.
10/10/10 6:07pm
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