Exenatide Microspheres
Pronounced
"ex-EN-a-tide"
Uses
Exenatide is used either alone or with other medications, and with a proper diet and exercise program, to control high blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. Controlling high blood sugar helps prevent kidney damage, blindness, nerve problems, loss of limbs, and sexual function problems. Proper control of diabetes may also lessen your risk of a heart attack or stroke.
Exenatide is similar to a natural hormone in your body (incretin). It works by causing insulin release in response to high sugar (such as after a meal) and decreasing the amount of sugar your liver makes.
Exenatide is not a substitute for insulin if you require insulin treatment.
Warning
This medication can cause a certain type of thyroid tumor (thyroid C-cell tumors) in rats. It is unknown if this medication can cause similar tumors in humans. Talk with your doctor about the benefits and risks of treatment with this medication. Do not use this medication if you have a personal/family history of a certain type of cancer (medullary thyroid carcinoma) or a certain inherited disease (multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 or MEN 2). While using this medication, tell your doctor right away if you notice any signs of thyroid tumors, including an unusual growth or lump in the neck, difficulty swallowing, shortness of breath, unusual/lasting hoarseness.
How to Use This Medication
Read the Medication Guide and the Instructions For Use Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using exenatide and each time you get a refill. Ask your health care professional how to prepare and use this medication. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Inject this medication under the skin as directed by your doctor, usually once every 7 days. It may be used with or without meals. The injection is given in the thigh, abdomen, or upper arm.
Before using, check this product for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Before injecting each dose, clean the skin you are going to inject into (the injection site) with rubbing alcohol. Change the injection site each time to lessen injury under the skin. If you are using insulin at the same time as exenatide, give exenatide and insulin as separate injections. Do not mix them. You may inject these medications in the same area of the body, but the injection sites should not be next to each other. To lessen bruising, do not rub the injection site after a shot. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it on the same day each week. Mark your calendar with a reminder. Carefully follow the medication treatment plan, meal plan, and exercise program your doctor has recommended.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better or if it gets worse (your blood sugar is too high or too low).