Exenatide

Q: What should I discuss with my healthcare expert before taking Exenatide?

Tell your doctor if: , You are taking any other anti-diabetic medicine , Allergic to this medicine , Severe kidney disease (creatinine clearance; 30ml/min) , Family history of Medullary thyroid cancer (A type of thyroid cancer)

Description

Exenatide is an anti-diabetic medicine that works like the natural hormone incr

etin in the body to help lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. It helps the pancreas release insulin when blood sugar is high, slows stomach emptying to reduce post-meal spikes in blood sugar, and decreases the amount of sugar produced by the liver. Exenatide is usually given as an injection and is used along with a healthy diet and regular exercise to improve blood sugar control. It may also support weight management in some patients. Like other diabetes medicines, it should be used under medical supervision, and patients should watch for side effects such as nausea, vomiting, or low blood sugar, particularly if taken with other anti-diabetic medications.

Uses

Contraindications

Side effects

Precautions and Warnings

Uses

Type 2 diabetes mellitus

Contraindications

When should one not use Exenatide

Allergic to this medicine

Side effects

Common side effects of this drug are:

Nausea, vomiting
Low blood sugar (sudden sweating, shaking, fast heartbeat, tingling in hands and feet)
Weight loss
Diarrhea
Headache
Loss of appetite
Constipation
Abdominal Discomfort
Flatulence (passing gas)

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

Can I take Exenatide during pregnancy?

It is considered unsafe to use this medicine during pregnancy. Consult the doctor for management of blood sugar while pregnant.

Breast Feeding

Can I take Exenatide while breastfeeding?

Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, as no information is available on the use of Exenatide. If you are breastfeeding, your doctor will tell you about the use of this medicine after assessing the benefits over risks.

Driving

Can I drive if I have consumed Exenatide?

Taking this medicine may lead to reduce your ability to concentrate if your blood sugar is low or high.

Alcohol

Can I consume alcohol with Exenatide?

There are increased chances of getting low blood sugar with alcohol while taking this medicine.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

You have Type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis then this medicine should not be used
You have severe problems with your stomach or inflammation of the pancreas
You lost weight too quickly
You are suffering from kidney disease or you are on dialysis

Mode of Action

How Does It Work?

In diabetes, the hormone insulin secreted by the pancreas which is responsible for lowering blood sugar, is decreased. Exenatide helps to stimulate the pancreas to secrete more insulin, which will hel...

Interactions

Interactions with other medicines

Oral antidiabetic medicine (e.g. Sulfonylureas) and Meglitinides may increase the risk of low blood sugar
Blood-thinner medicines like Warfarin
Insulin

Interactions with food items

Decreased absorption of medicine is observed in the presence of food or other medications. Consume this medicine before meals.

Dietary Restrictions

Avoid food with a high glycemic index (white rice, ice-cream, french fries, mangoes). It is advisable to follow a strict diabetic diet.

Dosage

Overdose

Symptoms of Exenatide overdose include severe nausea, vomiting, rapid drop in blood sugar levels. If you suspect an overdose, seek emergency medical care immediately.

Missed a Dose

Take the missed dose as early as you remember. Skip the missed dose and follow the regular dosing schedule if it’s too late. Do not take extra medicine to compensate for the missed dose.

Content Details

WRITTEN BY

Dr. Nikita Toshi

BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery), WHO FIDES member

REVIEWED BY

Dr. Ritu Budania

MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What should I discuss with my healthcare expert before taking Exenatide?

Tell your doctor if:
You are taking any other anti-diabetic medicine
Allergic to this medicine
Severe kidney disease (creatinine clearance; 30ml/min)
Family history of Medullary thyroid cancer (A type of thyroid cancer)

Q: Should I be worried while on this medication?

A: If you experience any symptoms of dizziness, fainting, sweating and tremors, it may be due to low blood sugar levels. Drink some glucose water/ juice/ eat sugar or chocolates immediately and report to the doctor. A regular follow up with your physician is essential.

References

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Last Updated on: 09 Dec 2025 | 01:04 AM (IST)

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Disclaimer

The information provided herein is supplied to the best of our abilities to make it accurate and reliable as it is published after a review by a team of professionals. This information is solely intended to provide a general overview on the product and must be used for informational purposes only. You should not use the information provided herein to diagnose, prevent, or cure a health problem. Nothing contained on this page is intended to create a doctor-patient relationship, replace or be a substitute for a registered medical practitioner's medical treatment/advice or consultation. The absence of any information or warning to any medicine shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance. We highly recommend that you consult your registered medical practitioner for all queries or doubts related to your medical condition. You hereby agree that you shall not make any health or medical-related decision based in whole or in part on anything contained in the Site. Please click here for detailed T&C.