Exenatide
Molecule Description
Exenatide is an anti-diabetic medicine, similar to Incretin (natural hormone in
the body), which helps in lowering blood glucose level.
Uses of Exenatide
Type 2 diabetes mellitus
Contraindications of Exenatide
When should one not use Exenatide
Allergic to this medicine
Side effects of Exenatide
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 of Exenatide
Pregnancy
Q:
Can I take Exenatide during pregnancy?
A:
It is considered unsafe to use this medicine during pregnancy. Consult the doctor for management of blood sugar while pregnant.
Breast Feeding
Q:
Can I take Exenatide while breastfeeding?
A:
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
Q:
Can I drive if I have consumed Exenatide?
A:
Taking this medicine may lead to reduce your ability to concentrate if your blood sugar is low or high.
Alcohol
Q:
Can I consume alcohol with Exenatide?
A:
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 of Exenatide
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 help in reducing blood glucose. It also decreases the amount of sugar absorbed from food, slows down the digestion in your stomach and decreases appetite....
Interactions of Exenatide
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 of Exenatide
Avoid food with a high glycemic index (white rice, ice-cream, french fries, mangoes). It is advisable to follow a strict diabetic diet.
Dosage of Exenatide
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)
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
View All
- Ema. Exenatide.[Accessed 10 Sept.2019] (online):
- WebMD. Exenatide.[Accessed 10 Sept.2019] (online):
- Medscape. Exenatide.[Accessed 10 Sept.2019] (online):
- drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Exenatide. [Updated 2019 May 1]. :
- drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Exenatide. [Updated 2019 May 1]. :
- drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Exenatide. [Updated 2019 May 1]. :
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