What Is Exenatide?
Exenatide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP 1 agonist) in the class of drugs known as incretin mimetics.
This means that it is a man-made hormone that copies the action of the natural hormone known as glucagon-like peptide-1.
What Does Exenatide Treat?
Exenatide is used to treat type 2 diabetes because it helps reduce blood sugar levels without the patient increasing weight.
A study has also shown that it has a positive effect on patients with Parkinsonism.
How Does Exenatide Work?
Exenatide mechanism of action includes the following:
1. Increasing the release of insulin from the pancreas.
2. Reducing the effects of glucagon which is a hormone that raises blood sugar levels.
3. Slowing the absorption of glucose from the intestines.
4. Slowing with emptying of the stomach.
5. Reducing the appetite.
6. Helping weight loss.
Who is Exenatide Prescribed To?
Exenatide is prescribed to patients with type 2 diabetes who are not able to control their blood sugars with metformin and other medications.
How is Exenatide Taken?
Exenatide dose is one injection given twice a day one hour before breakfast and dinner. It is given as a subcutaneous injection (under the skin) in the thigh, abdomen and upper arm.
Exenatide is also available as an extended release solution which is injected once a week without taking into consideration the meal times.
What are the Side Effects of Exenatide?
Exenatide side effects include the following:
1. Hypoglycemia or low blood sugar levels
2. Dizziness
3. Nausea and vomiting
4. Diarrhea
5. Constipation
6. Headache
7. Nervousness or jittery feelings
8. Heart burn and stomach pain
9. Pancreatitis
10. Skin problems at the injection site like itching and swelling
11. Sweating
What are the Warnings for Exenatide?
Exenatide has been proven to cause thyroid cancer in rats and it is unknown if it does the same in humans.
However, persons with a family history of medullary thyroid cancer or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2) should not use it.
Who Should Not Use Exenatide?
Persons who should not use exenatide include the following:
1. Persons who are allergic to exenatide or its ingredients.
2. Persons with medullary thyroid cancer and those with family members with it.
3. Persons with MEN type 2.
4. Persons with type 1 diabetes.
5. Persons with DKA (diabetic ketoacidosis)
6. Persons with severe kidney, stomach and intestine problems.
What Tests Should be Done for Exenatide?
A person taking exenatide should have the following tests done:
1. Blood tests for blood glucose levels
2. Blood tests for hemoglobin A1C levels
3. Blood tests for kidney function
4. Blood tests for calcitonin levels
5. Thyroid ultrasound uses sound waves to create medical images of the thyroid. It is done to assess the thyroid since this medication has been linked to thyroid cancer in rats.
