Should You Stop Using Byetta?

By Author: Rudy Silva
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Byetta or exenatide is one medication that has been developed to control blood glucose levels among type 2 diabetes patients. Byetta belongs to incretin mimetics, which is a class of medication that helps the pancreas produce insulin more effectively. Unfortunately, this medication has also been associated with painful pancreas inflammation.

The Byetta is a synthetic drug. It is a variant of a natural hormone found in the saliva of Gila monster. The Gila is a venomous lizard exists in Southwestern United States and upper Mexico. It has been found that the Gila's hormone is 50% identical to glucagon-like peptide-1 or GLP-1.

GLP-1 is a hormone is plentiful in the human digestive track and increases insulin production when blood sugar levels become very high. Even though Gila's hormone last longer and is more effective than human's, Byetta is still effective on diabetes patients.

When taken by the human body, Byetta insulin along with blood glucose control works in many ways. It helps the pancreas' response after meal, it suppresses pancreatic release of glucagon while eating, it slows down gastric emptying, ...
... it reduces liver fat content and it reduces appetite.

Byetta is taken by injection with a pen, which is used to penetrate the skin. Instructions on how to use the pen are provided by the doctor or pharmacist. Normally, the injection is in the stomach, upper thigh, or upper arm.

These are some of the precautions to take with Byetta: 1. use only as directed by the doctor and label instructions. 2. do not use after meals. 3. use the pen only for yourself. 4. use drug only until the expiration date. 5. don't take the medication with any type of alcohol. 6. let the doctor know of any nutrients you are taking.

Even though Byetta has helped with diabetes, it has had some unwanted Byetta side effects. During 2007, the FDA made a warning after 30 patients suffered pancreatitis. Of these patients, 22 improved after not use Byetta, 5 had kidney complications, and 21 were hospitalized. In some cases the symptoms of patients worsen when the Byetta dose was increased.

The ensuing link between pancreatitis and Byetta has caused a great deal of concern among diabetics. The severity of the case varies; however, patients most often require hospitalization for its treatment, which includes pain management, and fluid and electrolyte stabilization. There are also cases that required surgery and other invasive measures. In addition, other worse complications develop such as shock, respiratory complications, high blood sugar, dehydration, kidney failure, hemorrhage. Other Byetta Side effects are diarrhea, heartburn, weight loss, nausea, dizziness, and vomiting.

Some people are using this drug for weight loss. But no studies have shown that it is effective for this losing weight. This idea is that Byetta works as appetite suppressant while causing feeling of fullness. Medical professionals points out that Byetta has never been approved as a diet aid. Byetta's side effects and safety is not yet been established to those who are not diabetic, and yet consuming the drug.

If you decide you do not want to use this drug, consult with your doctor. But, if you were admitted to the hospital because of this drug, you may want to seek legal counsel. To date, there are already progressing lawsuits against the manufacturers, for the latter's failure to warn the public about its potential risks.

Lawyers who are handling the Byetta side effects cases are willing to extend their assistance to anybody who is interested in pursuing compensations for the costs related to their healthcare, lost wages and pain and suffering arising from the adverse effects.

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