Exenatide is a type 2 diabetes medication used in conjunction with diet and exercise. Here are some things you may not have known about Exenatide:
Generic Name: Exenatide
Brand Name(s): Bydureon BCise, Byetta
Pronunciation: ex EN a tide
About this drug:
Exenatide is an injectable medication used to improve blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes by helping the pancreas produce insulin more efficiently.
Exenatide is not recommended as the first choice of medication for treating diabetes, and is not a substitute for insulin and is not for people with type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis.
Dentistry-related tidbits:
Exenatide can cause thrombocytopenia.
Some people using Exenatide have had serious or fatal bleeding caused by low levels of platelets. Remind the patient to stop using Exenatide and speak with their doctor immediately if they have unusual bleeding or bruising.
NSAIDs can increase the risk of bleeding in patients taking Exenatide.
Epinephrine can increase the risk of hyperglycemia in diabetic patients. Advise patients to check their blood sugar levels regularly.
Commonly prescribed medications such as Acetaminophen (Tylenol), Amoxicillin, and Azithromycin should be taken > 1 hour before Exenatide (twice daily dosing) to avoid decreased medication levels and efficacy.
Many commonly prescribed dental medications also affect blood sugar levels when combined with Exenatide.
Exenatide has numerous drug interactions with meds commonly prescribed by dentists. Make sure to check for potential interactions before prescribing using a tool like Rx Check.
Fun facts:
Exenatide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist.
Exenatide has an FDA warning related to an increased risk of developing thyroid C-cell tumors. Exenatide is contraindicated in patients with medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) history or family history, or in patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). Advise patients of thyroid tumor symptoms (e.g., neck mass, dysphagia, dyspnea, persistent hoarseness). Dentists should also carefully observe patients for these symptoms.
Post-marketing studies have shown that Exenatide can also help with weight loss, reducing systolic blood pressure, and reducing cholesterol levels.
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