Exenatide/Methylcobalamin (Byetta with B12)

Vitamin B12 is not a normal part of Byetta. It’s added specially to Exenatide for you by my certified compounding pharmacy. Vitamin B-12 has been implicated to give you more energy and boost your metabolism so it can add the exenatide in working. 

Inject this medication under the skin in the thigh, abdomen, or upper arm as directed by your doctor, usually twice a day. The injections should be done within 60 minutes before the morning and evening meals (or before the two main meals of the day, at least 6 hours apart). Exenatide should not be used after a meal since it will not work as well. Dosage is usually 5mg subcutaneous twice daily and can be titrated up to 10mg subcutaneous twice daily in some people. 

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, nervousness, or upset stomach may occur as your body adjusts to the medication. Nausea usually lessens as you continue to use exenatide. Other side effects include decreased appetite or weight loss. Although exenatide by itself usually does not cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), low blood sugar may occur if this drug is prescribed with other diabetes medications.  

Symptoms of low blood sugar include sudden sweating, shaking, fast heartbeat, hunger, blurred vision, dizziness, or tingling hands/feet. It is a good habit to carry glucose tablets or gel to treat low blood sugar. Raisins, honey, or jelly can work well too.  

Exenatide has rarely caused a very serious (possibly fatal) disease of the pancreas (pancreatitis). Get medical help right away if you develop symptoms of pancreatitis, including nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop, and/or severe stomach and abdominal pain.

Exenatide is not recommended for use in patients with end-stage renal disease or severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance <30 mL/min) and should be used with caution in patients with renal transplantation.

Since exenatide slows down the digestion of food and drugs in your stomach, certain medications (such as birth control pills and antibiotics taken by mouth) may not work as well if you take them at the same time. Take birth control pills or antibiotics at least 1 hour before using exenatide. If you must take these medications with food, take them with a meal or snack when you do not also take exenatide. 

Limit alcohol while taking this medication because it can increase your risk of developing low blood sugar.

Contact Barbara Grubbs for an appointment to discuss the medication and your goals. We will review your medical history and order lab work. Once your lab work comes back we can arrange to get you started on Exenatide. 

Schedule online yourself easily. I’m also available at barbaragrubbs@telemedicinepractitioners.com and via text at 803.900.5758. Text me for a work-in if you can’t find the right availability on my online calendar.

This is a prescription drug that requires I have special licensing in your state to prescribe it to you. I’m licensed in SC*, FL, NM, AZ, IA, CO, MI, NV, VA, UT, ID, OR, RI, CT, WA, MI, DC.

A lot of videos explain and show this on youtube. I also have instructions HERE.