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Byetta
exenatide · Injection
Overview
Active ingredients
Source: NDC Directory| Ingredient | Strength | RxCUI | Monograph |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exenatide | 250 ug/mL | 847910 | View |
Forms, strengths and routes
Source: NDC DirectoryPharmacologic classes are listed in the class section below.
Pharmacologic class
Source: NDC Directory| Class | Type | Browse |
|---|---|---|
| GLP-1 Receptor Agonist [EPC] | EPC | All 15 members |
| Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 [CS] | CS | All 12 members |
| Glucagon-like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) Agonists [MoA] | MoA | All 15 members |
Regulatory status
Source: Drugs@FDANDC Directory| Product | Trade name | Form | Strength | Ingredient | Status | TE | Flags |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 021773-001 | BYETTA | INJECTABLE | EXENATIDE SYNTHETIC | Discontinued | AP | RLD | |
| 021773-002 | BYETTA | INJECTABLE | EXENATIDE SYNTHETIC | Discontinued | AP | RLD |
Therapeutic equivalence
Source: Orange BookWhat this rating means: Therapeutically equivalent — bioequivalence demonstrated (parenteral aqueous solutions)
Codes beginning with “A” indicate products the FDA considers therapeutically equivalent. Codes beginning with “B” indicate bioequivalence has not been established. See methodology.
Approval history
Source: Drugs@FDA| Type | No. | Action | Status | Date | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Supplement | 51 | Labeling | Approved | September 2, 2025 | Standard |
| Supplement | 50 | Labeling | Approved | May 28, 2025 | Standard |
| Supplement | 49 | Labeling | Approved | November 1, 2024 | 901 Required |
| Supplement | 48 | Labeling | Approved | December 21, 2022 | Standard |
| Supplement | 47 | Labeling | Approved | June 10, 2022 | 901 Required |
| Supplement | 46 | Labeling | Approved | June 10, 2022 | Standard |
| Supplement | 45 | Efficacy | Approved | November 4, 2021 | Standard |
| Supplement | 44 | Labeling | Approved | June 17, 2021 | Standard |
| Supplement | 43 | Labeling | Approved | February 28, 2020 | Standard |
| Supplement | 41 | Labeling | Approved | December 20, 2018 | Standard |
| Supplement | 40 | Labeling | Approved | February 25, 2015 | 901 Required |
| Supplement | 36 | Efficacy | Approved | November 24, 2014 | Standard |
| Supplement | 39 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | August 12, 2014 | Standard |
| Supplement | 38 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | June 4, 2014 | Standard |
| Supplement | 37 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | June 4, 2014 | Standard |
| Supplement | 35 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | April 23, 2014 | Standard |
| Supplement | 34 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | January 30, 2014 | Standard |
| Supplement | 30 | Efficacy | Approved | October 19, 2011 | Standard |
| Supplement | 29 | Efficacy | Approved | October 19, 2011 | Standard |
| Supplement | 31 | REMS | Approved | August 5, 2011 | N/A |
| Supplement | 28 | Labeling | Approved | November 12, 2010 | Unknown |
| Supplement | 26 | Labeling | Approved | August 13, 2010 | Unknown |
| Supplement | 25 | REMS | Approved | October 30, 2009 | Unknown |
| Supplement | 22 | Labeling | Approved | October 30, 2009 | Standard |
| Supplement | 18 | Labeling | Approved | October 30, 2009 | Standard |
| Supplement | 17 | Labeling | Approved | October 30, 2009 | Standard |
| Supplement | 11 | Labeling | Approved | October 30, 2009 | Standard |
| Supplement | 9 | Labeling | Approved | October 30, 2009 | Standard |
| Supplement | 10 | Labeling | Approved | June 17, 2008 | Standard |
| Supplement | 12 | Labeling | Approved | January 11, 2008 | Standard |
| Supplement | 7 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | February 10, 2007 | N/A |
| Supplement | 6 | Labeling | Approved | December 22, 2006 | Standard |
| Supplement | 2 | Efficacy | Approved | December 22, 2006 | Unknown |
| Supplement | 5 | Labeling | Approved | November 1, 2006 | Standard |
| Supplement | 4 | Labeling | Approved | October 12, 2006 | Standard |
| Original application | 1 | Type 1 - New Molecular Entity | Approved | April 28, 2005 | Standard |
Review documents
- 0 · Supplement · September 3, 2025
- 0 · Supplement · September 3, 2025
- 0 · Supplement · June 2, 2025
- 0 · Supplement · June 2, 2025
- 0 · Supplement · May 29, 2025
- 0 · Supplement · November 5, 2024
- 0 · Supplement · November 4, 2024
- 0 · Supplement · December 23, 2022
- 0 · Supplement · December 22, 2022
- 0 · Supplement · June 14, 2022
- 0 · Supplement · June 14, 2022
- 0 · Supplement · June 13, 2022
- 0 · Supplement · June 13, 2022
- 0 · Supplement · November 5, 2021
- 0 · Supplement · November 5, 2021
- 0 · Supplement · June 22, 2021
- 0 · Supplement · June 22, 2021
- 0 · Supplement · March 3, 2020
- 0 · Supplement · March 2, 2020
- 0 · Supplement · December 21, 2018
- 0 · Supplement · March 3, 2015
- 0 · Supplement · February 27, 2015
- 0 · Supplement · November 26, 2014
- 0 · Supplement · November 26, 2014
- 0 · Supplement · November 4, 2011
- 0 · Supplement · November 4, 2011
- 0 · Supplement · October 24, 2011
- 0 · Supplement · October 24, 2011
- 0 · Supplement · August 10, 2011
- 0 · Supplement · November 18, 2010
Prescribing information
Source: openFDA Drug LabelingReproduced verbatim from the Structured Product Labeling submitted to the FDA (effective 20250902). This is the manufacturer's labelling text, not a summary and not advice.
Recent Major Changes
openFDA Drug LabelingWarnings and Precautions, Pulmonary Aspiration During General Anesthesia or Deep Sedation ( 5.10 ) 11/2024
Indications and Usage
openFDA Drug Labeling1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE BYETTA is indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Limitations of Use • BYETTA contains exenatide. Coadministration with other exenatide-containing products is not recommended. BYETTA (exenatide) is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. ( 1 , 14 ) Limitations of Use • Coadministration with other exenatide-containing products is not recommended ( 1 ).
Dosage and Administration
openFDA Drug Labeling2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION • Inject subcutaneously within 60 minutes prior to morning and evening meals (or before the two main meals of the day, approximately 6 hours or more apart). ( 2.1 ) • Initiate at 5 mcg per dose twice daily; increase to 10 mcg twice daily after 1 month based on clinical response. ( 2.1 ) 2.1 Recommended Dosing • Initiate BYETTA at 5 mcg administered subcutaneously twice daily at any time within the 60-minute period before the morning and evening meals (or before the two main meals of the day, approximately 6 hours or more apart). Do not administer after a meal. • Based on clinical response, the dose of BYETTA can be increased to 10 mcg twice daily which is recommended after 1 month of therapy, in order to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal adverse reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) and Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . • Administer as a subcutaneous injection in the thigh, abdomen, or upper arm. • Rotate injections sites with each dose. Do not use the same site for each injection. • Inspect visually for particulate matter and discoloration. Only use BYETTA if the solution appears clear, colorless, and contains no particles. • When using BYETTA with insulin, administer as separate injections and never mix. It is acceptable to inject BYETTA and insulin in the same body region, but the injections should not be adjacent to each other. • If a dose is missed, resume the treatment regimen as prescribed with the next scheduled dose.
2.1 Recommended Dosing • Initiate BYETTA at 5 mcg administered subcutaneously twice daily at any time within the 60-minute period before the morning and evening meals (or before the two main meals of the day, approximately 6 hours or more apart). Do not administer after a meal. • Based on clinical response, the dose of BYETTA can be increased to 10 mcg twice daily which is recommended after 1 month of therapy, in order to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal adverse reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) and Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . • Administer as a subcutaneous injection in the thigh, abdomen, or upper arm. • Rotate injections sites with each dose. Do not use the same site for each injection. • Inspect visually for particulate matter and discoloration. Only use BYETTA if the solution appears clear, colorless, and contains no particles. • When using BYETTA with insulin, administer as separate injections and never mix. It is acceptable to inject BYETTA and insulin in the same body region, but the injections should not be adjacent to each other. • If a dose is missed, resume the treatment regimen as prescribed with the next scheduled dose.
Dosage Forms and Strengths
openFDA Drug Labeling3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS BYETTA injection is a clear, colorless solution of exenatide supplied as follows: • 5 mcg per dose in a single-patient-use prefilled pen containing 300 mcg/1.2 mL (250 mcg/mL), 60 doses. • 10 mcg per dose in a single-patient-use prefilled pen containing 600 mcg/2.4 mL (250 mcg/mL), 60 doses. BYETTA injection is supplied as: • 5 mcg per dose, in a single patient use prefilled pen containing 300 mcg/1.2 mL (250 mcg/mL), 60 doses. • 10 mcg per dose, in a single patient use prefilled pen containing 600 mcg/2.4 mL (250 mcg/mL), 60 doses.
Contraindications
openFDA Drug Labeling4 CONTRAINDICATIONS BYETTA is contraindicated in patients with: • A prior severe hypersensitivity reaction to exenatide or to any of the excipients in BYETTA. Serious hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis and angioedema have been reported with BYETTA [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ]. • A history of drug-induced immune-mediated thrombocytopenia from exenatide products. Serious bleeding, which may be fatal, from drug-induced immune-mediated thrombocytopenia has been reported with exenatide use [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ] . • History of severe hypersensitivity to exenatide or any of the excipients in BYETTA. (4) • History of drug-induced immune-mediated thrombocytopenia from exenatide products. ( 4 )
Warnings and Cautions
openFDA Drug Labeling5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS • Acute Pancreatitis : Has been observed in patients treated with GLP-1 receptor agonists, including BYETTA. Discontinue if pancreatitis is suspected. ( 5.1 ) • Never share a BYETTA pen between patients, even if the needle is changed. ( 5.2 ) • Hypoglycemia with Concomitant Use of Insulin Secretagogues or Insulin: Patients taking an insulin secretagogue or insulin may have an increased risk of hypoglycemia, including severe hypoglycemia. Reduction in the dose of insulin secretagogues or insulin may be necessary. ( 5.3 ) • Acute Kidney Injury Due to Volume Depletion : Monitor renal function in patients reporting adverse reactions that could lead to volume depletion ( 5.4 ) • Severe Gastrointestinal Adverse Reactions : Use has been associated with gastrointestinal adverse reactions, sometimes severe. BYETTA is not recommended in patients with severe gastroparesis. ( 5.5 ) • Immunogenicity: Patients may develop antibodies to exenatide. If there is worsening glycemic control or failure to achieve target glycemic control, consider alternative antidiabetic therapy. ( 5.6 ) • Hypersensitivity: Serious hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis and angioedema) have been reported. Discontinue BYETTA and promptly seek medical advice. ( 5.7 ) • Drug-induced Immune-mediated Thrombocytopenia: Serious bleeding which may be fatal has been reported. Discontinue BYETTA promptly and avoid re-exposure to exenatide. ( 5.8 ) • Acute Gallbladder Disease: If cholelithiasis or cholecystitis are suspected, gallbladder studies are indicated. ( 5.9 ) • Pulmonary Aspiration During General Anesthesia or Deep Sedation: Has been reported in patients receiving GLP-1 receptor agonists undergoing elective surgeries or procedures. Instruct patients to inform healthcare providers of any planned surgeries or procedures. ( 5.10 ) 5.1 Acute Pancreatitis Acute pancreatitis, including fatal and non-fatal hemorrhagic or necrotizing pancreatitis, has been observed in patients treated with glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, including BYETTA [see Adverse Reactions (6.2) ] . After initiation of BYETTA, observe patients carefully for signs and symptoms of pancreatitis (including persistent severe abdominal pain, sometimes radiating to the back and which may or may not be accompanied by vomiting). If pancreatitis is suspected, discontinue BYETTA and initiate appropriate management. 5.2 Never Share a BYETTA Pen Between Patients BYETTA pens must never be shared between patients, even if the needle is changed. Pen-sharing poses a risk for transmission of blood-borne pathogens. 5.3 Hypoglycemia with Concomitant Use of Insulin Secretagogues or Insulin Patients receiving BYETTA in combination with an insulin secretagogue (e.g., sulfonylurea) or insulin may have an increased risk of hypoglycemia including severe hypoglycemia [see Adverse Reactions (6) and Drug Interactions (7) ] . The risk of hypoglycemia may be lowered by a reduction in the dose of sulfonylurea (or other concomitantly administered insulin secretagogue) or insulin. Inform patients using these concomitant medications of the risk of hypoglycemia and educate them on the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia. 5.4 Acute Kidney Injury Due to Volume Depletion There have been postmarketing reports of acute kidney injury, in some cases requiring hemodialysis, in patients treated with GLP-1 receptor agonists, BYETTA [see Adverse Reactions (6.2) ] . The majority of the reported events occurred in patients who experienced gastrointestinal reactions leading to dehydration such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea [see Adverse Reactions (6) ] . Monitor renal function in patients reporting adverse reactions to BYETTA that could lead to volume depletion, especially during dosage initiation and escalation of BYETTA. BYETTA is not recommended in patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance <30 mL/min) or end-stage renal disease and should be used with caution in patients with re …
Adverse Reactions
openFDA Drug Labeling6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following serious adverse reactions are described below or elsewhere in the prescribing information: • Acute Pancreatitis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] • Never Share a BYETTA Pen Between Patients [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] • Hypoglycemia with Concomitant Use of Insulin Secretagogues or Insulin [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] • Acute Kidney Injury Due to Volume Depletion [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] • Severe Gastrointestinal Adverse Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] • Immunogenicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] • Hypersensitivity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] • Drug-Induced Thrombocytopenia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ] • Acute Gallbladder Disease [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9) ] • Pulmonary Aspiration During General Anesthesia or Deep Sedation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10) ] • Most common (≥5%) and occurring more frequently than placebo in clinical trials: nausea, hypoglycemia, vomiting, diarrhea, feeling jittery, dizziness, headache, dyspepsia, constipation, asthenia. Nausea usually decreases over time. ( 5.3 , 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact AstraZeneca at 1-800-236-9933 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch . 6.1 Clinical Trial Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Hypoglycemia Table 1 summarizes the incidence and rate of hypoglycemia with BYETTA in six placebo-controlled clinical trials. Table 1: Incidence (%) and Rate of Hypoglycemia when BYETTA was used as Monotherapy or with Concomitant Antidiabetic Therapy in Six Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trials A hypoglycemic episode was recorded if a patient reported symptoms of hypoglycemia with or without a blood glucose value consistent with hypoglycemia. Severe hypoglycemia was defined as an event with symptoms consistent with hypoglycemia requiring the assistance of another person and associated with either a documented blood glucose value <54 mg/dL or prompt recovery after treatment for hypoglycemia. Placebo BID BYETTA 5 mcg BID BYETTA 10 mcg BID Monotherapy (24 Weeks) N 77 77 78 % Overall 1.3% 5.2% 3.8% Rate (episodes/patient-year) 0.03 0.21 0.52 % Severe 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% With Metformin (30 Weeks) N 113 110 113 % Overall 5.3% 4.5% 5.3% Rate (episodes/patient-year) 0.12 0.13 0.12 % Severe 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% With a Sulfonylurea (30 Weeks) N 123 125 129 % Overall 3.3% 14.4% 35.7% Rate (episodes/patient-year) 0.07 0.64 1.61 % Severe 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% With Metformin and a Sulfonylurea (30 Weeks) N 247 245 241 % Overall 12.6% 19.2% 27.8% Rate (episodes/patient-year) 0.58 0.78 1.71 % Severe 0.0% 0.4% 0.0% With a Thiazolidinedione (16 Weeks) N 112 not evaluated 121 % Overall 7.1% not evaluated 10.7% Rate (episodes/patient-years) 0.56 not evaluated 0.98 % Severe 0.0% not evaluated 0.0% With Insulin Glargine with or without Metformin and/or Thiazolidinedione (30 Weeks) When BYETTA was initiated in combination with insulin glargine, the dose of insulin glargine was decreased by 20% in patients with an HbA 1c ≤8.0% to minimize the risk of hypoglycemia. See Table 9 for insulin dose titration algorithm. N 122 not evaluated 137 % Overall 29.5% not evaluated 24.8% Rate (episodes/patient-years) 1.58 not evaluated 1.61 % Severe 0.8% not evaluated 0.0% N = number of Intent-to-Treat subjects in each treatment group. Immunogenicity Antibodies were assessed in 90% of subjects in the 30-week, 24-week, and 16-week studies of BYETTA. In the 30-week controlled trials of BYETTA add-on to metformin and/or sulfonylurea, antibodies were assessed at 2- to 6-week intervals. The mean antibody titer peaked at Week 6 and was reduced by 55% by Week 30. Three hundred and sixty patients (38%) had low titer antibodies (<625) to exenatide at 30 weeks. Th …
Drug Interactions
openFDA Drug Labeling7 DRUG INTERACTIONS • May impact absorption of orally administered medications. ( 7 ) • Warfarin: Postmarketing reports of increased INR sometimes associated with bleeding. Monitor INR frequently until stable upon initiation or alteration of BYETTA therapy. ( 7 ) Generic Section Table 6: Clinically Relevant Interactions with BYETTA Concomitant Use of Insulin Secretagogues or Insulin Clinical Impact Exenatide promotes insulin release from pancreatic beta-cells in the presence of elevated glucose concentrations. The risk of hypoglycemia is increased when exenatide is used in combination with insulin secretagogues (e.g., sulfonylureas) or insulin [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) and Adverse Reactions (6) ] . Intervention When initiating BYETTA, consider reducing the dose of concomitantly administered insulin secretagogue or insulin to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia. Warfarin Clinical Impact In a drug interaction study, BYETTA did not have a significant effect on INR [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . There have been postmarketing reports for BYETTA of increased INR with concomitant use of warfarin, sometimes associated with bleeding [see Adverse Reactions (6.2) ] . Intervention In patients taking warfarin, the prothrombin time should be monitored more frequently after initiation or alteration of BYETTA therapy. Once a stable prothrombin time has been documented, the prothrombin time can be monitored at the intervals recommended for patients taking warfarin. Orally Administered Drugs (e.g., acetaminophen) Clinical Impact Exenatide slows gastric emptying. Therefore, BYETTA has the potential to reduce the rate of absorption of orally administered drugs [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. Intervention Use caution when administering oral medications with BYETTA where a slower rate of oral absorption may be clinically meaningful. For oral medications that are dependent on threshold concentrations for efficacy, such as contraceptives and antibiotics, patients should be advised to take those drugs at least 1 hour before BYETTA injection. If such drugs are to be administered with food, patients should be advised to take them with a meal or snack when BYETTA is not administered [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] .
Use in Specific Populations
openFDA Drug Labeling8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS • Pregnancy: Use during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the risk to the fetus. (8.1) 8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Limited data with BYETTA in pregnant women are not sufficient to determine a drug-associated risk for major birth defects or miscarriage. There are risks to the mother and fetus associated with poorly controlled diabetes in pregnancy (see Clinical Considerations ). Based on animal reproduction studies, there may be risks to the fetus from exposure to BYETTA during pregnancy. BYETTA should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Animal reproduction studies identified increased adverse fetal and neonatal outcomes from exposure to exenatide during pregnancy and lactation in association with maternal effects. In mice, exenatide administered during gestation and lactation caused increased neonatal deaths at systemic exposure 3-times the human exposure resulting from the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 20 mcg/day for BYETTA (see Data ) . The estimated background risk of major birth defects is 6-10% in women with pre-gestational diabetes with an HbA1c >7 and has been reported to be as high as 20-25% in women with HbA1c >10. The estimated background risk of miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively. Clinical Considerations Disease-associated maternal and/or embryofetal risk Poorly controlled diabetes in pregnancy increases the maternal risk for diabetic ketoacidosis, preeclampsia, spontaneous abortions, preterm delivery, and delivery complications. Poorly controlled diabetes increases the fetal risk for major birth defects, stillbirth, and macrosomia related morbidity. Data Animal Data In studies evaluating reproduction and development in pregnant mice and rabbits, maternal animals were administered exenatide, the active ingredient in BYETTA, by subcutaneous injection twice a day. In pregnant mice given 6, 68, 460, or 760 mcg/kg/day exenatide during fetal organogenesis, skeletal variations associated with slowed fetal growth, including changes in number of rib pairs or vertebral ossifications sites, and wavy ribs were observed at 760 mcg/kg/day, a dose that produced maternal toxicity and yielded systemic exposure 390-times the human exposure resulting from the MRHD of BYETTA based on AUC comparison. In pregnant rabbits given 0.2, 2, 22, 156, or 260 mcg/kg/day exenatide during fetal organogenesis, irregular fetal skeletal ossifications were observed at 2 mcg/kg/day, a dose yielding systemic exposure up to 12-times the human exposure from the MRHD of BYETTA based on AUC comparison. In maternal mice given 6, 68, or 760 mcg/kg/day exenatide from gestation day 6 through lactation day 20 (weaning), an increased number of neonatal deaths was observed on postpartum days 2 to 4 in dams given 6 mcg/kg/day, a dose yielding a systemic exposure 3-times the human exposure from the MRHD of BYETTA based on AUC comparison. 8.2 Lactation Risk Summary There is no information regarding the presence of BYETTA, in human milk, the effects of BYETTA on the breastfed infant, or the effects of BYETTA on milk production. Exenatide was present in the milk of lactating mice. However, due to species-specific differences in lactation physiology, the clinical relevance of these data is not clear (see Data ) . The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for BYETTA and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed child from BYETTA or from the underlying maternal condition. Data In lactating mice subcutaneously injected twice a day with exenatide, the concentration of exenatide in milk was up to 2.5% of the concentration in maternal plasma. 8.4 Pediatric Use The safety and effectiveness of BYETTA …
Mechanism of Action
openFDA Drug Labeling12.1 Mechanism of Action Incretins, such as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), enhance glucose-dependent insulin secretion and exhibit other antihyperglycemic actions following their release into the circulation from the gut. BYETTA is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that enhances glucose-dependent insulin secretion by the pancreatic beta-cell, suppresses inappropriately elevated glucagon secretion, and slows gastric emptying. The amino acid sequence of exenatide partially overlaps that of human GLP-1. Exenatide has been shown to bind and activate the human GLP-1 receptor in vitro . This leads to an increase in both glucose-dependent synthesis of insulin, and in vivo secretion of insulin from pancreatic beta cells, by mechanisms involving cyclic AMP and/or other intracellular signaling pathways. BYETTA improves glycemic control by reducing fasting and postprandial glucose concentrations in patients with type 2 diabetes through the actions described below.
Description
openFDA Drug Labeling11 DESCRIPTION BYETTA (exenatide) is a synthetic peptide, GLP-1 receptor agonist, that was originally identified in the lizard Heloderma suspectum . Exenatide is a 39-amino acid peptide amide. Exenatide has the empirical formula C 184 H 282 N 50 O 60 S and molecular weight of 4186.6 Daltons. The amino acid sequence for exenatide is shown below. H-His-Gly-Glu-Gly-Thr-Phe-Thr-Ser-Asp-Leu-Ser-Lys-Gln-Met-Glu-Glu-Glu-Ala-Val-Arg-Leu-Phe-Ile-Glu-Trp-Leu-Lys-Asn-Gly-Gly-Pro-Ser-Ser-Gly-Ala-Pro-Pro-Pro-Ser-NH 2 BYETTA injection is supplied for subcutaneous administration as a sterile, preserved isotonic solution in a glass cartridge that has been assembled in a pen-injector (pen). Each milliliter (mL) contains 250 micrograms (mcg) synthetic exenatide, 2.2 mg metacresol as an antimicrobial preservative, mannitol as a tonicity-adjusting agent, and glacial acetic acid and sodium acetate trihydrate in water for injection as a buffering solution at pH 4.5. Two prefilled pens are available to deliver unit doses of 5 mcg per dose or 10 mcg per dose. Each prefilled pen will deliver 60 doses to provide for 30 days of twice daily administration (BID). Each prefilled device is filled with volume to allow delivery of 1.2 mL or 2.4 mL. Each device contains additional volume to allow for troubleshooting the device 4 times.
Overdosage
openFDA Drug Labeling10 OVERDOSAGE In a clinical study of BYETTA, three patients with type 2 diabetes each experienced a single overdose of 100 mcg SC (10 times the maximum recommended dose). Effects of the overdoses included severe nausea, severe vomiting, and rapidly declining blood glucose concentrations. One of the three patients experienced severe hypoglycemia requiring parenteral glucose administration. The three patients recovered without complication. In the event of overdose, consider contacting the Poison Help line (1-800-222-1222) or a medical toxicologist for additional overdosage management recommendations. Initiate appropriate supportive treatment according to the patient's clinical signs and symptoms.
How Supplied / Storage and Handling
openFDA Drug Labeling16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING 16.1 How Supplied BYETTA (exenatide) Injection is a clear, colorless solution supplied as: • 5 mcg per dose, in a single-patient-use prefilled pen containing 300 mcg/1.2 mL (250 mcg/mL), 60 doses, NDC 0310-6512-01. • 10 mcg per dose, in a single-patient-use prefilled pen containing 600 mcg/2.4 mL (250 mcg/mL), 60 doses, NDC 0310-6524-01. 16.2 Storage and Handling • Store BYETTA in the refrigerator at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C). • After first use, BYETTA can be kept at a temperature not to exceed 77°F (25°C). • Do not freeze. Do not use BYETTA if it has been frozen. • Protect BYETTA from light. • Discard the pen 30 days after first use, even if some drug remains in the pen. • Use a puncture-resistant container to discard the needles. Do not reuse or share needles.
16.1 How Supplied BYETTA (exenatide) Injection is a clear, colorless solution supplied as: • 5 mcg per dose, in a single-patient-use prefilled pen containing 300 mcg/1.2 mL (250 mcg/mL), 60 doses, NDC 0310-6512-01. • 10 mcg per dose, in a single-patient-use prefilled pen containing 600 mcg/2.4 mL (250 mcg/mL), 60 doses, NDC 0310-6524-01.
Adverse event reports
Source: openFDA FAERSAttributed to this product's most-reported active ingredient: EXENATIDE. Combination products with more than six active ingredients are not attributed, because a report count summed across a long ingredient list measures the list, not the medicine.
Packaging and NDCs
Source: NDC Directory| Package NDC | Product NDC | Labeler | Description | Marketing start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0310-6512-01 | 0310-6512 | AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP | 1 CARTRIDGE in 1 CARTON (0310-6512-01) / 1.2 mL in 1 CARTRIDGE | December 10, 2014 |
| 0310-6524-01 | 0310-6524 | AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP | 1 CARTRIDGE in 1 CARTON (0310-6524-01) / 2.4 mL in 1 CARTRIDGE | December 12, 2014 |
| 0310-6512 | 0310-6512 | AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP | — | December 10, 2014 |
| 0310-6524 | 0310-6524 | AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP | — | December 12, 2014 |
Sources for this page
| Dataset | Agency | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| NDC Directory | FDA | Identity, ingredients, strengths, forms, routes, labelers, packages |
| Drugs@FDA | FDA | Application, sponsor, submissions, review documents, marketing status |
| Orange Book | FDA | Therapeutic equivalence codes, reference drug flags, patents, exclusivity |
| Drug Labeling | FDA / NLM | Prescribing information reproduced above |
| FAERS | FDA | Adverse event report counts |
Generated September 25, 2026 · 11 sections on this page.