What is Byetta?

Byetta is the brand name of exenatide, an injection prescribed along with diet and exercise to help adults with Type 2 diabetes mellitus improve their blood sugar (glucose) levels. Another product, Bydureon, is an extended-release form of exenatide.

Exenatide is among a class of drugs known as “incretin mimetics.” They work by mimicking the incretin hormones that the body usually produces naturally to stimulate the release of insulin in response to a meal.

Byetta comes as premeasured doses in an injectable “pen.” It is used twice a day within an hour before eating breakfast and dinner in the evening. Patients start with a dose of 5 micrograms (mcg) twice a day for at least 30 days, but their doctors may increase the dose to 10 mcg.