glp1versus

Byetta

exenatide — GLP-1 receptor agonist by AstraZeneca

GLP-1subcutaneous injectionTwice daily (within 60 min before meals)FDA Approved
Reviewed by Dr. Elena Vance, DOLast reviewed 5 sources cited

FDA: No active shortage on record for Byetta.Verify

Byetta is a prescription GLP-1 receptor agonist containing the active ingredient exenatide, manufactured by AstraZeneca and FDA-approved on April 28, 2005. It is administered as a subcutaneous injection twice daily (within 60 min before meals), and produced approximately 2.8% body-weight loss in the AC2993 Phase 3 trial over 30 weeks.

Key Facts

  • Active ingredient: exenatide
  • Drug class: GLP-1 receptor agonist
  • Manufacturer: AstraZeneca
  • FDA approval: 2005-04-28 (NDA 021773)
  • Route & frequency: subcutaneous injection, twice daily (within 60 min before meals)
  • Maximum dose: 10 mcg twice daily
  • Mean weight loss (AC2993 Phase 3): 2.8% over 30 weeks
  • Mean A1C reduction (AC2993 Phase 3): 0.8%
  • Primary indication: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (adjunct to diet and exercise)
Weight Loss

2.8%

A1C Reduction

0.8%

Max Dose

10

twice daily (within 60 min before meals)

Approved

2005

FDA-Approved Indications

  • Type 2 diabetes mellitus (adjunct to diet and exercise)

Dosing

Routesubcutaneous injection
FrequencyTwice daily (within 60 min before meals)
Starting Dose5 mcg twice daily
Maintenance10 mcg twice daily
Max Dose10 mcg twice daily
Titration5 mcg twice daily x 1 month → 10 mcg twice daily based on clinical response.

Side Effects

Side EffectFrequencySeverity
Nausea44%3/5
Vomiting13%3/5
Diarrhea13%2/5
Headache9%1/5
Dizziness9%2/5
Dyspepsia6%2/5
Jittery feeling4%1/5
Pancreatitis (rare)<1%5/5

Cost

List Price$800-$900/month
With Insurance$25-$100/month (varies by plan)
Savings CardLimited savings programs available

Pricing last updated 2026-04-14. Actual costs vary by pharmacy, insurance plan, and location.

Compare Byetta With

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Sources & References

FDA & Regulatory

  1. Byetta FDA Drugs@FDA approval record — FDA

Clinical Trial Records

  1. AC2993 Phase 3 clinical trial record — ClinicalTrials.gov

Peer-Reviewed Literature

  1. DeFronzo RA et al. Effects of Exenatide on Glycemic Control and Weight Over 30 Weeks in Metformin-Treated Patients with Type 2 Diabetes. Diabetes Care 2005;28:1092-1100 — Diabetes Care

Manufacturer Information

  1. Bydureon/Byetta patient website (AstraZeneca) — AstraZeneca

Reference Entries

  1. Exenatide entry on Wikipedia — Wikipedia

This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making medication decisions. See our full medical disclaimer.