Exenatide
Exenatide is an injectable GLP-1 receptor agonist that improves blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes by enhancing insulin secretion and suppressing glucagon.
Exenatide is an injectable GLP-1 receptor agonist that helps control blood sugar in type 2 diabetes by mimicking incretin hormones.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- A10BJ01
- RxNorm
- 60548
- Generic
- Exenatide
- Class
- atc-a10
- Brands
- Bydureon, Byetta
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- injection
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 5 mcg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- within 60 minutes before morning and evening meals
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 2 mg once weekly
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once every 7 days
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 5 mcg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- within 60 minutes before morning and evening meals
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
9 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second trimesterdiscontinue therapy
discontinue exenatide if pregnancy occurs, consider alternative diabetes treatment
regular fetal growth monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
third trimesterdiscontinue before delivery
discontinue exenatide before third trimester due to potential effects on fetal development
fetal monitoring and glucose control assessment
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedingavoid during breastfeeding
do not use exenatide while breastfeeding; consider alternative antidiabetic agents
monitor infant for gastrointestinal symptoms
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
elderlystart with lower dose
use with caution; start at low end of dosing range; monitor renal function
regular monitoring of renal function and gastrointestinal symptoms
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children adolescentsnot recommended
exenatide is not approved for patients under 18 years of age; safety and efficacy not established
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
renal_impairment
severe renal impairmentavoid use
do not use in patients with CrCl less than 30 mL/min
monitor renal function regularly
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
renal_impairment
moderate renal impairmentuse with caution
use with caution in patients with CrCl 30-50 mL/min; consider dose reduction
monitor renal function and for gastrointestinal symptoms
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild moderateno adjustment required
no dosage adjustment needed for mild to moderate hepatic impairment
standard monitoring
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
First FDA approval for Exenatide (Byetta)
Drug class
Therapeutic classification for Exenatide
Common uses
Primary therapeutic indication for Exenatide
Route of administration
Method of drug delivery for Exenatide
Exenatide is indicated for type 2 diabetes management in adults, used as an adjunct to diet and exercise. It may be prescribed as monotherapy or in combination with other oral antidiabetic medications such as metformin, sulfonylureas, or thiazolidinediones when single-agent therapy has not achieved adequate glycemic control.
As a GLP-1 receptor agonist, exenatide mimics incretin hormones that are naturally released from the gut after eating. It enhances glucose-dependent insulin secretion from the pancreas, suppresses glucagon secretion, slows gastric emptying, and promotes feelings of fullness, collectively reducing post-meal blood glucose spikes.
Exenatide is administered as a subcutaneous injection twice daily, typically within 60 minutes before morning and evening meals. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It carries a risk of hypoglycemia when combined with sulfonylureas or insulin. Exenatide is not recommended for patients with a history of pancreatitis or severe gastrointestinal disease and is not indicated for type 1 diabetes.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy