Bydureon BCise is a brand-name medication that’s used to improve blood sugar levels in certain people with type 2 diabetes. This drug can be prescribed for use in adults and children ages 10 years and older. It comes as a liquid suspension that’s given by subcutaneous injection using an autoinjector.

Bydureon BCise contains a drug called extended-release exenatide. It belongs to a class of drugs called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists.

See the “Bydureon BCise uses” section below for details about how this drug is used and its limitations.

Bydureon vs. Bydureon BCise

Bydureon BCise and Bydureon contain the same drug (extended-release exenatide). Bydureon and Bydureon BCise work in the same way and have very similar effects in the body. However, Bydureon has been discontinued by the manufacturer. At this time, Bydureon BCise is the only form of extended-release exenatide available.

The main difference between the two drugs is that Bydureon BCise uses a special device for injection called an autoinjector. You push the autoinjector against your skin, and it injects the medication automatically. In comparison, Bydureon came as a powder that you’d mix with liquid, and then you’d inject the solution using a syringe or pen injector.

Both Bydureon and Bydureon BCise have shown to be effective at managing blood sugar levels and A1C levels in people with type 2 diabetes.

Bydureon BCise is only available as a brand-name medication. It’s not available in a generic form.

Bydureon BCise contains extended-release exenatide. A regular-release form of exenatide is available as the brand-name drug Byetta.

Bydureon BCise can cause mild or serious side effects. The following lists contain some of the key side effects that may occur while taking Bydureon BCise. These lists do not include all possible side effects.

For more information about the possible side effects of Bydureon BCise, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can give you tips on how to manage any side effects that may be concerning or bothersome.

Note: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tracks and reviews side effects of drugs it has approved. If you would like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with Bydureon BCise, you can do so through MedWatch.

Mild and more common side effects

Mild side effects of Bydureon BCise can include:

  • nausea
  • diarrhea
  • vomiting
  • constipation
  • headache
  • fatigue
  • upset stomach
  • decreased appetite
  • injection site reactions such as redness or discoloration, itchiness, or a lump under the skin

In clinical trials, the more common side effects of Bydureon BCise treatment included:

  • nausea
  • injection site reactions that caused a lump under the skin

Some of these side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If they’re more severe or don’t go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects from Bydureon BCise aren’t common, but they can occur. Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.

Serious side effects and their symptoms can include the following:

  • Thyroid cancer (see “Cancer/thyroid cancer” below for more information). Symptoms may include:
    • a mass or lump in your neck
    • trouble swallowing
    • trouble breathing
    • a hoarse voice
  • Pancreatitis (see “Pancreatitis” below for more information). Symptoms may include:
    • stomach and back pain
    • nausea
    • vomiting
    • unintended weight loss
    • fever
    • swollen stomach
  • Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Symptoms may include:
    • drowsiness
    • headache
    • confusion
    • weakness
    • hunger
    • irritability
    • sweating
    • feeling jittery
    • fast heartbeat
  • Kidney damage. Symptoms may include:
    • reduced urination
    • swelling in your legs or ankles
    • confusion
    • fatigue
    • nausea
  • Severe allergic reaction. Symptoms may include:
    • rash
    • itchy skin
    • flushing
    • swelling
    • trouble breathing
  • Severe injection site reactions. These may include:
    • necrosis (death of skin or tissues)
  • Low platelet level (see “Low platelets” below for more information). Symptoms may include:
    • heavy or long lasting bleeding
    • bruising or purple spots on your skin
    • tiredness

Lumps/bumps

Lumps or bumps under the skin where Bydureon BCise is injected is a common side effect. These may also be called nodules.

In clinical trials of Bydureon BCise, lumps and bumps after injections was a commonly reported side effect.

If you have lumps or bumps that become red or painful, talk with your doctor right away. This may be a sign of an infection. Your doctor can help determine if your injection site lump or bump needs treatment or not.

Nausea

Nausea is a common side effect of Bydureon BCise. Nausea occurred commonly in clinical trials of people using Bydureon BCise.

Your nausea may be worse when you first start using Bydureon BCise. Then, nausea may decrease or go away with continued use of the drug. This is because your body adjusts to the medication over time.

In some cases, untreated nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea can lead to dehydration and kidney problems. So, if your nausea doesn’t go away or it becomes severe, talk with your doctor. They can help recommend ways to reduce your symptoms of nausea.

Diarrhea

Diarrhea can occur from taking Bydureon BCise. This wasn’t reported as a common side effect of Bydureon BCise in clinical trials.

It’s possible for diarrhea to decrease or go away with continued use of the drug. This is because your body can adjust to the medication over time.

In some cases, untreated nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea can lead to dehydration and kidney problems. If you have dehydration that doesn’t go away or becomes severe, talk with your doctor. They may be able to recommend ways to treat your diarrhea. For example, your doctor may recommend using an over-the-counter medication such as loperamide (Imodium) to help relieve your symptoms.

Constipation

Constipation can occur from taking Bydureon BCise.

It’s possible for constipation to decrease or go away with continued use of the drug. If your symptoms don’t go away or become severe, talk with your doctor. They might recommend ways to decrease your constipation symptoms. For example, your doctor may recommend taking an over-the-counter medication, such as polyethylene glycol (MiraLAX), to help relieve constipation.

Allergic reaction

Although uncommon, some people who use Bydureon BCise can have an allergic reaction. How often this happens isn’t known. Symptoms can include a mild rash and itchy skin. In some cases, symptoms can be severe and include trouble breathing and swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat.

If you have a severe allergic reaction to this drug, call your doctor or local poison control center right away. If your symptoms are severe, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Weight loss/weight gain

Some people who take Bydureon BCise may lose weight. In clinical trials, people taking Bydureon BCise lost between about 1 kilogram (kg) and 2.7 kg (about 2.2 pounds [lb] to 6 lb), on average. Weight gain wasn’t seen in these clinical trials.

Bydureon BCise is prescribed together with changes in diet and exercise to help manage your diabetes. So, weight loss may also occur from changes in your diet and exercise routine.

If you notice unexpected weight loss or weight gain during your treatment with Bydureon BCise, talk with your doctor. They can help you determine what may be causing the changes in your body weight. They can also recommend ways to help maintain a body weight that’s healthy for you, if needed.

Itching

You may experience itchy skin in the area where you inject your Bydureon BCise dose. Though itchy skin at the injection site was reported in clinical trials, it was not a common side effect of Bydureon BCise.

It’s also possible for itchiness to be a symptom of an allergic reaction. Other symptoms of an allergic reaction can include rash, difficulty breathing, or swelling of your face, lips or tongue. (See “Allergic reaction” just above for details.)

If you notice itchiness after a Bydureon BCise injection, talk with your doctor. They can help determine the cause of your itchiness to be sure that it isn’t from an allergic reaction.

If you have itchiness at the site of your Bydureon BCise injection, your doctor may recommend using an over-the-counter medication to treat the itchiness. One example is diphenhydramine (Benadryl).

Low platelets

After Bydureon BCise was approved for use, there were reports of low platelets in people using the drug. One of the possible symptoms of low platelets is serious bleeding. And in rare cases, serious bleeding may lead to death.

Symptoms of low platelets can include:

  • heavy or long lasting bleeding
  • bruising or purple spots on your skin
  • tiredness
  • blood in your urine

If you have symptoms of low platelets, talk with your doctor right away. You may need to stop using Bydureon BCise.

Pancreatitis

Although uncommon, some people using Bydureon BCise have had pancreatitis. Pancreatitis is swelling of your pancreas, which can be serious and even life threatening. Symptoms can include:

  • abdominal pain and back pain
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • unintended weight loss
  • fever
  • swollen abdomen

If you have symptoms of pancreatitis, talk with your doctor right away. You may need to stop using Bydureon BCise. If you have pancreatitis, your doctor will treat it and will have you stop Bydureon BCise treatment. They’ll recommend a different treatment option for your diabetes.

Cancer/thyroid cancer

Bydureon BCise has a boxed warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) about thyroid tumors and thyroid cancer. A boxed warning is the strongest warning the FDA requires. It alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.

In animal studies, Bydureon BCise increased the risk of thyroid tumors. However, it’s not known if Bydureon BCise causes thyroid tumors in humans.

There have been cases of thyroid cancer in people taking liraglutide (Victoza), a medication in the same class as Bydureon BCise. But it’s not clear if these cases were caused by the medication or something else.

Because of the potential risk of thyroid cancer, you should not use Bydureon BCise if you or an immediate family member has had thyroid cancer, including a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid cancer (MTC), in the past. You should also avoid using it if you have a rare form of cancer called multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).

If you’re taking Bydureon BCise and have symptoms of a thyroid tumor, contact your doctor right away. Symptoms can include:

  • a mass or lump in your neck
  • trouble swallowing
  • trouble breathing
  • a hoarse voice

It’s possible for a thyroid condition to cause the above symptoms. Your doctor can help determine the cause.

If you develop thyroid cancer while taking Bydureon BCise, your doctor will recommend treatment for it. They’ll also recommend stopping treatment with Bydureon BCise and trying a different medication for your diabetes.

The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. However, be sure to follow the dosing instructions your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to suit your needs.

Drug forms and strengths

Bydureon BCise comes as a liquid suspension that’s injected subcutaneously. It’s available in a single-dose autoinjector. When you push the autoinjector against your skin, it injects the medication automatically.

Dosage for type 2 diabetes

The typical dosage of both Bydureon BCise is 2 mg once every seven days. You can take the dose any time of day, with or without food. The dose should be taken on the same day each week.

If needed, you can change the day you take the dose. If you do, the last dose must have been taken at least 3 days before the new day you plan to take the dose.

Ideally, you should inject the drug at roughly the same time for each dose, even if you change the day. If you’re concerned about changing the time of your dose, talk with your doctor.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a weekly dose, take it as soon as you remember, as long as your next dose isn’t due for at least 3 days. If your next dose is due within 3 days, skip your missed dose and take your dose on your usual schedule.

Never take two doses at the same time to catch up. This may cause dangerous side effects.

Will I need to use this drug long term?

Yes, Bydureon BCise is typically used long term to treat type 2 diabetes. If you and your doctor determine that Bydureon BCise is a safe and effective treatment option for you, you’ll likely take it long term.

Bydureon BCise should be used exactly as directed by your doctor or healthcare professional.

How to inject

You’ll use an autoinjector to inject Bydureon BCise. Push the autoinjector against your skin, and it will automatically inject your dose.

Each autoinjector is used to give just one dose of Bydureon BCise. You should dispose of used autoinjectors in an FDA-approved sharps container, not in the trash.

For step-by-step instructions and a video demonstration of how to inject Bydureon BCise, see this page on the manufacturer’s site.

Injection sites

Bydureon BCise should be injected into either your abdomen, thigh, or back of your arm. The same area can be used each time you inject Bydureon BCise, but you should change the spot where you inject within that area.

For example, if you injected your dose into your abdomen last week, you can still inject into your abdomen this week. But try to use a different area of your abdomen. This can prevent skin side effects that may occur from Bydureon BCise injections.

Timing

Bydureon BCise can be injected at any time of day, with or without food. You should take your dose on the same day each week. If needed, you can change the day you take the dose. If you change the day, you should make sure there are always at least 3 days between doses.

Ideally, you should take the drug at roughly the same time of day for each dose, even if you change the day. If you’re concerned about changing the time of your dose, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Bydureon BCise helps improve blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.

How insulin affects blood sugar

Usually, when you eat food, your body releases a hormone called insulin. Insulin helps transport glucose (sugar) from your bloodstream into the cells of your body. The cells then turn the glucose into energy.

People with type 2 diabetes usually have insulin resistance. This means their body doesn’t respond to insulin the way it should. Over time, people with type 2 diabetes may also stop producing enough insulin.

When your body doesn’t respond to insulin the way it should, or if it doesn’t produce enough insulin, this causes problems. The cells of your body may not get the glucose they need to work correctly.

Also, you may get too much glucose in your blood. This is called high blood sugar (hyperglycemia). Having too much glucose in your blood can damage your body and organs, including your eyes, heart, nerves, and kidneys.

What Bydureon BCise does

Bydureon BCise belongs to a class of drugs called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists. It works in people with diabetes by increasing the amount of insulin your body makes when your blood sugar levels are high. This increased insulin carries more glucose into your cells, causing your blood sugar levels to go down.

Bydureon BCise also decreases blood sugar levels in other ways. For instance, it blocks a hormone (glucagon) in your body that causes your liver to make glucose. It also makes food move out of your stomach more slowly. This means your body absorbs glucose from food more slowly, which helps prevent your blood sugar levels from getting too high.

How long does it take to work?

Bydureon BCise begins to work right after you inject it. But when you’re first starting to take Bydureon BCise, its effects build up over several weeks.

This means you won’t have the full effects of Bydureon BCise until about 10 weeks after your first injection. After this time, you’ll have a steady amount of Bydureon BCise in your body at all times to help manage your blood sugar levels.

It’s important that even if you don’t notice a change in your blood sugar levels right away, you continue taking your weekly dose of Bydureon BCise. This medication can take up to 10 weeks to have its full effects.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as Bydureon BCise to treat certain conditions. Bydureon BCise may also be prescribed off-label for other conditions. Off-label use is when a drug that’s approved to treat one condition is prescribed to treat a different condition.

Approved uses for Bydureon BCise

Bydureon BCise is only FDA-approved to treat one condition.

Bydureon BCise for type 2 diabetes

Bydureon BCise is approved to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes. With this condition, your body isn’t able to use a hormone called insulin to help regulate your blood sugar levels. You can learn more about this condition from our diabetes hub.

Bydureon BCise should be used along with changes in diet and exercise to help manage your blood sugar levels. It’s approved to be used in adults and children ages 10 years and older with type 2 diabetes.

In clinical trials, Bydureon BCise was effective at decreasing blood sugar and A1C levels (also called hemoglobin A1C levels).

Bydureon BCise has some limitations of use. This medication should not be used to treat people with type 1 diabetes. In addition, it’s not recommended as a first treatment option for type 2 diabetes that can’t be managed with diet and exercise alone.

Bydureon BCise should not be used with other forms of exenatide. (For example, your doctor won’t prescribe Byetta with Bydureon BCise. Byetta is a regular-release form of exenatide, while Bydureon BCise is an extended-release form of the drug.)

This medication also has not been studied in people with a history of pancreatitis (swelling of the pancreas). So, if you have a history of pancreatitis, your doctor may recommend a different treatment option for you.

Uses that aren’t approved

Bydureon BCise is only approved to improve blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes.

Bydureon BCise for weight loss

Bydureon BCise is not approved for weight management, but it’s possible that your doctor may prescribe it off-label for this use. Off-label use is when your doctor prescribes a drug for a different condition than the one it was approved for.

A side effect of Bydureon BCise is decreased appetite. As a result, many people with diabetes who use the drug lose weight. In clinical studies, people taking Bydureon BCise lost between about 1 kilogram (kg) and 2.7 kg (2.2 pounds [lb] to about 6 lb), on average.

If you’re interested in taking a drug such as Bydureon BCise for weight management, there is a similar drug that is approved for this use. Liraglutide (Saxenda) is a glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) agonist that’s similar to Bydureon BCise. Saxenda is approved for weight management in certain people.

If you’re interested in taking a medication that can help with weight management, talk with your doctor. They can help determine the best weight management plan for you.

Note: Bydureon BCise hasn’t been studied as a weight loss aid, and it’s not approved for this use. You should only take Bydureon BCise as prescribed by your doctor.

Other drugs are available that can treat type 2 diabetes. Some of these medications are in the same class as Bydureon BCise, and some are in other drug classes. And some may be better suited for you than others.

If you’re interested in finding an alternative to Bydureon BCise, talk with your doctor to learn more about other medications that may work well for you.

Examples of alternative medications include:

You may wonder how Bydureon BCise compares with other medications that are prescribed for similar uses, such as Trulicity. Bydureon BCise and Trulicity (dulaglutide) are both in the same class of medications, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists. This means they work in the same way to improve blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.

Uses

Bydureon BCise and Trulicity are both FDA-approved to improve blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes.

In addition, Trulicity is also approved to decrease the risk of cardiovascular problems, such as heart attack or stroke. It can be prescribed for this use in people with type 2 diabetes who have heart disease or risk factors for heart disease. Bydureon BCise is not approved for this use.

Drug forms and administration

Bydureon BCise is self-injected subcutaneously once weekly. It comes as a liquid suspension that’s injected using an autoinjector.

Trulicity is also self-injected under the skin once weekly. It comes as a liquid solution that’s available in a pen.

Side effects and risks

Bydureon BCise and Trulicity have similar effects in the body and therefore cause very similar side effects. Below are examples of these side effects.

More common side effects

These lists contain examples of the more common side effects that can occur with Bydureon BCise, with Trulicity, or with both drugs (when taken individually).

  • Can occur with Bydureon BCise:
    • constipation
    • headache
  • Can occur with Trulicity:
    • stomach pain
    • upset stomach
    • fatigue
    • decreased appetite
  • Can occur with both Bydureon BCise and Trulicity:
    • nausea
    • diarrhea
    • vomiting
    • injection site reactions such as redness, itchiness, or a lump under the skin

Serious side effects

These lists contain examples of the serious side effects that can occur with Bydureon BCise, with Trulicity, or with both drugs (when taken individually).

  • Can occur with Bydureon BCise:
  • Can occur with Trulicity:
  • Can occur with both Bydureon BCise and Trulicity:
    • thyroid cancer*
    • low blood sugar
    • kidney damage
    • pancreatitis
    • severe injection site reactions
    • severe allergic reaction

* Bydureon BCise and Trulicity both have a boxed warning from the FDA about the risk of thyroid cancer. A boxed warning is the strongest warning the FDA requires. It alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.

Effectiveness

Bydureon BCise and Trulicity haven’t been compared in clinical studies, but both are effective for treating type 2 diabetes. Both medications can decrease blood sugar levels and hemoglobin A1C to help manage type 2 diabetes. Both drugs can also cause beneficial weight loss in people with type 2 diabetes.

Costs

Bydureon BCise and Trulicity are brand-name medications. They’re not available in generic forms, which typically cost less than brand-name drugs. The exact amount you pay for either drug will depend on your insurance plan, your pharmacy, your dosage, and other factors.

You may wonder how Bydureon BCise compares to other medications that are prescribed for similar uses, such as Ozempic. Bydureon BCise and Ozempic (semaglutide) are both in the same class of medications, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP1) agonists. This means they work in the same way to improve blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.

Uses

Bydureon BCise and Ozempic are both FDA-approved to improve blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes.

Ozempic is also approved to decrease the risk of cardiovascular problems, such as heart attack or stroke, in people with type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Bydureon BCise is not approved for this use.

Drug forms and administration

Bydureon BCise comes as a liquid suspension that’s given by subcutaneous injection. It’s available in an autoinjector that’s used once weekly.

Ozempic is also self-injected under the skin once weekly. It’s available in a pen injector.

Side effects and risks

Bydureon BCise and Ozempic have similar effects in the body and therefore cause very similar side effects. Below are examples of these side effects.

Bydureon BCise and OzempicBydureon BCiseOzempic
More common side effects• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• constipation
• upset stomach
• injection site reactions such as redness, itchiness, or a lump under the skin*		• headache • stomach pain
• upset stomach
Serious side effects• thyroid cancer**
• low blood sugar
• pancreatitis
• kidney damage
• severe injection site reactions
• severe allergic reaction 		• low platelets• diabetes-related eye problems (diabetic retinopathy)

* Both Bydureon BCise and Ozempic can cause injection site reactions, but this side effect is much more common with Bydureon BCise than with Ozempic.
** Bydureon BCise and Ozempic both have a boxed warning from the FDA about the risk of thyroid cancer. A boxed warning is the strongest warning the FDA requires. It alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.

Effectiveness

Both Bydureon BCise and Ozempic are used to treat type 2 diabetes. In a clinical study comparing these medications, Ozempic reduced hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) more than extended-release exenatide (the active drug in Bydureon BCise) after 56 weeks of treatment. Ozempic also reduced body weight more than extended-release exenatide did.

Costs

Bydureon BCise and Ozempic are brand-name medications. They’re not available in generic forms, which typically cost less than brand-name forms. The exact amount you pay for either drug will depend on your insurance plan, your pharmacy, your dosage, and other factors.

In addition to Trulicity and Ozempic (discussed above), you might wonder how Bydureon BCise compares with similar drugs. Below we discuss how it compares with Byetta and Victoza.

Bydureon BCise vs. Byetta

Bydureon BCise and Byetta contain the same medication, exenatide. However, Bydureon BCise contains extended-release exenatide while Byetta contains immediate-release exenatide.

Uses

Bydureon BCise and Byetta are both FDA-approved to improve blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes.

Drug forms and administration

Bydureon BCise comes as a liquid suspension that’s given by subcutaneous injection. It’s available in an autoinjector that you use once weekly.

Byetta is also self-injected under the skin, but must be taken twice daily. It’s available in a self-injected pen injector.

Side effects and risks

Bydureon BCise and Byetta contain the same medication and have similar effects in the body. Therefore, they cause very similar side effects. However, there may be differences in how often certain side effects happen with each medication.

More common side effects

More common side effects that can occur with both Bydureon BCise and Byetta include:

  • nausea
  • diarrhea
  • vomiting
  • constipation
  • headache

Serious side effects

Serious side effects that can occur with both Bydureon BCise and Byetta include:

Bydureon BCise has a boxed warning from the FDA about the risk of a certain type of thyroid cancer. A boxed warning is the strongest warning the FDA requires. It alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.

Effectiveness

The only condition both Bydureon BCise and Byetta are used to treat is type 2 diabetes. The effectiveness of these drugs in treating this condition hasn’t been directly compared in clinical studies.

However, both Bydureon BCise and Byetta have shown to be effective treatment options for people with type 2 diabetes. Both Bydureon BCise and Byetta can also cause beneficial weight loss in people with type 2 diabetes.

Costs

Bydureon BCise and Byetta are brand-name medications. They’re not available in generic forms, which typically cost less than brand-name forms. The exact amount you pay for either drug will depend on your insurance plan, your pharmacy, your dosage, and other factors.

Bydureon BCise vs. Victoza

Bydureon BCise and Victoza (liraglutide) both belong to the same class of medications, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP1) agonists. This means they work in the same way to improve blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.

Uses

Bydureon BCise and Victoza are both FDA-approved to improve blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes.

Victoza is also FDA-approved to reduce the risk of heart problems such as heart attack and stroke in people who have type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Drug forms and administration

Bydureon BCise comes as a liquid suspension that’s given by subcutaneous injection. It’s available in an autoinjector that’s injected once weekly.

Victoza is also self-injected under the skin but must be taken once daily. It’s available in a pen injector.

Side effects and risks

Bydureon BCise and Victoza have similar effects in the body and therefore cause very similar side effects. Below are examples of these side effects.

Bydureon BCise and VictozaBydureon BCiseVictoza
More common side effects• nausea
• diarrhea
• vomiting
• constipation
• headache
• injection site reactions such as redness, itchiness, or a lump under the skin		 • headache• respiratory infections such as the common cold
• back pain
• upset stomach
• decreased appetite
• fatigue
Serious side effects• thyroid cancer*
• pancreatitis
• low blood sugar
• kidney damage
• severe injection site reactions
• severe allergic reaction		• low platelets• gallbladder disease

* Bydureon BCise and Victoza both have a boxed warning from the FDA about the risk of thyroid cancer. A boxed warning is the strongest warning the FDA requires. It alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.

Effectiveness

Bydureon BCise and Victoza haven’t been compared in clinical studies, but both are effective for treating type 2 diabetes. Both medications can also cause beneficial weight loss in people with type 2 diabetes.

Costs

Bydureon BCise and Victoza are brand-name medications. They’re not available in generic forms, which typically cost less than brand-name forms.

The exact amount you pay for either drug will depend on your insurance plan, your pharmacy, your dosage and other factors.

Avoid drinking too much alcohol while taking Bydureon BCise. Alcohol can change your blood sugar levels and increase your risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).

If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about how much drinking is safe for you.

Bydureon BCise can be used alone or combined with other medications to improve blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Two or more diabetes medications may be used together when one medication doesn’t improve blood sugar levels enough.

Examples of other diabetes drugs that may be used with Bydureon BCise include:

Bydureon BCise can interact with several other medications. It can also interact with certain supplements.

Different interactions can cause different effects. For instance, some can interfere with how well a drug works, while others can cause increased side effects.

Bydureon BCise and other medications

Below is a list of medications that can interact with Bydureon BCise. This list doesn’t contain all drugs that may interact with Bydureon BCise.

Before taking Bydureon BCise, be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you use. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.

If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Bydureon BCise and drugs that increase insulin

Taking Bydureon BCise with drugs that increase insulin levels in the body can cause very low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia). If you take Bydureon BCise with these drugs, your doctor may need to lower your dosage of one or both drugs.

Examples of these drugs include:

Bydureon BCise and drugs that are taken by mouth

Bydureon BCise might decrease how well your body absorbs certain medications that are taken by mouth. If you take oral medications, take them at least one hour before you inject Bydureon BCise.

Bydureon BCise and herbs and supplements

Taking certain herbs or supplements with Bydureon BCise might increase the risk of low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia). Examples of these include:

As with all medications, the cost of Bydureon BCise can vary. The actual price you’ll pay depends on your insurance plan, your location, and the pharmacy you use.

Keep in mind that you may be able to get a 90-day supply of Bydureon BCise. If approved by your insurance company, getting a 90-day supply of the drug could reduce your number of trips to the pharmacy and help lower the cost. If you’re interested in this option, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance company.

Before approving coverage for Bydureon BCise, your insurance company may require you to get prior authorization. This means that your doctor and insurance company will need to communicate about your prescription before the insurance company will cover the drug. The insurance company will review the prior authorization request and decide if the drug will be covered.

If you’re not sure whether you’ll need to get prior authorization for Bydureon BCise, contact your insurance company.

Financial and insurance assistance

If you need financial support to pay for Bydureon BCise, or if you need help understanding your insurance coverage, help is available.

A savings card is available for Bydureon BCise. For more information and to find out if you’re eligible for support, call 866-680-9081 or visit the program website.

To learn more about saving money on prescriptions, check out this article.

Mail-order pharmacies

Bydureon BCise may be available through a mail-order pharmacy. Using this service may help lower the drug’s cost and allow you to get your medication without leaving home. The drug’s manufacturer provides more information about using a mail-order pharmacy here.

If recommended by your doctor, you may be able to receive a 90-day supply of Bydureon BCise, so there’s less concern about running out of the medication. If you’re interested in this option, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance company. Some Medicare plans may help cover the cost of mail-order medications.

If you don’t have insurance, you can ask your doctor or pharmacist about online pharmacy options.

Generic version

Bydureon BCise is not available in a generic form. A generic drug is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. Generics tend to cost less than brand-name drugs.

There are limited studies on this drug’s effects on human pregnancies. At this time, there isn’t enough information to determine if Bydureon BCise may be safe for use during pregnancy.

Animal studies show possible harm to a fetus. However, studies in animals don’t always predict how a drug might affect humans.

It’s important to manage your diabetes during pregnancy. Your doctor can help determine if this medication may be safe for you to take during pregnancy or if another treatment option may be best for your diabetes.

If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using Bydureon BCise.

It isn’t known if Bydureon BCise passes into breast milk or what effects the drug may have on a breastfed child.

Animal studies show that Bydureon BCise passes into breast milk. But animal studies don’t always indicate what may happen in humans. It isn’t known what effects, if any, the drug may have on children who are breastfed.

Before using Bydureon BCise while breastfeeding, you should discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Bydureon BCise.

Does Bydureon BCise need to be refrigerated?

Yes, Bydureon BCise should be refrigerated at a temperature between 36°F and 46°F (2°C to 8°C) until you are preparing to use it. Take your dose out of the refrigerator at least 15 minutes before you plan to use it. That will bring the medication to room temperature.

Bydureon BCise can be stored at room temperature for up to four weeks, if needed.

Bydureon BCise should not be frozen. It cannot be used if it has been frozen.

What size needle do you use to inject Bydureon BCise?

The Bydureon BCise autoinjector contains a very small needle. The needle is hidden, so you won’t see it before, during, or after your injection. You won’t need to purchase needles separately. And since the autoinjector is only used for one dose and then safely disposed of, you won’t need to change the needle on the device.

Your doctor or a pharmacist can provide details about the needle in the Bydureon BCise autoinjector.

Does the Bydureon BCise injection hurt?

Bydureon BCise injections may sting or feel like a pinch, but they’re not usually painful.

If you have pain that doesn’t go away after injecting your dose, or if the pain is severe, talk with your doctor.

Taking too much of this medication can increase your risk of serious side effects.

Overdose symptoms

Symptoms of an overdose of Bydureon BCise can include:

What to do in case of overdose

If you think you’ve taken too much of this drug, call your doctor or seek guidance from the American Association of Poison Control Centers at 800-222-1222 or through its online tool. But if your symptoms are severe, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away.

This drug comes with several precautions.

FDA warning: Risk of thyroid cancer

This drug has a boxed warning. This is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A boxed warning alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.

In animals, Bydureon BCise can increase the risk of thyroid tumors and thyroid cancer. It’s not known if Bydureon BCise has this effect in humans. You should not use Bydureon BCise if you or an immediate family member has had thyroid cancer in the past, or if you have a rare form of cancer called multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).

If you’re taking Bydureon BCise and have symptoms of a thyroid tumor, contact your doctor right away. Symptoms can include:

  • a mass or lump in your neck
  • trouble swallowing
  • trouble breathing
  • a hoarse voice

Other warnings

Before taking Bydureon BCise, talk with your doctor about your health history. Bydureon BCise may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions. These conditions include:

  • Kidney disease. If you have kidney disease, using Bydureon BCise may worsen your condition. If your condition worsens, you may need to stop taking Bydureon BCise. If you have severe kidney disease, you may not be able to use Bydureon BCise.
  • Gastrointestinal problems. If you have a condition that affects your stomach or intestines, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, Bydureon BCise could make it worse. If your condition worsens, you may need to stop taking Bydureon BCise.
  • Gastroparesis. If you have a history of gastroparesis, tell your doctor before taking Bydureon BCise. This medication may cause the symptoms of your condition to become worse. If you have severe gastroparesis, your doctor may recommend a different treatment option for you.
  • Drug-induced thrombocytopenia. Tell your doctor if you’ve ever had drug-induced thrombocytopenia (low platelet levels caused by a taking a medication) when taking exenatide. Exenatide is the active drug in Bydureon BCise (and in a similar drug called Byetta). If you have a history of drug-induced thrombocytopenia from exenatide, your doctor will recommend a different drug for your type 2 diabetes.
  • History of pancreatitis. This medication hasn’t been studied in people with a history of pancreatitis. So it’s not known if the drug may be safe to use in this case. Your doctor can help determine if Bydureon BCise may be a safe treatment option for you. In some cases, they may recommend a different treatment option for your diabetes.

Each Bydureon BCise package has an expiration date listed on the label. Don’t use Bydureon BCise if the date is beyond the expiration date listed on the label.

Bydureon BCise should be stored in the refrigerator at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C) until you’re going to use it. You should take it out of the refrigerator at least 15 minutes before you plan to use it. That will bring it to room temperature.

You should store your Bydureon BCise flat in its original packaging. Keep the drug away from light.

Bydureon BCise can be stored at room temperature, less than 86°F (30°C), for up to a total of four weeks, if needed.

Bydureon BCise should never be frozen. If Bydureon BCise freezes, it can no longer be used.

The following information is provided for clinicians and other healthcare professionals.

Mechanism of action

Bydureon BCise is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. It reduces blood glucose levels by increasing pancreatic insulin secretion in response to glucose levels. Bydureon BCise also lowers blood glucose levels by decreasing inappropriate glucagon secretion and slowing gastric emptying.

Pharmacokinetics and metabolism

Bydureon BCise contains extended-release exenatide in the form of microspheres. After a single dose of Bydureon BCise, exenatide is released from microspheres over a period of 10 weeks.

Surface-bound exenatide is released initially, followed by a more gradual release of exenatide in the microspheres. This results in two peak levels. The first occurs about two weeks following an injection, and the second occurs six to seven weeks after the injection.

Bydureon BCise is primarily eliminated renally.

Contraindications

Bydureon BCise is contraindicated in those with:

  • a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma
  • a personal history of multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2
  • a history of serious hypersensitivity reaction to exenatide
  • a history of immune-mediated thrombocytopenia caused by exenatide

Storage

Bydureon BCise should be stored in the refrigerator at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C) until the time of use. Bydureon BCise can be stored at room temperature for up to four weeks, if needed. Bydureon BCise should not be frozen. If Bydureon BCise freezes, it can no longer be used.

It should be kept flat and in its original packaging. Bydureon BCise should be kept away from light.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before takin g any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.