Bydureon BCise (exenatide)

Bydureon BCise generic

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

A generic drug is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. Generics usually cost less than brand-name drugs.

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

Bydureon BCise side effects

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
• dizziness
• decreased appetite
• injection site reactions such as redness or discoloration, itchiness, or a lump under the skin
• mild allergic reaction*

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

• nausea, especially during the first few weeks of treatment
• 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. However, if they become more severe or don’t go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

* For more information about allergic reaction and Bydureon BCise, see “Allergic reaction” below.

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:

• Pancreatitis. Symptoms may include:
  • pain in your abdomen or back
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • fever
  • abdominal swelling
• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Symptoms may include:
  • 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
• Low platelet level. Symptoms may include:
  • heavy or long lasting bleeding
  • bruising or purple spots on your skin
  • tiredness
  • blood in your urine
• Gallbladder problems, such as gallstones or gallbladder inflammation. Symptoms may include:
  • sudden pain on the right side of the abdomen
  • nausea and vomiting
  • abdominal bloating or tenderness
  • sweating
• Risk of thyroid cancer.*
• Severe allergic reaction (see below).

You can refer to this article for more details about side effects of Bydureon BCise.

* Bydureon BCise has a boxed warning for this side effect. This is the most serious warning from the FDA. To learn more, see the “Bydureon BCise precautions” section below.

ALLERGIC REACTION

As with most drugs, some people can have an allergic reaction after using Bydureon BCise. This side effect didn’t occur in clinical trials but has been reported since the drug was approved.

Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction can include:

• skin rash
• itchiness
• flushing

A more severe allergic reaction is rare but possible. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include:

• swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
• swelling of your tongue, mouth, or throat
• trouble breathing

Call your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to Bydureon BCise, as the reaction could become severe. Call 911 or your local emergency number if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.

Bydureon BCise dosage

The following information describes the dosage that’s 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 fit your needs.

Drug form 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.

The drug comes in a strength of 2 milligrams (mg).

Dosage for type 2 diabetes

The typical dosage of Bydureon BCise is 2 mg once per week. The dose should be taken on the same day each week.

For more details about Bydureon BCise’s dosage, you can refer to this article.

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. The medication should be injected into either your abdomen, your thigh, or the back of your upper arm.

Each autoinjector is used to give just one dose of Bydureon BCise.

For step-by-step instructions and a video showing how to inject Bydureon BCise, see this page on the manufacturer’s site. You can also ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

About taking Bydureon BCise

Below you’ll find information about key dosage issues.

• When to take: Bydureon BCise can be injected at any time of day. 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.
• If you 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 next dose on your usual schedule. Never take two doses at the same time to catch up. This may cause serious side effects, such as severe hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
• Taking Bydureon BCise with food: Bydureon BCise can be injected with or without food.
• Length of use: Bydureon BCise is meant to be used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Bydureon BCise is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely take it long term.
• Length of time 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 to help manage your blood sugar levels.

Overdose

Using more than the recommended dosage of Bydureon BCise can lead to serious side effects. Do not use more Bydureon BCise than your doctor recommends.

Overdose symptoms

Symptoms of an overdose can include:

• nausea
• vomiting
• severe hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)

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 America’s Poison 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.

Bydureon BCise uses

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.

Bydureon BCise for type 2 diabetes

Bydureon BCise is approved to help manage blood sugar levels with type 2 diabetes. 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 for use in adults and children ages 10 years and older.

Bydureon BCise has some limitations of use. This drug should not be used:

• to treat type 1 diabetes
• as a first treatment option for type 2 diabetes that can’t be managed with diet and exercise
• with other forms of exenatide (the active drug in Bydureon BCise)
• in people with a history of pancreatitis, unless recommended by your doctor

Bydureon BCise may be prescribed by itself or with other drugs for type 2 diabetes, such as:

• canagliflozin (Invokana)
• dapagliflozin (Farxiga)
• glimepiride (Amaryl)
• glipizide (Glucotrol XL)
• glyburide (Diabeta, Glynase)
• insulin glargine (Lantus, Toujeo)
• metformin (Glucophage, Glumetza, Riomet)
• pioglitazone (Actos)

Bydureon BCise and children

Bydureon BCise is approved to help manage blood sugar levels in children ages 10 years and older with type 2 diabetes as well as in adults.

Similar drugs

Other drugs are available that can treat type 2 diabetes. Some may be a better fit for you than others. If you’re interested in finding an alternative to Bydureon BCise, talk with your doctor. They can tell you about other medications that may work well for you.

The following drugs are similar to Bydureon BCise:

• glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, such as:
  • dulaglutide (Trulicity)
  • exenatide (Byetta)
  • liraglutide (Victoza, Saxenda)
  • semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy)
• tirzepatide (Mounjaro), a dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and GLP-1 receptor agonist
• sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, such as:
  • canagliflozin (Invokana)
  • dapagliflozin (Farxiga)
  • empagliflozin (Jardiance)
  • ertugliflozin (Steglatro)
• metformin (Glucophage, Glumetza, Riomet), which is a biguanide
• dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors, such as:
  • linagliptin (Tradjenta)
  • saxagliptin (Onglyza)
  • sitagliptin (Januvia)
• thiazolidinediones, such as pioglitazone (Actos)
• sulfonylureas, including:
  • glimepiride (Amaryl)
  • glipizide (Glucotrol XL)
  • glyburide (Diabeta, Glynase)

Bydureon BCise vs. Trulicity

You may wonder how Bydureon BCise compares with other medications that are prescribed for similar uses, such as Trulicity. Here’s a look at how Bydureon BCise and Trulicity are alike and different.

Bydureon BCise and Trulicity have similar effects in the body and therefore cause very similar side effects. Both drugs have a boxed warning about a potential risk of thyroid cancer.

To learn more about these drugs, including their potential side effects, you can refer to the prescribing information for Bydureon BCise and Trulicity. You can also talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about how these drugs compare.

Bydureon BCise vs. Ozempic

You may wonder how Bydureon BCise compares with other medications that are prescribed for similar uses, such as Ozempic. The table below summarizes how Bydureon BCise and Ozempic are alike and different.

Bydureon BCise and Ozempic have similar effects in the body and therefore cause very similar side effects. Both drugs have a boxed warning about a potential risk of thyroid cancer.

To learn more about these drugs, including their potential side effects, you can refer to the prescribing information for Bydureon BCise and Ozempic. You can also talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about how these drugs compare.

Bydureon BCise vs. Victoza

You may wonder how Bydureon BCise compares with other medications that are prescribed for similar uses, such as Victoza. The following table show how Bydureon BCise and Victoza are alike and different.

Bydureon BCise and Victoza have similar effects in the body and therefore cause very similar side effects. Both drugs have a boxed warning about a potential risk of thyroid cancer.

To learn more about these drugs, including their potential side effects, you can refer to the prescribing information for Bydureon BCise and Victoza. You can also talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about how these drugs compare.

Bydureon BCise interactions

Bydureon BCise can interact with several other medications. Examples include:

• Drugs that increase insulin, such as:
  • insulin degludec (Tresiba)
  • insulin detemir (Levemir)
  • insulin glargine (Lantus, Toujeo)
  • glimepiride (Amaryl)
  • glipizide (Glucotrol)
  • glyburide (Diabeta, Glynase)
  • metformin (Glucophage, Glumetza, Riomet)
• Drugs that you take by mouth. If you take oral medications, take them at least 1 hour before you inject Bydureon BCise.

This list does not contain all drugs that may interact with Bydureon BCise.

Before taking Bydureon BCise, talk with your doctor and pharmacist. Tell them 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.

Alcohol interaction

Alcohol is not known to interact with Bydureon BCise. However, it’s recommended that you avoid drinking a lot of 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 is safe for you to have.

Bydureon BCise cost

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.

Drug coupons: You can visit Optum Perks* for price estimates of Bydureon BCise. These estimates are based on the use of Optum Perks coupons. Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with any insurance copays or benefits.

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.

* Optum Perks is a sister site of Medical News Today.

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.

Things to consider when taking Bydureon BCise

If you can become pregnant or are currently pregnant, consider the following information about pregnancy, birth control, and breastfeeding.

Bydureon BCise and pregnancy

It’s not known whether Bydureon BCise should be used during pregnancy. If you can become pregnant, are planning a pregnancy, or are currently pregnant, talk with your doctor before using this medication.

Bydureon BCise and birth control

It’s not known whether Bydureon BCise is safe to use during pregnancy. If you’re sexually active and you or your partner can become pregnant, talk with your doctor about your birth control needs while you’re using Bydureon BCise.

Bydureon BCise and breastfeeding

It’s not known whether Bydureon BCise should be used while breastfeeding. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before using this medication.

Common questions about Bydureon BCise

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

Is Bydureon BCise prescribed for weight loss?

Bydureon BCise is not approved for weight loss or 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 trials, people taking Bydureon BCise lost between about 1 kilogram (kg) and 2.7 kg (between about 2.2 pounds [lb] and about 6 lb) on average.

There is a similar drug that’s approved for weight management, called liraglutide (Saxenda). Liraglutide is a glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist that’s similar to Bydureon BCise. It’s 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 is not approved for weight management. You should only take Bydureon BCise as prescribed by your doctor.

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 how to safely dispose of Bydureon BCise autoinjector.