Bydureon BCise (extended-release exenatide) is a prescription brand-name medication. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved it to improve blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Bydureon BCise is approved for use in adults and children ages 10 years and older, along with a balanced diet and exercise.

The active drug in Bydureon BCise is exenatide in an extended-release form. Bydureon BCise is classified as a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonist. Bydureon BCise isn’t currently available as a generic.

Bydureon BCise is given as a subcutaneous injection with a pen device called an autoinjector. The vial and pen forms of Bydureon have been discontinued.

For information on the dosage of Bydureon BCise, including its form, strength, and how to take the drug, keep reading. For a comprehensive look at Bydureon BCise, see this article.

This article describes typical dosages for Bydureon BCise provided by the drug’s manufacturer. When using Bydureon BCise, always follow the dosage prescribed by your doctor.

Bydureon BCise is approved to improve blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Below are details about the typical Bydureon BCise pen dosage, strength, and dosing frequency.

Bydureon BCise form

Bydureon BCise is a liquid suspension that’s given as a subcutaneous injection. The drug comes in a prefilled pen device called an autoinjector.

Your doctor or a healthcare professional will show you how to use the autoinjector correctly. You’ll give yourself the injections at home.

Bydureon BCise strength

Bydureon BCise comes in one strength: 2 milligrams (mg) per 0.85 milliliters (ml).

Each Bydureon BCise autoinjector pen contains one 2-mg dose.

Typical dosages

The following information describes the recommended dosage of Bydureon BCise. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

The typical dosage of Bydureon BCise is 2 mg once per week. The drug is given as one injection.

You’ll take your dose of Bydureon BCise on the same day each week, ideally around the same time. For example, you may give yourself a dose every Sunday morning.

Children’s dosage

Bydureon BCise is approved for children ages 10 years and older with type 2 diabetes. The typical dosage of Bydureon BCise for children is the same as the dosage for adults: 2 mg once per week. The drug is given as one injection.

Long-term 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 use it long term.

Bydureon BCise is a liquid suspension that’s given as a subcutaneous injection. The drug comes in a prefilled pen device called an autoinjector. Your doctor or a healthcare professional will show you how to inject Bydureon BCise correctly. You’ll give yourself the injections at home.

To use the autoinjector, you push it against your skin. The autoinjector injects the drug automatically through a built-in needle.

Bydureon BCise may be injected into your:

  • thigh
  • abdomen
  • back of your upper arm

Bydureon BCise injection

You should inject Bydureon BCise into a different body part each time you use the drug. You shouldn’t use the same spot for every injection. This helps prevent skin irritation.

If you also self-inject insulin along with Bydureon BCise, you can inject both drugs into the same body part, such as your abdomen. But you should not use spots that are right next to each other for both injections. You also should not mix insulin and Bydureon BCise together in the same injection. Injecting Bydureon BCise and insulin in the same spot or mixing them in the same injection may cause the drugs not to work as well.

You should inject Bydureon BCise once every 7 days, on the same day each week. Ideally, you’ll inject your dose around the same time each week. For example, you may give yourself a dose every Sunday morning. You can take your dose of Bydureon BCise with or without food.

For instructions about how to self-inject Bydureon BCise, see these step-by-step instructions and this video on the manufacturer’s website.

If you have questions about how to use this medication, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

If you miss a dose of Bydureon BCise, take it as soon as possible if there are at least 3 days before your next scheduled dose. But if there are less than 3 days before your scheduled dose, skip the missed dose. You should not take more than one dose of Bydureon BCise in a 3-day period.

You can change the day of the week you take your dose. But if you change the day, you should make sure there are at least 3 days between doses.

To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or using a timer. You could also download a reminder app on your phone.

If you use more Bydureon BCise than your doctor prescribes, you may develop serious side effects. It’s important that you do not use more Bydureon BCise than your doctor advises.

Symptoms of an overdose

Overdose symptoms of exenatide (the active drug in Bydureon BCise) can include:

If you take more than the recommended amount of Bydureon BCise

Call your doctor right away if you believe you’ve taken too much of Bydureon BCise. Another option is to call the American Association of Poison Control Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. If you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.

The dosages in this article are typical dosages provided by the drug manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Bydureon BCise for you, they’ll prescribe the dosage that’s right for you. Always follow the dosage that your doctor prescribes for you.

As with any drug, never change your dosage of Bydureon BCise without your doctor’s recommendation. If you have questions about treatment with Bydureon BCise, talk with your doctor.

Besides learning about dosage, you may want other information about Bydureon BCise. These additional articles might be helpful to you:

  • More about Bydureon BCise. For information about other aspects of Bydureon BCise, refer to the drug’s prescribing information.
  • Side effects. To learn about side effects of Bydureon BCise in detail, see this article.
  • Details on type 2 diabetes. For details on type 2 diabetes, visit our diabetes hub.

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 taking 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.