What is Byetta?
Byetta is the brand-name of the medication exenatide. It is administered via injectable pen and belongs to the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist drug class. It is manufactured by AstraZeneca and was the first drug of its kind approved in the United States by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It is used to treat Type 2 diabetes, though it does not contain any insulin.
What is Bydureon?
Bydureon is another brand-name version of the drug exenatide. It is administered via injection and is a continuous-release delivery system containing tiny particles that slowly release medication into the body. It is also manufactured by AstraZeneca and is the only continuous-release exenatide medication of its kind. It is used to help patients with Type 2 diabetes manage their blood glucose levels. It also does not contain insulin.
Difference between Byetta Vs Bydureon
Byetta and Bydureon are very similar in that they are both injectable drugs with the active ingredient exenatide. Both increase the amount of insulin the pancreas releases, without having insulin as an active ingredient. However, there are some differences between the two medications as well.
Byetta and Bydureon are administered in different ways. Byetta comes in a pre-filled pen that adjusts to administer a 5 mcg or 10 mcg dose per injection. The pen contains a total of 60 doses. Bydureon comes in either a vial or pre-filled pen. The pen administers 2 mcg per dose. Byetta is administered twice daily, while Bydureon is taken once weekly.
There is also a slight price difference between the two drugs. With coupons or a discount, a patient may purchase Byetta for approximately $700 per month in the United States. Bydureon is slightly less expensive, costing approximately $660 per month in the United States.
Another difference between Byetta versus Bydureon is the side effects. Byetta is more likely to cause adverse effects like upset stomach and nausea compared to Bydureon. However, these side effects typically only last for a few weeks.
Doctor’s Recommendation
Most patients are better off injecting ozempic as its weight loss effects are greater, however, given that Bydureon has a somewhat smaller magnitude on glucose control but a significantly smaller weight loss effect compared with ozempic, Bydureon may be better for patients that are in near normal weight but have a more significant issue with glucose control.
Disclaimer: Please note that the contents of this community article are strictly for informational purposes and should not be considered as medical advice. This article, and other community articles, are not written or reviewed for medical validity by Canadian Insulin or its staff. All views and opinions expressed by the contributing authors are not endorsed by Canadian Insulin. Always consult a medical professional for medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment.
