Exenatide is an incretin mimetic used in treatment of type 2 diabetes. It increases production of insulin by the pancreas, and improves the effectiveness of insulin in the body. It is different from, and not a replacement for, insulin; patients with type 1 diabetes or who have diabetic ketoacidosis should not buy exenatide.

Patients prescribed exenatide are usually encouraged to make complimentary lifestyle changes as well, such as eating better and getting regular exercise.

Managing Type 2 Diabetes with Exenatide

Exenatide is primarily available through the brand-name products Byetta and Bydureon. Though the active ingredient is the same, the two treatments are used differently and are not interchangeable:

• Byetta is taken twice daily, usually 5 to 10 mcg in each dose (10 to 20 mcg total each day), and must be taken with food.
• Bydureon is taken once per week, typically in 2 mg doses, and may be taken with or without food.

Either method, weekly or daily, provides essentially the same treatment; Bydureon's larger dose is simply released slowly over time. A doctor may recommend one version over the other for an individual, but often the decision to buy exenatide in daily or weekly doses is just a matter of patient preference.

The medication is usually self-administered by injection; products typically come in disposable injection pens or single-use kits containing all necessary components. Preparation and administration instructions are included with each kit or pen.

Duration of treatment largely depends on patient response. If combined with improved diet and regular exercise, as well as careful monitoring blood sugar and regular exams at a doctor's office, some patients are able to stop treatment entirely.

Before Starting Treatment

Some things to keep in mind to ensure treatment is trouble-free:

• Patients with a history of kidney, pancreas or stomach problems, gallstones, alcoholism, or high blood triglyceride levels are at greater risk of side effects and should not use the medication without doctor approval.
• Other medications, particularly other diabetes medications or those which may cause low blood sugar, may cause complications when used with exenatide; speak with a doctor or pharmacist before mixing treatments.
• Some individuals experience significant weight loss during treatment, particularly when also taking metformin. However, patients who do not have type 2 diabetes should not buy exenatide for this purpose; there are many safer alternatives available.

It is unknown if this medication will harm unborn or nursing babies.

Side Effects

Most side effects are gastrointestinal, including abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation. These effects are not of concern unless severe.

Some patients experience potentially serious, even life-threatening complications which warrant immediate medical attention, including:

• Swelling in throat
• Difficulty swallowing or breathing
• Voice changes, particularly hoarseness
• Difficulty urinating
• Severe pain in stomach
• Pain in stomach radiating to back
• Low blood sugar (extreme weakness, dizziness or confusion, excessive hunger, rapid heart beat, loss of consciousness)

Throughout treatment patients are strongly encouraged to monitor blood sugar for both highs and lows, even if feeling fine. Regular doctor checkups, with more in-depth tests, are also recommended, to both ensure the medication is working and to monitor for developing side effects.

Start Managing Diabetes Today

At Kiwi Drug you don't need a prescription to buy exenatide -- just begin the checkout process, answer a few questions for our online doctor, and your order will be on its way to your doorstep. You can rest assured all our medications are authentic and your order will only be handled by licensed professionals. There's a reason we're New Zealand's favorite online pharmacy!

If planning to buy exenatide in large quantities, note that any product not used within 4 weeks should be stored in a refrigerator to prevent loss of potency.