What you’ll learn:
- Byetta is a medication that is FDA-approved to manage type 2 diabetes and can be prescribed off-label for weight loss.
- Byetta is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, which means it works by increasing insulin secretion when glucose is elevated, slowing digestion, and reducing appetite.
- You will need to self-inject Byetta twice per day.
We owe a lot to Byetta. As the first GLP-1 receptor agonist to receive FDA approval in 2005, it paved the way for a class of medications that have changed the weight loss landscape.
For years, people with type 2 diabetes have turned to Byetta to help manage their blood sugar and potentially lose some weight. But, while Byetta does help with appetite, it’s not the most potent weight loss medication out there. Newer GLP-1 medications like Wegovy and Zepbound often show better results and have the added convenience of fewer injections.
Truth be told, research shows that the weight loss you might get with Byetta is similar to what you could achieve with a calorie-controlled diet alone. If weight loss is your primary goal, is Byetta the right choice for you?
Join us as we explore the science behind Byetta, uncover its benefits and risks, and show you how Noom can create a personalized plan to help you succeed. If you qualify, Noom Med can help to evaluate your medical needs, pair you with a qualified clinician, and help you choose the best weight-loss medication for you.
What is Byetta and how does it work for weight loss?
As a GLP-1 receptor agonist, Byetta mimics a natural hormone in your body, called GLP-1, that regulates blood sugar and appetite. This not only leads to better blood sugar control but also a little extra help managing weight. Byetta’s active ingredient, exenatide, works in three key ways:
- Stimulates insulin: Byetta gives your pancreas a nudge to release insulin when needed, keeping blood sugar levels balanced.
- Slows digestion: It slows down how quickly food leaves your stomach, helping you feel more satisfied after meals.
- Curbs appetite and cravings: Byetta can help put the brakes on those tempting cravings, making it easier to stick to healthy choices.
How do you take Byetta?
Byetta comes in a pre-filled pen designed for convenience and ease of use. Typically, you’ll begin with a 5 mcg dose, injected under the skin of your thigh, upper arm, or belly up to an hour before your two main meals at least six hours apart.
But let’s be honest, who wants the hassle of twice-daily injections? That’s one of the reasons some people prefer newer GLP-1 medications like semaglutide (Ozempic and Wegovy) or tirzepatide (Mounjaro and Zepbound), which only require one weekly injection. We’ll explore all your options so you can find the medication that best fits your lifestyle.
How effective is Byetta for weight loss?
How much weight can you really expect to lose with Byetta? Studies show that it can help, but the results aren’t jaw-dropping. In one study, people taking Byetta lost around six to seven pounds after six months. While that’s more than double the three pounds lost by those on a placebo, it’s not a huge difference. You could lose 1-2 pounds per week with Noom*, far surpassing the effects of Byetta.
Also, not everyone loses weight with Byetta. In one study, about a third of people lost more than 5% of their body weight, another third didn’t lose much, and another third actually gained weight!
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Newer medications made with semaglutide and tirzepatide have shown more impressive results when it comes to weight loss, which we’ll discuss below. Again, if losing weight is your target, it might be worth exploring these options.
*In four weeks, the typical Noom user can expect to lose 1-2 pounds per week. Noom results involve maintaining a healthy diet and exercise changes. Individual results may vary.
Does Byetta do anything else besides help with appetite?
Byetta works in a few different ways to help manage type 2 diabetes. For starters, it gives your body a little nudge to release insulin when it’s needed most. This helps keep your blood sugar from spiking too high.
Byetta also slows down how quickly food leaves your stomach, which helps you feel fuller for longer. Weight loss can be a nice little bonus, but Byetta’s main job is helping you keep your blood sugar under control.
What distinguishes Byetta from other weight loss medications?
Now that you’re familiar with Byetta, let’s explore how it stacks up against some of its fellow GLP-1 medications. You’ve probably heard of the newer kids on the block, like Wegovy and Zepbound, but Byetta also has a sibling medication called Bydureon BCise. Bydureon BCise has the same active ingredient as Byetta but uses newer technology. Also, it’s taken as a weekly injection instead of twice daily.
But how do these medications compare overall, and what are they approved to treat? Let’s break it down:
| Active Ingredient | Exenatide | Semaglutide | Liraglutide | Dulaglutide | Tirzepatideglutide | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand(s) and uses | Byetta: Type 2 diabetes (FDA-approved), weight loss (off-label) | Ozempic: Type 2 diabetes (FDA-approved), weight loss (off-label) Wegovy: Chronic weight management (FDA-approved) | Victoza: Type 2 diabetes (FDA-approved), weight loss (off-label)Saxenda: Chronic weight management (FDA-approved) | Trulicity: Type 2 diabetes (FDA-approved), weight loss (off-label) | Mounjaro: Type 2 diabetes (FDA-approved), weight loss (off-label)Zepbound: Weight loss (FDA-approved) | ||
| How it works | Mimics GLP-1, a natural hormone that helps your body produce insulin when needed, slows down digestion and reduces appetite. | Mimics GLP-1 and GIP, a similar hormone that regulates blood sugar and appetite. | |||||
| Administration | Twice-daily injection | Weekly injection | Daily injection | Weekly injection | Weekly injection | ||
| Cost (without insurance) | Byetta: $1,005 | Ozempic: $969 Wegovy: $1,350.02 | Saxenda: $1,350 Victoza: $815 Note: A generic version of Victoza was announced in June 2024, though it could still be hard to find. | $978 | Zepbound: $1060 Mounjaro: $940-$1,023 | ||
| Weight Loss Effectiveness | In one study, exenatide led to a loss of 3-4% of body weight in 24 weeks. | In a study, at least half of the people taking semaglutide lost 15% or more of their body weight in 68 weeks. | Liraglutide has been shown to lead to an average weight loss of 8% over 56 weeks. | At 52 weeks, half the people in a study lost at least 5% with the highest dose of dulaglutide. | Average weight loss with tirzepatide treatment at 72 weeks ranged from 15 to 21% of body weight. | ||
Byetta (exenatide) isn’t much more effective for weight loss than exercise and diet. Newer options have emerged that offer more convenience and potentially greater effectiveness.
Ultimately, the best choice for you comes down to what your doctor recommends, personal preferences, and health needs. Chat with your doctor or try Noom Med to figure out which medication aligns best with your lifestyle and goals. Remember, the most effective path to a healthier you is the one that’s personalized just for you.
What does Byetta cost?
Without insurance, the price tag for a month’s supply of Byetta is a little over $1,000.
Does insurance typically cover Byetta?
Medicare and private insurance plans typically cover Byetta for diabetes management, but not for weight loss. Of course, coverage details and out-of-pocket costs can vary depending on your specific plan. Some plans might require prior authorization from your doctor. Others might have specific criteria you need to meet before coverage kicks in. To get the full picture, it’s always best to check with your insurance provider directly.
How can Noom Med help with managing the cost of Byetta?
If you qualify, Noom Med will connect you with a qualified clinician who can help you navigate the maze of weight loss medications. We offer personalized care and guidance, taking the guesswork out of insurance coverage. Our goal? To make sure you get the medication you need.
Byetta side effects and safety considerations
Side effects are never fun. That’s why we want to make sure you’re informed before starting any new medication.
What are the common side effects of taking Byetta?
With Byetta, most people experience mild side effects that tend to fade as they get used to the medication. Here’s what most people experience:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Dizziness
If any of these side effects stick around or become bothersome, chat with your doctor. They can offer tips on managing them or adjust your treatment plan if needed.
How can Noom help manage Byetta’s side effects?
Starting a new medication like Byetta is a big step, and it can come with a few bumps in the road. Noom can help you maximize the benefits of Byetta while minimizing any potential side effects.
If you qualify for Noom Med, our clinicians are on hand to assess your needs and offer personalized support. If your personal doctor has prescribed Byetta, you can use the GLP-1 Companion to manage side effects and track progress.
Here’s how we can help:
- Nutrition: Get tailored advice on healthy eating to help you manage side effects. Plus, get tips for boosting protein intake to preserve muscle.
- Muscle Defense™: Access workout tips and videos to help protect and maintain your muscle mass while losing weight.
- Community support: Connect with others on a similar journey for motivation and encouragement.
What are the potentially severe effects and warnings associated with Byetta?
Okay, so you know about those common side effects like nausea and dizziness, but what else should you be aware of before taking Byetta? If you notice any symptoms of these conditions, get immediate medical attention.
- Pancreatitis (Inflammation of the pancreas): Symptoms include pain in the upper belly (that may radiate to the back).
- Kidney problems: Be alert for little or no urination, painful or difficult urination, swelling in your feet or ankles, feeling tired or short of breath
- Allergic reaction: You could experience hives, itching, rapid heartbeat, difficulty breathing, and swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia): Low blood sugar typically presents with headache, sweating, dizziness, fast heart rate, feeling anxious or shaky
- Thyroid tumors (for Bydureon BCise): Symptoms can include a painless lump in the neck that can be felt or seen and voice changes, such as hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, or breathing. Note: Thyroid tumors have only been associated with animal studies.
- Drug-induced immune-mediated thrombocytopenia (ITP): Be alert for unusual bruising, small red or purple spots on the skin, or excessive bleeding.
Most people who use Byetta don’t experience these, but being in the know is a good thing! For more detailed information on Byetta’s potential side effects, check out Byetta’s official website.
Are there any health issues that might make Byetta unsuitable for me?
Byetta might not be the best option for everyone, especially if you have certain health conditions. Discuss your entire health history with your doctor before starting Byetta. Here are some conditions that can mean you should skip it:
- Pancreatitis: If you’ve experienced inflammation of your pancreas before, Byetta might increase the risk of it happening again because it can cause or exacerbate pancreatic inflammation.
- Kidney problems: Byetta can sometimes affect how your kidneys work, leading to potential kidney function issues, especially in those with pre-existing kidney conditions.
- Stomach or digestive Issues: Conditions like slow stomach emptying (gastroparesis) might not mix well with Byetta, as it further slows digestion, potentially worsening symptoms.
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding: If you’re expecting or breastfeeding, don’t use Byetta.
- Allergies: As with any medication, it’s important to make sure you’re not allergic to Byetta or any of its ingredients.
Remember, this isn’t an exhaustive list, and your doctor is the best person to advise you based on your specific situation.
How Noom can help
Noom offers a whole new approach to support you every step of the way, whether you are prescribed Byetta or another GLP-1 medication. With Noom by your side, you’ll be equipped to embrace a healthier lifestyle and make lasting changes toward a better you.
Note: Byetta is not FDA-approved to treat obesity or for weight loss.
