About exenatide + pen
GLP-1 receptor agonist
Used for
- Improves blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes, alongside diet and exercise.
Usual adult dose
Once weekly by injection under the skin; follow the prescribed schedule.
Common side effects
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Constipation or indigestion
- Injection-site lumps or itching
- Low blood sugar, especially with insulin or sulfonylureas
Important warnings
- Not for type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis.
- Avoid with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or MEN2.
- Can cause pancreatitis; seek urgent assessment for severe, persistent abdominal pain.
- May worsen kidney problems, especially with dehydration from vomiting or diarrhea.
Pregnancy
Not recommended during pregnancy; maintaining blood sugar control is important, and treatment may need changing.
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding safety is unclear; discuss suitable diabetes treatment with a clinician.
Interactions
- Insulin or sulfonylureas increase low-blood-sugar risk.
- May affect absorption of oral medicines by slowing stomach emptying.
- Warfarin: monitoring may be needed when starting treatment.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.