Anyone use Byetta?

i had a visit with the endo dr. he suggested this, i was wondering what peoples experience is with this drug.  I did some reading online, i was just wondering if anyone is using this?

My doc suggested it to me pre-op because it can often help with weight loss as well. I declined since I knew I was heading for surgery soon anyway.

I do know there's been talk about it recently regarding its connection to serious kidney problems, so I would probably do quite a bit of research before starting it.

Do have a lap band, or are you pre-op? Is there a eason you chose the band over something that would likely inflict a greater improvement on your diabetes, such as the DS?

yes, i do have specific reasons why i did chose the band over other things.  I am keeping in mind that my success will be what i make of it. The band will be a tool to help me, and it may take more time but i'm not in a rush, my weight did not come on overnite.

I am confident getting my weight under control will be beneficial to controlling it.

You're right that weight loss will help to control the diabetes, but controlling and potentially curing are not the same thing - but good luck to you.

Hi!  I've been using Byetta for a couple of years now.  I had nausea at first but that is gone unless I overeat.  My blood glucose is well controlled.  I watched what I ate and exercised and lost some weight; I've been maintaining the loss for about a year now.

Just let me know if you have other questions.

Janis

Laney,

I do have one other ?, i was researching this online and saw some issues with people complaining it's causing issues with the pancreas (not sure of the spelling) so i was concerned about this, my dr. did tell me that nausea is a side effect but it will go away, i plan to start it, this Friday once i get paid.  My doc gave me a coupon for a free month but it's expired so I'm gonna call him to see if he has another.  I think the fact that i can drop a few pounds on this is an added benefit, but i just really need to get my sugars under control.

Shawn,

I've talked with my doctor and he does blood work to check my kidneys and pancreas.  His opinion is that the kidneys are already a problem area for diabetics so it is hard to tell if there is an increase due to the Byetta or just normal diabetes related problems showing up.  As long as I have blood work and it is OK, I'm comfortable taking the it.

My doctor's office gave me a free month's worth plus some needles so I got a chance to try it before I had to fill the prescription.  I used ginger Altoids for the nausea and they seemed to help.  I ate smaller meals too control the nausea and honestly I think that was the reason I lost weight. 

Good luck with it, Janis  

ok, thanks

I used it for about 6 months. It helped me lose about 10 lbs. but just didn't help me with my diabetes control at all. I was a little queasy at first but it quickly went away. I know other diabetics that it has helped though.

I tried it.  It never helped with weight loss or hunger control.  It only left round, red pop marks at the injection sites that itched and burned. 

This was just my experience with it.  I spoke with my endo and pharmacist.  Both said they had never heard of this happening.