Bydureon

Bydureon is an injectable medication that comes pre-filled and is used to help reduce blood sugar levels in people with type-2 diabetes. It's prescribed as an additional treatment, meaning you'll use Bydureon alongside other blood sugar-lowering medicines. You'll only be given Bydureon if other treatments haven't been effective in managing your blood sugar levels.

Type-2 diabetes is a condition that typically develops slowly in adults. It happens when your body doesn't produce enough insulin, or your cells become less responsive to it.

Insulin is a crucial hormone that helps move glucose from your blood into your cells, where it can be used for energy. If your body doesn't produce or use insulin properly, glucose levels can rise in your bloodstream, leading to a condition known as hyperglycaemia. Having high blood sugar over a long period can increase your risk of developing long-term health issues.

When you eat, your body produces hormones known as incretins, which prompt your pancreas to release insulin. Bydureon is part of a group of medicines called GLP-1 agonists, or 'incretin mimetics'. This means that Bydureon imitates the action of incretins, encouraging your pancreas to release insulin after eating, which helps to reduce your blood sugar levels.

Bydureon is a long-acting treatment that releases slowly over time. This means it remains effective in your body for a period after taking it. You only need to use it once a week, and it continues to manage your blood sugar until your next dose the following week.

Bydureon comes in just one strength: 2mg, and it's meant to be used once a week. If this dose doesn't help manage your blood sugar effectively, your doctor may suggest trying another treatment or adding something else to your regimen.

Most diabetes treatments are taken as daily tablets, but Bydureon is an injection that you only need to use once a week.

Another key difference between diabetes treatments is how they work. There are various types of medication, each acting differently to help reduce your blood sugar levels. Some treatments improve how your body uses insulin, while others help remove more glucose through your urine or boost insulin production from your pancreas.

Bydureon is a type of medicine known as a 'GLP-1 agonist'. It's one of several kinds that assist your pancreas in producing more insulin, although it works differently from other treatments.

Bydureon shouldn't be used on its own to manage your blood sugar levels, unlike many other treatments that can be. It should be taken in combination with other diabetes treatments.

Other injectable GLP-1 agonists are Victoza, Byetta, Ozempic, Trulicity, and Lyxumia, among others. While these treatments generally work in a similar manner to reduce your blood sugar levels, they contain different active ingredients. As a result, you may find that some treatments suit you better or are more effective, depending on how your body reacts to them.

Certain treatments, like Victoza, Byetta, and Lyxumia, require daily injections. In contrast, Bydureon, Ozempic, and Trulicity only need to be injected once a week.

Byetta and Bydureon both contain the same active ingredient, so they work in your body in the same way. The main difference is that Bydureon is an 'extended release' version, which means it remains active in your system for a longer period. Some studies suggest that the extended release form of exenatide is more effective and may cause fewer side effects than the daily version.

Yes, you do need a prescription for Bydureon. This is because it's not appropriate for everyone, and a healthcare professional will ensure you understand how to use it before prescribing it to you.

While you're using it, your HbA1c (which measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months) will need to be checked to ensure it remains an effective treatment for you.