Diabetes.Blog.com

1 - I started Byetta two weeks ago and would be interested in hearing from anyone else who decided to take the plunge! Nausea and dyspepsia are the two side effects most noticeable to me. Additionally, my appetite has been greatly diminished and this makes it much easier to resist tempting, forbidden carbs. There is one other side effect which I've noticed: an hour or two of feeling cold. Slight temperature elevation, but not fever. (Comment this)

2 - I started Byetta 6 days ago, and have also noticed the period of feeling cold. The nausea is really impacting my ability to function - I spent a couple of hours today with my head on my desk. Does anyone know how long this is supposed to last? Everything I've found so far says "diminishes with time". Also - does anything work to reduce it? Does what you eat make a difference? I haven't been able to establish any patterns, but it is definitely worse some days.

Thanks for any information. (Comment this)

3 - I started byetta 7 days ago. The good: My blood sugars have really normalized. I don't mind the injections. The bad: The nausea is awful. I haven't approached my doctor yet to see if there is anything I can do, but I too, can almost not function for a few hours after the injection. The nausea seems to peak about 1.5-2.0 hours after injection, and it lasts for maybe 2 hours. When I'm physically working, it seems to diminish in intensity. I'm trying to tough it out and stick with the plan since I have been told this would decrease with time. If it does not, I am not sure I can continue -- due to the nausea. Does anyone have any suggestions as to what may help with this? (Comment this)

4 - I started byetta about 20 days ago and I can say "ditto" to the previous comments except that I have not had the feelings of cold. I also have an occasional 2 hour period of low energy or malaise. I am type2 for 12 years and insulin dependent for about 5 years. I have stopped insulin, am not too :) overweight and lost 12-15 since starting byetta. That's the ggod news. The bad news is my BG is consistantly in the 200-300 range, 2-4 hours after eating. I am going to give this another 2 weeks trial then make a decision to continue or go back to Lantus(insulin) and more weight. Good luck to all. (Comment this)

5 - I am type 2,diagnosed in 2000, currently taking 10mg of Glucatrol xl and 5mg Actos daily.

I took part in the phase III and open label clinical trials for Byetta/Exenatide and have been anxiously awaiting it's release on the market. Based on what I have read, I believe my experience with Byetta was typical. I went from an A1C of 8.7 to 6.2 over a period of a 6 months and the only side effects were:

1. Nausea - mild but it was definitely there.
2. Hypoglycemia - only experienced in the evening aprox. 2 to 3 hours after eating dinner. Perhaps twice a month with readings in the 50's and 60's. I learned to spot the symptoms and take action to prevent it from going lower than 70. Usually, a glass of OJ took care of the problem.
3. Weight loss - not a bad thing, lost 15 lbs without trying over the course of the trials. I have gained most of it back since the trials ended and my A1C is up again.
4. Constipation - It seems Byetta slows the digestive process. Some of the comments I have seen say the weight loss may be due to slower digestion. Seems reasonable to me.

It's a minor hassel keeping the drug referigerated but the result is well worth it.

My problem is, finding a pharmacy that stocks it. Most never heard of it and the ones I have checked do not have it listed in their ordering system. I am in the Atlanta, GA area so I have access to all of the chain drug stores. I would appreciate it if anyone can tell me how and where they found Byetta, the cost and how their health insurance responded...

thanks, (Comment this)

6 - Sorry, I forgot to mention that my nausea got progressivly better starting after a few weeks into the drug trial. After 5 or 6 months, there was no nausea at all. I hope this helps anyone getting started on Byetta.

-bob (Comment this)

7 - I'm a medical writer for Trends-in-Medicine, looking to talk (by phone or email) to folks who are taking byetta. I only have a few questions and will be happy to send you a copy of my article. Please email me at
diana1203 at aol.com.
THANKS!
Diana (Comment this)

8 - ooops !! wrong address... I'm on a dialup internet connection during the summer....
it's dianaquinn1203 at aol.com

THANKS AGAIN (Comment this)

9 - I thought my working questions would help, if folks are interested:
1. How long have you been in byetta and why did you start taking it (doc decided to switch you, weight loss potential, glycemic effect, etc)
2. What do you think of it? How is it working?
3. What are the pluses and minuses of byetta? (ie nausea, vomiting, feeling cold, losing weight, etc) Are the negatives manageable, do you think?
4. If you have lost weight, how much have you lost over how long a period of time, and is it due to the drug or could it be due to nausea?
5. Will you renew your prescription? WHy/why not?
THanks
Diana
dianaquinn1203 at aol.com

 (Comment this)

10 - This is for "Deb", who began Byetta 6 days ago.
The nausea will dissipate over time. Today marks Day 21 for me. The nausea is quite minimal. Just give it a bit more time! I use sugar free mints to ease the 'queasies'. The 1st day I took Byetta, I was sure I was going to vomit. I didn't. Definitely avoid spicey or fatty foods. I can eat a hamburger but not a hotdog. Potato salad gave me indigestion, but a plain baked potato with a little salt was 'comfortable'. You'll have to figure out what works for you. I eat fruit and cereal for breakfast. I keep sugar free mints at work, which really help alleviate the nausea. I, too, had feelings of extreme fatigue with the nausea for the first couple of weeks. This third week has been so much better. Stick with it! I'm losing weight (11# to date) and for once in my life, am able to select decent meals, rather than give in to overindulgence, as was my lifestyle. I also found that eating a light supper was the only way to go so I wasn't up into the wee hours with indigestion. This evening, I had a grilled sirloin burger on one piece of toast, some sliced tomato and a diet drink. I'll have a nectarine before bed. The weight loss, which I had just not been able to achieve prior to this, is tremendously encouraging to me. I wish you the very best.

Linda (Comment this)

11 - To Bob Fitzpatrick:

Bob, call Eli Lilly (I think it's 1-800LillyRX) and they'll help you in finding out where to get the Byetta! I think this stuff is truly a godsend. My insurance paid for it. It listed for something like $237 and the needles, which must be purchased separately, were $28. My copay for the whole shebang was $52.

Linda (Comment this)

12 - To Linda:

Thanks for the feedback. I tried the Byetta "help line" back in March or April and the person I spoke to knew less than I did about the product. Now tht they have had some time to work out the kinks, perhaps they can tell me where to find it. Thanks for the suggestion.

$237! Wow! but, if it keeps us healthy a few more years, I think it's well worth it.

I don't know if your health insurance covers testing supplies but mine doesn't. One of the great things about the drug trial I was in is that they supplied everything for free so I have plenty of needles left over. If you are having to pay list price for test strips, I know from experience that you can get them on ebay for less than half of the list price.

Hope all goes well with your Byetta experience.

Thanks again for the info.

-bob (Comment this)

13 - To Bob regarding insurance coverage for Byetta. I copied and pasted this from the Lily Customer Service Site. Linda

To assist with any questions you may have about health insurance coverage for BYETTA, a Reimbursement Hotline is available by calling toll-free 1-800-330-7647.
The Hotline is staffed by experienced reimbursement specialists who can assist in determining your coverage for BYETTA. There is no charge for this service.

 (Comment this)

14 - Hi all,

I am a Type II diabetic (diagnosed Nov. 2000), currently using Lantus & Novolog for the past 2 years - could have stayed with the oral meds but insulin seemed easier. However, I gradually gained 10lbs that I have been unable to take it off for any length of time. I am considering switching to Byetta in conjunction with a sulfynurea. My question for anyone that knows is - What are the effects of Byetta in conjunction with exercise? I exercise at least 5 days a week - running/biking/hiking - and I am worried that the nausea side effects would make it difficult to impossible for me to run, bike, etc....
Also, has anyone else out there switched from insulin to byetta (or is considering it?) - if so, how is it working for you?

Thanks,

Philip
rhynieman@jeffnet.org (Comment this)

15 - My physician recommended it. Am concerned about the drug being too new and lack of extensive testing. Dont want to see serious side effects after a year or more just like what happened to Vioxx and other wonder drugs. (Comment this)

16 - Hi Philip,

If you are able to control your BG with your current meds, why not stay with them? If you can't, we all know the "side effects" of diabetes. How much worse could Byetta be? I don't know of a drug that has zero side effects. Continue to ask questions and do your own research. In the end, it's your decision and your responsibility. In my case the results outweigh the risk.

-bob (Comment this)

17 - I started Byetta 4 days ago. So far the nausea has not been horrible but I keep burping up the taste of food I ate at least 4 hours ago. Does that go away? Or is it just an odd side effect for me? By the way, the sugar-free mints are working well for nausea. Thanks for any input. (Comment this)

18 - I just started Byetta today. My Endroconoligist spent some time talking about the benefits and side effects of the drug. I was very excited as I have been able to keep BG stable, but I am on a high dose of insulin so I have had severe problems of weight gain. We are hoping to wean me off insulin at some point. Currently my insulin dose is cut by 50%. Prior to insulin my weight was stable for years. If nausea is all I have to look at I will be happy as I typically handle this well. I am very excited about this drug and the potential benefit for all diabetics. (Comment this)

19 - I am type 2, and have been taking Byetta for three weeks now. My doctor is head of a research clinic for diabetes and since I was not able to keep my blood sugar in control with diet and exercise, along with Metformin, he recommended Byetta along with the Metformin.

When I first started Byetta I had sweats, severe bloating, gas and nausea and at one time actually vomitted. I find that I have to really watch what I eat and not eat large amounts. No spicy, greasy or heavy-type food and I am not experiencing nausea, although reflux if I eat spicy. I also find if I wait closer to one hour after the injection my meal "settless" better. By the time the hour goes by I am able to gauge how much I can eat. I also find that I am not craving all the junk food and eat healthier.

I have lost weight since I do not eat as much as I used to and my blood sugar has been normal and below normal. I have not felt this good in a very long, long time.

I am very happy with the results of this medication. (Comment this)

20 - This is directed to Philip,
I just went off Insulin and on Byetta (4 days ago). I'm usually at the gym every morning. I've had a hard time the past few days, working out through the nausea. I seem to feel better in the afternoons, so I'm going to switch my am workout to pm for a wile and see how it goes. (Comment this)

21 - I have been on Byetta for 1 week now. I have experienced nausea off and on, only in the morning. (similar to morning sickness) I find if I eat just as soon as I take the injection it is much better. I have had days without nausea. I too have experienced weight loss, 7+ lbs and excited about that. I too got very thick around the middle and had considerable weakness while on actos. Since actos was removed I feel 100% better. A friend of mine has been on Byetta for 3 weeks and his nausea has diminished. Good Luck all, (Comment this)

22 - mary ann I thought we had to wait a full hour before we ate after the injection
 (Comment this)

23 - Am very nervous to start byetta, diabetic clinic took me off avandia due to fluid retention. Am alergic to any of the sulfa based oral meds, so use Lantis and Novalog pens. This is much better than Humulin N, but weight gain is awful, about 40 lbs this year alone. Have lost 25 since Feb with WW but a constant battle. Plan to start tomorrow am. Wish me luck. (Comment this)

24 - I have been on Byetta now for close to three weeks. Nausea was present early on, but usually if I did not "listen" to my body and overate. For the first time in my life, I have forgotten to eat and do not mind it at all. Side Effects lower with time, and I now feel fine. I found that if I inject about 20 minutes before eating, it is the perfect timing for me.
Byetta has kept my blood sugars under control almost from the first day. My doctor switched me over from Lantus and my weight loss since then has been 9 pounds. It is a hell of a lot easier than figuring out dosing for Lantus. (Comment this)

25 - I started on Byetta 3 weeks ago. I had really bad periods of nausea, but now they are much less. I found that a couple of saltine crackers would usually do the trick. I also had bad reflux and found that Gaviscon would cure that immediately and also helped the nausea. I too have found that my appetite has really diminished. I throw away half my lunch everyday as I cannot eat the portions. The other day we went to Taco Bell and I ordered a Crunch Wrap Supreme and a child nachos. I ate the nachos and was full! (Comment this)

26 - My drugstore, Walgreens, did not have it in stock, but were able to order it and had it the next day. (Comment this)

27 - I seem to be the only bonifide failure in the group. I started byetta on 6/23. I experience all of the negative(nausea) and positive(weight loss)symptoms. Except my BG has moved up to the 250-300 range at all times of the day. I eat by the book(probably less than 1800 calories/day. It take metformin and amaryl twice per day in additions to the byetta. Is this NOT working for anyone else out there. mcwilly@webbroad.com (Comment this)

28 - Took my first dose of Byetta this morning about 4 hrs. ago, no nausia, does that mean I won't have any. Too soon to notice any positives yet, but will keep you posted. Glad I found this web site. Makes you so nervous to be on something so new. (Comment this)

29 - I had gasrtic bypass 3 years ago and my sugar over the past year goes extremly high after I eat. Then drops alway to 40 the dr put me on byetta but I dont start until saturday has anyone else had this problem
 (Comment this)

30 - My doctor wants to start me on Byetta, because i can't get my fasting blood sugars under control. My average fasting blood sugar is 160 in the morning.. I'm am freaked out by the needle thing. My doctor swears by the stuff. Metformin has made me gain weight and i work out all the time.

I have a few questions
1) How do you keep it cold when you are on vacations/business trips etc?

2) How hard is it to inject. (Comment this)

31 - Marcy,

Answersa to your ?s.
1. you can get small insulated bag and ice pack. In fact Byetta has a coupon in your beginning package that allows you to send away for a free one from them. Can't wait,,,ask your druggist.

2. injection is easy, if you already prick your finger it hurts less than that. I usually use my middrift or stomach area. other areas upper thigh or arm. goes right under the skin in the fatty area. piece of cake, of course we can't have any of that.... Bev (Comment this)

32 - I was given the started kit for Byetta Tuesday. I am in the process of prepping for a Colonoscopy test Fri morning. All liquids today and Thur. I think I may wait until Fri dinner to start. Dr Bode at Piedmont Hospital is my Endo.

I am allergic to a lot of medication--but have not been bothered all these years with sulfa in oral diabetes medication. I know if there are any problems it will be the 2nd dose. I live alone and plan to be out in public or in a group after the 2nd injection--just in case. I always carry Epi-pen but am not sure it will work for something like this.

I tried to call the 24 hour help line at night, but they are only open 7-11 ET. Hope they update that information.

I'm on my way in a few minutes to Walgreens drugstore in the metor Atlanta area. If they do't have it, they can always get it the next day. I am on the 5 mcg starter and that is enough for 30 days. I have State Merit Insurance and the max allowed Flex Spend money. (Comment this)

33 - Thanks to Linda for her response to my initial question, and everyone else who responded! Towards the end of the second week I'm noticing that the nausea is lessening - although still present. I find that ginger ale helps, as do saltines and rice cakes.

Marcy -
I routinely travel with another medication which has to be chilled, and in addition to an insulated bag and chill pack, many hotels will provide refrigerators in the room. I also have a small travel refrigerator which I use for long road trips since it can be plugged into either the lighter or a wall. I usually check when I make my reservations to ensure that I can get a refrigerator (although I have also just kept meds on ice and been fine).
Hope this helps. (Comment this)

34 - I too have one of those refrigs, forgot about it, they are really great. Made it through 2 shots with no ill effects. When do you begin to notice a decline in your blood glucose. I hope it works for me. By the way Marcia if you are worried about an allergic reaction, you can sit in the nearest emergency room while giving yourself your shot. When my previous doctor tried to put me on sulfa based oral meds, I mentioned my concern and he basically said too bad. To say the least I went to another doctor, he said he would try other meds, and if push came to shove he would have me sit in emer. rm. when I started to take it. That was an encronologist, he moved so now I go to a diabetes clinic that recently opened, this was the best thing I ever did. (Comment this)

35 - This is my first 24 hours on Byetta very minor short duration nausea. But I am so tired tonight after work - maybe it's just that I came from vacation - but we'll see.
Cannot feel the injection - must less invasive than checking blood sugar! Really need the weight loss so we'll see. I work 12 hour shifts at work so the transporting and keeping it cold may be burdensome but will give it a try! Just hope the tiredness isn't related! (Comment this)

36 - I began Byetta on 6/14/05. Side effects have been minimal so far. I see that as a good sign given that negative effects will diminish over time. BC levels immediatley dropped into a more desirable level. I take a shot before breakfast, and one prior to supper. I must eat WITHIN one hour of taking the injection. Self-injections: Nothing to it. As someone mentioned earlier, it is by far and away easier than a finger prick. If pain is your "hang up" then there will be nothing to it. The Byetta info pack suggests injections in the upper thigh and belly button area. I have experienced slight stomach queasiness mainly in the morning. A good ole Diet Coke helps with that! The rest of the day I feel fine. Also slightly more sweating is experienced. Post questions if you wish. I'll check throughout the day. (Comment this)

37 - I received the starter kit from my endo doc two weeks ago but have been delaying starting due to a bathroom remodel/chaos in the household! I'm aware of the nausea potential - my question is does anyone have GERD and take meds for that and has it helped or ?? I have ulcerative colitis and became diabetic after two years of high steroid doses - constipation may be welcome! :) (Comment this)

38 - Hilary, I also have GERD, but take a prescription medication (generic of Prilosec) and it probably has helped. I had nausea and reflux but have learned to limit what I eat. If I eat heavy or spicy food, I notice that I have reflux but find drinking a lot of water seems to help. Not sure why. My nausea seemed to be more in the morning. Sort of like morning sickness. Crackers helped. My blood sugars were lower after the very first shot. I have more energy, my skin is not dry anymore, I am not irritable, and I think it is due to the Byetta. (Comment this)

39 - The Joslin Diabetes Center, Dayton, OH decided to put me on this new Byetta because I cannot get my weight down on my current medication of Metformim, Allegra and Actos. This has kept my glucose in the range of 60 to 120 now since last Dec 04, but I'm gaining weight. The first 90 days supply of Byetta is free compliments of the drug manufacturer. I have to buy the tips but they are only about 8 dollars for 50 with my health insurance. I’ve been taking Byetta since last Friday, 8 July 05. The changes I noticed are a rise in alertness or a buzz immediately after the shot and some dizziness. I have not had any nausea as reported by many others. My glucose now ranges higher at 100 to 160 but I feel alright. My appetite is much reduced but I’ve not checked my weight yet. The only time I have any appetite is at lunch. I’m eating about one-half what I used to eat. I have noticed the need to have bowl movements much more often and I wonder if that is because the water retention from Allegra is going away as I’m not on that medication any more. My diabetes specialist tells me Allegra cause weight gain and water retention. (Comment this)

40 - Mary Ann - Thanks for the encouragement. Think I'll see about getting started this weekend! I'm looking forward to the tighter control and hopefully added benefit of some weight loss! Hilary (Comment this)

41 - What meds are most people here on when they start Byetta?
Are people cutting back or stopping their oral meds?
Thanks. (Comment this)

42 - I started Byetta 6/27. Was on metformin xr 500 mg daily for 3 months prior, no meds before that. I was unable to get my fasting bld sugar down below 225 with metoformin, diet & exercise alone (albeit a small dose)
I saw blood sugar improvement within 24 hrs. My doc advised to watch random 2 hr post prandial fingersticks and omit fasting ones (he described something called a "dawn effect" that causes your bod to raise your blood glucose in preparation for the day's activites). I am running 80-136 2 hr post eating now consistently. Am eager to see my AIC after this. A1C was 9 pre metformin, 7 post metformin. Will repeat after 3 months of byetta and metformin.

No nausea here. Have significantly lost appetite and weight (20 lbs). Enjoying being "too full" on reasonable serving portions. Am still working deligently to eat smart and walking 30" a day is my only exercise at this point.

I love the effects to date and tell many about it at work (am an ER nurse). I do have the feeling that I have to eat within the hour of the shot or get really irritable! Disregarded the instructions and tried it once after I ate and got so sick! (raging hunger and irritable) Was a bad plan! Guess that is in the instructions for a good reason, eh?

Keeping it with me on spur of the moment dining out has been a problem, but am awaiting my "travel kit" from the company. I am using one of my own design in the interim with a small lunch cooler bag and refreezable ice pack. I wrap my drug pen in its box with a cloth and have had no trouble with it freezing.

I am worried about insurance coverage and and cost once I can't get the "free samples" from my doc. Appreciate the info you all have provided with that.

Recently heard Dr James R Gavin speak: very dynamic specialist for type 2 diabetes. He was very pro aggressive multi drug use as the disease progresses and control becomes more of an issue and such treatments should be very personalized for your responses. I "googled" the nice dr and found all kinds of helpful info. Am awaiting my library to get his book. Talked them into ordering it last week

personally, I hope to be successful at the weight loss and getting the baseline problem under control. It is my understanding several oral variations that act on the same part of the cycle are in the works for FDA approval as well.

the shots are no big deal at all. Tiny tiny needle and small amount injected. I had my doubts about that, but it has proved to not be an issue.

sorry to hear about all the nausea out there! Hope it subsides!

Great board: will follow! (Comment this)

43 - My doctor just gave me the kit yesterday. I am terrified of starting a new medicine. I have a lot of nausea all day any way. My A1C was 5.3 last week. I think he wants me to lose weight. If I am controlling my sugar with Metformin, would starting this and risking the side-effects be worth it? Also, can anyone tell me if as a Type 2 diabetic I can control the disease or will it get worse with time no matter what?? (Comment this)

44 - Middle of second day and so far so good. Felt a little funny after lunch and after going to bathroom seemed fine. Do you find you go to the bathroom more often with Byetta.
BG has come down some since yesterday, but not huge drop. Does seem to be more consistant and not jumping all over the place. I really hate when BG bottoms out. Feels just like a panic attack.
I hope being a guiena pig is worth it. Especially want to see if it helps with the weight loss. I've been on a roller coaster all my adult life, but am at an all time high. Is effecting my whole life at this point, especially my knees, so can't really exercise at this point.
Have lost 25 pounds since March, but that is such a little start. Am off Avandia so that should help the weight too. (Comment this)

45 - My great question is will I have to be on this for the rest of my life or if I get my Blood Sugar under control can I stop taking the meds? If anyone knows, I would love a quick response. I have yet to take the first does for fear of being tied to this forever.

Thank you, whoever you are. (Comment this)

46 - I am completing week 4 of Byetta. Nausea has all but disappeared. The instructions with the drug are to eat within 0-60 minutes of taking the injection. They mean business. I find that eating right after injecting works as long as I remember to keep the portions small and the fat and spices miniscule. I have lost 14 lbs. and blood sugars are in a normal range. I stopped my Glucophage (who wants all that gaaaaas) just to see. Sugars are still good without it. Just 14 lb has brought my blood pressure down as well. I am incredibly pleased with response to this drug. I was just not able to accomplish or maintain any kind of weight loss. After starting Lantus in February, I gained a bunch of weight right around the midsection. The doctor says "lose weight and you'll feel better and your sugar will come down. Here's some insulin that will make you GAIN weight." What's wrong with this picture?? I am off the Lantus, thank goodness.

As everyone mentions, those needles are such a fine gauge that you hardly notice them entering your skin. Now and then, the drug stings, but it's nothing. The finger-sticks hurt more than anything else.

We have a garden just brimming with green peppers! I love them, but they seem to hang around for HOURS as a not-so-gentle reminder. so no more of them.

A word of advice - don't take the Byetta and then forget to eat. I did that this AM. Family crisis. Took the shot and never ate breakfast. I had a miserable day feeling tired and weak. Whatever you do, make sure you eat something, even if it's only a bowl of cereal.

One funny thing - my significant other, a FBI, has complained that I don't eat like I used to. Wants to know if it's his cooking!

Someone mentioned a 'travel kit'. How do I get one? Am going to Europe next month and am somewhat concerned about transporting this stuff over so many hours. I would imagine that ze plane people could be coerced into keeping it cold during the flight.
Linda (Comment this)

47 - For Mary Ann -
Thanks for the comment about waiting a bit after the injection before eating. It makes sense that you'd be better able to judge just how much you can eat without feeling full and having reflux.
Linda (Comment this)

48 - regarding the travel kit: call customer service number on drug web page. they gave me url which if I remember right, was just adding " /welcome" to byetta.com
They told me to expect 4-12 week delivery!? not here yet


to whoever asked re if shots were forever and is Type 2 forever...... as a nurse, i was taught it is not permanent in most cases, especially if diagnosed quickly and treated with a multitherapy approach ( a change in lifestyle when possible!): weight control, diet, exercise, and medicine support as required. It seems to be a progressive disease with several faces as one has elevated blood sugars and the consequences of that for longer periods of time. Thus we hear about insulin resisitance and pancreatic beta cell dysfunction (eventually nonfunctioning) and other findings that are labeled "Type 2"

If caught and treated early, the consequences are not so bad as if left out of control.

The American Diabetes Association started a program called something like "small steps, big rewards" that is an interesting approach to being proactive in your efforts to gain control of the disease, not letting it make you its victim.

I am starting to feel like type 2 diabetics need endocrinology consults from up to date docs. In past, it seemed simple enough for any family practice dr to "treat" the problem, but there is so much growth in the field! I would want a dr who is up on the research and success available...... I am excited and positive about this drug and its results for just 2-3 weeks of use. Am willing to take my chances. At least all of us Type 2's are already prone to heart dz, so that can't pull it off the market like vioxx, eh? (sorry if that offends anyone: it's just my sick humor!) Am sure it won't be a cureall for everyone, but it is a nice addition to the toolbox of therapies available.

From ya'll's posts, I feel blessed not to be subject to the gi symptoms! Sounds miserable!

Good luck to all and I'll jump off the soapbox for awhile! (Comment this)

49 - Do any of you take Ambien occasionally for sleep? When do you take it? With this delayed gastric emptying, it seems quite difficult to get it to work properly. Any comments, suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Linda (Comment this)

50 - I STARTED BYETTA 2 WEEKS AGO AND AM TAKING PRILOSEC ONCE A DAY FOR THE NAUSEA. TAKE PRILOSEC ONE HOUR BEFORE BYETTA OR TWO HOURS AFTER. I TAKE PRILOSEC ONE HOUR BEFORE DINNER AND NO HEART BURN AT NIGHT. (Comment this)