Byetta 14: Discussion Forum for the week of March 12
This is the sixth in a series of weekly Byetta Discussion Forums, and 39th Discussion Forum at Diabetes.Blog.com. It is now closed to additional comments. There is a listing of other Byetta Discussion Forums at a separate webpage: List of Byetta Forums.
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You were missed. Glad you had no weight gain on vacation and glad you had a good one. Your encourging note will help others as always. Keep up the good work and congrats to your wife on her win! (Comment this)
I know why you aren't waiting any longer than 40 monutes,
but I was just wondering if there was a specific reason that you wait until 40 minutes after your spit shot.
(Comment this)
We're each unique and what works for me may not work for others. I swim about twice a week and walk the dog a lot. I was an athelete in my growing up years, so maybe that history has a long term effect. I have been in a lot of stress lately, and before Byetta stress would make havoc with my numbers. now, stess doesn't seem to effect it.
I have however, gotten really low readings after dinner. Doesn't that seem weird? I get really sleepy, cold. Two nites ago my gl went to 67 about 2 hrs after dinner. So, I have an orange or something sweet and I feel better about 20 mins later. After dinnerLast nite I was making a fruit bowl for a brunch today, I snacked on pineapple, grapes, str4awberries, and my sugar went down to 87.. much better than the 67.
I go for my 3 month check the thrid week of March. I'm really curious about my weight loss. I learned long ago not to weigh myself as my expectations are always bigger than reality... I'm a former O.A.'er and these lessons stay with me. thanks for all your input people... Why hasn't Byetta been in the news????
Have a great day.
Lenore (Comment this)
I had called to report white specks floating in my 10 pen. I also reported a large air bubble that had developed and a now-and-again problem with liquid leaking out the needle after the injection. In the process of answering some questions, the person said that it is recommended that when using the 10 pen, more pressure should be exerted on the plunger to push out the 10 mg dosage and to keep the thumb on the plunger when counting very slowly to five. This has helped with the leakage problem. Anyone tried this?
I've got to go get a new pen this afternoon and will give it a try. (Comment this)
Thanks for answers. I am going to get the 10 pen today. I even tried the taking shot half way tru my meal last night- no lows, never got below 205. Woke up to 189, this morning. I have lost no weight.
Possibly the 10 pen will do something for me. Maybe my 5 pen wasn't any good. (Comment this)
better be like a sucking effect when pulling it out
thanks (Comment this)
I don't think she meant for me to stick the needle in further. Rather to give a stronger push on the plunger (than used on the 5 pen) so as to have more force to eject the spit--since you are essentially having to force twice as much spit out. (Comment this)
Amylin has been pretty clear that the pen should not be used 30 days past when it was first used.
I doubt it would do any harm but there've been a number of people here who believe the pen loses it potency as the 30 days wears on.
I would stick with Amylin's warning and not use the pen.
John (Comment this)
I have been on the 5 pen for four months now and I am finally starting to get some good numbers.My A1C continues to be terrible and still I am told I am doing everything right. In our instant society we are impatient and want results right now. If we can adopt a wait-and-see attitude while searching for our individual answers we can avoid a lot of worry and stress. Try to relax and do one thing at a time so you know if you are getting results.
About eating before injection---most seem to get negative results. As to waiting to eat for an hour or however long, it doesn't seem to matter as much as being on a regular schedule. I test, inject, take my vitamins and meds and eat with little time between. My endo seems to be OK with that. But I can only offer my experience so far. We are all different in our responses to Byettta but with a few things in common. We each have to disover what works for us. There is no one answer for everyone---except don't eat just before injecting! (read a sympathetic groan here). The less complicated, the better, it seems. And the blog is so helpful with all the good and sincere helpers who offer support and information to one another.I, for one. want to thank each and every one of those who have contributed to the group.
Best wishes to all,
Leah (Comment this)
We thank you too Leah for your wonderful contributions, insight, research and personal experiences. We are all on this gilly road together and it is nice to be able to lift one another up if we should stumble along the way... (Comment this)
I have had that saw tooth blinking pattern for probably the last 30 years off and on. Several drs have told me it is a manifestation of migraine without the headache. Nothing to worry about (as long as you're not driving a car when it happens) BG levels are always ok when it happens.
(Comment this)
Started with oral meds ..this and that..........BS never really that bad. I was taking Avandamet 4mg/1000 + metformin 250mg BID (2x per day)for a max of 2500 mg of Metformin. BS numbers where okay 90-130.
Stopped the Avandia and started the Byetta 5mcg 2x day about 2 weeks ago with 2500mg of Metformin. 15 day average BS is 111. BUT NO WIEGHT LOSS. Crap !!!! I am trying!!! - No nausea - I wish I had nausea - then I would know it was working. No suppressed appetite. AUGHHHHHH !!! No welts - no chills. Is this stuff working. I take it 5 - 10 mins before meals. PLEASE HELP ME UNDERSTAND THIS.
Help !!!!!!!! (Comment this)
I am 39 yrs old T2 - diagnosed abut 1 1/2 years ago. Hit me like a ton of bricks...still does. 6'0" 265 lbs. I lift weights 3x per week - working with a bodybuilding trainer. I am a working executive with a full day of meetings - I lunch when I can - try to eat well. I can't say I have eliminated all carbs - but my BS is decent. Just checked it 1 hour after meal with some carbs and came up 116. I eat dinner around 8:00 pm.
Started with oral meds ..this and that..........BS never really that bad. I was taking Avandamet 4mg/1000 + metformin 250mg BID (2x per day)for a max of 2500 mg of Metformin. BS numbers where okay 90-130.
Stopped the Avandia and started the Byetta 5mcg 2x day about 2 weeks ago with 2500mg of Metformin. 15 day average BS is 111. BUT NO WIEGHT LOSS. Crap !!!! I am trying!!! - No nausea - I wish I had nausea - then I would know it was working. No suppressed appetite. AUGHHHHHH !!! No welts - no chills. Is this stuff working. I take it 5 - 10 mins before meals. PLEASE HELP ME UNDERSTAND THIS.
Help !!!!!!!! (Comment this)
This medication usually does not cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), but this effect may occur if you do not consume enough calories (from food, juices, fruit, etc.). The symptoms include chills, cold sweat, dizziness, drowsiness, shaking, rapid heartbeat, weakness, headache, fainting, tingling of the hands or feet, or hunger."
That sort of looks to me like sometimes Metformin can cause lows. Just thought I'd share the info. Pat in Idaho (Comment this)
for me the longer i wait the better then with in 10 to 20 after the meal I'm stuff
i ate at 4 pm its 530 pm and getting fuller by the minute
i take double 5's now
20 days (Comment this)
MY BS IS 95 RIGHT NOW 2 HOURS AFTER EATING
I THOUGHT I WAS DOING PRETTY GOOD
SO I NEED TO EAT B4 60 MIN.
WE ARE LOOKING AT ALL THE PAPERS IN THE BOX DON'T SEE NO GRAPH
(Comment this)
can someone break it down for me whats it trying to say
Toni was you doing double 5's b4 the 10 pen (Comment this)
(3) Also: if you haven't yet answered our polls to tell us more about yourself, we'd encourage you to please do so:
(Comment this)I have been having several snacks a day, about the same time that my bg would drop. I haven't had any REALLY REALLY lows since. I start feeling loopy around <80. But have had no 60's and lower, maybe a 70 or two...I have made up for the snacks by decreasing my meals by 1/2. I was at 95 last night at bedtime, have been around 120-90 at bedtime . Anyone else ? I have NOT lost one ounce though :oP (Comment this)
No, I was not doubling.......I went straight to the 10 (Comment this)
Have had the usual symptoms: nausea, sweats and loss of 10 pounds in 3 weeks. Am still on the 5mg pen. However, I am starting to have trouble with the shots; everytime I shoot up, it burns and becomes a welp that itches and is driving me crazy. My numbers are 160 to 180 every morning and I have been doing small meals and exercise; everything I should have been doing before but didn't.
I really want this medicine to work because the next stepis insulin. Will going to the 10mg help my numbers and will the itching welps stop?
Would appreciate your gracious answers. Thanks
ladybromel[at]hotmail.com (Comment this)
We are not all having dramatc weight losses. Some of us are just plodding along at a very slow pace, but if you are patient and stay with it, gradually you should see some improvement. I don't know how long you have v=been on the spitJon, but I am on my 7th month and I have taken off onkly about 14lbs...but those are off..notput on. (Comment this)
Thanks for your responses. I am really in the dumps about getting diabetes at such a young age. G-d Bless. (Comment this)
What happened?
Suzan in Monterey, California (Comment this)
Hi,
Been on the 5 for about a month and have had great results with the "numbers" and weightloss - I'm eating about 1/2 the food I used to... all good. BUT, nearly every night, about 3 hours after dinner, I have acid reflux for hours! I've tried antacids with no result - I'm trying to figure out if it is triggered by certain foods and/or the time between injection & eating - from 5 minutes to 30. Any advice or "cures"? Thank you for your time :)
PS I'm Type 2 taking Lantus, novolog & glucovance (Comment this)
We were probably all in the dumps when we were diagnosed. I know I was and I'm a LOT older than you are. First, denial, then depression then acceptance and more depression and then we realized that we have diabetes but it doesn't have us. Then we started to become active in looking for relief and a way to hold off what we saw as the inevitable. However, it seems that we who are on Byetta have a kind of hope that has been denied to diabetics of just a year ago. So, take heart, Jon. I told someone today that we can go a long distance on a gallon of hope. It's not the destination but how we deal with the journey that counts. Take that from an old geezer, if you will, stick with it and godspeed!
Leah (Comment this)
TO SAD JOHN---A little advice if you don't mind- Are you sure that you need 2500 mg of Metformin? That is the max dose recommended for safety. You should be taking regular blood tests to keep an eye on you kidney functions. Another question is whether you take any steroids in conjunction with your body building? They could have a contra effect on Byetta. Finally, did you have a C-Peptides test prior to starting Byetta? Remember, unless you have some functioning Beta Cells, Byetta will not work.
This all takes time to sort out but we are here to help.
TO LAURA--- Congrats on your ability to survive. In order to try to be of help, we need to know what other meds you are taking and on what schedule you take them.
TO TERRY-- Good luck as you begin to fight for your health.
Remember that not everyone feels the adverse side effects. However, if they come your way, you make yourself more comfortable with some preparation. Benefiber has helped me with very bad constipation. I found that Pepcid and sipping ginger ale helped me with the nausea. One of the most important tools I used was this Blog. I always felt a lot better being with friends.
GOOD LUCK TO YOU ALL (Comment this)
How are you doing? Incidentally, you make no mention of travelling with Byetta (TO ATLANTIC CITY). Did you purchase the MediCool bag? You were away when I mentioned the portable fridge at HomeGoods (see post in "Travelling with Diabetes"). I am still struggling with the Dawn Effect. This morning it was 154. I think that sometimes I must just accept the fact that my morning BS #s can be high and that they will fall later on. Annoying but still a fact. Even the chocolate is not 100% effective. (Comment this)
I wasn't absent...just hacking around over in "New to Diabetes"...thanks
Donna, re: Struggling with Dawn Effect,
While 154 certainly isn't the end of the world you might want to do a couple 3-5am readings just to see what's going on with your bg's at that time of the morning.
Terry, re: Advice for New Person,
1. Keep Byetta (Spit) in fridge but be sure not to freeze it.
2. Do not get in a rush giving yourself the shot (I've stuck myself in the finger twice with the needle).
3. Be careful not to touch the pen button when the needle is not on the pen.
4. Try to avoid getting Spit on your skin.
5. Look back in this blog for my step-by-step instructions on how to give yourself the shot without getting drops of Spit on the needle.
6. Even though you have from 1-60 minutes to eat after you give the shot...you might try eating at about the 15 minute mark until you know whether you'll be getting nausea.
7. If you do get nausea try the remedies suggested here...Seabands, ginger ale, ginger, ginger altoids etc.
8. NEVER give yourself the shot once you've started eating or afterwards.. Skip the shot if you forget to give it before.
9. Realize that if you do get nausea it's usually a temporary thing...lasting from a few days to several weeks.
10. Tell other here on this blog of your experiences.
John (Comment this)
Nope... & Nope...
There's no way to transfer Byetta from 1 pen to another and there's not way to give only half of an injection...
John (Comment this)
11. Plan ahead on how you will transport your pen on trips. Many here use a thermos bottle with ice in it or a travel carrier from www.medicool.com. Also see blog here for travel discussions.
12. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully when starting to use a new pen.. And these instructions are to be used only once upon first use of a pen.
13. Don't be too concerned about little air bubbles in the Byetta chamber but stop using the pen if you see floating specks or blood in the chamber.
14. Call the Byetta Hotline if you have any trouble including pen trouble. 1-800-868-1190. (Amylin Labs)
John (Comment this)
so i can make it last longer (Comment this)
There's no way to give a half dose with a 10mcg pen.
John (Comment this)
I was recently diagnosised with diabetes. Just started byetta/Friday 3/9. I've enjoyed the information on the site. It has been helpful all ready! Starting something new can be scary. I've looked at sites for medical information but hearing from people that are experiencing the same thing is much more comforting and assuring. Saturday and Sunday I was sick with nausea. I was eating maybe 10 mins after the injection. This morning I waited and ate 30-40 mins after. So far I feel much better. Where did the name spit come from? (Comment this)
Welcome to the blog here..
We refer to Byetta, which was originally derived from the saliva of the gila monster as Spit.
The 5mcg dose is known as "little brother" and the 10mcg as "Big Brother".
People here refer to themselves as "Gilly's"..ie Spit takers.
John (Comment this)
Had an interesting event Saturday night. About 1.5 hours after dinner, I started feeling 'weird', sort of hard to explain, but something just did not feel right. Then about 10 minutes later as I was trying to describe this to my wife, my vision started to blur...that's not the right word to describe it, but it got difficult to distinguish her facial details! Very strange... I checked my B.S., and I was at 60! Then all of a sudden I started to sweat profusely, then my hands started to shake, rapid heartbeat, all the classic signs, plus confusion and difficulty speaking. Thank god my wife was there! I don't think I could have made it to the fridge to get the OJ myself. My hands were shaking so badly, my wife had to help me prick my finger for another check. This time it was down to 50! My wife was freaking out a little: this was my first hypoglycemic incident since being diagnosed 15 years ago! And I had to convince her not to call 911. 10-15 minutes later I was back up to 67, then had a small snack and got up to 78 before going to bed. In retrospect, dinner was smaller than normal and about 2 hours later than normal with no carbs at all. Also, I failed to check by B.S. beforehand and just used my standard dose of insulin. I suppose I have to pay better attention on the weekends, our schedule is a little different: I get up at 5am weekdays and like to sleep in, at least on Saturdays and we are so busy, I forget to monitor as I should. I just wanted to share this with others that also take insulin with Byetta: It’s important to monitor regularly.
(Comment this)
Wow...what an experience..glad you got through it.
Is there any chance you accidentally doubled up on the insulin or Byetta shots?
A fellow in the Odd n' Ends section of the blog was just telling the story of having 2 car accidents while experiencing lows...one was a 22...
We all need to be ever vigilant..
John (Comment this)
HALF-DOSES The earlier posts are a reason for trying to get Amylin to make Byetta available in vials. The decision to put it in a pen was made because of a marketing strategy. They figured it would be more profitable. People would be more willing to use a pen than a syringe!! I really hate being tied to their wallets. Pat in Idaho (Comment this)
Rebecca in MD (Comment this)
Dawn effect: People who are struggling with it probably should try to check their bg through the night, just to see what's happening. I've learned by checking that I go low (not very low, 80s) at 3am, and then it starts going up from there. If I get up and test at 5am, I'll have a reasonable 120. At 6am, 130s. If I wait till 7, it'll be 140s. Etc. Nothing I do makes this not happen! I can make it higher by eating more carbs with dinner, but not really lower. I live with it.
I think that the pen dosing system for Byetta was selected because the effective dose is so very small. It would be way too easy to overdose on this stuff if you were filling a syringe. Plus, the majority of patients who are using it will probably not be experienced insulin users. So a simple system seems like a good idea.
Ginny, if your doctor put you back on the 5mcg dose after you'd started a 10 pen, why don't you ask him/her for a sample 5 pen? That would make up for the expense of the 10 that you aren't going to get any use out of.
(Comment this)
Ron, thank you, too for your reassuring comments. I took Glucaphage for a while and it made me terribly sick. took a while to figure out it was the medicine. So, I am concerned after reading the possible side effects of Byetta. I want this med to work because of the possibility of getting off all diabetes medicine in the future as a result of taking the Byetta. Also, for the weight loss possibilities.
I totally agree with the comments about the comfort received from reading actual patient experiences instead of reading the pharmaceutical site information. I am so glad I found you guys. Good luck to all of us. Thank you to each one of you who takes the time to help the rest of us. (Comment this)