Byetta questions

nomadic_existence · 06-24-2008, 09:18 PM

My endo wants to put me on Byetta but because I see a Gastroenterologist at the moment and my stomach is so sensitive to things, she is going to consult with him regarding that. Another thing is, she is concerned about it making me hypoglycemic because I only have IR and not T2 Diabetes. I have a lot of weight to lose and I'm working on that (staying on an under 1500 cal/day diet, for the most part) and working out as well, but I need intervention for the IR besides my Cinnamon and Chrom Piconlinate (which she told me is good that I am taking and advised me to up my intake of Chromium as well). ETA: I am now monitoring my blood sugars/glucose with a monitor (daily) and testing when I get shaky (which happens if I don't eat or skip a meal).

I can't go on Actos or Avandia bc it will cause more weight gain and swelling, and I can't go on Metformin/Glucophage because I've BTDT before and it messed my stomach up too much. I'm just concerned about the side effects of Byetta- any advice??

~LilyBelle~ · 06-24-2008, 09:21 PM

I had more stomach problems with Byetta that I did with Metformin. I am not able to tolerate either of them. I am waiting to find something else that I can take in place of them.

nomadic_existence · 06-24-2008, 09:33 PM

Oh man. That's what I am afraid of. I doubt I'll be able to go on it. I'm currently on iron for my anemia at a double dose (been on it for FOUR months now bc it's so bad) and it's affecting my stomach badly. Thanks for the head's up. I don't think she'll put me on it. Isn't Januvia in the same type of class as Byetta? That is another one she mentioned.

~LilyBelle~ · 06-24-2008, 09:49 PM

I don't know anything about Januvia. I haven't seen my doc that treats my IR since November and I wasn't tolerating met at the time so he just took me off of it. Hopefully you will find something that will work for you!

rynngo · 06-25-2008, 06:18 PM

I have been on Byetta for little over a year and it worked initially for me for about 8 months. I have since gone off of it and tried to go back on it. But I found that after a while it just didn't work for me anymore. the only side effect I ever had was in the beginning and it was dizziness, like motion sickness dizziness, but I think that was because I took the doses too close together. I'm on 10 mcg BTW. And I've been on metformin for 4 years and have had no adverse reactions with both at the same time.

CincyPCOS · 09-21-2008, 02:05 AM

Hi. I have PCOS, and am insulin resistant (not diabetic). I have a LOT of weight to loose...but I follow a pretty strict diet walk 3-4 miles at least 5 times a week, am faithful with my meds...and FRUSTRATED beyond belief. I was diagnosed with PCOS almost 2 years ago...lost about 50 pounds on glucophage (mostly from the sideeffects I think...as I was pretty violently ill every day I was on it...

). ABout 6 monthes ago...started gaining weight...have gained 12 pounds...and loosing the battle of beleiveing that if I stay on the glucophage, do what I am supposed to, EVENTUALLY I will be at a healthy weight again...

My MD said a while back, that I was not loosing the weight as quickly as he had wanted...Haven't lost any in about 15 months...he has mentioned byetta several times, but never given me the Rx...For me... my food intake is very minimum...so he did not think that orlistat would help.

I guess you could say...I am at the mental breaking point...I am getting married in about 9 months and I am really unhappy with my weight...and I am FRUSTRATED with the lack of weight loss despite good behavior...

So - I have read really mixed weight loss results. What have your expereinces been? and do you think the Byettta is worth it? I have fairly poor Rx coverage, so I will probably be paying for this...BUT, if it will work, I will try ANYTHING (have suppliments with acupuncture, vitamins, weight loss tea...anything I could think of and NOTHING has helped the weight). I see the MD on Monday.

Or - for anyone else who has really struggled with loosing weight - what worked? what did not work? ideas? thoughts? HELP!!!!! THANKS!

a_beautiful_disaster · 09-21-2008, 03:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CincyPCOS

Hi. I have PCOS, and am insulin resistant (not diabetic). I have a LOT of weight to loose...but I follow a pretty strict diet walk 3-4 miles at least 5 times a week, am faithful with my meds...and FRUSTRATED beyond belief. I was diagnosed with PCOS almost 2 years ago...lost about 50 pounds on glucophage (mostly from the sideeffects I think...as I was pretty violently ill every day I was on it...

). ABout 6 monthes ago...started gaining weight...have gained 12 pounds...and loosing the battle of beleiveing that if I stay on the glucophage, do what I am supposed to, EVENTUALLY I will be at a healthy weight again...

My MD said a while back, that I was not loosing the weight as quickly as he had wanted...Haven't lost any in about 15 months...he has mentioned byetta several times, but never given me the Rx...For me... my food intake is very minimum...so he did not think that orlistat would help.

I guess you could say...I am at the mental breaking point...I am getting married in about 9 months and I am really unhappy with my weight...and I am FRUSTRATED with the lack of weight loss despite good behavior...

So - I have read really mixed weight loss results. What have your expereinces been? and do you think the Byettta is worth it? I have fairly poor Rx coverage, so I will probably be paying for this...BUT, if it will work, I will try ANYTHING (have suppliments with acupuncture, vitamins, weight loss tea...anything I could think of and NOTHING has helped the weight). I see the MD on Monday.

Or - for anyone else who has really struggled with loosing weight - what worked? what did not work? ideas? thoughts? HELP!!!!! THANKS!

For me, Byetta *literally* saved my life. After gaining up to almost 400lbs, I was sick, my insulin was out of control, and I honestly didn't believe I'd see 30. I became a guinea pig for my doctor with Byetta and PCOS/IRS. I began the 5mg injection of Byetta in November of 2005. That coupled with 1000mgs of Metformin XR has enabled me to lower my insulin levels, I've lost over 100lbs, my periods are regular, and I was able to get pregnant with no problems, nor the use of fertility drugs or treatments.

I'm not going to lie, it's a rough road, but if you get to the point *like I did* where death is where you're headed if things don't get under control, the only place left to go is up-- and because of Byetta, I'm here today, almost 5 months pregnant, and healthier than I've ever been in my life. Best of luck! *hugs*

CincyPCOS · 09-21-2008, 12:40 PM

I am definatly looking at long term health issues...and NOTHING has worked to take the weight off...you said 1000mg of the metformin? 3x a day, or what is your indication? I was really excited about the associated weight loss, and then read a couple of blogs where they said they lost about 5 pounds...and was really discouraged. Thank you for letting me know your success story.

a_beautiful_disaster · 09-21-2008, 11:56 PM

I'm just on 1000mgs of Metforim XR (extended release) so I only take it once a day (usually at night before bed). For the gastrointestinal issues I've had (with the Metformin) I'm also on 40mgs of Nexium. That's worked wonders for me. When I first began with Byetta, I was extremely nauseated everytime I ate, and felt WAY full when I would eat only a small amount. I never threw up, but there were MANY times I wish I could've. Trust me, as time goes on, it gets better. Now, unless I just pig out, I don't ever get sick from the Byetta. I'm almost 5 months pregnant, and STILL on the 5 mg shot. The baby is doing great, no signs of birth defects or delays, and I'm down 15 more pounds from when I got pregnant.

The one thing I can't stress enough is if you (or any other cysters) go on Byetta, do make sure you take it coupled with Metformin or some other medication that helps your body absorb insulin. That may be why some aren't losing weight, because if you only take the Byetta, your body is going to produce only the insulin you need, but without Metformin, Januiva, ect, your body won't absorb it, because of that, you won't see any results (lower insulin levels, weight loss, hormone levels regulated, ect.)

Definitely do some research on Byetta along with IR, so many doctors don't know enough about PCOS/IR, the more information you have, it will help not only you, but your doctor (so in turn, hopefully, other cysters can benefit, too).

Best of luck!