Bydureon BCise for Weight Loss?
BYDUREON BCise, containing exenatide, is available as an injection which promotes the improvement of blood sugar levels (glucose) in adults and children who have type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is prescribed along with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar levels. Byetta, Bydureon and Bydureon BCise weight loss pens are manufactured by AstraZeneca. The drugs work by signaling the pancreas to produce more insulin in patients with Type 2 diabetes. In 2021 AstraZeneca decided to discontinue the use of the Bydureon 2mg single dose tray. This was done for business reasons and not for any safety reasons. Bydureon BCise continues in production and is currently prescribed by doctors.
Most injection pens that are on the market are now being prescribed for weight loss. This is called off-label use. What does this mean? It means the drug was initially approved for type II diabetes. But after use, patients reported losing weight from using the Bydureon BCise weight loss pen along with other brand name pens.
Treatment for Type 2 Diabetes
Bydureon BCise is a medication prescribed by a healthcare professional for type 2 diabetes in adults or children over the age of 10 years who are managing their blood sugar levels by following a healthy diet and exercising regularly. There are many aspects of diabetes that can affect your body, including your eyes, your kidneys, and your feet. If you have diabetes type 2, your blood sugar levels remain higher than normal over an extended period of time.
In addition to lowering blood sugar, Bydureon BCise works to slow down the rate of digestion of food by inducing the release of insulin from your pancreas. Insulin lowers blood sugar by causing sugar in your blood to enter the cells of your body to reduce the amount of sugar in your blood.
Generally, Bydureon BCise does not appear to be a first-line medication when it comes to managing blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Bydureon BCise is not recommended when it comes to treating people with type 1 diabetes either.
Exenatide in Bydureon Pen
The Bydureon pen contains 2mg of exenatide extended release injectable suspension. Among the many effects of exenatide, the first is that it increases glucose-dependent insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells, suppresses glucagon secretion, delays gastric emptying, and reduces food intake. Exenatide acts as a GLP-1 receptor agonist released from the gut. Several of these effects are mediated by the drug’s binding to pancreatic GLP-1 receptors.
Among the forms of exenatide available for subcutaneous administration are an immediate-release solution and an extended-release suspension. During the administration process of the injection, patients should be instructed to administer them in their thighs, abdomens, or upper arms. Moreover, each injection site should be assigned a different dose to prevent infection in the body.
Storing the Medication
Ideally, Bydureon BCise should be stored in the refrigerator, between 36°F and 46°F (2°C and 8°C). There is no need to worry about the pens getting too hot, since they can be kept at room temperature for up to four weeks. Keep them out of direct light and away from temperatures over 86°F (30°C). When Bydureon BCise autoinjector pens have been left at room temperature for at least four weeks, you should dispose of them safely, even if the medicine has not been used yet. It is recommended that you talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have any other questions about how Bydureon BCise should be stored.
Dosing Instructions
It is recommended that BYDUREON be administered once a week in a dose of 2 mg subcutaneously (weekly). There is no need to change the day of weekly administration as long as the last dose was administered at least three days before the new day of administration if necessary. The dose can be administered at any time during the day, with or without food.
Side Effects
Most medications have some sort of side effects. The Bydureon weight loss pen is no different. A list of Bydureon BCise side effects are listed below and are pretty consistent with other weight loss injection drugs.
- Dizziness
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Itching or redness at the injection site
- Nausea
Bydureon BCise Cost
There is a price range of around $855 for a supply of 4 milliliters of subcutaneous suspension, extended release (2 mg/0.85 mL). This depends on the pharmacy you visit. These prices are for cash-paying customers only, and are not valid for purchasing with insurance. The Bydureon BCise cost can be lowered with the coupon offered on Bydureon’s Website. They offer the medication free with their savings card. However, the fine print says this cost is for eligible, commercially insured patients.
How Does it Compare?
Versus Trulicity
- Main ingredient is dulaglutide
- Lowers A1C
- Taken once weekly as an injection
- Treats type 2 diabetes
- Has 5 different dosages
- Although not a weight loss drug, people reported losing up to 10 lbs.
- Cost is approximately $931 for a months supply
- Offers a savings card
Versus Ozempic
- Main ingredient is semaglutide
- Improves blood sugar
- Taken as a once a week subcutaneous injection
- Prescribed for the treatment of Diabetes
- Has 3 different dosages
- Not for weight loss but users report losing up to 14 lbs.
- Cost is approximately $892 for a month long supply
- Offers a savings card