What it isShort-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist; type 2 diabetes.
Why this oneIts short action targets postprandial glucose, complementing basal insulin.
What limits itGI intolerance limits use; renally cleared, so avoid below eGFR 30. Pancreatitis remains an important warning.
FDA-approved for
FDA label
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| FDA dosing | Population | Start | Target | Max |
| Type 2 diabetes mellitus (adjunct to diet/exercise) | Adults | 5 mcg BID SC | 10 mcg BID SC after 1 mo | 10 mcg BID |
Titration Increase to 10 mcg BID after 1 month of therapy
Renal Not recommended in severe renal impairment (CrCl <30) or ESRD; use with caution in renal transplant
Hepatic Undefined
Two doses daily before the two main meals, ≥6 h apart; do not dose after meals
Instructions
- Inject SC within 60 min before morning and evening meals (≥6 h apart); do not give after a meal
- Inject into thigh, abdomen, or upper arm; rotate sites
- If used with insulin, give as separate injections and never mix
- Missed dose: resume with next scheduled dose
- Never share a pen between patients, even with a new needle
Contraindications
- History of drug-induced immune-mediated thrombocytopenia from exenatide products
Cautions
- Acute pancreatitis — discontinue if suspected
- Hypoglycemia with concomitant insulin secretagogues or insulin — consider reducing their dose
- Acute kidney injury from volume depletion — monitor renal function
- Severe GI reactions — not recommended in severe gastroparesis
- Immunogenicity (anti-exenatide antibodies) may attenuate glycemic response
- Serious hypersensitivity (anaphylaxis, angioedema)
- Drug-induced immune-mediated thrombocytopenia — serious bleeding may be fatal
- Acute gallbladder disease
- Pulmonary aspiration during general anesthesia/deep sedation (delayed gastric emptying)
Adverse reactions
- Nausea
- Hypoglycemia
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Feeling jittery
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Dyspepsia
- Constipation
- Asthenia
Pregnancy Limited data; use during pregnancy only if potential benefit justifies risk to fetus
Lactation No human data; present in mouse milk — clinical relevance unclear
⚠ BOXED WARNING
- Thyroid C-cell tumors in rodents
Cost, est. cash$900–$1,400/month
Generic entry2024
Classes and tags
Clinical profile
Therapeutic safety burden2 / 4
Overdose danger1 / 4
Weight-gain liability0 / 4
Sedation liability0 / 4
QT / Torsades0 / 4
Direct muscarinic antagonism0 / 4
Embryofetal risk2 / 4
Legacy pregnancy categoryC
Defining liabilityGI intolerance, gallbladder disease and rare pancreatitis; hypoglycemia is uncommon without insulin or sulfonylureas.
Mechanism of action: Exenatide ballicule
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Memory aids: mascots and interaction avatars
“X’in tide”
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