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Posted 5/13/2008 5:39 AM (GMT 0)
Please help if possible. I'm new to this forum and recently diagnosed (since dec. 07) with diabetes II. I take metformin 1,000 2x day, and byetta 10mg 2x per day. I've had a horrible time getting used to the metformin, but I seem to be getting better. BUT - the byetta is a problem I think. The first month I was on 5mg, lost 8 lbs. and my glucose levels were much better. 2nd month was on 10mg - lots of problems with vomiting, nausea, glucose ups and downs. I quit taking it at one point. 3rd month - the pen smells milder and doesn't drip so much, so I wonder if I got a bad pen in the 2nd month. I'm still nauseous, have pain. BUT - I wonder has anyone experienced extreme jittery feeling, high anxiety, and even something like panic attacks (never had this before in my life) with any mg of byetta, but especially the 10mg? I've had so many bad days I'm in fear of what may happen at work. Could it just be the 10mg? And could I at least receive some benefit if I go back to the 5mg? If anyone could speak to these things I would be so grateful. I'm in extreme discomfort. Thank you so much.
Posted 5/13/2008 6:46 AM (GMT 0)
Hi:)

I am also type II since October of 07. I take 1000 Metformin 2x daily and Januvia. As I understand it, Januvia is the pill form of Byetta(maybe not as strong). I also take 28 units of Lantus at night. I have lost 90 pounds and feel great. The Januvia never gave me a problem BG is always 80 and never higher than 110 now. Maybe Januvia would be a better choice for you. Ask your doctor.
Posted 5/13/2008 6:56 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you ceebee for your quick reply. I've not heard of Januvia. But you can bet I'll ask. This Byetta is making me miserable. Congratulations on the weight loss! I've actually considered the bypass surgery that has been talked about as being a possible cure because I'm having so much trouble with the meds. Maybe I'll wait on that for a bit. Thank you again for the advise.
Posted 5/13/2008 9:10 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome to the forum, bella. I took byetta for a short period. Nothing happened with the 5 mcg....no weight loss and numbers still up. Tried the 10 for a week but so much vomiting and diarrhea that I went off of it. Didn't see any change in numbers and lost 10 lbs. from being sick. I got an endo in Jan. and last month she started me on Lantus and this month added Starlix. I had already been taking 2000 mg. of metformin which she is leaving me on to help with weight loss. I've lost 50 lbs. eating very low carb. Some people just can't tolerate the byetta. For others it's a godsend. Definitely continue talking with your doctor. And keep trying things til you find the one that is suited to you. Every body is different and reacts differently. Good luck and keep us posted.
Posted 5/14/2008 6:54 AM (GMT 0)
Hi tutorgirl:)

I thought if you were on Lantus, it wasn't advised to add starlix? Are yu ahving trouble with BG levels? Let us know how this works for you.
Posted 5/14/2008 3:43 PM (GMT 0)
ceebee,
I researched on line and couldn't find anything about not taking starlix with lantus. Even with eating extremely low carbs I was losing control of my numbers. I asked my endo if we could try this before we added humalog or some other bolus. She said she actually only prescribes it about once a year, but we could try it. I just started it a couple of days ago, but so far the results have been good. I'm still working on getting the lantus to work right. My middle of the day numbers are good, but my fasting sugars and before bed numbers still aren't where I want them. I am thinking that perhaps the lantus is wearing off by 10:00 p.m . when I inject it. I don't think it really goes the full 24 hours. For me it's probably more like 20. So, still playing with that one. I love my new endo. She is really willing to work with me and figure out what is going to work best for my body.
Posted 5/17/2008 9:18 PM (GMT 0)

Better yet--if you're looking into possibly taking Januvia why not ask about Janumet?  Janumet is Januvia and Metformin combined into one.  Works great for me.  My numbers are better than they had been.

Marburg

bellalife said...
Thank you ceebee for your quick reply. I've not heard of Januvia. But you can bet I'll ask. This Byetta is making me miserable. Congratulations on the weight loss! I've actually considered the bypass surgery that has been talked about as being a possible cure because I'm having so much trouble with the meds. Maybe I'll wait on that for a bit. Thank you again for the advise.

Posted 5/18/2008 2:35 AM (GMT 0)
I tried Januvia and it did nothing for my numbers. I wish it had worked, but alas....
Posted 5/19/2008 4:30 PM (GMT 0)
Hi tutorgirl:)

Sorry I am so late in posting. I was on vacation. I have friends who take Lantus in the morning and in the evening. Maybe that would work for you? It would give you more coverage, I think. Good luck:)
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