Byetta (exenatide) is a medicine used to treat type 2 diabetes. It is glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. A receptor agonist drug means that it binds to a certain receptor and causes the same action as the substance that normally binds to that receptor. Byetta, by binding to and activating the GLP-1 receptor, tells your body to release more insulin, stops the body from releasing more sugar, and slows down digestion.
Byetta is a solution for injection available in pre‑filled pens of 5mcg or 10 mcg. The shots are given by the patient twice a day by injection under the skin in the abdomen, thigh or upper arm. ​The starting dose of Byetta is 5 mcg, twice a day before a meal. After four weeks, the dose can be increased to 10 mcg depending ​on how well your blood sugar levels respond to Byetta injections.