If you have type 2 diabetes,* your doctor might suggest Bydureon BCise (extended-release exenatide) as a treatment option for you.

Bydureon BCise is a prescription medication used to treat type 2 diabetes in adults and children ages 10 years and older. This drug should be used along with a balanced diet and exercise to improve the control of blood sugar levels. It belongs to a group of medications called glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists.

Bydureon BCise is available as a liquid suspension that’s injected under your skin. It comes in an autoinjector device. In the past, this drug was also available as Bydureon and Bydureon Pen. At this time, those versions are no longer available, and this medication only comes in a Bydureon BCise autoinjector.

This article describes the dosages of Bydureon BCise, as well as its form, strength, and how to use it. To learn more about this drug, see this in-depth article.

Note: This article covers Bydureon BCise’s typical dosages, which are provided by the drug’s manufacturer. But always use the dosage that your doctor prescribes.

Bydureon BCise is not used to treat type 1 diabetes.

The doctor will recommend the best dose for you. It is important that you inject the prescribed dose.

What form does Bydureon BCise come in?

BCise is a liquid suspension that comes in an autoinjector pen.

What strength does Bydureon BCise come in?

“Bydureon BCise is available in a pen. The pen contains exenatide in the amount of 2. There is one dose per pen. You shouldn’t use the same pen more than once.”

What are the typical dosages of Bydureon BCise?

The information below describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. But be sure to take the dosage that your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

The BCise autoinjector pen has a 2 dose under the skin every 7 days.

You can inject at any time of the day. One dose is given every 7 days. You can inject the drug with food or not.

What’s the maximum dose of Bydureon BCise?

The maximum dose of Bydureon BCise is 2.

What’s the dosage of Bydureon BCise for children?

Bydureon BCise is approved for use in children. The same amount of medicine is used for children and adults. Children should take 2 tablets of Bydureon BCise every 7 days.

It isn’t known if Bydureon BCise is safe or effective in children younger than 10 years old. If you have a child younger than that with type 2 diabetes, talk with your doctor about the available treatment options.

Is Bydureon BCise used long term?

Bydureon BCise is a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Bydureon BCise is safe and effective for you, you will likely use it for a long time.

Bydureon BCise is a liquid suspension that’s injected under your skin once per week. Before your first dose, your doctor or pharmacist will show you how to inject this medication.

BCise needs to be mixed before it is injected. You will shake it for 15 seconds to make sure it is evenly mixed. You can inject the dose into your body once it is ready. It is important to use a different site each week to avoid injection area side effects.

If you have questions about how to use Bydureon BCise, see the manufacturer’s website. It has step-by-step instructions and a video.

For information about Bydureon BCise’s expiration, storage, and disposal, see this article.

If you miss a dose, you should inject it immediately, but it depends on when you remember.

If your next dose is more than 3 days away, you should inject it. You will start a new schedule of times every 7 days based on the day you missed the dose.

If it has been more than 3 days, skip your next dose. Continue your usual schedule of Bydureon BCise.

If you missed a dose of medication, you should talk to your doctor or pharmacist about when to inject it.

If you need help remembering to inject your doses of Bydureon BCise on time, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or downloading a reminder app on your phone.

“Don’t use more Bydureon BCise than your doctor prescribes. Side effects can be serious if you use more than this.”

Symptoms of overdose

There are symptoms caused by an overdose.

What to do in case you use too much Bydureon BCise

Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve injected too much Bydureon BCise. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach the American Association of Poison Control Centers, or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately or go to the nearest emergency room.

The drug manufacturer provides a typical dosage. If your doctor recommends Bydureon BCise, they will prescribe the correct amount for you.

Remember, you shouldn’t change your dosage of Bydureon BCise without your doctor’s recommendation. Only use Bydureon BCise exactly as prescribed. Talk with your doctor if you have questions or concerns about your current dosage.

Some questions you may want to ask your doctor.

  • Can my dosage be reduced if I experience side effects?
  • Is my dosage affected by my other diabetes medications?
  • Will I need to take a different dose for my other medical conditions?

Get tips for managing your condition by signing up for Healthline’s type 2 diabetes newsletter. You can also find resources and support from others living with this condition in the Bezzy T2D community.

Q:

“Can my dosage be increased if it isn’t working for me?”

Anonymous

A:

No, your doctor won’t increase your dosage above the FDA-approved dosage of 2 milligrams every 7 days. This was the only dosage tested and determined to be effective in studies. If you feel like your Bydureon BCise isn’t working well for you, talk with your doctor. They may have you try other medications to treat your symptoms.

The Healthline Pharmacist TeamAnswers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.