If you have type 2 diabetes, your doctor may recommend Bydureon BCise as a treatment. It’s used with a balanced diet and exercise to help manage blood sugar.

Bydureon BCise is used in adults and children ages 10 years and older with type 2 diabetes, in certain cases. For details, see the “What is Bydureon BCise used for?” section below.

Bydureon BCise basics

The active drug in Bydureon BCise is extended-release exenatide. Extended release means the drug is released into your body gradually. Exenatide belongs to a group of drugs called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists.

Bydureon BCise comes as a liquid suspension that you’ll inject under your skin with a prefilled pen. It’s not currently available in generic form.

Bydureon BCise vs. Bydureon

Bydureon was a drug that was discontinued.

Bydureon was a powder inside a pen. You would mix the powder with liquid and inject it under your skin.

The article focuses on how it is injected, side effects, and more.

Your doctor will explain how to take Bydureon BCise. They will explain how much to take and how often. Follow their instructions.

Injecting Bydureon BCise

Bydureon BCise comes as a liquid suspension in a prefilled autoinjector pen that you’ll use to inject the drug under your skin. The pen is single-dose, meaning you’ll discard it into a sharps container after one injection.

The needle size on the BCise pen is a topic you may be wondering about. The pen has a small needle hidden inside.

Bydureon BCise pen instructions

Before picking up your prescription, your doctor or pharmacist will show you how to use the Bydureon BCise autoinjector. You can also see step-by-step instructions here.

Bydureon BCise injection sites

You can inject Bydureon BCise into certain areas.

  • The back of your arm.
  • Your belly is at least 2 inches away from your belly button.
  • The front of your body.

It is important to keep your injection site rotating. You can use the same area for more than one dose, but you should change the location of your injection. If you give a injection into your belly, you should use a different area for each dose.

Taking Bydureon BCise with other drugs

Your doctor might prescribe Bydureon BCise by itself or with other diabetes drugs.

If you’re taking another drug by injection, such as insulin, don’t give the injections right next to each other. Make sure to use a different spot for each injection.

Before you start using Bydureon BCise, be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the medications you take. It’s important that you don’t take other medications that have exenatide as the active drug (such as Byetta). Exenatide is the active drug in Bydureon BCise.

Bydureon BCise and food

BCise injections can be given without food.

Questions for your doctor

You may have questions about your treatment plan. Discuss your concerns with your doctor.

Here are a few tips that might help you.

  • Before your appointment, write down questions such as:
    • How will Bydureon BCise affect my life?
  • Bring someone with you to your appointment to make you feel more comfortable.
  • “If you don’t understand something, ask your doctor to explain it.”

“Your doctor and other healthcare professionals are available to help you. They want you to get the best care possible. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or give feedback on your treatment”

Bydureon BCise may cause mild or serious side effects. Some of the more common side effects of Bydureon BCise are described below. All possible side effects are not included in these lists.

Side effects of a drug can depend on other factors.

  • Your age.
  • You have other health conditions.
  • You take other drugs.

The doctor or the pharmacy can tell you more about the possible side effects of Bydureon BCise. They can suggest ways to reduce side effects.

Mild side effects

Here’s a list of some of the mild side effects Bydureon BCise can cause. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist, or read Bydureon BCise’s prescribing information.

Mild side effects of Bydureon BCise have been reported.

The side effects of many drugs can be gone in a few days. If they become intolerable, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

The side effect focus section gives more information about this side effect.

Serious side effects

There are serious side effects from Bydureon BCise, but they are not common. If you have serious side effects from Bydureon BCise, call your doctor. If you think you have a medical emergency, you should call the emergency number.

There have been serious side effects of Bydureon BCise.

The side effect focus section gives more information about this side effect.

Side effect focus

Some of the side effects of Bydureon BCise may be discussed.

Boxed warning

Bydureon BCise has a boxed warning. A boxed warning is a serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Risk of thyroid cancer. In animal studies, Bydureon BCise treatment increased the risk of thyroid tumors, including thyroid cancer. It’s not known whether this risk is also increased in humans.

There are symptoms of a thyroid tumor.

  • swallowing problems
  • The voice is hoarse.
  • There is a lump or swelling in your neck.
  • The breath was very thin.

If you have a family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2, your doctor will not prescribe Bydureon BCise.

What can help?

Before you start taking Bydureon BCise, you should discuss your full medical history, including any family history of thyroid tumors. Your doctor will use this information to determine if Bydureon BCise is safe for you to use.

If you develop symptoms of a thyroid tumor while taking Bydureon BCise, contact your doctor.

Lumps or bumps at injection sites

You may develop nodules (lumps) or bumps at your Bydureon BCise injection sites. This was the most common side effect in the drug’s studies.

Injection site bumps and lump are usually mild and go away on their own after a few days.

What can help?

To lower your risk for injection site lumps and bumps, you should rotate the site where you inject Bydureon BCise. Each week, inject yourself in a different place than the one you used for your last dose. (See “How is Bydureon BCise injected?” above for details.)

If you have bumps at injection sites that bother you, talk to your doctor. They may suggest a different treatment for your diabetes.

Pancreatitis

Very rarely, it’s possible to develop pancreatitis as a side effect of Bydureon BCise. Pancreatitis is inflammation (swelling) of your pancreas. In extreme cases, this condition can be fatal.

There are symptoms of pancreatitis.

What can help?

If you think you have symptoms of pancreatitis, stop taking Bydureon BCise and call your doctor. If they confirm you have pancreatitis, you will have to stop taking Bydureon BCise permanently.

If you have had pancreatitis in the past, you should tell your doctor about it before you start treatment with Bydureon BCise. If you have already had pancreatitis, it is not known if Bydureon BCise is safe to use. Your doctor may recommend a different medication.

Allergic reaction

Some people may have an allergic reaction to Bydureon BCise. This side effect wasn’t reported in studies of the drug. But allergic reaction has been reported since Bydureon BCise became available for use.

A mild allergic reaction can include some symptoms.

  • There is a skin rash.
  • It is itchy.
  • flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)

A more severe allergic reaction is not uncommon. A severe allergic reaction can cause swelling under your skin, which can be seen in your eyes, lips, hands, and feet. They can include swelling of your mouth, throat, and tongue, which can cause trouble breathing.

If you have an allergic reaction to Bydureon BCise, call your doctor. If you think you have a medical emergency, call the emergency number.

You may wonder how Bydureon BCise compares to other drugs. Some of the comparisons are described.

Bydureon BCise vs. Trulicity

Bydureon BCise and Trulicity are both used to help manage blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes, along with a balanced diet and exercise. Bydureon BCise can also be used in children ages 10 years and older.

Trulicity can also be prescribed to lower the risk of serious heart and blood vessel problems in certain adults with type 2 diabetes.

Each drug is injected once per week, and BCise and Trulicity are liquid in a single-dose pen.

For more information about how these drugs compare, see this article. You can also talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Bydureon BCise vs. Byetta

Bydureon BCise and Byetta are both used to help manage blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. Both drugs are prescribed with a balanced diet and exercise. Bydureon BCise can also be used in children ages 10 years and older.

BCise and Byetta are both liquid in an injector pen. BCise pens are single-use and injected once per week.

A 30-day supply of the medication is what Byetta pens typically contain. 60 minutes before your evening meal and before your morning meal are the times when Byetta is injected.

To learn more about how these drugs compare, see this article or talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Bydureon BCise vs. Victoza

Bydureon BCise and Victoza are both used to help manage blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes, along with a balanced diet and exercise. Each drug can be prescribed for use in adults as well as children ages 10 years and older.

In adults with type 2 diabetes and heart and blood vessel disease, it is possible to lower the risk of serious heart and blood vessel problems with the use of Victoza.

BCise and Victoza are in an injection pen. You can get Victoza once per day. Depending on the daily dose your doctor prescribes, there are multiple doses of vitoza pens. BCise pens are single-use and injected once per week.

For more information about how Victoza and Bydureon BCise compare, see this article. You can also talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Bydureon BCise vs. Ozempic

Ozempic and Bydureon BCise are each used to help manage blood sugar levels in adults who have type 2 diabetes. They’re prescribed along with exercise and a balanced diet. Bydureon BCise can also be prescribed for use in children ages 10 years and older.

Ozempic can be used to lower the risk of serious heart and blood vessel problems in adults with type 2 diabetes.

BCise and Ozempic are in an injection pen. The drugs are injected once a week. Depending on the weekly dose your doctor prescribes, Ozempic pens have multiple doses. BCise pens are single-use.

For details about how these drugs compare, see this article, or you can talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

There are many factors that affect the cost of prescription drugs. What your insurance plan covers is one of the factors.

You won’t need to purchase syringes or needles to use Bydureon BCise. But you will need a sharps container to dispose of the autoinjector pen after each dose. A sharps container can be purchased at a pharmacy or medical supplies store. You can also purchase a sharps container from online retailers.

If you have questions about how to pay for your prescription, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. You can also visit the Bydureon BCise manufacturer’s website to see if they have support options.

You can check out this article to learn more about saving money on prescriptions.

Your doctor will recommend the dosage of Bydureon BCise that’s right for you. Below are commonly used dosages, but always follow the dosing instructions your doctor prescribes.

Form

Bydureon BCise comes as a liquid suspension in a prefilled, single-dose autoinjector pen. You’ll inject the drug under your skin.

Recommended dosage

You will get Bydureon BCise once every 7 days.

Questions about Bydureon BCise’s dosage

There are answers to some questions about Bydureon BCise.

  • What if I miss a dose of Bydureon BCise? If you forget a Bydureon BCise injection and your next dose isn’t due for 3 or more days, take your missed injection as soon as you remember. But if you miss a dose and your next dose is due in 1 or 2 days, just skip the missed injection and take your next dose as scheduled.
  • Will I need to use Bydureon BCise long term? If you and your doctor agree that Bydureon BCise is working well for your condition, you’ll likely take the drug long term.
  • How long does Bydureon BCise take to work? Bydureon BCise begins working as soon as you inject a dose. But it can take a few weeks before you notice changes in your blood sugar levels. Some people in studies had a decrease in their blood sugar 2 weeks after starting Bydureon BCise. But it might take longer before you notice an effect on your blood sugar.

Answers to some questions about Bydureon BCise can be found here.

Is Bydureon BCise used for weight loss? Can people without diabetes take it for weight loss?

No, Bydureon BCise is not used for weight loss. It shouldn’t be taken by people without diabetes for weight loss. The drug isn’t approved for this use.

A drug similar to Bydureon BCise, Wegovy (semaglutide), is approved for use as a weight loss medication. Wegovy belongs to the same group of drugs as Bydureon BCise, called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists.

In Bydureon BCise’s studies, people who took the drug lost a few pounds of weight, on average. It’s important to note that Bydureon BCise is prescribed with a balanced diet and exercise. So you may lose weight while taking Bydureon BCise for diabetes. But the drug shouldn’t be used for weight loss.

If you have questions about your treatment plan for diabetes, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Are reviews available from people who’ve taken Bydureon BCise?

The manufacturer of Bydureon BCise provides some reviews from people who’ve taken the drug, which you can read here.

You can talk to your doctor or pharmacist about what other people have experienced with Bydureon BCise.

How does Bydureon BCise work?

Bydureon BCise works by mimicking the actions of a protein called GLP-1, which has a few functions.

  • It causes your pancreas to release insulin when you eat a meal. Insulin lowers your blood sugar by helping your cells use blood sugar for energy or store it for later use.
  • It also works to slow the speed at which your stomach and intestines digest food. This helps keep your blood sugar levels more consistent.

Bydureon BCise uses the above mechanisms to help lower blood sugar. A mechanism of action is how a drug works in your body.

If you have questions about how Bydureon BCise works, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Is Bydureon BCise covered by Medicare?

Possibly. It depends on your Medicare plan.

If you want to know if your Medicare plan covers Bydureon BCise, you should contact your insurance company. You can ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Does Bydureon BCise need to be refrigerated?

Yes. You should store Bydureon BCise in the refrigerator at a temperature between 36F and 46F.

“You can keep the pens at room temperature for up to 4 weeks. They can’t get warm enough to be kept away from light.”

After 4 weeks at room temperature, you should safely dispose of a Bydureon BCise autoinjector pen, even if there’s still medication left.

If you have questions about how Bydureon BCise should be stored, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Will Bydureon BCise cause weight gain as a side effect?

No, Bydureon BCise isn’t known to cause weight gain.

In fact, people who took Bydureon BCise in studies lost a few pounds of weight, on average.

If you are concerned about your weight or your diabetes treatment, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Bydureon BCise is used with a balanced diet and exercise to help manage blood sugar. It’s used in adults and children ages 10 years and older with type 2 diabetes.

With type 2 diabetes, you have blood sugar levels that stay higher than normal over a long time. This can cause problems throughout your body, including your eyes, kidneys, and feet.

Bydureon BCise works to lower blood sugar by causing your pancreas to release insulin. Insulin lowers your blood sugar by causing sugar in your blood to enter your body’s cells. It also works by slowing down how quickly your stomach and intestines digest food.*

Note: Bydureon BCise usually isn’t the first medication recommended to help manage blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. And it shouldn’t be used to treat type 1 diabetes.

* See “How does Bydureon BCise work?” in the “What are some frequently asked questions about Bydureon BCise?” section above for details.

When considering treatment with Bydureon BCise, it is important to discuss your health and any medical conditions with your doctor.

You should discuss any medications you are taking with your doctor.

Interactions

Taking a medication with certain vaccines, foods, and other things can affect how the medication works. These effects are called interactions.

Bydureon BCise can interact with a lot of drugs. These drugs are used.

The list does not include all drugs that may interact with Bydureon BCise.

Before taking Bydureon BCise, you should tell your doctor about all your medication. You should also describe any vitamins, herbs, or supplements you use. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you about the possible interactions.

Boxed warning

Bydureon BCise has a boxed warning about risk of thyroid cancer. This is a serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) about drug effects that may be dangerous.

For more information, see the “What are Bydureon BCise’s side effects?” section above.

Other warnings

BCise may not be right for you if you have a medical condition that affects your health. Before you take Bydureon BCise, you should talk to your doctor about your health history. The factors to consider are listed below.

  • Gastrointestinal (GI) problems, such as Crohn’s disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis (UC). Bydureon BCise can cause side effects that affect your GI tract (your stomach and intestines). These side effects include There is a lot of diarrhea., nausea, and vomiting. If you have an existing GI problem, such as CD or UC, you may be at higher risk for these side effects. Taking Bydureon BCise could also worsen your condition. And, Bydureon BCise hasn’t been studied in people with severe GI problems. Your doctor can help determine whether treatment with Bydureon BCise is safe for you.
  • Low platelet counts after using another medication containing exenatide. Doctors typically won’t prescribe Bydureon BCise if you have a history of drug-induced thrombocytopenia (low platelets) with exenatide. Bydureon BCise contains exenatide and may cause the same reaction. Your doctor can recommend another treatment for your type 2 diabetes instead.
  • Kidney problems. Although rare, treatment with Bydureon BCise can cause kidney problems. You may be at higher risk for this side effect if you already have kidney problems (such as chronic kidney disease). Doctors typically won’t prescribe Bydureon BCise if you have severe kidney problems. If you have kidney problems, talk with your doctor about whether this drug is safe to take.
  • Pancreas problems, including having pancreatitis in the past. There have been rare reports of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) in people who’ve taken Bydureon BCise. And there haven’t been studies to see if people who have had pancreatitis in the past can safely take Bydureon BCise. It’s not known whether having pancreatitis in the past increases your risk for having it again if you have this treatment. Your doctor may prescribe a different drug if you have pancreas problems, or if you’ve had pancreatitis before.
  • Gastroparesis (slowed stomach emptying). It’s not known whether Bydureon BCise is safe or effective in people with gastroparesis. If you have this condition, be sure your doctor knows this before you start treatment with Bydureon BCise.
  • Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Bydureon BCise or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe this treatment. Ask your doctor what other medications are better options for you.

Bydureon BCise and alcohol

Drinking alcohol can make you more likely to have low blood sugar. Drinking a lot of alcohol could affect how well Bydureon BCise works and increase your risk of side effects from the drug. Side effects can include There is a throbbing head., There is a lot of diarrhea., and nausea.

Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of Bydureon BCise treatment.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

The information below is about treatment for pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Pregnancy. It’s not known whether it’s safe to take Bydureon BCise while pregnant. But having well-managed blood sugar during pregnancy is important.

Talk with your doctor if you’re pregnant or could become pregnant while taking Bydureon BCise. They can recommend the best diabetes treatment plan for you during pregnancy.

Breastfeeding. It’s not known whether Bydureon BCise passes into breastmilk, or if it could cause side effects in a breastfed child. Your doctor can tell you more about the risks and benefits of taking Bydureon BCise while breastfeeding.

Do not take more 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 take too much Bydureon BCise

Call your doctor if you think you’ve taken 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. However, if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number. Or go to the nearest emergency room.

If you have type 2 diabetes, you may benefit from treatment with Bydureon BCise. It’s a once-weekly injection that, when used with a balanced diet and exercise, helps manage blood sugar.

Ask your doctor about the risks and benefits of using Bydureon BCise. You can ask a few questions.

  • What should I expect when I start treatment?
  • How long will it take me to take Bydureon BCise?
  • How will I know if Bydureon BCise is working for me?
  • How often will I need to check my blood sugar?

You can learn more about medications for type 2 diabetes by checking out this article. You can also sign up for Healthline’s diabetes newsletter. And, you can find support and resources from others living with this condition in the Bezzy T2D community.

Q:

Is it safe for older people to take Bydureon BCise?

Anonymous

A:

Yes, Bydureon BCise is safe for use in older people. In studies including people ages 65 years and older, Bydureon BCise was as safe and effective in older people as it was in younger people.

It’s important to note that kidney function may be decreased in older people. Your doctor may recommend monitoring your kidney function with blood tests more often than usual when starting you on Bydureon BCise. They may also check your kidney function from time to time during treatment.

Be sure to let your doctor know if you have kidney problems. They may recommend a medication other than Bydureon BCise to treat your diabetes.

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.