Byetta dosage
Initiate BYETTA at 5 mcg administered subcutaneously twice daily at any time within the 60-minute period before the morning and evening meals (or before the two main meals of the day, approximately 6 hours or more apart).
Word for word from the FDA label on DailyMed (Astrazeneca Pharmaceuticals LP), revised , version 26. Read every day: a new FDA version updates this page by itself.
Byetta dosing and administration
Recommended Dosing
- Initiate BYETTA at 5 mcg administered subcutaneously twice daily at any time within the 60-minute period before the morning and evening meals (or before the two main meals of the day, approximately 6 hours or more apart). Do not administer after a meal.
- Based on clinical response, the dose of BYETTA can be increased to 10 mcg twice daily which is recommended after 1 month of therapy, in order to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal adverse reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) and Adverse Reactions (6.1)] .
- Administer as a subcutaneous injection in the thigh, abdomen, or upper arm.
- Rotate injections sites with each dose. Do not use the same site for each injection.
- Inspect visually for particulate matter and discoloration. Only use BYETTA if the solution appears clear, colorless, and contains no particles.
- When using BYETTA with insulin, administer as separate injections and never mix. It is acceptable to inject BYETTA and insulin in the same body region, but the injections should not be adjacent to each other.
- If a dose is missed, resume the treatment regimen as prescribed with the next scheduled dose.
Source: Byetta prescribing information (FDA label on DailyMed), revised 2025-09-02
Byetta strengths and forms
BYETTA injection is a clear, colorless solution of exenatide supplied as follows:
- 5 mcg per dose in a single-patient-use prefilled pen containing 300 mcg/1.2 mL (250 mcg/mL), 60 doses.
- 10 mcg per dose in a single-patient-use prefilled pen containing 600 mcg/2.4 mL (250 mcg/mL), 60 doses.
Source: Byetta prescribing information (FDA label on DailyMed), revised 2025-09-02
How to store Byetta
How Supplied
BYETTA (exenatide) Injection is a clear, colorless solution supplied as:
- 5 mcg per dose, in a single-patient-use prefilled pen containing 300 mcg/1.2 mL (250 mcg/mL), 60 doses, NDC 0310-6512-01.
- 10 mcg per dose, in a single-patient-use prefilled pen containing 600 mcg/2.4 mL (250 mcg/mL), 60 doses, NDC 0310-6524-01.
Storage and Handling
- Store BYETTA in the refrigerator at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C).
- After first use, BYETTA can be kept at a temperature not to exceed 77°F (25°C).
- Do not freeze. Do not use BYETTA if it has been frozen.
- Protect BYETTA from light.
- Discard the pen 30 days after first use, even if some drug remains in the pen.
- Use a puncture-resistant container to discard the needles. Do not reuse or share needles.
Source: Byetta prescribing information (FDA label on DailyMed), revised 2025-09-02
Byetta dosing: common questions
What should you expect in the first week of Byetta?
From its FDA label: Initiate BYETTA at 5 mcg administered subcutaneously twice daily at any time within the 60-minute period before the morning and evening meals (or before the two main meals of the day, approximately 6 hours or more apart). Your clinician may adjust this.
What is the starting dose of Byetta?
Initiate BYETTA at 5 mcg administered subcutaneously twice daily at any time within the 60-minute period before the morning and evening meals (or before the two main meals of the day, approximately 6 hours or more apart).
What if you miss a dose of Byetta?
If a dose is missed, resume the treatment regimen as prescribed with the next scheduled dose.
Where do you inject Byetta?
Administer as a subcutaneous injection in the thigh, abdomen, or upper arm.
How do you use Byetta?
From its FDA-approved Medication Guide: Read the Instructions for Use that comes with BYETTA. Use BYETTA exactly as your healthcare provider tells you to. Your healthcare provider should teach you how to inject BYETTA before you use it for the first time. Inject your dose of BYETTA under the skin (subcutaneous injection) of your upper leg (thigh), stomach area (abdomen), or upper arm as instructed by your healthcare provider. Do not inject into a muscle (intramuscularly) or vein (intravenously). Inject BYETTA two times each day, at any time within 60 minutes (1 hour) before your morning and evening meals (or before the two main meals of the day, approximately 6 hours or more apart). Do not take BYETTA after your meal. If you miss a dose of BYETTA, skip that dose and take your next dose at the next prescribed time. Do not take an extra dose or increase the amount of your next dose to make up for a missed dose. Do not mix insulin and BYETTA together in the same injection. You may give an injection of BYETTA and insulin in the same body area (such as your stomach area), but not right next to each other. Change (rotate) your injection sites within the area you chose with each dose.
Dosing is decided by your clinician. This is the label's text for reference, not instructions for you.