What Is the Difference Between Byetta & Lantus?

There are many drugs on the market made to control diabetes, including insulin and other products that help stabilize blood sugar. Here is a comparison of two products, Byetta and Lantus.

Description

• Byetta is a medication used to stabilize blood sugar levels, in addition to insulin, in individuals with diabetes. Lantus is an injectable, long-acting insulin product.

Manufacturers

• Byetta is manufactured by Amylin Pharmaceuticals and Lilly USA, Inc. Lantus is manufactured by Sanovi-Aventis.

Usage

• Byetta is intended for adults with Type-2 diabetes. Lantus is intended for individuals over the age of six with Type-1, or adults with Type-2 diabetes.

Side effects

• Side effects of Byetta include nausea, diarrhea, feeling jittery, headache and acid stomach. Possible side effects of Lantus include hypoglycemia, allergic reactions, injection site reaction and rash.

Contraindications

• According to the Food and Drug Administration, Byetta should not be used by individuals with impaired kidney function, or by those who have had allergic reactions to the drug's ingredients. Lantus should not be used by individuals with a hypersensitivity to Lantus or its components, according to patient information from the manufacturer.