Analysis of Exenatide

Exenatide, a chemical first isolated from Gila monster spit, is an incretin mimetic, which acts like the natural hormones in your body that lower blood sugar. These hormones are called incretins. It is sold under the brand name Byetta for people with Type 2 diabetes.

Features

• Exenatide for commercial medical use is synthetically formed. It is sold in the form of subcutaneous injection.

Chemistry

• Exenatide is a peptide. Its chemical formula is C184H282N50O60S. This means that it contains carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen and silicon.

Function

• Exenatide's function is to treat high blood sugar levels in Type two diabetes patients. It is used to aid the pancreas when too much blood sugar is present, and helps the liver decrease the amount of sugar it sends into the blood. It also slows down the rate that food leaves your stomach.

Side Effects

• Exenatide has been known to have both common and rare side effects. The common side effects can include vomiting, headache and nausea, while a more serious side effect is hypoglycemia. Other side effects can include, but are not limited to, the jitters, dyspepsia, weakness and gastroesophageal reflux.

Warning

• Certain pre-existing conditions can effect what happens when exenatide is used. These conditions can include, but are not limited to, diabetic ketoacidosis, liver disease, severe gastrointestinal diseases, Type one diabetes or severe kidney disease. Exenatide has also been known to interact with Warfarin, an anti-blood clot medication.