Complications of Byetta

Byetta is a drug used to control Type 2 diabetes. Unlike insulin treatment, Byetta works by aiding your body in the production of just the right amount of insulin at just the right time. As with most drugs, however, Byetta does have a list of side effects and potential complications.

Mild Digestive Problems

• Byetta can cause a number of mild digestive issues, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, upset stomach and heartburn. Of these complications, nausea is the most common and decreases over time. In general, none of these complications are serious enough to warrant discontinuing use of Byetta.

Severe Digestive Problems

• Although uncommon, Byetta can cause severe bouts of diarrhea, vomiting, nausea and general abdominal pain. These side effects may occur alone or together. Either way, however, these complications could signal a serious condition, so you should contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms while taking Byetta.

Hypoglycemia

• Taking Byetta simultaneously with a medicine that contains sulfonylurea can potentially cause hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar. This condition can be quite bothersome and must be controlled to maintain a healthy body. As a result, you may need to reduce the dose of your sulfonylurea medication while taking Byetta.

Headaches

• Another common complication of Byetta is the occurrence of frequent headaches. Although not a serious problem, frequent headaches can reduce your standard of living.

Dizziness

• Byetta can also cause scattered dizziness as well as jittery feelings. Over time, these complications should lessen and become manageable.

Difficulty Breathing and Seizures

• Both difficulty breathing and seizures are considered severe complications of taking Byetta. If you experience either of these rare complications while taking Byetta, you should contact your doctor and seek professional advice. You may need immediate care to overcome these problems.