November 18, 2006
Remember that the information presented here is not intended to replace the care of your own doctor. Before making any changes in the management of your own illness, you should consult your physician or other qualified medical professionals.
Question
I have been on Byetta for about six months, and my glucose control is much better. I've also been able to increase my exercise and have changed my eating habits. So, I've experienced a 30 pound weight loss.However, I began having a local reaction at the injection site after five months. It develops within an hour of the injection fades over several days. The area is red and similar to a hive. Is this described in the literature? I've talked to my doctor who did not recommend that I stop my Byetta. I'm just wondering if I can expect this to continue, worsen, or improve.
Answer
There's nothing in the literature regarding hives in the use of Byetta. However, anecdotally, several uses have reported hives, both early-onset and delayed. Check your injection technique and make sure you are not reusing needles if you experience hives, because the general consensus is that they are caused by medication on the needle. If this is a recent phenomenon, and you are using one pen, you might consider that it was handled incorrectly and try replacing it.
