Key takeaways
Exenatide (Byetta, Bydureon BCise) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro) are both injectable medications used to help control blood sugar in people with Type 2 diabetes. They are similar in that they both belong to the class of medications known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, although tirzepatide also acts as a glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor agonist. Exenatide is available in short-acting, twice-daily injection (Byetta) and long-acting, once-weekly injection (Bydureon BCise) forms, while tirzepatide is a once-weekly injection. Exenatide is approved for use in adults and children aged 10 and older (Bydureon BCise), whereas tirzepatide is only approved for adults. Both medications can cause side effects like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Both exenatide and tirzepatide may affect the absorption of other medications, and careful monitoring is required if you are taking medications like warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven). Both medications carry a risk of thyroid cancer and pancreatitis.
