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Compare Nesina vs. Byetta

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Alogliptin (Nesina) and exenatide (Byetta, Bydureon BCise) are both medications used to treat Type 2 diabetes, but they belong to different medication classes. Alogliptin is a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor, which helps lower blood sugar by increasing insulin production in the body. Exenatide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist that helps your body release insulin after eating and reduces the amount of sugar released from your liver. Alogliptin is taken orally once a day, while exenatide is injected under the skin (subcutaneously), with Byetta being a short-acting version taken twice daily and Bydureon BCise being a long-acting version taken once a week. Alogliptin and exenatide are available as both brand-name and lower-cost generic medications. Common side effects of alogliptin include headaches and cold-like symptoms, while exenatide can cause nausea, vomiting, and injection site reactions. Both medications can cause pancreatitis, but exenatide also carries a risk of thyroid cancer and kidney problems.

  • Alogliptin (Nesina)
    Exenatide
  • Alogliptin (Nesina)
    Exenatide

  • Summary of Nesina vs. Byetta

    Summary for DDP-4 inhibitor
    Prescription only

    Alogliptin (Nesina) is a medication that treats Type 2 diabetes. It's added to diet and exercise to help lower your blood sugar levels. But it isn't a first-choice treatment for this condition. Alogliptin (Nesina) is typically taken by mouth once a day. Some people may experience certain side effects, such as headaches or symptoms of the common cold (e.g., sore throat or runny nose), after starting this medication.

    Summary for GLP-1 agonist
    Prescription only

    Exenatide is an injectable medication used to lower blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. It should be used along with an appropriate diet and exercise plan. This medication comes in short-acting (Byetta) and long-acting (Bydureon BCise) versions.

  • Indications of Nesina vs. Byetta

    Indications for
    •Type 2 diabetes
    Indications for
    •Type 2 diabetes, in combination with diet and exercise (adults) - Byetta only
    •Type 2 diabetes, in combination with diet and exercise (adults and children age 10 years and older) - Bydureon BCise only

  • Pros and Cons of Nesina vs. Byetta

    Pros and Const for DDP-4 inhibitor
    Pros
    •Taken once daily by mouth
    •Can be taken with or without food
    •Is available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Dose may change if you have kidney problems, while other similar medications, like Tradjenta (linagliptin), don't need dose changes
    •Not a first-choice treatment for Type 2 diabetes
    •Isn’t approved for Type 1 diabetes
    Pros and Const for GLP-1 agonist
    Pros
    •Can lower your A1c (average blood sugar over time)
    •Not as likely to cause very low blood sugar as other diabetes medications
    •Might help some people with weight loss
    •Bydureon BCise (once-weekly injections) can be taken any time of day, with or without food
    Cons
    •Slows stomach emptying, which can affect how other medications are absorbed
    •Short-acting version (Byetta) must be used within 60 minutes before meals
    •Not safe for people with severe kidney problems
    •Brand-name only, so it can be expensive

  • Common Side Effects of Nesina vs. Byetta

    Common Side Effects for
    •Upper respiratory tract infection (5%)
    •Common cold (5%)
    •Headache (4%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea (Up to 44%)
    •Vomiting (Up to 18%)
    •Diarrhea (Up to 18%)
    •Headache (Up to 14%)
    •Injection-site lump (11%)
    •Constipation (Up to 10%)

    Note: These side effects were reported by people taking either exenatide alone or with other diabetes medications. The side effects you experience might differ depending on what other diabetes medications you're taking.

  • Warnings of Nesina vs. Byetta

    Common Side Effects for
    •Heart failure
    •Severe joint pain
    •Inflammation of the pancreas
    •Liver problems
    •Severe itching rash
    Common Side Effects for
    •Thyroid cancer - Bydureon BCise only
    •Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
    •Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
    •Kidney problems
    •Severe allergic reactions
    •Severe bleeding
    •Injection-site reactions
    •Gallbladder problems

  • Prices with our coupons for Nesina vs. Byetta

    Learn more about Alogliptin
    Learn more about Exenatide

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