Peptide profile
Exenatide
Synthetic exendin-4 GLP-1 agonist
Compare Exenatide with other peptides →Summary
A man-made copy of exendin-4. It helps control blood sugar.
- Typical dose
- 5-10mcg (twice daily) or 2mg (weekly) Twice daily or once weekly
- Route
- Subcutaneous
- Cycle length
- Ongoing
- Evidence
- Limited human data
Mechanism
How it works
Exenatide acts like a longer-lasting version of your own GLP-1 — it worked so well in a lizard's saliva that we synthesized it for humans to manage blood sugar and weight.
Exenatide is a synthetic exendin-4 peptide from Gila monster saliva that is resistant to DPP-4 degradation (half-life 2-4 hours) and activates GLP-1 receptors.
Reported in research
Benefits
- Lowers your blood sugar score (by 0.5-1.0%)
- Helps you lose weight (2-4 kg on average)
- Comes as once-a-week or twice-a-day shots
- Helps protect your heart
Context, not a prescription
Dosing
- Typical range
- 5-10mcg (twice daily) or 2mg (weekly) Twice daily or once weekly (Subcutaneous)
- Cycle length
- Ongoing
Safety
Side effects & contraindications
Possible side effects
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Injection site nodules
- Pancreatitis
- Severe hypoglycemia (with sulfonylureas)
Contraindications
- Medullary thyroid carcinoma history
- MEN-2
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
Research information, not medical advice. Always consult a licensed clinician before considering any peptide.
In depth
Full profile
What it does
Lower blood sugar score, a little weight loss, and feeling less hungry.
How it works
Exenatide works like a longer-lasting copy of your own GLP-1. It worked so well in a lizard's spit that scientists made a copy for people. It helps with blood sugar and weight.
It grabs onto special spots called GLP-1 receptors. This tells your body to make insulin. It calms down a sugar-raising helper. It slows your stomach down. And it makes you feel full.
What to expect
It starts working within a few hours. Your blood sugar score gets better by 12 weeks.
- Week 1: You feel less hungry. You might feel a little sick to your stomach.
- Weeks 4-8: You slowly start to lose weight.
- Weeks 12-16: Your blood sugar score gets the best it will be.
Good to know
- Start with the smallest amount (5mcg twice a day)
- Slowly use a little more over time
- Eat small meals with not much fat
Staying safe
- Feeling sick to your stomach
- Throwing up
- Runny poop
- Small bumps where you got the shot
Avoid if you have:
- People who had a certain thyroid cancer
- People with a gland problem called MEN-2
- People who are pregnant or breastfeeding
Mechanism of action
Exenatide is a synthetic exendin-4 peptide from Gila monster saliva that is resistant to DPP-4 degradation (half-life 2-4 hours) and activates GLP-1 receptors.
Binds to GLP-1 receptors, stimulating insulin secretion, suppressing glucagon, delaying gastric emptying, and promoting satiety.
Pharmacodynamics
Within hours; HbA1c improvements at 12 weeks.
Lower HbA1c, modest weight loss, reduced appetite.
Timeline
- Week 1: Initial appetite reduction, possible nausea.
- Weeks 4-8: Progressive weight loss.
- Weeks 12-16: Maximal HbA1c improvement.
Comparisons
- Exenatide — effectiveness High, safety Good, cost $$$, Medium to use
- Semaglutide — effectiveness Very High, safety Good, cost $$$, Very Easy to use
Adverse effects
Common:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Injection site nodules
Rare:
- Pancreatitis
- Severe hypoglycemia (with sulfonylureas)
Contraindications & risk mitigation
Contraindicated in:
- Medullary thyroid carcinoma history
- MEN-2
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Start with lowest dose (5mcg twice daily)
- Gradual dose escalation
- Eat small, low-fat meals
Qué hace
Menor puntuación de azúcar en sangre, un poco de pérdida de peso y menos hambre.
Cómo funciona
La exenatida funciona como una copia de mayor duración de tu propia GLP-1. Funcionó tan bien en la saliva de un lagarto que los científicos crearon una copia para las personas. Ayuda con el azúcar en sangre y el peso.
Se une a puntos especiales llamados receptores GLP-1. Esto le dice a tu cuerpo que produzca insulina. Calma a un ayudante que sube el azúcar. Ralentiza tu estómago. Y te hace sentir lleno.
Qué esperar
Empieza a funcionar en unas pocas horas. Tu puntuación de azúcar en sangre mejora a las 12 semanas.
- Semana 1: Sientes menos hambre. Es posible que sientas un poco de náuseas.
- Semanas 4-8: Comienzas a perder peso lentamente.
- Semanas 12-16: Tu puntuación de azúcar en sangre alcanza su mejor nivel.
Bueno saber
- Comenzar con la cantidad más pequeña (5 mcg dos veces al día)
- Aumentar lentamente la dosis con el tiempo
- Comer comidas pequeñas con poca grasa
Manteniéndose seguro
- Sentir náuseas
- Vómitos
- Diarrea
- Pequeños bultos en el lugar de la inyección
Evitar si tienes:
- Personas que han tenido cierto tipo de cáncer de tiroides
- Personas con un problema glandular llamado MEN-2
- Personas que están embarazadas o en periodo de lactancia
Mecanismo de acción
La exenatida es un péptido sintético de exendina-4 derivado de la saliva del monstruo de Gila, resistente a la degradación por DPP-4 (vida media de 2-4 horas) y activa los receptores GLP-1.
Se une a los receptores GLP-1, estimulando la secreción de insulina, suprimiendo el glucagón, retrasando el vaciamiento gástrico y promoviendo la saciedad.
Farmacodinamia
En horas; mejoras en la HbA1c a las 12 semanas.
Menor HbA1c, pérdida de peso moderada, reducción del apetito.
Cronología
- Semana 1: Reducción inicial del apetito, posibles náuseas.
- Semanas 4-8: Pérdida de peso progresiva.
- Semanas 12-16: Mejora máxima de la HbA1c.
Comparaciones
- Exenatida — efectividad Alta, seguridad Buena, costo $$$, Media de usar
- Semaglutida — efectividad Muy alta, seguridad Buena, costo $$$, Muy fácil de usar
Efectos adversos
Comunes:
- Náuseas
- Vómitos
- Diarrea
- Nódulos en el sitio de inyección
Raros:
- Pancreatitis
- Hipoglucemia grave (con sulfonilureas)
Contraindicaciones y mitigación de riesgos
Contraindicado en:
- Antecedentes de carcinoma medular de tiroides
- MEN-2
- Embarazo o lactancia
- Comenzar con la dosis más baja (5 mcg dos veces al día)
- Escalada gradual de la dosis
- Consumir comidas pequeñas y bajas en grasa
Reference data
Specifications
- Route
- Subcutaneous
- Cycle length
- Ongoing
FAQ
Common questions
Is Byetta the same as Ozempic?
Exenatide (Byetta/Bydureon) is less potent than semaglutide (Ozempic) for weight loss.
Can it cause pancreatitis?
Rare but serious; discontinue if severe abdominal pain.
What is the evidence level?
This compound is classified as Limited human data. Some human data exists but trials are small, short-term, or not yet replicated.
Research
Research & sources
Current evidence for Exenatide is rated as Limited human data. Limited human data is available.
- 1. Exenatide cardiovascular outcomes (2016) — DOI:10.1056/NEJMoa1607570
- 2. Exendin-4 pharmacology (2005) — DOI:10.2165/00003495-200565130-00001
- 3. Exenatide cardiovascular outcomes (2016)
- 4. Exendin-4 pharmacology (2005)