The Bydureon BCise label lists injection-site nodule (10.5%) and nausea (8.2%) as its most common side effects. Serious but uncommon risks include pancreatitis and gallbladder disease, and the label carries a boxed warning for thyroid C-cell tumors.
Detailed safety information
Important safety information for Bydureon BCise
Summarized from the FDA-approved prescribing information. Always review the full label and discuss with your prescriber.
FDA Boxed Warning
Risk factors:Personal/family history of medullary thyroid cancerMultiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 2Pancreatitis historyType 1 diabetes
Risk of thyroid C-cell tumors. Contraindicated in patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). Counsel patients on symptoms of thyroid tumors (mass in neck, dysphagia, dyspnea, persistent hoarseness).
Contraindications (4)
Risk factors:Hypersensitivity to active ingredientPregnancyPersonal/family MTC historyMEN 2 syndrome
- Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma
- Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2
- Prior serious hypersensitivity reaction to exenatide or any ingredient
- History of drug-induced immune-mediated thrombocytopenia from exenatide products
Common side effects
- Injection-site nodule
- Nausea
Serious side effects (6)
Risk factors:Pancreatitis historyGallbladder diseaseKidney impairmentDiabetic retinopathyConcurrent insulin / sulfonylurea
- Acute pancreatitis
- Acute kidney injury
- Severe injection-site reactions (abscess, cellulitis, necrosis)
- Drug-induced immune-mediated thrombocytopenia
- Hypoglycemia (with sulfonylureas)
- Hypersensitivity / anaphylaxis
Information is educational and not a substitute for the full prescribing label or clinical judgment. Read our full medical disclaimer.
Managing the common ones
Stomach side effects are usually worst early in treatment and ease over the following weeks for most people. Smaller, lower-fat meals, stopping at the first sign of fullness and steady fluids help; vomiting or diarrhea that does not settle can dehydrate you enough to injure the kidneys, so tell your prescriber. The GLP-1 side effects guide covers each symptom in more depth.
Serious side effects — when to get care now
- Severe stomach pain that does not go away, sometimes spreading to the back — possible pancreatitis. Stop Bydureon BCise and get care.
- Pain in the upper right abdomen, fever, or yellowing skin or eyes — possible gallbladder disease.
- Vomiting or diarrhea you cannot keep up with, or passing little urine — dehydration can injure the kidneys.
- Swelling of the face, lips or throat, hives, or trouble breathing — a severe allergic reaction.
- A lump or swelling in the neck, trouble swallowing, or lasting hoarseness — symptoms the boxed thyroid warning asks you to report.
- Shakiness, sweating, confusion or a racing heartbeat if you also take insulin or a sulfonylurea — low blood sugar.
- Unusual bleeding or bruising — exenatide can cause a drug-induced drop in platelets.
- An injection-site lump that is painful, hot or draining — serious injection-site reactions have been reported.
FAQ about Bydureon BCise side effects
When do Bydureon BCise side effects start?
Stomach side effects are most common when treatment starts, and for most people they lessen over the following weeks. Tell your prescriber if they persist or get worse.
Does Bydureon BCise have a boxed warning?
Yes, for thyroid C-cell tumors. The medicine caused them in rodent studies, and it is not known whether it does in people. Bydureon BCise must not be used by anyone with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or with multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2.
Editorial summary based on FDA prescribing information. Not a substitute for the full label or your prescriber's judgment. Full medical disclaimer.