Compare Byetta vs. Levemir

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

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Byetta (Exenatide)

Prescription only

Levemir (insulin detemir)

Prescription only
Lowers blood sugar.

Byetta (Exenatide) can lower your blood sugars in addition to metformin. It does not increase your appetite unlike some other anti-diabetics, but must be given by injection and usually causes upset stomach.

Lowers blood sugar.

Levemir (insulin detemir) is an effective, long-acting insulin that provides all-day sugar control, but there are similar medications that can be used instead.

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3.3/ 5 average rating with 130 reviewsforLevemir
Upsides
  • Can lower your A1c (average blood sugar over time) by 1%.
  • Not as likely to cause very low blood sugar as glyburine or insulin.
  • Does not increase your appetite like other anti-diabetic medicines.
  • Pen is dialed to a single dose for easy injections.
  • Insulin is the most effective blood sugar lowering medication, as it lowers A1c (average blood sugar over time) up to 2 or 3%. When used correctly, it'll prevent the harmful effects of high blood sugar levels on your organs and blood vessels.
  • Levemir (insulin detemir) is a long lasting insulin that provides consistent, all-day blood sugar control with less risk of low blood sugar.
  • Doses can be easily adjusted to make a customized regimen that's tailored to your body's needs.
  • Starting insulin early in the treatment of type 2 diabetes can maintain your body's insulin producing cells and slow down disease progression.
  • Levemir (insulin detemir) can be used in people with liver or kidney problems.
Downsides
  • Byetta (Exenatide) must be injected twice a day. Other medicines like it can be injected once daily or even weekly.
  • It commonly causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, or indigestion.
  • Can affect how well your antibiotics and birth control pills work. Take them no sooner than one hour after your injections.
  • You have to take Levemir (insulin detemir) by injection.
  • You have to check your blood sugar regularly.
  • There is a risk of low blood sugar episodes with use of Levemir (insulin detemir).
  • Levemir (insulin detemir) can cause tiredness, moderate weight gain, and swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Injection
  • Injection
Price
Lowest price
$716.63
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Lowest price
$465.99
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Reviews
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130 reviews so far
45%
saidit'sworth it
35%
saiditworked well
22%
saidit'sa big hassle

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Side effects
3possible side effects
  • Nausea
    8%
  • Vomiting
    4%
  • Upset stomach
    3%
See more detailed side effects
5possible side effects
  • Upper respiratory tract infection
    26%
  • Headache
    23%
  • Sore throat
    10%
  • Flu-like symptoms
    8%
  • Stomach pain
    6%
See more detailed side effects
Risks and risk factors
  • Loss of medication effectiveness
  • Pancreatitis
  • Kidney problems
    • Severe renal impairment
    • End-stage renal disease
  • Serious stomach problems
    • Severe gastrointestinal disease
    • Gastroparesis
  • Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • Life-threatening low blood sugar (Hypoglycemia)
    • Insulin dose too high
    • Use of other blood sugar lowering medicines
    • Poor injection techniques
  • Complications due to low potassium
    • Use of other medicine that lower potassium
    • Current electrolyte imbalance
  • Severe allergic reactions
    • Allergy to insulin
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Byetta (Exenatide)
Learn more about Levemir (insulin detemir)