Short answer: The Byetta label says that if a dose is missed, you go back to your schedule with the next planned dose. The Medication Guide puts it plainly: skip the missed dose, take the next one at the usual time, and do not take an extra dose or a bigger next dose. Byetta is not given after a meal.
| Situation | What the label says |
|---|---|
| Schedule | Twice daily, within 60 minutes before the morning and evening meals (2.1) |
| Missed a dose | Skip it; resume with the next scheduled dose (2.1) |
| Extra or bigger dose | No (Medication Guide) |
| After a meal | Do not give Byetta after a meal (2.1) |
| Half-life | About 2.4 hours (12.3) |
Section 2.1 of the Byetta prescribing information says: if a dose is missed, resume the treatment regimen as prescribed with the next scheduled dose. The Medication Guide says: if you miss a dose of Byetta, skip that dose and take your next dose at the next prescribed time. Do not take an extra dose or increase the amount of your next dose to make up for a missed dose.
Example: you forgot your shot before breakfast and remember at lunch. Under the label you would skip it and take the next shot before your evening meal, at the usual dose.
No. Section 2.1 says to inject Byetta at any time within the 60 minutes before the morning and evening meals, or before the two main meals of the day if they are about 6 hours or more apart, and says do not administer after a meal.
Section 12.3 gives a mean terminal half-life of 2.4 hours. Each Byetta dose is meant for the meal it is taken before, which is why a missed dose is skipped rather than moved.
No. Each pen has 60 doses, enough for two injections a day for 30 days, and section 16.2 says to throw the pen away 30 days after first use even if some drug remains.
This page summarizes FDA labeling. It is not personalized medical advice; confirm what to do with your prescriber or pharmacist.