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Bydureon BCise

MED-000010

Bydureon BCise&reg; (exenatide extended-release) was a once-weekly GLP-1 receptor agonist approved for type 2 diabetes. Bydureon BCise was discontinued by AstraZeneca in October 2024. A generic exenatide product remains available.

Medication Overview

Generic Name: 

Medication Class: 

Manufacturer:

Route:

Dosing Frequency:

Exenatide

GLP-1

AstraZeneca

Injection

Weekly

Status:

Draft

Medication Summary

Bydureon BCise&reg; (exenatide extended-release) was a once-weekly GLP-1 receptor agonist approved for type 2 diabetes. Bydureon BCise was discontinued by AstraZeneca in October 2024. A generic exenatide product remains available.

Aliases

Bydureon BCise

Search Keywords

bydureon bcise, exenatide

Medication Uses

Part of the DietApp.com GLP-1 Medication Database, a comprehensive, regularly reviewed reference covering every GLP-1-class medication.

Bydureon BCise® (exenatide extended-release) was FDA-approved as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes, delivered as a once-weekly injection rather than the twice-daily dosing of its predecessor, Byetta.

Current status: Bydureon BCise was discontinued by AstraZeneca in October 2024. If you were previously prescribed Bydureon BCise, your provider has likely already discussed transitioning you to a current alternative such as dulaglutide, liraglutide, semaglutide, or tirzepatide.

Dosage

Bydureon BCise was dosed as a fixed 2 mg injection once weekly, any time of day, with or without food. This dosing is presented for historical reference only, since the brand is discontinued.

Administration

Bydureon BCise was administered as a once-weekly subcutaneous injection using an autoinjector pen, into the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.

Benefits

When used as prescribed, Bydureon BCise was shown to help lower blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes, with the convenience of once-weekly dosing compared to Byetta's twice-daily schedule.

Side Effects

The most frequently reported side effects included nausea, diarrhea, headache, and injection-site reactions, including nodules at the injection site. Hypoglycemia was more common when combined with a sulfonylurea or insulin.

Warnings

Exenatide extended-release carried an FDA boxed warning regarding thyroid C-cell tumor risk observed in rodent studies, along with warnings for pancreatitis and kidney problems.

Drug Interactions

Caution was needed when combining Bydureon BCise with insulin or sulfonylureas due to increased hypoglycemia risk, and with oral medications generally, since exenatide delays gastric emptying.

Storage

Bydureon BCise is discontinued and no longer manufactured; no current consumer storage guidance applies. If you have leftover product, ask your pharmacist about proper disposal.

References

  • DailyMed prescribing information (historical)
  • ASHP Drug Shortage Detail: Exenatide Injection
  • FDA prescribing information archive

Last medically reviewed and updated: July 11, 2026.

Track Your Progress

If you've transitioned from Bydureon BCise to a newer GLP-1 medication, DietApp.com helps you track your new dose schedule, blood sugar patterns, symptoms, and treatment history in one place.

Download DietApp.com

Related Resources

Related Articles

  • Is Byetta Still Available? What to Know in 2026
  • GLP-1 Alternatives to Exenatide: What's Changed
  • How GLP-1 Medications Support Blood Sugar Control
  • Frequently Asked Questions About GLP-1 Therapy

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DietApp.com combines evidence-based GLP-1 medication education with practical treatment tracking tools. The information on DietApp.com is intended for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

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