Bydureon Discontinued

Bydureon is a drug prescribed as a supplement to exercise and diet to improve blood sugar control in adults diagnosed with diabetes mellitus (type 2 diabetes). The active drug in Bydureon is exenatide, which is manufactured in extended-release form. Extended release implies that the medication gets released in the body gradually.

Bydureon used to be available for treating type 2 diabetes but was discontinued. Here’s what you should know about the discontinuation of the drug.

The FDA and AstraZeneca Announce the Discontinuation of Bydureon

The FDA made the news about the permanent discontinuation of Bydureon single-dose tray formulation official a few years ago. While making the announcement, the FDA pointed out that the discontinuation of the drug was not due to any quality, efficacy, or safety issues. The type 2 diabetes medication was available for purchase until 30th September 2018.

On 14th September 2020, AstraZeneca (the drug manufacturer) announced the discontinuation of Bydureon, citing business reasons as the cause. The discontinuation of the drug by AstraZeneca was due to take effect in March 2021. Like the FDA’s announcement, it was not due to any efficacy or safety issues or manufacturing or quality concerns.

Which Versions of Bydureon are Still Available?

AstraZeneca will continue releasing Bydureon BCise Pen for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Both Bydureon BCise and Bydureon are suggested to supplement good diet and exercise in improving blood sugar control in patients. 

Bydureon BCise formulation works as an auto-injector that does not require reconstitution or titration. It comes with a pre-attached hidden needle and has the same active ingredient found in Bydureon Pen.

What Does the Discontinuation Mean to Patients?

Patients were advised to continue using their existing Bydureon Pen prescription until their entire supply was over. However, they will have to switch to Bydureon BCise Pen afterward.

As they switch from Bydureon to Bydureon BCise, their healthcare providers should give them a new prescription for the medication. It is also not advisable to use Bydureon BCise and Bydureon Pen at the same time. Instead, starting Bydureon BCise on your next scheduled dosing day for Bydureon Pen will be safe and convenient.

AstraZeneca reports that there is a sufficient supply of the Bydureon BCise medication. Patients will not have to worry about supply issues when switching from the old Bydureon Pen to the new Bydureon BCise.

After announcing the discontinuation of the drug, AstraZeneca vowed to reach out to patients who were still using Bydureon Pen. Their goal was to offer direct-to-pharmacist messaging help and improve communications with many consumer marketing channels and healthcare providers to inform patients about this transition.