Byetta

Indicated For

Type 2 Diabetes

About This Medication

# AZ&Me Prescription Savings Program Patient Guide: How to Get Byetta at Low or No Cost Byetta (exenatide) is an injectable medication used to help manage **type 2 diabetes** by improving blood sugar control when combined with diet and exercise. AstraZeneca's **AZ&Me Prescription Savings Program** provides Byetta at little or no cost to eligible patients, with separate options for those without insurance or enrolled in Medicare Part D[1][2][3][4]. ## About Byetta Byetta, with the active ingredient exenatide, is injected under the skin **twice daily**. It mimics a hormone that increases insulin release, slows digestion, and reduces appetite to help control blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes. It's often prescribed alongside other diabetes medications like metformin or sulfonylureas, but not for type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) when used with other diabetes drugs—always follow your doctor's instructions. Without insurance, Byetta can cost around **$880 per month**, but this program can make it free for qualifiers[3]. Note: Byetta is related to Bydureon (longer-acting exenatide once weekly), but this guide focuses on Byetta[3][4]. ## Who Qualifies for AZ&Me? AstraZeneca offers **two AZ&Me programs** for Byetta: 1. **For uninsured patients**: U.S. residents without private or government insurance (except Medicare without Low-Income Subsidy), with household income below limits, and a valid prescription[1][2]. 2. **For Medicare Part D patients**: Enrolled in Medicare Part D, income at or below **$35,000 (individual)** or **$48,000 (couple)**, facing affordability issues with AstraZeneca meds like Byetta[4]. You must live in the U.S., have a prescription from a U.S.-licensed doctor, and meet income guidelines based on **Federal Poverty Level (FPL)** or fixed limits. Recent income changes (e.g., job loss) may still allow qualification with proof[2]. Programs are free to join, provide meds at **no cost**, and ship to your home or doctor's office[1][4]. ## Income Eligibility Breakdown Income limits vary by program and household size. Here's a clear table based on available guidelines (annual gross income before taxes; limits may adjust yearly—verify current FPL at application): | Household Size | Uninsured Program (Approx.)[3] | Medicare Part D Program[4] | |----------------|--------------------------------|----------------------------| | 1 (Individual) | <$40,000 | ≤$35,000 | | 2 (Couple) | <$60,000 | ≤$48,000 | | 3 | <$100,000 (family estimate) | Contact for details | | 4+ | Scaled by FPL (e.g., 400-500%)| Contact for details | *Notes*: Uninsured limits from patient assistance details; Medicare has stricter caps. Provide tax returns, pay stubs, or income statements. Households with >2 add ~$15,000-$20,000 per person typically[2][3]. Always confirm exact thresholds as they update annually[1]. ## Insurance Requirements - **Uninsured track**: **No private or government prescription coverage** (Medicare OK if not on Part D Low-Income Subsidy)[2]. - **Medicare track**: **Must be enrolled in Medicare Part D** but struggling with copays/out-of-pocket costs. No Extra Help/LIS eligibility[2][4]. If you have commercial insurance, check AstraZeneca savings cards for copay reduction (not full PAP). Simplefill or Rx Advocates can help navigate[2][3]. ## Step-by-Step Application Process 1. **Confirm eligibility**: Review income, insurance, and prescription. Gather proof of income (e.g., 2025 tax return, W-2s, pay stubs), proof of residency, and doctor's prescription[1][2]. 2. **Get the form**: Download interactive PDF from www.azandme.com or call program support[1][4]. Doctor completes clinical sections. 3. **Fill and submit**: Patient/doctor types info into PDF. Mail, fax, or apply online/phone. Use services like Simplefill ((877)386-0206) for help[2]. 4. **Doctor involvement**: Prescriber verifies diagnosis, provides Rx details[3]. 5. **Wait for approval**: Processing takes 2-4 weeks typically[1]. No enrollment fee. Refills via you, doctor, or mail[4]. ## Timeline and Delivery - **Approval**: 2-4 weeks after submission (faster if complete)[1][2]. - **Delivery**: Meds mailed free to **home or doctor's office** within days of approval. Enrollment is calendar-year based—reapply annually[4]. - **Supply**: Usually 1-3 months per shipment; auto-refill options[1]. Track status by calling the program. ## Alternatives if Denied or Ineligible - **Savings cards/copay assistance**: AstraZeneca copay cards for insured patients reduce out-of-pocket to $0-$25[2]. - **Third-party help**: Simplefill matches to PAPs; Rx Advocates offers fixed-fee access ($80/month for Byetta)[2][3]. - **Biosimilars/Alternatives**: No biosimilars listed for exenatide. Generics like exenatide (if available) or other GLP-1s (e.g., liraglutide/Victoza, semaglutide/Ozempic) via other PAPs. GoodRx discounts Byetta to ~$80/month[3]. - **State programs**: Check Medicaid, NeedyMeds, or PAN Foundation. - **Appeal**: Submit updated income proof if denied[2]. ## Important Disclaimer This guide is for informational purposes based on publicly available data as of early 2026 and is **not medical or financial advice**. Eligibility, limits, and processes can change—**always verify directly with AstraZeneca at www.azandme.com or by phone**. Consult your doctor before starting Byetta. AstraZeneca or program admins make final decisions. Word count: ~950.

Program information last verified: March 30, 2026