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 a prescription medication used to help manage **type 2 diabetes** in adults, alongside diet and exercise. The **AZ & Me Prescription Savings Program** from AstraZeneca offers eligible patients **free or low-cost Byetta** if you meet income and other requirements. This guide explains everything you need to know in simple terms. ## About Byetta **Byetta** is an injectable medication given twice daily via a pen device. It belongs to a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists, which help control blood sugar by increasing insulin release, slowing digestion, and reducing appetite. It's 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 and report side effects to your healthcare provider or the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. Byetta is considered a **specialty product** under the AZ & Me program, which provides assistance for those who can't afford it due to income limits or lack of coverage.[1] ## Who Qualifies? To qualify for **free Byetta** through AZ & Me, you must: - Be a **US resident**. - Have **no private insurance or government prescription drug coverage** (like Medicare Part D or Medicaid). - Meet **income eligibility** based on your household size and annual adjusted gross income (AGI). - Have a valid **prescription** from your doctor. The program is designed for uninsured or underinsured patients struggling with high medication costs. ## Income Eligibility Breakdown Eligibility is based on your household's **annual adjusted gross income (AGI)** at or below **300% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL)** for specialty products like Byetta. AGI is your total income minus certain deductions, found on line 11 of IRS Form 1040. Use the table below to check eligibility. FPL guidelines update yearly; confirm current levels via the US Department of Health & Human Services website or call the program. | Household Size | Max Annual Income (300% FPL, approx. 2026)* | |----------------|---------------------------------------------| | 1 (Individual) | $45,180 | | 2 (Couple) | $61,320 | | 3 | $77,460 | | 4 | $93,600 | | +1 person | Add ~$16,140 each | *Estimates based on 2025 FPL; verify exact 2026 figures. Income includes wages, Social Security, pensions, etc. Excludes certain assets.[1] **Notes:** No specific thresholds for individuals/couples/families listed beyond 300% FPL. Provide recent tax returns or pay stubs as proof. ## Insurance Requirements You **cannot** have: - **Private prescription insurance** covering Byetta. - **Government coverage** like Medicare Part D, Medicaid, TRICARE, or VA benefits. If you have insurance, explore their coverage first or check for patient assistance via your plan. AZ & Me is for **uninsured patients only**. Confirm your status with the program.[1] ## Step-by-Step Application Process 1. **Talk to Your Doctor:** Get a prescription for Byetta. Ask them to specify delivery (to office or home). 2. **Check Eligibility:** Review income table and confirm no insurance. 3. **Gather Documents:** - **Proof of income** (e.g., 2025 tax return, W-2s, pay stubs for last 3 months, Social Security award letter). - **Prescription** signed by your doctor. - **Proof of residency** (e.g., utility bill, driver's license). 4. **Apply:** Multiple methods available.[1] - **Phone:** Call **(800) 292-6363** (Mon-Fri, 8 AM-8 PM ET) for help or to start. - **Online:** Visit the AZ & Me website (search 'AZ & Me Prescription Savings Program') to apply or download forms.[1] - **Mail/Fax:** Doctor completes patient profile; mail with docs. 5. **Submit:** Your doctor or pharmacy may assist. Sign authorization for income verification. 6. **Wait for Approval:** Processing takes **0-1 week**.[1] ## Timeline and Delivery - **Approval:** Usually within **1 week** of complete submission. - **Delivery:** Medication shipped **free** to your doctor's office or home—specify on prescription.[1] - **Supply:** Typically 1-3 months per approval; varies by need. Track status by calling (800) 292-6363. ## Reauthorization and Refills **Reauthorization is required** annually or when income/prescription changes. Your doctor must resubmit; expect similar 0-1 week processing. Set reminders to avoid gaps in treatment.[1] ## Alternatives if Denied - **Income too high?** Ask about AstraZeneca co-pay cards or savings offers on their site. - **Have insurance?** Check GoodRx, SingleCare for discounts (up to 80% off). - **Medicare?** Explore Extra Help (LIS) for low-income subsidies. - **Other programs:** NeedyMeds.org, RxAssist.org, or PAN Foundation for diabetes grants.[1] - **Generic/biosimilars:** No biosimilars for Byetta listed; discuss alternatives like Bydureon (extended-release exenatide) or other GLP-1s (Ozempic, Trulicity) with your doctor. Contact a social worker or 211.org for local help. ## Important Disclaimer This guide is for informational purposes only and based on program details as of last update (09/26/2025).[1] Programs change; **always verify with AZ & Me at (800) 292-6363 or their website**. Not medical advice—consult your doctor before starting Byetta. AstraZeneca or affiliates not liable for errors. Eligibility not guaranteed; decisions final. (Word count: 942)

Program information last verified: March 25, 2026