How Many Bydureon Pens Are in a Box? A Guide to Exenatide Packaging

October 11, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the prescribing information, Bydureon (exenatide) is typically supplied in cartons containing four single-dose pens. This article clarifies the standard packaging for this once-weekly injectable medication for managing type 2 diabetes, answering the key question: how many Bydureon pens are in a box?.

Quick Summary

This article explains that a standard box of Bydureon or Bydureon BCise contains four single-dose, once-weekly injector pens. It details the product evolution, comparing the discontinued pen requiring mixing with the modern, pre-mixed autoinjector.

Key Points

Standard Box Contains Four Pens: A standard carton of Bydureon (including the modern BCise autoinjector) typically holds four single-dose pens, providing a monthly supply.
Weekly Dosing Schedule: The four-pen packaging is based on the medication's once-weekly injection requirement for treating type 2 diabetes.
Bydureon BCise is the Current Version: The older Bydureon Pen, which required manual mixing, was discontinued; the current version is the pre-mixed Bydureon BCise autoinjector.
Simplified Administration: The BCise autoinjector has a hidden, pre-attached needle and requires less manual preparation compared to the older pen.
Proper Storage is Essential: Unused Bydureon BCise pens should be stored flat in the refrigerator, but can remain at room temperature for up to 28 days.

Bydureon Packaging: What to Expect in a Standard Box

For most patients, a standard box of Bydureon comes with four single-dose pens or autoinjectors. This quantity provides a four-week supply, aligning with the medication's once-weekly injection schedule for treating type 2 diabetes. The packaging is designed for convenience, ensuring patients have a month's worth of medication in a single carton. Each pen is a single-use device, containing a pre-measured dose of exenatide.

The Product Evolution: From Bydureon Pen to Bydureon BCise

To fully understand Bydureon's packaging, it's important to recognize the product's evolution. The original Bydureon Pen, which required the user to mix a powder and a liquid diluent before injection, was discontinued in 2021. It has since been replaced by the more modern Bydureon BCise autoinjector. This newer version comes pre-mixed and ready to use, simplifying the administration process for patients. While both the original pen and the BCise autoinjector are packaged with four single doses, the user experience differs significantly due to the pre-filled, ready-to-use nature of the BCise device.

Why Four Pens? Understanding the Dosing Schedule

The weekly dosing schedule is the reason for the four-pen package. Bydureon (and Bydureon BCise) is prescribed to be injected once every seven days. For a typical monthly supply, four pens are sufficient. This simplifies managing the prescription and ensures patients have an adequate amount of medication on hand. It also helps patients stick to their weekly schedule without needing frequent refills.

A Detailed Comparison: Bydureon vs. Bydureon BCise

Understanding the differences between the original Bydureon pen and the Bydureon BCise autoinjector is crucial, especially when discussing packaging and usage.


Feature	Original Bydureon Pen (Discontinued)	Bydureon BCise Autoinjector (Current)
Preparation	Required manual mixing of powder and diluent	Pre-mixed and ready to use
Ease of Use	More complex, with multiple steps	Simple, single-button injection
Appearance	White to off-white, cloudy suspension after mixing	White to off-white, cloudy suspension
Needle	Required separate needle attachment and disposal	Hidden, pre-attached needle
Needle Disposal	Separately dispose of needles and pen	The entire autoinjector is disposed of
Dose per pen	Single dose	Single dose
Package Contents	Four single-dose pens, plus needles	Four single-dose autoinjectors

Important Considerations for Bydureon Usage and Storage

Proper Storage: Bydureon BCise autoinjectors must be stored flat in the refrigerator, between 36°F and 46°F (2°C to 8°C). This protects the medication's integrity and ensures its effectiveness. It is critical to store the pens in their original carton and protect them from light.
Room Temperature Exposure: While refrigeration is necessary for long-term storage, the pens can be kept at room temperature (not exceeding 86°F or 30°C) for up to 4 weeks (28 days). If a pen is left out for longer than 28 days, it should be discarded.
Freezing: It is strictly forbidden to freeze Bydureon. The medication should not be used if it has been frozen, as freezing can compromise its effectiveness.
Prior to Injection: For the Bydureon BCise autoinjector, it is recommended to let it warm up to room temperature for at least 15 minutes before injection. Do not attempt to heat the pen using any other method.
Mixing: For the Bydureon BCise autoinjector, shake it vigorously for at least 15 seconds to ensure the liquid is a uniformly cloudy, white-to-off-white suspension.

Final Takeaway: Bydureon Pens in a Box

The standard packaging for Bydureon, now in its modern Bydureon BCise autoinjector form, contains four single-dose pens. This quantity is designed to provide a four-week supply, aligning with the medication's weekly dosage schedule. The evolution to the autoinjector has streamlined the process, making it easier for patients to manage their treatment effectively. For any specific questions regarding packaging or administration, always consult a healthcare provider or pharmacist, and refer to the official prescribing information.

For more detailed patient tips and information on Bydureon BCise, consider visiting the Drugs.com Bydureon BCise patient tips page.(https://www.drugs.com/tips/bydureonbcise-patient-tips)

Frequently Asked Questions

Each Bydureon pen, including the newer Bydureon BCise autoinjector, contains a single dose designed for one weekly injection.

Yes, Bydureon BCise replaced the older Bydureon pen in 2021. The BCise is a pre-mixed autoinjector, whereas the original pen required the user to mix a powder and a diluent before injection.

The autoinjectors should be stored flat in the refrigerator, in their original carton, and protected from light. Do not freeze the medication.

Consult with a healthcare professional for the appropriate dosage of Bydureon BCise.

If a dose is missed, take it as soon as it is remembered, provided the next scheduled dose is due in 3 or more days. If it is less than 3 days until the next dose, the missed dose should be skipped, and the regular schedule resumed. It is important never to take two doses less than 3 days apart.

Bydureon BCise pens can be kept at room temperature (not exceeding 86°F or 30°C) for up to 4 weeks (28 days). If left out longer, they should be discarded.

Bydureon BCise can be injected into the abdomen, thigh, or the back of the upper arm. It is important to rotate injection sites each week.

While weight loss can be a side effect, Bydureon BCise is only approved for treating type 2 diabetes. It is not approved for weight loss or weight management.