Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Physical Qualifications Division
Position on Use of Byetta by Commercial Motor Vehicle Drivers

Byetta is not insulin and is permitted under FMCSA rules and should not affect a driver's qualification to drive a commercial motor vehicle in interstate commerce. Byetta is a new injectable drug that improves glycemic control in people with Type 2 diabetes by reducing fasting and postprandial glucose concentrations. Byetta is indicated as adjunctive therapy to patients who are taking metformin or a combination of other oral agents. Byetta used in conjunction with a sulfonylurea has an increased risk of hypoglycemia.

We recommend that drivers taking Byetta provide a written statement from their treating physician to the Medical Examiner and that they be monitored frequently.

If you need further assistance or have other questions, you may contact a Specialist in the Physical Qualifications Division on (202) 366-4001 or write to fmcsamedical@fmcsa.dot.gov