The first in-depth comparison of type 2 oral medications arriving on the scene over the last decade was published earlier this week in the Annals of Internal Medicine. The review determined older, cheaper diabetes drugs are as safe and effective as new alternatives. Oh boy, Big Pharma's newer drug sales teams won't like this conclusion.
Metformin, also known as Glucophage, was cited as the safest and best option, as it works as well as other oral medications, but does not cause weight gain or hypoglycemia. Bad cholesterol is also lowered on metformin, and the drug only costs about $100 a year. Newer drugs cost as much as $262 a month, stated lead researcher Dr. Shari Bolen, and there was no benefit to the newer drugs unless tolerance to an older one was at issue. They also noted taking two oral meds can improve blood sugar, but the cost and risk of side effects are both higher.
The researchers reviewed more than 200 published studies and some unpublished information from the Food and Drug Administration. Avandia's manufacturer, GlaxoSmithKline, stated this analysis was completed prior to the completion of one Avandia study that showed Avandia improved blood sugar control compared to two rival meds.
But the dinosaur Metformin does have a roar -- it can cause a rare, dangerous side effect called lactic acidosis. Read more in Globe and Mail.
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1. For even more on this topic, the following opinion piece is worth a look:
http://www.thebulletin.us/site/news.cfm?newsid=18609688&BRD=2737&PAG=461&dept_id=576361&rfi=6
Posted at 7:37PM on Jul 20th 2007 by Diane Rixon