Matching articles for "metformin"

Empagliflozin (Jardiance) for Type 2 Diabetes in Children (online only)

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • August 21, 2023;  (Issue 1683)
The sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor empagliflozin has been available for years alone (Jardiance – Boehringer Ingelheim) and in combination with metformin (Synjardy) to improve glycemic...
The sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor empagliflozin has been available for years alone (Jardiance – Boehringer Ingelheim) and in combination with metformin (Synjardy) to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes. Both products have now been approved for use in children ≥10 years old. Empagliflozin is the second oral drug to become available in the US for treatment of type 2 diabetes in children; metformin has been available since 2000 for this indication. The injectable glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists liraglutide (Victoza) and extended-release exenatide (Bydureon BCise) are also approved for use in children ≥10 years old.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2023 Aug 21;65(1683):e137 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

COVID-19 Update: Metformin to Prevent Long Covid?

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • May 29, 2023;  (Issue 1677)
Results from a double-blind trial suggest that off-label use of the oral antihyperglycemic drug metformin in patients with COVID-19 may decrease the risk of post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2...
Results from a double-blind trial suggest that off-label use of the oral antihyperglycemic drug metformin in patients with COVID-19 may decrease the risk of post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection ("long COVID").
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2023 May 29;65(1677):87-8 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

In Brief: Semaglutide (Wegovy) for Weight Loss in Children

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • February 20, 2023;  (Issue 1670)
The injectable glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist semaglutide (Wegovy), which was approved by the FDA in 2021 for chronic weight management in adults, has now been approved for chronic weight...
The injectable glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist semaglutide (Wegovy), which was approved by the FDA in 2021 for chronic weight management in adults, has now been approved for chronic weight management in children ≥12 years old with an initial BMI in the ≥95th percentile for age and sex.Semaglutide is also available as Ozempic and Rybelsus for treatment of type 2 diabetes in adults.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2023 Feb 20;65(1670):31-2 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

In Brief: Finerenone (Kerendia) for Diabetic Kidney Disease

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • January 23, 2023;  (Issue 1668)
Recently published guidelines from the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) Diabetes Work Group recommend addition of the oral...
Recently published guidelines from the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) Diabetes Work Group recommend addition of the oral nonsteroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA) finerenone (Kerendia) to standard treatment in patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD).
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2023 Jan 23;65(1668):15-6 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Type 2 Diabetes

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • November 14, 2022;  (Issue 1663)
Diet, exercise, and weight loss can improve glycemic control, but almost all patients with type 2 diabetes require antihyperglycemic drug therapy. Treating to a target A1C of...
Diet, exercise, and weight loss can improve glycemic control, but almost all patients with type 2 diabetes require antihyperglycemic drug therapy. Treating to a target A1C of <7% while minimizing hypoglycemia is recommended to prevent microvascular complications of diabetes (retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy). An A1C target of <8% may be appropriate for some older patients.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2022 Nov 14;64(1663):177-84 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Comparison Chart: SGLT2 Inhibitors (online only)

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • November 16, 2020;  (Issue 1611)
...
View the Comparison Chart: SGLT2 Inhibitors
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2020 Nov 16;62(1611):e184-8 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Two New Doses of Dulaglutide (Trulicity) for Diabetes

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • October 19, 2020;  (Issue 1609)
The FDA has approved two additional doses (3 mg and 4.5 mg) of the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist dulaglutide (Trulicity – Lilly) for treatment of type 2 diabetes in adults. Dulaglutide...
The FDA has approved two additional doses (3 mg and 4.5 mg) of the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist dulaglutide (Trulicity – Lilly) for treatment of type 2 diabetes in adults. Dulaglutide has been available in 0.75- and 1.5-mg doses for years.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2020 Oct 19;62(1609):168 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

In Brief: Trijardy XR - A New 3-Drug Combination for Type 2 Diabetes

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • June 1, 2020;  (Issue 1599)
The FDA has approved Trijardy XR (Boehringer Ingelheim/Lilly), a fixed-dose combination of the sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor empagliflozin, the dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor...
The FDA has approved Trijardy XR (Boehringer Ingelheim/Lilly), a fixed-dose combination of the sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor empagliflozin, the dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor linagliptin, and extended-release metformin, for oral treatment of type 2 diabetes in adults. Empagliflozin and linagliptin have been available in a fixed-dose combination as Glyxambi since 2015, and both have been available in 2-drug combinations with extended-release metformin for years (see Table 1).
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2020 Jun 1;62(1599):88 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Type 2 Diabetes

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • November 4, 2019;  (Issue 1584)
Diet, exercise, and weight loss can improve glycemic control, but almost all patients with type 2 diabetes eventually require drug therapy. Treating to a glycated hemoglobin (A1C) concentration of...
Diet, exercise, and weight loss can improve glycemic control, but almost all patients with type 2 diabetes eventually require drug therapy. Treating to a glycated hemoglobin (A1C) concentration of <7% can prevent microvascular complications (retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy), but whether it prevents macrovascular complications and death is unclear. An A1C target of <8% may be appropriate for older patients and those with underlying cardiovascular disease (CVD), a history of severe hypoglycemia, diabetes-related complications, a limited life expectancy, or a long duration of disease.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2019 Nov 4;61(1584):169-78 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Oral Semaglutide (Rybelsus) for Type 2 Diabetes

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • October 21, 2019;  (Issue 1583)
An oral formulation of the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist semaglutide (Rybelsus – Novo Nordisk) has been approved by the FDA for once-daily treatment of type 2 diabetes in adults....
An oral formulation of the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist semaglutide (Rybelsus – Novo Nordisk) has been approved by the FDA for once-daily treatment of type 2 diabetes in adults. Semaglutide, which has been available in a subcutaneously-injected formulation (Ozempic) since 2017, is the first GLP-1 receptor agonist to become available for oral administration; the 4 other GLP-1 receptor agonists currently available in the US are administered by subcutaneous (SC) injection.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2019 Oct 21;61(1583):166-8 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Cardiovascular Benefits of SGLT2 Inhibitors and GLP-1 Receptor Agonists in Type 2 Diabetes

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • February 25, 2019;  (Issue 1566)
Since 2008, because of safety concerns, the FDA has mandated that long-term cardiovascular outcomes trials be conducted for all new drugs for type 2 diabetes. Reductions in the incidence of macrovascular...
Since 2008, because of safety concerns, the FDA has mandated that long-term cardiovascular outcomes trials be conducted for all new drugs for type 2 diabetes. Reductions in the incidence of macrovascular complications in these trials with some sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists in patients at risk for cardiovascular disease (see Table 1) have led to new recommendations.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2019 Feb 25;61(1566):26-8 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Ertugliflozin for Type 2 Diabetes

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • April 23, 2018;  (Issue 1545)
The FDA has approved the sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor ertugliflozin (Merck) for treatment of adults with type 2 diabetes, both alone (Steglatro) and in fixed-dose combinations with...
The FDA has approved the sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor ertugliflozin (Merck) for treatment of adults with type 2 diabetes, both alone (Steglatro) and in fixed-dose combinations with metformin (Segluromet) and sitagliptin (Steglujan). Ertugliflozin is the fourth SGLT2 inhibitor to be approved in the US. All four are available in combination with metformin and three are available in combination with a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor (see Table 3).
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2018 Apr 23;60(1545):70-2 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Dapagliflozin/Saxagliptin (Qtern) for Type 2 Diabetes

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • March 26, 2018;  (Issue 1543)
The FDA has approved Qtern (AstraZeneca), a fixed-dose combination of the sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor dapagliflozin (Farxiga) and the dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor...
The FDA has approved Qtern (AstraZeneca), a fixed-dose combination of the sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor dapagliflozin (Farxiga) and the dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor saxagliptin (Onglyza), for oral treatment of adults with type 2 diabetes. Dapagliflozin and saxagliptin have each been available for years alone and in combination with extended-release metformin (Xigduo XR; Kombiglyze XR). Three SGLT2/DPP-4 inhibitor combinations are now available in the US (see Table 2).
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2018 Mar 26;60(1543):55-6 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Semaglutide (Ozempic) - Another Injectable GLP-1 Receptor Agonist for Type 2 Diabetes

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • January 29, 2018;  (Issue 1539)
The FDA has approved semaglutide (Ozempic – Novo Nordisk), a long-acting injectable GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonist, for once-weekly treatment of adults with type 2 diabetes. It is the...
The FDA has approved semaglutide (Ozempic – Novo Nordisk), a long-acting injectable GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonist, for once-weekly treatment of adults with type 2 diabetes. It is the sixth GLP-1 receptor agonist to be approved in the US.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2018 Jan 29;60(1539):19-21 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Fiasp - Another Insulin Aspart Formulation for Diabetes

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • January 1, 2018;  (Issue 1537)
The FDA has approved Fiasp (Novo Nordisk), a new formulation of insulin aspart, to improve glycemic control in adults with diabetes. Fiasp is described by the manufacturer as faster-acting than...
The FDA has approved Fiasp (Novo Nordisk), a new formulation of insulin aspart, to improve glycemic control in adults with diabetes. Fiasp is described by the manufacturer as faster-acting than conventional insulin aspart (Novolog).
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2018 Jan 1;60(1537):6-7 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Cardiovascular Effects of Some Antidiabetic Drugs

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • August 14, 2017;  (Issue 1527)
For many years, the goal of drug therapy for most patients with type 2 diabetes has been to achieve and maintain an A1C of...
For many years, the goal of drug therapy for most patients with type 2 diabetes has been to achieve and maintain an A1C of <7%. Achieving that goal can prevent microvascular complications (diabetic retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy), but whether it prevents macrovascular complications (myocardial infarction [MI], stroke) has been less clear. The FDA now requires that cardiovascular safety studies be performed for all new drugs for type 2 diabetes.1 Recent findings that some of the newer second-line drugs for type 2 diabetes have cardiovascular benefits have led to new interest in the cardiovascular efficacy and safety of all antidiabetic drugs.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2017 Aug 14;59(1527):136-8 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Lixisenatide for Type 2 Diabetes

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • January 30, 2017;  (Issue 1513)
The FDA has approved lixisenatide (Sanofi), a short-acting injectable GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonist, for once-daily treatment of adults with type 2 diabetes, both alone (Adlyxin) and in...
The FDA has approved lixisenatide (Sanofi), a short-acting injectable GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonist, for once-daily treatment of adults with type 2 diabetes, both alone (Adlyxin) and in a fixed-ratio combination with insulin glargine (Soliqua 100/33). Lixisenatide has been available since 2013 in many other countries as Lyxumia. It is the fifth GLP-1 receptor agonist to be approved in the US.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2017 Jan 30;59(1513):19-21 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Comparison Table: SGLT2 Inhibitors (online only)

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • January 30, 2017;  (Issue 1513)
...
View the Comparison Table: SGLT2 Inhibitors
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2017 Jan 30;59(1513):e26 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Type 2 Diabetes

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • January 16, 2017;  (Issue 1512)
The goal of drug therapy for type 2 diabetes is to achieve and maintain a near-normal glycated hemoglobin (A1C) concentration without inducing hypoglycemia; the target is generally an A1C of ≤7%. Treating...
The goal of drug therapy for type 2 diabetes is to achieve and maintain a near-normal glycated hemoglobin (A1C) concentration without inducing hypoglycemia; the target is generally an A1C of ≤7%. Treating to this target has been shown to prevent microvascular complications (retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy), but whether it prevents macrovascular outcomes is unclear. An A1C target of <8% may be appropriate for older patients and those with underlying cardiovascular disease, a history of severe hypoglycemia, diabetes-related complications or comorbidities, or a long duration of disease.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2017 Jan 16;59(1512):9-18 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Metformin for Prediabetes

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • November 7, 2016;  (Issue 1507)
The oral biguanide metformin (Glucophage, and others) is generally the drug of choice for initial treatment of type 2 diabetes. It has also been used to prevent or at least delay the onset of diabetes in...
The oral biguanide metformin (Glucophage, and others) is generally the drug of choice for initial treatment of type 2 diabetes. It has also been used to prevent or at least delay the onset of diabetes in patients considered to be at high risk for the disease. Recent guidelines recommend considering use of metformin in patients with prediabetes (fasting plasma glucose 100-125 mg/dL, 2-hr post-load glucose 140-199 mg/dL, or A1C 5.7-6.4%), especially in those who are <60 years old, have a BMI >35 kg/m2, or have a history of gestational diabetes. Metformin has not been approved for such use by the FDA.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2016 Nov 7;58(1507):141 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Jentadueto XR for Type 2 Diabetes

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • August 1, 2016;  (Issue 1500)
The FDA has approved Jentadueto XR (Boehringer Ingelheim/Lilly), a once-daily extended-release formulation of the dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor linagliptin and the biguanide metformin, for...
The FDA has approved Jentadueto XR (Boehringer Ingelheim/Lilly), a once-daily extended-release formulation of the dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor linagliptin and the biguanide metformin, for oral treatment of type 2 diabetes. Linagliptin and metformin have been available for years in a twice-daily immediate-release combination (Jentadueto). Once-daily extended-release formulations combining metformin with the DPP-4 inhibitors saxagliptin (Kombiglyze XR) and sitagliptin (Janumet XR) are also available.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2016 Aug 1;58(1500):98-100 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

In Brief: New Recommendations for Use of Metformin in Renal Impairment

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • April 25, 2016;  (Issue 1493)
The FDA has required labeling changes that replace serum creatinine (SCr) with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) as the parameter used to determine the appropriateness of treatment with the biguanide...
The FDA has required labeling changes that replace serum creatinine (SCr) with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) as the parameter used to determine the appropriateness of treatment with the biguanide metformin (Glucophage, and others) in patients with renal impairment. These changes will allow more patients with mild to moderate renal impairment to receive metformin, which is generally the first drug prescribed for treatment of type 2 diabetes.

Metformin was previously contraindicated in women with a SCr level ≥1.4 mg/dL and in men with a SCr level ≥1.5 mg/dL, but use of SCr as a surrogate indicator tends to underestimate renal function in certain populations (e.g., younger patients, men, black patients, patients with greater muscle mass). The calculation of eGFR takes into account age, race, and sex, as well as SCr level, providing a more accurate assessment of kidney function. A literature review summarized in an FDA Drug Safety Communication concluded that, based on eGFR, metformin is safe to use in patients with mild renal impairment and in some patients with moderate renal impairment.1

The eGFR should be calculated before patients begin treatment with metformin and at least annually thereafter. Metformin is now contraindicated in patients with an eGFR <30 mL/min/1.73 m2, and starting treatment with the drug in patients with an eGFR between 30 and 45 mL/min/1.73 m2 is not recommended. If the eGFR falls below 45 mL/min/1.73 m2 in a patient already taking metformin, the benefits and risks of continuing treatment should be assessed. Metformin should be not be administered for 48 hours after an iodinated contrast imaging procedure in patients with an eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 or a history of liver disease, alcoholism, or heart failure, or in those receiving intra-arterial contrast, and the eGFR should be re-evaluated before treatment is restarted.

  1. FDA Drug Safety Communication: FDA revises warnings regarding use of the diabetes medicine metformin in certain patients with reduced kidney function. Available at: www.fda.gov. Accessed April 14, 2016.


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Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2016 Apr 25;58(1493):51 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Empagliflozin/Metformin (Synjardy) for Type 2 Diabetes

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • December 21, 2015;  (Issue 1484)
The FDA has approved Synjardy (Boehringer Ingelheim/Lilly), a fixed-dose combination of the sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor empagliflozin (Jardiance) and metformin (Glucophage, and...
The FDA has approved Synjardy (Boehringer Ingelheim/Lilly), a fixed-dose combination of the sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor empagliflozin (Jardiance) and metformin (Glucophage, and others), for treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes not adequately controlled on either of these drugs alone or already being treated with both empagliflozin and metformin. It is the third SGLT2 inhibitor/metformin combination to be approved in the US.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2015 Dec 21;57(1484):172-4 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Concentrated Insulin Glargine (Toujeo) for Diabetes

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • May 11, 2015;  (Issue 1468)
The FDA has approved Toujeo (Sanofi), a more concentrated form of insulin glargine containing 300 IU/mL compared to the 100 IU/mL in Lantus (Sanofi). Lantus is nearing the end of its patent protection in...
The FDA has approved Toujeo (Sanofi), a more concentrated form of insulin glargine containing 300 IU/mL compared to the 100 IU/mL in Lantus (Sanofi). Lantus is nearing the end of its patent protection in the US, and biosimilars are expected to become available.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2015 May 11;57(1468):69-70 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Glyxambi - A New Combination for Type 2 Diabetes

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • April 27, 2015;  (Issue 1467)
The FDA has approved Glyxambi (Boehringer Ingelheim/Lilly), a fixed-dose combination of empagliflozin (Jardiance) and linagliptin (Tradjenta), for oral treatment of type 2 diabetes in adults. It is the...
The FDA has approved Glyxambi (Boehringer Ingelheim/Lilly), a fixed-dose combination of empagliflozin (Jardiance) and linagliptin (Tradjenta), for oral treatment of type 2 diabetes in adults. It is the first combination of a sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor and a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor to be approved in the US.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2015 Apr 27;57(1467):65-6 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Diet, Drugs, and Surgery for Weight Loss

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • February 16, 2015;  (Issue 1462)
Adults with a body mass index (BMI) between 25 and 29.9 kg/m2 are considered overweight. Those with a BMI ≥30 are considered obese. Losing even a small amount of weight and increasing physical activity...
Adults with a body mass index (BMI) between 25 and 29.9 kg/m2 are considered overweight. Those with a BMI ≥30 are considered obese. Losing even a small amount of weight and increasing physical activity can prevent some of the complications of obesity, particularly type 2 diabetes. Diet and exercise are the preferred methods for losing weight, but long-term failure rates are high. Several drugs have been approved by the FDA for weight reduction, but adherence is poor, adverse effects are common, and patients usually regain the lost weight when the drug is stopped. Bariatric surgery can produce substantial weight loss and significantly reduce obesity-related comorbidities; long-term data on its safety are encouraging, but still limited. Guidelines for the management of overweight or obese adults have recently been published.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2015 Feb 16;57(1462):21-8 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Triumeq: A 3-Drug Combination for HIV

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • January 5, 2015;  (Issue 1459)
The FDA has approved Triumeq (Viiv Healthcare), a fixed-dose combination of the integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI) dolutegravir and the nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) abacavir...
The FDA has approved Triumeq (Viiv Healthcare), a fixed-dose combination of the integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI) dolutegravir and the nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) abacavir and lamivudine, for once-daily treatment of HIV-1 infection. Dolutegravir (Tivicay) was approved as a single agent in 2013.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2015 Jan 5;57(1459):7-8 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Invokamet and Xigduo XR - Two New Combinations for Type 2 Diabetes

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • December 8, 2014;  (Issue 1457)
The FDA has approved fixed-dose combinations of metformin with either canagliflozin (Invokamet) or dapagliflozin (Xigduo XR) for treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes not adequately controlled with any...
The FDA has approved fixed-dose combinations of metformin with either canagliflozin (Invokamet) or dapagliflozin (Xigduo XR) for treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes not adequately controlled with any one of these drugs, or in those already being treated with both metformin and either canagliflozin or dapagliflozin.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2014 Dec 8;56(1457):124-5 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Two New GLP-1 Receptor Agonists for Diabetes

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • November 10, 2014;  (Issue 1455)
Two new injectable GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonists, dulaglutide (Trulicity [trū li si tee] – Lilly) and albiglutide (Tanzeum [tan' zee um] – GSK), have been approved by the FDA for...
Two new injectable GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonists, dulaglutide (Trulicity [trū li si tee] – Lilly) and albiglutide (Tanzeum [tan' zee um] – GSK), have been approved by the FDA for once-weekly treatment of type 2 diabetes. Other available GLP-1 receptor agonists include exenatide, which is approved for injection twice daily (Byetta) or once weekly (Bydureon), and liraglutide (Victoza), which is injected once daily.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2014 Nov 10;56(1455):109-11 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Empagliflozin (Jardiance) for Diabetes

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • October 13, 2014;  (Issue 1453)
Empagliflozin (Jardiance – Boehringer Ingelheim/Lilly), an SGLT2 inhibitor, has been approved by the FDA for oral treatment of type 2 diabetes. It is the third SGLT2 inhibitor to be approved for this...
Empagliflozin (Jardiance – Boehringer Ingelheim/Lilly), an SGLT2 inhibitor, has been approved by the FDA for oral treatment of type 2 diabetes. It is the third SGLT2 inhibitor to be approved for this indication.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2014 Oct 13;56(1453):99-100 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Dapagliflozin (Farxiga) for Type 2 Diabetes

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • February 17, 2014;  (Issue 1436)
Dapagliflozin (dap" a gli fl oe' zin; Farxiga – Bristol-Myers Squibb/AstraZeneca), an SGLT2 (sodium-glucose co-transporter 2) inhibitor, has been approved by the FDA for oral treatment of type 2 diabetes....
Dapagliflozin (dap" a gli fl oe' zin; Farxiga – Bristol-Myers Squibb/AstraZeneca), an SGLT2 (sodium-glucose co-transporter 2) inhibitor, has been approved by the FDA for oral treatment of type 2 diabetes. Dapagliflozin is the second SGLT2 inhibitor to be approved for this indication; canagliflozin (Invokana) was the first .
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2014 Feb 17;56(1436):13-5 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

In Brief: Rosiglitazone (Avandia) Unbound

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • February 3, 2014;  (Issue 1435)
The FDA has removed prescribing and dispensing restrictions placed on rosiglitazone (Avandia, and others) in 2010 because of concerns about its cardiovascular safety.1 The removal of restrictions was based on...
The FDA has removed prescribing and dispensing restrictions placed on rosiglitazone (Avandia, and others) in 2010 because of concerns about its cardiovascular safety.1 The removal of restrictions was based on the results of an independent reevaluation of the RECORD trial, which found no significant difference between rosiglitazone and metformin/sulfonylurea in the risk of cardiovascular (or unknown cause) death, myocardial infarction, or stroke.2

1. FDA Drug Safety Communication: FDA requires removal of some prescribing and dispensing restrictions for rosiglitazone-containing diabetes medicines. Available at www.fda.gov. Accessed January 27, 2014.

2. KW Mahaffey et al. Results of a reevaluation of cardiovascular outcomes in the RECORD trial. Am Heart J 2013; 166:240.

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Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2014 Feb 3;56(1435):12 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Topiramate Extended-Release (Trokendi XR) for Epilepsy

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • October 28, 2013;  (Issue 1428)
The FDA has approved a once-daily extended-release (ER) formulation of the antiepileptic topiramate (Trokendi XR – Supernus) for initial monotherapy in patients ≥10 years old with partial onset seizures...
The FDA has approved a once-daily extended-release (ER) formulation of the antiepileptic topiramate (Trokendi XR – Supernus) for initial monotherapy in patients ≥10 years old with partial onset seizures or primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures and for adjunctive therapy in patients ≥6 years old with partial onset seizures, primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures, or seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. Topiramate has been available for many years as an immediate-release (IR) formulation (Topamax, and generics) for the same indications in patients ≥2 years old
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2013 Oct 28;55(1428):87-8 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Alogliptin (Nesina) for Type 2 Diabetes

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • May 27, 2013;  (Issue 1417)
The FDA has approved the dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor alogliptin (Nesina – Takeda) for treatment of type 2 diabetes. In addition to the single-ingredient product, the FDA also approved...
The FDA has approved the dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor alogliptin (Nesina – Takeda) for treatment of type 2 diabetes. In addition to the single-ingredient product, the FDA also approved fixed-dose combinations of alogliptin/metformin (Kazano) and alogliptin/pioglitazone (Oseni) for the same indication. Alogliptin is the fourth DPP-4 inhibitor to become available in the US. The other three – saxagliptin (Onglyza), sitagliptin (Januvia), and linagliptin (Tradjenta) – are also available in fixed-dose combinations with metformin.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2013 May 27;55(1417):41-3 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Canagliflozin (Invokana) for Type 2 Diabetes

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • May 13, 2013;  (Issue 1416)
Canagliflozin (kan" a gli floe' zin; Invokana – Janssen), a sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor, has been approved by the FDA for oral treatment of type 2...
Canagliflozin (kan" a gli floe' zin; Invokana – Janssen), a sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor, has been approved by the FDA for oral treatment of type 2 diabetes.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2013 May 13;55(1416):37-9 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Tablet Splitting

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • August 6, 2012;  (Issue 1396)
Breaking drug tablets in half is a common practice. Since our last article on this subject, some new data have become...
Breaking drug tablets in half is a common practice. Since our last article on this subject, some new data have become available.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2012 Aug 6;54(1396):63 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Addendum: What Comes After Metformin for Type 2 Diabetes?

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • August 6, 2012;  (Issue 1396)
Several readers have raised questions about the statement in our recent article (Med Lett Drugs Ther 2012; 54:58) that long-acting insulins, like metformin and sulfonylureas, have been shown to decrease...
Several readers have raised questions about the statement in our recent article (Med Lett Drugs Ther 2012; 54:58) that long-acting insulins, like metformin and sulfonylureas, have been shown to decrease long-term cardiovascular risk. Our statement was based on the extension of the UKPDS (RR Holman et al, N Engl J Med 2008; 359:1577), which is the longest prospective trial of drug therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes. Shorter studies in older patients with long-standing diabetes did not find a reduction in cardiovascular risk with these and other drugs (The Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes Study Group. N Engl J Med 2008; 358:2545; The ADVANCE Collaborative Group. N Engl J Med 2008; 358:2560; W Duckworth et al. N Engl J Med 2009; 360:129).

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Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2012 Aug 6;54(1396):64 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

What Comes After Metformin for Type 2 Diabetes?

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • July 23, 2012;  (Issue 1395)
Most experts agree that lifestyle modifications and metformin (Glucophage, and others) should be used first to treat patients with type 2 diabetes. If metformin alone fails to control hyperglycemia, there...
Most experts agree that lifestyle modifications and metformin (Glucophage, and others) should be used first to treat patients with type 2 diabetes. If metformin alone fails to control hyperglycemia, there is no general agreement on which drug should be added next. A recent article in The Medical Letter offered some support for a sulfonylurea. Three recent trials published in The Lancet favored the long-acting basal insulin glargine, the glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1) analog exenatide, and the dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor linagliptin, respectively. Some of the advantages and disadvantages of these and other available agents are listed in Table 1 on the opposite page.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2012 Jul 23;54(1395):58-9 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Linagliptin/Metformin (Jentadueto) for Type 2 Diabetes

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • May 14, 2012;  (Issue 1390)
Linagliptin (Tradjenta) and metformin (Glucophage, and others) are now available as a fixed-dose combination (Jentadueto – Boehringer Ingelheim/Lilly) for oral treatment of type 2 diabetes in adults....
Linagliptin (Tradjenta) and metformin (Glucophage, and others) are now available as a fixed-dose combination (Jentadueto – Boehringer Ingelheim/Lilly) for oral treatment of type 2 diabetes in adults. Metformin is generally the preferred first-line agent for treatment of type 2 diabetes, but most patients eventually require treatment with multiple drugs. Linagliptin is a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DDP-4) inhibitor like sitagliptin (Januvia) and saxagliptin (Onglyza). Both sitagliptin and saxagliptin are also available in fixed-dose combinations with metformin.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2012 May 14;54(1390):37-9 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Sitagliptin and Simvastatin (Juvisync)

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • November 14, 2011;  (Issue 1377)
The FDA has approved Juvisync (Merck), a fixed-dose combination of the antihyperglycemic DPP-4 inhibitor sitagliptin (Januvia) and the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor simvastatin (Zocor, and...
The FDA has approved Juvisync (Merck), a fixed-dose combination of the antihyperglycemic DPP-4 inhibitor sitagliptin (Januvia) and the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor simvastatin (Zocor, and others).
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2011 Nov 14;53(1377):89 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Ovulation Induction

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • October 31, 2011;  (Issue 1376)
Infertility occurs in about 15% of couples. About one-third of cases are due to problems with ovulation or other female factors, another third are due to a male infertility factor, and the remaining third...
Infertility occurs in about 15% of couples. About one-third of cases are due to problems with ovulation or other female factors, another third are due to a male infertility factor, and the remaining third are unexplained. In older women, unexplained infertility is probably caused by diminished quality and quantity of oocytes. The first approach to treatment of female-factor infertility generally is the use of drugs that stimulate oocyte production.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2011 Oct 31;53(1376):86-8 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Type 2 Diabetes

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • August 1, 2011;  (Issue 108)
The development of hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes results from a combination of metabolic abnormalities that includes insulin resistance, diminished insulin secretion and excess hepatic glucose...
The development of hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes results from a combination of metabolic abnormalities that includes insulin resistance, diminished insulin secretion and excess hepatic glucose production. Diet, exercise and weight loss are helpful in improving glucose control, but most patients ultimately require drug therapy.
Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2011 Aug;9(108):47-54 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Linagliptin (Tradjenta) - A New DPP-4 Inhibitor for Type 2 Diabetes

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • June 27, 2011;  (Issue 1367)
Linagliptin (Tradjenta – Boehringer Ingelheim/Lilly), a third oral dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) enzyme inhibitor, was recently approved by the FDA for treatment of type 2 diabetes, either alone or in...
Linagliptin (Tradjenta – Boehringer Ingelheim/Lilly), a third oral dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) enzyme inhibitor, was recently approved by the FDA for treatment of type 2 diabetes, either alone or in combination with metformin, a sulfonylurea or pioglitazone
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2011 Jun 27;53(1367):49-50 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Diet, Drugs and Surgery for Weight Loss

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • April 1, 2011;  (Issue 104)
...
Adults with a body mass index (BMI=kg/m2) of 25-<30 are considered overweight; those with a BMI of ≥30 are considered obese.
Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2011 Apr;9(104):17-22 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Liraglutide (Victoza) for Type 2 Diabetes

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • April 5, 2010;  (Issue 1335)
Liraglutide (Victoza – Novo Nordisk), a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist given by subcutaneous injection, has been approved by the FDA for treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes. It can...
Liraglutide (Victoza – Novo Nordisk), a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist given by subcutaneous injection, has been approved by the FDA for treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes. It can be used alone or in addition to oral antidiabetic drugs such as metformin (Glucophage, and others) or glimepiride (Amaryl, and others). Liraglutide is not recommended for first-line therapy and is not approved for use with insulin.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2010 Apr 5;52(1335):25-7 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Rosiglitazone (Avandia) Revisited

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • March 8, 2010;  (Issue 1333)
The cardiovascular safety of the thiazolidinedione rosiglitazone (Avandia – GlaxoSmithKline) is in the news again, with some authorities calling for its removal from the market (New York Times, February 19,...
The cardiovascular safety of the thiazolidinedione rosiglitazone (Avandia – GlaxoSmithKline) is in the news again, with some authorities calling for its removal from the market (New York Times, February 19, 2010).
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2010 Mar 8;52(1333):17 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Saxagliptin (Onglyza) for Type 2 Diabetes

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • November 2, 2009;  (Issue 1324)
Saxagliptin (Onglyza - Bristol-Myers Squibb), the second oral dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor to be marketed in the US, has been approved by the FDA for treatment of adults with type 2...
Saxagliptin (Onglyza - Bristol-Myers Squibb), the second oral dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor to be marketed in the US, has been approved by the FDA for treatment of adults with type 2 diabetes.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2009 Nov 2;51(1324):85-6 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Tablet Splitting

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • August 10, 2009;  (Issue 1318)
Readers have asked us to update our 2004 article on tablet splitting. Breaking drug tablets in half is a common practice, but the FDA recently advised consumers against it (FDA Consumer Health Information, July...
Readers have asked us to update our 2004 article on tablet splitting. Breaking drug tablets in half is a common practice, but the FDA recently advised consumers against it (FDA Consumer Health Information, July 2009).

Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2009 Aug 10;51(1318):62-3 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Metformin/Repaglinide (PrandiMet) for Type 2 Diabetes

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • June 1, 2009;  (Issue 1313)
A new fixed-dose tablet (PrandiMet - Novo Nordisk) combining metformin (Glucophage, and others) and repaglinide (Prandin) has been approved by the FDA for treatment of type 2 diabetes in patients already taking...
A new fixed-dose tablet (PrandiMet - Novo Nordisk) combining metformin (Glucophage, and others) and repaglinide (Prandin) has been approved by the FDA for treatment of type 2 diabetes in patients already taking both metformin and repaglinide, or for patients not adequately controlled on either drug alone.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2009 Jun 1;51(1313):41-3 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Type 2 Diabetes

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • July 1, 2008;  (Issue 71)
The development of hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes results from a combination of metabolic abnormalities including insulin resistance, diminished insulin secretion and excess hepatic glucose production. Diet,...
The development of hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes results from a combination of metabolic abnormalities including insulin resistance, diminished insulin secretion and excess hepatic glucose production. Diet, exercise and weight loss are helpful in improving glucose control, but most patients ultimately require drug therapy.
Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2008 Jul;6(71):47-6 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

In Brief: A New Indication for Colesevelam (Welchol)

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • May 5, 2008;  (Issue 1285)
Colesevelam (Welchol - Daiichi Sankyo - Med Lett Drugs Ther 2000; 42:102), a bile-acid sequestrant used to lower LDL cholesterol, has been approved by the FDA as an adjunct to diet and exercise in the treatment...
Colesevelam (Welchol - Daiichi Sankyo - Med Lett Drugs Ther 2000; 42:102), a bile-acid sequestrant used to lower LDL cholesterol, has been approved by the FDA as an adjunct to diet and exercise in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. In unpublished studies summarized in the package insert, patients with type 2 diabetes taking metformin (Glucophage, and others), a sulfonylurea or insulin (each as either monotherapy or in combination with other anti-diabetic agents) were given colesevelam 3800 mg per day or placebo; colesevelam significantly reduced glycosylated hemoglobin (A1c) by about 0.5% more than placebo in all three trials. The mechanism is unclear.

Colesevelam can cause constipation, nausea and dyspepsia, increase serum triglyceride concentrations, and interfere with absorption of other oral drugs. One month's treatment with Welchol obtained from drugstore.com would cost about $200. Medical Letter consultants are not enthusiastic about prescribing it for this indication.

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Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2008 May 5;50(1285):33 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Diet, Drugs and Surgery for Weight Loss

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • April 1, 2008;  (Issue 68)
Losing even a small amount of weight and increasing physical activity can prevent some of the complications of obesity, particularly type 2 diabetes. Diet and exercise are the preferred methods for losing...
Losing even a small amount of weight and increasing physical activity can prevent some of the complications of obesity, particularly type 2 diabetes. Diet and exercise are the preferred methods for losing weight but are associated with high long-term failure rates. Drugs may help some patients, but all currently available drugs for weight reduction have drawbacks. Gastric surgery can produce marked weight loss in the severely obese, but long-term data on safety are limited.
Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2008 Apr;6(68):23-7 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Sitagliptin/Metformin (Janumet) for Type 2 Diabetes

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • June 4, 2007;  (Issue 1262)
Sitagliptin (Januvia) and metformin (Glucophage, and others) are now available in a single tablet (Janumet - Merck) for treatment of type 2 diabetes. The combination is approved by the FDA for use in patients...
Sitagliptin (Januvia) and metformin (Glucophage, and others) are now available in a single tablet (Janumet - Merck) for treatment of type 2 diabetes. The combination is approved by the FDA for use in patients not adequately controlled by sitagliptin or meformin alone or in those already taking both drugs. Metformin is also available in combination with the thiazolidinediones pioglitazone and rosiglitazone and with the sulfonylureas glipizide and glyburide.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2007 Jun 4;49(1262):45-7 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Pioglitazone/Metformin (Actoplus met)

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • January 30, 2006;  (Issue 1227)
For patients with diabetes poorly controlled with a single oral drug, addition of a second drug with a different mechanism can be helpful. A fixed-dose combination (Actoplus met - Takeda) of two widely used...
For patients with diabetes poorly controlled with a single oral drug, addition of a second drug with a different mechanism can be helpful. A fixed-dose combination (Actoplus met - Takeda) of two widely used antihyperglycemic drugs, the thiazolidinedione pioglitazone (Actos) and the biguanide metformin (Glucophage, and others), has been approved by the FDA for management of type 2 diabetes. It is indicated for patients already being treated with both pioglitazone and metformin or as second-line therapy for those not adequately controlled with either metformin or pioglitazone alone. Rosiglitazone, another thiazolidinedione, is also available in a fixed-dose combination with metformin (Avandamet).
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2006 Jan 30;48(1227):9-11 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Diabetes

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • August 1, 2005;  (Issue 36)
The development of hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes results from a combination of metabolic abnormalities including insulin resistance, excess hepatic glucose production and diminished insulin secretion. In...
The development of hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes results from a combination of metabolic abnormalities including insulin resistance, excess hepatic glucose production and diminished insulin secretion. In many patients, diet and regular exercise can improve glucose control. Most drugs currently available for management of type 2 diabetes increase insulin supply (sulfonylureas, other secretagogues and insulin itself), decrease insulin resistance (thiazolidinediones) or improve the effectiveness of insulin (biguanides). Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors reduce the rate of glucose absorption. Newer agents such as pramlintide (Symlin) and exenatide (Byetta) have multiple effects to increase satiety and reduce postprandial hyperglycemia.
Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2005 Aug;3(36):57-62 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Exenatide (Byetta) for Type 2 Diabetes

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • June 6, 2005;  (Issue 1210)
Exenatide injection (Byetta - Amylin/Lilly), a synthetic peptide that stimulates release of insulin from pancreatic beta cells, has been approved by the FDA as adjunctive therapy for patients with type 2...
Exenatide injection (Byetta - Amylin/Lilly), a synthetic peptide that stimulates release of insulin from pancreatic beta cells, has been approved by the FDA as adjunctive therapy for patients with type 2 diabetes who have not achieved optimal glycemic control on metformin (Glucophage, and others), a sulfonylurea, such as glyburide (DiaBeta, and others), or both. Exenatide is not indicated for use with insulin.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2005 Jun 6;47(1210):45-6 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Trospium (Sanctura): Another Anticholinergic for Overactive Bladder

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • August 2, 2004;  (Issue 1188)
Trospium chloride (Sanctura - Indevus/Odyssey) has been approved by the FDA for treatment of overactive bladder with symptoms of urge urinary incontinence, urgency and urinary frequency. It has been available...
Trospium chloride (Sanctura - Indevus/Odyssey) has been approved by the FDA for treatment of overactive bladder with symptoms of urge urinary incontinence, urgency and urinary frequency. It has been available in Europe for many years.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2004 Aug 2;46(1188):63-4 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Diet, Drugs and Surgery for Weight Loss

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • December 1, 2003;  (Issue 16)
The latest definitions of overweight and obesity are based on body mass index (BMI). The BMI is calculated by dividing the weight in kilograms by the square of the height in meters (kg/m2). More than half of...
The latest definitions of overweight and obesity are based on body mass index (BMI). The BMI is calculated by dividing the weight in kilograms by the square of the height in meters (kg/m2). More than half of American adults are considered overweight with a BMI of ≥25, and about one third are obese with a BMI of ≥30. All ages seem to be affected; the proportion of children and adolescents who are overweight has more than doubled in the past 25 years. There is no lack of effort to treat obesity: drugs, diets and programs to change lifestyle are the basis for a large and flourishing industry. The frequent failure of diet and drug treatment sometimes leads to recommendations for surgery, usually restricted to those with a BMI ≥40.
Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2003 Dec;1(16):101-6 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Insulin-Sensitizing Drugs for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • April 28, 2003;  (Issue 1155)
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), an endocrine abnormality characterized by hyperandrogenism and anovulation, affects 5-10% of women of reproductive age in the US. It is often accompanied by obesity and insulin...
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), an endocrine abnormality characterized by hyperandrogenism and anovulation, affects 5-10% of women of reproductive age in the US. It is often accompanied by obesity and insulin resistance. In recent years, antidiabetic drugs, although not approved for such use by the FDA, have been tried for treatment of this disorder. This review describes the effectiveness of metformin and the thiazolidinediones in women with PCOS. Also included is a dosage and cost table for some insulin-sensitizing drugs.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2003 Apr 28;45(1155):35-6 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Metaglip and Avandamet for Type 2 Diabetes

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • December 23, 2002;  (Issue 1146)
Two new fixed-dose combinations are now available for management of type 2 diabetes. Metaglip (Bristol-Myers Squibb), a combination of metformin and glipizide, is approved for initial therapy or as second-line...
Two new fixed-dose combinations are now available for management of type 2 diabetes. Metaglip (Bristol-Myers Squibb), a combination of metformin and glipizide, is approved for initial therapy or as second-line treatment when control is not adequate on metformin or a sulfonylurea alone. Avandamet (GlaxoSmithKline), a combination of metformin and rosiglitazone, is approved by the FDA only as second-line therapy for patients who are not well controlled on metformin alone, or are already taking both metformin and rosiglitazone. Glucovance (Bristol-Myers Squibb), a combination of metformin and glyburide, a sulfonylurea similar to glipizide, has been available since 2000 (Medical Letter 2000; 42:105).
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2002 Dec 23;44(1146):107-9 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Diabetes

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • September 1, 2002;  (Issue 1)
The development of hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes results from a combination of metabolic abnormalities including insulin resistance, excess hepatic glucose production and diminished insulin secretion. Most...
The development of hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes results from a combination of metabolic abnormalities including insulin resistance, excess hepatic glucose production and diminished insulin secretion. Most drugs currently available for management of type 2 diabetes fall into 2 categories: those that increase insulin supply (sulfonylureas, other secretagogues and insulin itself) and those that decrease insulin resistance or improve its effectiveness (biguanides, thiazolidinediones). Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors reduce the rate of glucose absorption.
Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2002 Sep;0(1):1-6 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Nateglinide For Type 2 Diabetes

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • April 2, 2001;  (Issue 1101)
...
Nateglinide (Starlix), a new meglitinide oral glucose-lowering agent, has been approved by the FDA.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2001 Apr 2;43(1101):29-30 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Direct-to-consumer Advertisements For Glucophage XR

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • March 19, 2001;  (Issue 1100)
Full-page newspaper advertisements addressed to patients with type 2 diabetes are promoting the convenience of "NEW once-a-day Glucophage XR (metformin HCl extended-release tablets),"and offering a coupon for a...
Full-page newspaper advertisements addressed to patients with type 2 diabetes are promoting the convenience of "NEW once-a-day Glucophage XR (metformin HCl extended-release tablets),"and offering a coupon for a free 30-day supply in the month of March.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2001 Mar 19;43(1100):25-6 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Bexarotene (Targretin) For Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • April 3, 2000;  (Issue 1075)
Bexarotene, a retinoid analog, has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for oral treatment of dermatologic manifestations of refractory cutaneous T-cell...
Bexarotene, a retinoid analog, has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for oral treatment of dermatologic manifestations of refractory cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2000 Apr 3;42(1075):31-2 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Pioglitazone (Actos)

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • November 19, 1999;  (Issue 1066)
Pioglitazone is the third thiazolidinedione ("glitazone") to be marketed in the USA for treatment of type 2 diabetes. Thiazolidinediones decrease resistance to...
Pioglitazone is the third thiazolidinedione ("glitazone") to be marketed in the USA for treatment of type 2 diabetes. Thiazolidinediones decrease resistance to insulin.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 1999 Nov 19;41(1066):112 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Rosiglitazone for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • August 13, 1999;  (Issue 1059)
Rosiglitazone, the second thiazolidinedione derivative to be marketed in the USA for treatment of type 2 diabetes, has been approved by the FDA for use either alone or combined with...
Rosiglitazone, the second thiazolidinedione derivative to be marketed in the USA for treatment of type 2 diabetes, has been approved by the FDA for use either alone or combined with meformin.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 1999 Aug 13;41(1059):71-3 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Miglitol for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • May 21, 1999;  (Issue 1053)
Miglitol, an oral alpha-glucosidase inhibitor similar to acarbase, is now available for treatment of type 2...
Miglitol, an oral alpha-glucosidase inhibitor similar to acarbase, is now available for treatment of type 2 diabetes.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 1999 May 21;41(1053):49-50 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Repaglinide for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • May 22, 1998;  (Issue 1027)
Repaglinide (Prandin - Novo Nordisk) is a new oral glucose-lowering agent for treating type 2 diabetes (formerly called non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus or NIDDM). It has been approved by the FDA for...
Repaglinide (Prandin - Novo Nordisk) is a new oral glucose-lowering agent for treating type 2 diabetes (formerly called non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus or NIDDM). It has been approved by the FDA for monotherapy or for use in combination with metformin.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 1998 May 22;40(1027):55-6 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Midodrine for Orthostatic Hypotension

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • June 20, 1997;  (Issue 1003)
Midodrine hydrochloride (ProAmatine - Roberts), an alpha1-selective adrenergic agonist, is now available for treatment of severe symptomatic orthostatic hypotension. Other treatments for this condition...
Midodrine hydrochloride (ProAmatine - Roberts), an alpha1-selective adrenergic agonist, is now available for treatment of severe symptomatic orthostatic hypotension. Other treatments for this condition include other sympathomimetics, constrictive garments, erythropoietin (Epogen; Procrit) and fludrocortisone with salt (D Robertson and TL Davis, Neurology, 45 suppl 5: S26, 1995).
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 1997 Jun 20;39(1003):59-60 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Troglitazone for Non-Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • May 23, 1997;  (Issue 1001)
Troglitazone (Rezulin - Parke-Davis), the first of a new class of thiazolidinedione derivatives ('glitazones') for diabetes, has been marketed for oral treatment of noninsulin- dependent diabetes mellitus...
Troglitazone (Rezulin - Parke-Davis), the first of a new class of thiazolidinedione derivatives ('glitazones') for diabetes, has been marketed for oral treatment of noninsulin- dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) in patients who take more than 30 units of insulin daily and still have a glycosylated hemoglobin concentration (HbA1c) of 8.5% or higher.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 1997 May 23;39(1001):49-51 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Glimepiride for NIDDM

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • May 24, 1996;  (Issue 975)
Glimepiride (Amaryl - Hoechst Marion Roussel), a new sulfonylurea similar to glyburide and glipizide (Medical Letter, 26:79, 1984), was recently marketed for treatment of patients with non-insulin-dependent...
Glimepiride (Amaryl - Hoechst Marion Roussel), a new sulfonylurea similar to glyburide and glipizide (Medical Letter, 26:79, 1984), was recently marketed for treatment of patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) not controlled by diet and exercise. The new drug is the first sulfonylurea approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use concurrently with insulin.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 1996 May 24;38(975):47-8 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Acarbose for Diabetes Mellitus

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • February 2, 1996;  (Issue 967)
Acarbose (Precose -Bayer), an oral alpha-glucosidase inhibitor that has been available in Europe for several years, was recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of...
Acarbose (Precose -Bayer), an oral alpha-glucosidase inhibitor that has been available in Europe for several years, was recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM).
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 1996 Feb 2;38(967):9-10 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction