Janumet Alternatives (Cont.)

Oral Diabetes Medicines as Janumet Alternatives

Fortunately, many different types of oral diabetes drugs are available to treat type 2 diabetes, including:
 
  • Sulfonylureas
  • Biguanides
  • Meglitinides
  • Thiazolidinediones
  • Alpha glucosidase inhibitors
  • Combination medications.
     
Sulfonylureas
Sulfonylureas are medications that force the pancreas to make more insulin. Because of this, they are very effective in controlling blood sugar, but are also more likely to cause dangerously low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). These diabetes medications include:
 
Biguanides
Metformin (Fortamet®, Glucophage®, Glucophage XR®, Glumetza®, or Riomet®) is the only biguanide medication currently available. It works by helping the body use its natural insulin better. It also decreases sugar (glucose) production by the liver and decreases sugar absorption from the diet.
 
Meglitinides
Meglitinides are similar to sulfonylureas, in that they force the pancreas to produce more insulin. However, they are short-acting and are less likely to cause dangerously low blood sugar. They are usually taken before every meal. Meglitinides include:
 
Thiazolidinediones
These medications work mostly by helping the body use its natural insulin better. There are currently two thiazolidinediones available for type 2 diabetes treatment:
 
Alpha Glucosidase Inhibitors
These diabetes medications prevent the breakdown of sugar and carbohydrates in the digestive tract, slowing down their absorption. These medications are used to decrease blood sugar levels after meals and include:
 
Combination Medications
A variety of combination medications are available for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, including:
 
(Janumet Alternatives Continued: Page 3)
Pages:

Previous 1   2   3 Next

Add this article to your Favorites     Email this article     Print
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;