Established drugs for type 2 diabetes may be more effective than new ones
Just because a drug is expensive does not always mean that it's more effective, according to a research team from Johns Hopkins University.
Just because a drug is expensive does not always mean that it's more effective, according to a research team from Johns Hopkins University. Their study revealed that patients with type 2 diabetes should buy Actos and other established medications, rather than splurging on newer and more expensive brands.
The paper, which appears in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine, found that a particular drug known as metformin - which first received FDA approval in 1995 - not only controlled blood glucose levels, but it also was less likely to result in weight gain or increased cholesterol, compared to some newer medications.
"Metformin works for most people," said lead author Wendy Bennett. "It's cheaper, there's a generic form - it's tried and true. Our study shows that even though there are all these newer drugs, metformin works just as well and has fewer side effects."
She added that type 2 diabetes is an enormous public health problem, and that patients may often have tough decisions regarding what medication to take.
Smart shoppers who stick to effective, established drugs may acquire these at discounted prices from a Canadian online pharmacy.
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