Avandia Alternatives

There are several Avandia alternatives for type 2 diabetes, including lifestyle changes, other oral diabetes medications, and insulin or other injectable diabetes medications. In many situations, lifestyle changes alone (such as weight loss) may not be effective at controlling a patient's diabetes. As a result, other medications (such as sulfonylureas) may be necessary.

In September 2010, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that it would be severely restricting the use of Avandia, due to the risk of "cardiovascular events" such as heart attacks and strokes. Only individuals who cannot control their diabetes on other medications (or those who are already taking the medication and doing well) will be able to take Avandia.

 

Avandia Alternatives Explained

Avandia® (rosiglitazone maleate) is a prescription medication used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Due to the risk of serious cardiovascular problems (such as heart attacks or strokes), the use of this medication is severely restricted. As a result, people may be searching for suitable alternatives to Avandia. Fortunately, several other options are available.
 
Some of these Avandia alternatives include:
 
  • Other oral diabetes medications (see Diabetes Medication)
  • Lifestyle changes
  • Insulin and other injectable diabetes medications.
      

Oral Diabetes Medicines

Fortunately, there are many other different types of oral
 diabetes drugs available to treat type 2 diabetes, including:
 
  • Thiazolidinediones
  • Sulfonylureas
  • Biguanides
  • Meglitinides
  • Alpha glucosidase inhibitors
  • Dipeptidyl peptidase inhibitors
  • Ergot alkaloids
  • Combination medications.
Avandia Alternatives Article Continues on Next Page >
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
 
Other Articles in This eMedTV Presentation
Referring Pages Articles