Starlix Alternatives (Cont.)

 

Thiazolidinediones

These diabetes drugs, also called glitazones, primarily work by helping the body use its natural insulin better. Medications in this category include:

 

 

Sulfonylureas
Sulfonylureas are medications that force the pancreas to produce more insulin. As a result, they are very effective, but are also more likely to cause dangerously low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Medications in this category include:
 
Biguanides
Metformin (Fortamet®, Glucophage®, Glucophage XR®, Glumetza®, or Riomet®) is the only biguanide medication currently available. The drug 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.
  
Alpha Glucosidase Inhibitors
These medications prevent the breakdown of sugar and carbohydrates in the digestive tract, slowing down their absorption. They are used to decrease blood sugar levels after meals. Medications in this category include:
 
Dipeptidyl Peptidase Inhibitors
This is the newest class of oral diabetes medications. Although more medications in this group are under development, there is currently only one medication available -- sitagliptin (Januvia®). These medications increase the incretin levels in the body. Incretin is a hormone that helps to regulate blood sugar.
(Starlix Alternatives Continued: Page 3)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;