Older, cheaper diabetes drugs may be just as effective as others

July 16, 2007 (WLS) -- The federal government wanted to do the first in-depth comparison of oral diabetes medications that have come out in the last decade.

Researchers have found that older, cheaper drugs such as Metformin sold as Glucophage are as safe and effective as other drugs.

The report in the Annals of Internal Medicine is based on information obtained from drug companies.

Consumer Reports also published a consumer guide of the results.

It also rates medications such as Amaryl and Glucotrol as best bets. These results may further hurt sales of Avandia, a blockbuster pill recently tied to heart problems.

Get more News »

• Email
• Print
• Report a typo
•