Endocrine
Diabetes
Troglitazone (Rezulin)
This drug is the first of a new class indicated in the treatment of Type II diabetes. It works by increasing the effectiveness of circulating insulin. It is of particular value in lowering (10-23%) and stabilizing the insulin requirements of patients with Type II diabetes who require insulin for control of blood glucose. Adverse effects include: an increased incidence of urinary tract infections, headache, and weakness. Due to reports of liver damage, periodic monitoring of liver function is recommended.
Acarbose (Precose), Miglitol (Glycet)
These are representatives of a new class of drugs which are oral non-absorbed agents for the treatment of non-insulin dependent diabetes. They act in the intestine by reducing the conversion of disaccharides to absorbable simple sugars. This results in a dose-dependent reduction of blood sugar from 20-80 mg/dl. A dose-dependent reduction of HbA1c of 0.5-1.00% is also observed. It may be used a monotherapy or combined with a sulfonylurea. As expected, the major side effects are gastrointestinal and include abdominal pain, diarrhea, and flatulence (which can occur in up to 80% of patients). Slow titration of dose upwards can reduce the gastrointestinal side effects.
Infertility
Progesterone Gel (Crinone)
This drug which is administered intravaginally is useful in assisted reproductive technology (ART) and in treatment of infertility. it is a bioadhesive gel which is used once or twice daily. Side effects are rare with abdominal pain, bloating, headache and constipation the most frequently reported.
Please contact us if you need further information on these or any other products available in the United States.