Drugs commonly used for Type 2 Diabetes

You may have noticed, that for Type 1 Diabetes, injection medications are required.  When diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes, the patient is frequently prescribed oral medications with a diet and exercise plan.  Depending on how advanced the symptoms are, additional medications may be prescribed as a combination.  If you have sensitivities or allergic reactions to any component of any of the following medications, be sure to notify your health care provider and seek immediate care!


Metformin (oral medication)
Generic Name: metformin
Brand Names: Fortamet, Glucophage, Glucophage XR, Glumetza, Riomet

Metformin is not for Type 1 Diabetes.  It can be used in addition to other diabetes medications, to help regulate blood sugar levels. Tell your doctor if you have a history of liver or heart disease.  If you have to have an X-Ray or CT scan, requiring the use of dye, you will have to temporarily stop using this drug.  There is an increased risk to develop a condition called Lactic Acidosis*.  This is a potentially fatal condition involving your muscle tissues.  This is potentially a higher risk if you have problems with dehydration, history of liver, kidney, severe infection, or CHF (congestive heart failure), or if you drink large amounts of alcohol.  It is very important that you are completely honest with your physician.

Metformin should not be given to a child younger than 10 years old.
Metformin Extended Release (Glucophage XR) should not be given to a child younger than 17 years old.

*Lactic Acidosis: Lactic acidosis is when lactic acid builds ups in the bloodstream faster than it can be removed. Lactic acid is produced when oxygen levels in the body drop.
Reference: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001428/

Levemir (long acting)
Generic Name: Insulin Determir
Brand Names: Levemir, Levemir FlexPen

Levemir can also be used for Type 1 Diabetes in adults and children at least 2 years old.  As with any medication, tell your doctor if you have history of liver or kidney disease.  Levemir does not interact well with all drugs (prescription or over-the-counter), be sure to tell your doctor if you need to add a medication or if you have a change to your regular management plan.  Be sure to read all pharmaceutical information provided, for proper administration and scheduling.

Januvia (oral medication)
Generic Name: Sitagliptin
Brand Name: Januvia

Januvia works by regulating insulin levels in your blood after eating.  It is not used for Type 1 Diabetes.  This medication can cause Pancreatitis and severe allergic reactions.  Seek emergency medical attention if you feel any of the following symptoms:

Related to Pancreatitis

• Nausea & vomiting
• Severe pain in your upper stomach
• Loss of appetite

Related to Allergic Reactions

• Fever
• Sore throat
• Swelling or burning in your face
• Skin pain
• Skin rash that spreads, blisters, and peels

Be sure to tell your doctor if you have a history of pancreatitis or kidney disease

Amaryl (oral medication)
Generic Name: glimepiride
Brand Name: Amaryl

Amaryl helps the body respond better to insulin produced by your pancreas, along with a diet and exercise plan. It cannot be used for Type 1 Diabetes.  Be sure to tell your doctor if you are allergic to Sulfa drugs and DO NOT TAKE if you are allergic to glimepiride.  Also inform your doctor if you have history of; heart disease, liver disease, kidney disease, an enzyme deficiency (G6PD), are under-nourished, problems with your adrenal glands or pituitary glands.

Along with Levemir, there are additional medications also used to treat Type 1 Diabetes.  These drugs are administered by injection/cartridge.  Here are a few more:

Humalog - fast acting
Generic name: Insulin Lispro
Brand name: Humalog Cartridge, Kwikpen, or Pen

Usually given with another long-acting insulin medication. It works by lowering the glucose level in the blood. Comes with multiple warnings, be sure to talk to your doctor about ALL additional medications and/or herbal remedies you are using. Be sure to discuss all allergies. Please refer to label/insert for information regarding drug interactions, adverse effects, and other risks. Talk to your Doctor about pediatric dosages or alternative options.


Novolog - fast acting
Generic name: Insulin Aspart
Brand name: NovoLog, NovoLog FlexPen, NovoLog PenFill

Usually given with another long-acting insulin medication. It works by lowering the glucose level in the blood. Comes with multiple warnings, be sure to talk to your doctor about ALL additional medications and/or herbal remedies you are using. Be sure to discuss all allergies. Please refer to label/insert for information regarding drug interactions, adverse effects, and other risks. Prescribed for adults and children as young as 2 years old.