title: Durable efficacy of metformin/glibenclamide combination tablets (Glucovance) during 52 weeks of open-label treatment in type 2 diabetic patients with hyperglycaemia despite previous sulphonylurea monotherapy.
abstract: Oral anti-diabetic combinations that address insulin resistance and beta-cell dysfunction (e.g. metformin and glibenclamide) represent a rational therapeutic option for patients uncontrolled on monotherapy. A 52-week, open-label extension to a double-blind study evaluated metformin-glibenclamide combination tablets (Glucovance) in 477 patients with hyperglycaemia despite sulphonylurea therapy. Reductions in HbA1C were maintained, with a mean reduction of -1.7% after 52 weeks, compared with the baseline value for the double-blind trial. Eighty-five patients receiving 4 x 500 mg/2.5 mg tablets daily displayed a marked improvement in HbA1c following up-titration to a regimen of 2 x 500 mg/2.5 mg + 3 x 500 mg/5 mg tablets. Lipid profiles improved significantly. The combination tablets were well tolerated: 11.1% of patients reported hypoglycaemic symptoms (all either mild or moderate severity). No patient withdrew or required pharmacologic intervention for hypoglycaemia. Metformin-glibenclamide combination tablets are an effective and well-tolerated therapeutic option for intensifying oral anti-diabetic therapy.
authors.affiliation: Ochsner Clinic Foundation, New Orleans, LA 70121, USA. lblonde@ochsner.org
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Blonde
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Joyal
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Henry
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Howlett
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D005905:Glyburide / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D006943:Hyperglycemia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008687:Metformin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D013607:Tablets; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D005905:Glyburide; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D008687:Metformin; D013607:Tablets; C417231:Glucovance