Efficacy, tolerability, and safety of a novel once-daily extended-release metformin in patients with type 2 diabetes.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy and safety of a novel extended-release metformin in patients with type 2 diabetes.


METHODS
Adults with type 2 diabetes (newly diagnosed, treated with diet and exercise only, or previously treated with oral diabetic medications) were randomly assigned to receive one of three extended-release metformin treatment regimens (1,500 mg/day q.d., 1,500 mg/day twice daily, or 2,000 mg/day q.d.) or immediate-release metformin (1,500 mg/day twice daily) in a double-blind 24-week trial.


RESULTS
Significant decreases (P < 0.001) in mean HbA(1c) (A1C) levels were observed by week 12 in all treatment groups. The mean changes from baseline to end point in the two groups given 1,500 mg extended-release metformin (-0.73 and -0.74%) were not significantly different from the change in the immediate-release metformin group (-0.70%), whereas the 2,000-mg extended-release metformin group showed a greater decrease in A1C levels (-1.06%; mean difference [2,000 mg extended-release metformin - immediate-release metformin]: -0.36 [98.4% CI -0.65 to -0.06]). Rapid decreases in fasting plasma glucose levels were observed by week 1, which continued until week 8, and were maintained for the duration of the study. The overall incidence of adverse events was similar for all treatment groups, but fewer patients in the extended-release metformin groups discontinued treatment due to nausea during the initial dosing period than in the immediate-release metformin group.


CONCLUSIONS
Once- or twice-daily extended-release metformin was as safe and effective as twice-daily immediate-release metformin and provided continued glycemic control for up to 24 weeks of treatment.
Schwartz
Sherwyn
S
Diabetes and Glandular Disease Research Associates, San Antonio, Texas, USA.
Fonseca
Vivian
V
Berner
Bret
B
Cramer
Marilou
M
Chiang
Yu-Kun
YK
Lewin
Andrew
A
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000187:drug effects*; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations / Q000009:adverse effects; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D019270:Fructosamine / Q000097:blood; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D008297:Male; D008687:Metformin / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D008875:Middle Aged
D001786:Blood Glucose; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D019270:Fructosamine; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D008687:Metformin