title: The power of two: an update on fixed-dose combinations for type 2 diabetes.
abstract: Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are unlikely to maintain glycemic control with monotherapy, and will eventually require therapy with multiple antihyperglycemic agents (AHAs). Combination therapy regimens with multiple AHAs may be complex and negatively impact patient adherence. Fixed-dose combinations (FDCs) are used successfully for management of numerous chronic diseases. Areas covered: This article includes a brief overview of the add-on approach of current treatment guidelines for T2DM and reviews the evidence supporting the utility of oral FDCs in the treatment of T2DM, including recently developed oral FDCs (2010-2016). Benefits regarding safety and tolerability, adherence and cost are also discussed. Finally, the barriers limiting the use of FDCs and how these barriers may be overcome are addressed. Expert commentary: Therapeutic strategies including FDCs need to be implemented on a larger scale. FDCs have the potential to simplify treatment regimens, improve adherence and provide long-term glycemic control.
authors: a Department of Family Medicine, Centre for Studies in Family Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry , Western University , London , Ontario , Canada.
authors: Stewart B
authors: SB
authors: Harris
mesh_terms: D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000187:drug effects; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004338:Drug Combinations; D016527:Drug Costs; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics; D010349:Patient Compliance; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic
chemical_list: D001786:Blood Glucose; D004338:Drug Combinations; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents
keywords: Adherence; combination therapy; fixed-dose combination; type 2 diabetes mellitus