Metformin: Encyclopedia II - Metformin - Uses

Metformin - Uses

The main use for metformin is for the treatment of diabetes mellitus, especially when it is concomitant with obesity and insulin resistance.

It is also being used increasingly in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, two other diseases that feature insulin resistance; these indications are still considered experimental.

Metformin is the only anti-diabetic drug that has been proven to reduce the complications of diabetes, as evidenced in a large study of overweight patients with diabetes (UKPDS 1998).

Metformin is often prescribed to type 2 diabetes patients in combination with rosiglitazone maleate. This drug actively reduces insulin resistance, complementing the action of the metformin. In 2002, the two drugs were combined into a single product, Avandamet, marketed by GlaxoSmithKline. [1]. In 2005, all current stock of Avandamet was siezed by the FDA and removed from the market. This was due to problems at the manufacturing plants, not to any medical issues resulting from the drugs use. [2] The drug pair continued to be prescribed separately in the absence of Avandamet itself, which was readily available by the end of that year.

Adapted from the Wikipedia article "Uses", under the G.N U Free Docmentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki