[ efficacy and complications of metformin produced by Iranian Co in comparison with Canadian Co]

ABSTRACT

Different pharmaceutical types of metformin are available for glycemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus. There is some doubt about the efficacy of metformin produced by domestic pharmaceutical companies. As a clinical trial, we compared the efficacy and complications of metformin produced by an Iranian company with metformin from a Canadian company in diabetic patients. Eighteen eligible women [age range 32-62 years] with type 2 diabetes received metformin [500 mg twice a day] either from Iranian company or from Canadian company each for 6 weeks period in a randomized, double blind, crossover study. Fasting blood sugar [FBS], HbA1C, lipid profile [Chol, TG, HDL, and LDL], weight, and BMI were assessed before and after each treatment phase. The results were compared with each other by paired sample T-test and Independent sample T-test. Each of the two pharmaceutical types of metformin had the same therapeutic effects on FBS, HbA1C, lipid profile [except for HDL] and BMI. In addition, there was no significant difference between them in side effects [22.2% in each group]. According to the beneficial therapeutic effects of Iranian metformin, lower side effects and low cost, in comparison to its Canadian type, it seems that using Iranian metformin would be a suitable choice for control of glycemic patients. However, in this regard, further studies with greater samples are recommended