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Attention Type II Diabetics!!








Type II diabetes is commonly referred to as "non-insulin dependent diabetes." There are a host of oral and injectable medications that are usually the first line of treatment for someone with this condition.  Usually the very first medication that is used is metformin; after some period of time, the patient is re-evaluated and other medications may be added to the first medication if needed.

One of the newer classes of medications for type II diabetes is the DPP-4 inhibitors. This class includes the following products:

Image source: FDA.gov


The FDA has come out with a warning in the last month or so regarding this class of drugs. It is relevant to this blog because they warning states that these drugs may cause severe joint pain in patients who are taking them. The onset of pain in those who reported it began anywhere from 1 day to 1 year after therapy was initiated.

If you are a patient who is taking one of these products, it is recommended that you contact your health care provider about it.  This is especially urgent if you have developed severe persistent joint pain since starting DPP-4 therapy. Stopping the medication on your own is not advised; it's best that your medical team decide if it's appropriate to discontinue the medication and/or whether or not you should use a different medication in its place.

Sources: FDA.gov; PAINweek.org: Flickr
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