Are you ready for some breaking news? Two weeks ago, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Juvisync, the first combination drug to treat type 2 diabetes AND high cholesterol in one tablet. Oh, you heard me right! This is great news for millions of people. Do you know what this means? Two problems, one solution!
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 8.3% of the U.S. population has diabetes and 16.3% of the U.S. adult population has high cholesterol. You’re probably asking yourself how many people account for 8.3 and 16.3 percent? I know I did. Well, it is estimated that approximately 26 million people in this country have diabetes. You do the math! With so many people affected by diabetes and high cholesterol in this country, it only makes sense that a drug company would finally come up with a pill that can treat both. The only thing I’m still wondering is what took them so long? Here are some fast facts about the new drug and, as always, the bottom line. Is Juvisync right for you? Read on and then chat with your doctor!
Why is Juvisync Important?
- Some 20 million people in the United States have type 2 diabetes and many have high cholesterol as well
- When left untreated, or poorly treated, these two conditions can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and blindness, as well as other chronic medical conditions
Juvisync Fast Facts
- First combination drug for type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol formulated in one tablet
- Fixed-dose combination medication containing two previously approved medications, sitagliptin and simvastatin
- Juvisync should only be prescribed when a patient requires treatment with both drugs
- Recommended starting dose is usually 100 mg/40 mg once daily in the evening
- Swallow Juvisync tablets whole. Do not break, crush, cut, dissolve or chew Juvisync tablets
The Bottom Line
- Juvisync is indicated for patients for whom treatment with both sitagliptin and simvastatin is appropriate
- The most common side effects include upper respiratory infection, stuffy or runny nose and sore throat, headache, muscle and stomach pain, constipation and nausea
- Juvisync is available in 100 mg/10 mg, 100 mg/20 mg and 100 mg/40 mg tablets
- Juvisync is marketed by Merck & Co., Inc.
As a person who has been told that he has both, this is the most welcome news, it now means, if my doctor approves, that I will no lomger have to take multiple medications.
Dr. Isaac, your continued information on drugs is most appreciated by those who have afflictions.
If I could, I would nominate you for a Nobel prize, incredibly invaluable information that you provide.
God Bless you.