At Buy Canadian Insulin, eligible U.S. patients can access prescription oral diabetes medications through participating pharmacy partners at competitive pricing.
We provide access to a range of branded oral diabetes medications, including Jardiance, Farxiga, and other commonly prescribed treatments.
Prescriptions are reviewed and dispensed through participating licensed pharmacy partners.
What are Oral Diabetes Medications?
Oral diabetes medications help manage blood sugar levels in people with diabetes, especially those with type 2 diabetes and prediabetes.
Patients take these medications by mouth, and they work by either increasing insulin sensitivity, reducing glucose production, or helping the body use insulin more effectively.
Managing type 2 diabetes requires making lifestyle changes like diet and exercise, and doctors often prescribe oral medications to help maintain optimal blood glucose levels. Sometimes, patients may use oral diabetes medications alongside insulin therapy for better control.
Common oral medications include Metformin, Sulfonylureas, and SGLT2 inhibitors, and healthcare providers may prescribe a combination of these to meet individual needs.
Those with gestational diabetes can also use oral diabetes medications if diet and exercise alone are not enough to control blood sugar.
Types of Oral Diabetes Medications
Several types of oral diabetes medications help manage blood sugar levels in people with Type 2 diabetes. Each type works differently to increase insulin sensitivity, reduce glucose production, or allow the body to use insulin more effectively.
- Bile Acid Sequestrants (BASs): Bile acid sequestrants, such as Colesevelam (brand name Welchol), primarily lower cholesterol but also help reduce blood glucose levels in Type 2 diabetes. Common side effects may include gas and constipation, but BASs are safe for individuals with liver issues as they do not absorb into the bloodstream.
- Biguanides: Biguanides, particularly Metformin (brand names Glucophage, Glucophage XR, Fortamet, Glumetza), are the most commonly used oral diabetes medications. They lower blood glucose levels by reducing glucose production in the liver and improving the body’s sensitivity to insulin. Metformin is typically taken twice daily and can effectively control blood glucose levels. Common side effects include diarrhea, an upset stomach, and a metallic taste in the mouth.
- DPP-4 Inhibitors (Gliptins): DPP-4 inhibitors, such as Alogliptin (brand name Nesina), Linagliptin (brand name Tradjenta), Saxagliptin (brand name Onglyza), and Sitagliptin (brand name Januvia), help manage blood sugar levels by preventing the breakdown of GLP-1, a hormone that naturally lowers blood glucose. These medications can also increase the feeling of fullness after meals, which may aid in weight management.
- Dopamine-2 Agonists: Bromocriptine, a dopamine-2 agonist (brand name Cycloset), manages blood glucose by resetting the body’s circadian rhythm, often disrupted by obesity. The FDA has approved Bromocriptine as the only dopamine-2 agonist for Type 2 diabetes, and patients typically take it once a day in the morning.
- Meglitinides (Glinides): Meglitinides, including Nateglinide (brand name Starlix) and Repaglinide (brand name Prandin), stimulate the pancreas to release insulin, helping control blood sugar levels after meals. These medications are taken before each meal to prevent large spikes in blood sugar. While effective, meglitinides can increase the risk of hypoglycemia since they promote insulin production.
- SGLT2 Inhibitors: SGLT2 inhibitors, such as Canagliflozin (brand name Invokana), Dapagliflozin (brand name Farxiga), and Empagliflozin (brand name Jardiance), lower blood sugar by blocking the kidneys from reabsorbing glucose, allowing the body to expel excess glucose through urine. In rare cases, SGLT2 inhibitors may cause diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a severe condition.
- Sulfonylureas: Sulfonylureas, such as Glimepiride (brand name Amaryl), Glipizide (brand names Glucotrol, Glucotrol XL), and Glyburide (brand names Micronase, Glynase, Diabeta), help lower blood sugar by stimulating the pancreas to release more insulin. Sulfonylureas are helpful for people needing additional help managing their blood sugar but may not be suitable for those at higher risk of hypoglycemia.
- Thiazolidinediones (TZDs): Thiazolidinediones, such as Pioglitazone (brand name Actos) and Rosiglitazone (brand name Avandia), improve insulin sensitivity by reducing insulin resistance in the body. These medications effectively lower blood glucose levels but are often associated with weight gain and fluid retention. They are for people who need help managing blood sugar when other options are less effective.
- Alpha-Glucosidase Inhibitors: Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors like Acarbose and Miglitol help lower blood sugar by slowing down the digestion of starches and sugars in the intestines.
How to Buy Oral Diabetes Medications?
Patients with a valid prescription may request oral diabetes medications through Buy Canadian Insulin’s participating pharmacy partners.
- Search for your desired medication using the website’s search field. Once you find it, select the requested medication and quantity. You can add multiple medications, including OTC products and diabetes supplies, to your cart.
- Provide your contact information, shipping details, and payment information during the order request process. You will also create an account to track orders and re-order in the future.
- Upload a scanned or digital copy of your prescription on the website or fax it to the provided number for prescription medications. Prescription medications require a valid prescription before review and dispensing. Non-prescription products may not require prescription verification.
