48
VOLUME 11 NUMBER 1 • MARCH 2014
NEWS
SA JOURNAL OF DIABETES & VASCULAR DISEASE
C
ipla announces the launch of Diaphage
(metformin), a new addition to its
diabetes portfolio. Metformin is now well
established as the primary ‘anchor’ oral
anti-diabetic agent for the management of
diabetes. Diaphage is indicated for type 2
diabetes mellitus when diet has failed and
especially if the patient is overweight.
Launch of Diaphage
Diaphage can be given alone as initial
therapy or in combination with other oral
anti-diabetic medicines or injectable insulin.
It is available in all three strengths (500,
850 and 1 000 mg) and affords patients a
saving of up to 39% versus the originator.
Initially, one 500-mg tablet is taken
two to three times a day with or after
food. After 10 to 15 days, the dose
should be adjusted or increased to 850 or
1 000 mg twice daily. A gradual increase in
dose may help to improve gastrointestinal
tolerability.
For full prescribing information, refer to
the package insert.
Commenting on what the challenge
meant to him, 58-year-old participant, Douw
Steyn said, Going forward, I will continue to
make my health a priority and implement
all the knowledge that I’ve gained from this
challenge. I have also decided, along with
Left to right: Burchell Kock (participant), Margaret De Wet (participant), Sophie Hendriks (participant), Johannie Barnard (participant), Susan Stringer (Flora marketing
director), Janita Montgomery (participant) and Douw Steyn (participant).
quite a few residents, that we will not just
stop after the 21-day cholesterol challenge
comes to an end, but that we will continue
with our daily walks and sign up to continue
with the exercise classes.’
‘The 21-day challenge was a triumph,
but this is just the start’, concludes Stringer.
We extend the invitation to the whole of
South Africa and challenge the country to
take their health to heart by visiting www.
florastrongheart.co.za or
com/florastrongheart.
