Diabetes Management
Oral tablets and injectable medicines for type 2 diabetes fill this range, spanning several mechanisms of action. Rybelsus, Dapasmart and Victoza are among the recognised names here.
Metformin Tablets
500mg · 850mg
Metformin tablets for type 2 diabetes. It reduces sugar output from the liver and helps the body respond better to its own insulin.
Empagliflozin Tablets
10mg · 25mg
Empagliflozin tablets for type 2 diabetes and heart failure. They lower blood sugar by letting the kidneys remove it in urine.
Sitagliptin Tablets
50mg · 100mg
Sitagliptin tablets for type 2 diabetes. They belong to a class that boosts insulin release only when blood sugar is high.
Glucovance
2.5mg + 400mg · 5mg + 500mg
Metformin and glibenclamide tablets for type 2 diabetes. The two drugs lower blood sugar by different routes, so one pill does the work of two separate ones.
Glucotrol Xl
2.5mg · 5mg · 10mg
Glipizide extended-release tablets for type 2 diabetes. The prolonged release keeps the pancreas nudged to make insulin steadily, rather than in one short burst.
Key points
- Oral and injectable medicines cover different mechanisms here: GLP-1 receptor agonists, SGLT2 inhibitors, a DPP-4 inhibitor and other antidiabetic tablets.
- Rybelsus and Victoza are also listed under Weight Management, alongside their role in type 2 diabetes.
- Empagliflozin and Dapasmart are both SGLT2 inhibitors also listed for heart failure; Dapasmart is listed for chronic kidney disease as well.
- Metformin appears alone in Metformin Tablets and combined with glibenclamide in Glucovance.
GLP-1 receptor agonists, SGLT2 inhibitors and a DPP-4 inhibitor
Semaglutide is the GLP-1 receptor agonist in Rybelsus, and liraglutide is the GLP-1 receptor agonist in Victoza, both listed for type 2 diabetes mellitus. Empagliflozin Tablets and Dapasmart, which contains dapagliflozin, are both SGLT2 inhibitors. Sitagliptin Tablets is the DPP-4 inhibitor in this range.
Metformin and other oral antidiabetic tablets
Metformin is listed on its own in Metformin Tablets, alongside Amaryl (glimepiride), Actos (pioglitazone) and Glucotrol XL (glipizide) as oral antidiabetic tablets for type 2 diabetes.
Further reading
What diabetes medicines does Direct Meds sell?
Direct Meds lists 10 diabetes medicines. Together they contain 10 different active ingredients, including metformin, semaglutide and empagliflozin. Examples include Rybelsus and Metformin Tablets; all 10 medicines are listed on this page.
What are diabetes medicines used for?
Between them, the diabetes medicines on Direct Meds are used for type 2 diabetes mellitus, heart failure, cardiovascular risk reduction and chronic kidney disease.
What forms do diabetes medicines come in?
Mostly as tablets, with some injection pens. The forms and strengths are listed on each product page.
How do I choose between the diabetes medicines on Direct Meds?
Start with the active ingredient: there are 10 different ones in this range. Products with the same active ingredients contain the same medicine. Compare their strength, form and price per unit. Each product page's details table lists uses, how quickly it works, side effects and interactions. If you take other medicines, are pregnant or have a long-term condition, check with a doctor or pharmacist first.
Will I receive branded or generic diabetes medicines?
Usually a generic. Names such as Rybelsus and Victoza identify the medicine: you receive a generic with the same active ingredient and strength. Others, such as Dapasmart and Glucotrol Xl, are listed under their own names; for these you receive a branded generic or generic with the same active ingredient, depending on stock.
What you will receive →How much do diabetes medicines cost in South Africa?
Compare each medicine, strength and pack on its product page. Prices are shown in rand, converted from US dollars, so the final rand total can change with the exchange rate. Larger packs usually cost less per unit.
Payment and prices →Do I need a prescription to buy diabetes medicines in South Africa?
No. Direct Meds does not ask for a prescription to order diabetes medicines. We are a broker, not a dispensing pharmacy. We arrange orders and delivery with our affiliated supplier on your behalf.
Ordering without a prescription →Can I order diabetes medicines online in South Africa?
Yes. Choose a product, strength and pack, then check out. Our affiliated supplier delivers across South Africa. Estimated delivery is 7 days with Express Delivery, which includes online tracking, or up to 3 weeks with Regular Delivery.
How ordering works →Related articles
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