A new list of diabetes medication deemed safe for use has been released by Bahrain’s health officials.

Metformin, marketed under the trade name Glucophage among others, was pulled off shelves in Bahrain’s pharmacies last week over reports that it might contain unacceptable levels of carcinogenic impurities.

It is the first-line medication for the treatment of Type 2 Diabetes, mainly in people who are overweight.

However, the National Health Regulatory Authority (NHRA) has been updating its list of approved and safe diabetes medication, including those that contain safe amounts of Metformin.

“The additional list contains the safe diabetes medicines containing Metformin and free from the Carcinogenic Impurity (NDMA) or its presence is within the acceptable limits based on the submitted safety reports by the manufacturers of those medicines,” said the NHRA in a statement.

Both the Health Ministry and NHRA have previously reassured the public of the safety of diabetes medication which contains Metformin Clogofauge.

They also reaffirmed that the decision to continue or discontinue medication depends on the patient’s primary physician and that there is no cause for concern to continue the medication for a short while pending blood work.

“It is of dire importance for patients wishing to change their medication to first consult their physician for alternative options,” said a joint statement from the ministry and the NHRA.

“Patients shouldn’t discontinue their medication without consulting a doctor and waiting for the final safety report from NHRA based on the manufacturers’ reports.”

The NHRA added that the results of the current investigation will be received in the coming days and a statement will be issued highlighting the safe medication.

It also said the list of safe medication will be continuously updated based on laboratory results.

“Patients who don’t see their medication on the approved list must urgently consult their physicians,” added the NHRA.

For a full list of the safe and approved medication, visit @nhra_bahrain.

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