Vildagliptin
About Vildagliptin
Vildagliptin is a prescription medication used to manage blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. It helps your body control glucose more effectively, reducing the risk of long-term diabetes complications. This medication is typically prescribed when diet and exercise alone are not enough to control blood sugar.
For the best results, you must take Vildagliptin consistently at the same times every day as directed by your doctor. You can take this medication with or without food. Combining this treatment with a balanced diet and regular physical activity is essential to achieve optimal blood sugar control.
While taking Vildagliptin, some people may experience mild side effects like headaches, dizziness, or mild nausea. However, you must contact your doctor immediately if you develop serious symptoms, such as severe, persistent stomach pain or yellowing of your skin or eyes.
Do not take this if you have type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis. Before starting Vildagliptin, talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have a history of liver disease, kidney problems, heart failure, or pancreatic issues, as this medication may not be suitable for you.
Certain medications, such as steroids or water tablets, can interfere with how this medicine works, so you should disclose all treatments you are currently using. Avoid heavy alcohol consumption while taking this medication, as it can increase the risk of low blood sugar and other metabolic complications. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, breastfeeding, or an elderly individual, consult your healthcare provider before starting this medication.
Uses of Vildagliptin
Medicinal Benefits
Vildagliptin helps manage blood sugar levels and supports long-term diabetes care. By improving glucose control, it helps reduce day-to-day symptoms associated with fluctuating blood sugar and lowers the risk of diabetes-related complications.
- Helps Maintain Healthy Blood Sugar Levels: By reducing blood sugar spikes, particularly after meals, Vildagliptin helps promote more stable glucose control and supports consistent energy levels throughout the day.
- Supports Daily Wellbeing: Better blood sugar management may help reduce symptoms associated with unstable glucose levels, such as fatigue, sluggishness, and difficulty concentrating, helping you stay active and productive.
- Helps Protect Against Long-Term Diabetes Complications: By maintaining healthier blood sugar levels over time, Vildagliptin helps reduce the risk of complications affecting the nerves, kidneys, eyes, heart, and blood vessels, supporting long-term health and quality of life.
Directions for Use
- Vildagliptin can be taken with or without food as prescribed by your doctor.
- Follow your doctor's instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication to ensure safety.
- Swallow Vildagliptin as a whole with a glass of water.
- Do not chew, crush, or break it.
Storage
Side Effects of Vildagliptin
Common Side Effects (Usually mild):
- Headache
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Mild nausea or upset stomach
- Constipation or mild diarrhoea
- Trembling or sweating (signs of low blood sugar, typically when used with other diabetes medicines)
Serious Side Effects (Call a doctor right away):
- Severe, persistent pain in the upper stomach area that may spread to your back (potential sign of pancreas inflammation)
- Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes, dark urine, or unusual fatigue (signs of liver damage)
- Severe joint pain that does not go away
- Severe allergic reactions, such as skin rash, itching, hives, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
Medicines Containing this Salt
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Drug Warnings
- Check your skin regularly: Look out for any new blisters, rashes, or skin peeling, and report these to your doctor immediately.
- Monitor liver health: Your doctor may perform routine blood tests to check your liver function before and during your treatment with this medicine.
- Be prepared for low blood sugar: If you take this medicine alongside other diabetes treatments, carry a quick source of sugar, such as fruit juice or glucose tablets, in case your blood sugar drops suddenly.
- Alert medical staff: Always inform surgeons, dentists, and emergency medical personnel that you are taking this medication before any procedure.
Drug Interactions
- Insulin and Sulfonylureas: Combining Vildagliptin with these medications can significantly increase your risk of low blood sugar. Your doctor may need to adjust your dosages.
- Corticosteroids: Medicines used to treat inflammation (like prednisone) can raise blood sugar levels, potentially reducing the effectiveness of your diabetes treatment.
- Thiazide Diuretics: Certain water tablets can raise blood glucose levels, requiring closer monitoring of your diabetes management.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeYou are recommended to avoid alcohol consumption with Vildagliptin as it may cause high or low blood sugar levels.
Pregnancy
consult your doctorVildagliptin is a Category B pregnancy drug and is generally not recommended for pregnant women. However, please consult a doctor if you are pregnant before taking Vildagliptin.
Breast Feeding
consult your doctorThe excretion of Vildagliptin in breastmilk is unknown and is not recommended for breastfeeding mothers. Please consult a doctor before using Vildagliptin if you are a breastfeeding mother.
Driving
unsafeVildagliptin may cause dizziness in some people. Therefore, avoid driving if you feel dizzy after taking Vildagliptin.
Liver
cautionTake Vildagliptin with caution, especially if you have a history of liver disease. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.
Kidney
cautionTake Vildagliptin with caution, especially if you have a history of Kidney disease. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.
Children
unsafeVildagliptin is not recommended for children below 18 years of age as the safety and effectiveness were not established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Eat a balanced diet: Focus on whole foods, lean proteins, vegetables, and complex carbohydrates with a low glycaemic index to prevent sudden blood sugar spikes.
- Stay physically active: Engage in regular, moderate exercise such as walking, swimming, or cycling for at least 150 minutes per week, as physical activity helps your body use insulin more efficiently.
- Monitor your blood sugar: Check your blood sugar levels regularly as advised by your doctor to track how well your treatment plan is working.
- Limit processed sugars: Avoid sugary drinks, candies, and highly processed snacks that can disrupt your blood glucose control.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help your kidneys flush out excess sugar.
Special Advise
Liver function tests are recommended before starting treatment with Vildagliptin, at 3-month intervals for the first year and at regular intervals thereafter to monitor the signs of increased liver enzymes.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Type 2 diabetes: It is a chronic (long-lasting) condition that keeps the body away from properly utilizing insulin. Hence, people affected with type 2 diabetes either do not produce enough insulin or are resistant to insulin. Middle-aged or older are most likely to suffer from type 2 diabetes, which is also known as adult-onset diabetes. Type 2 diabetes symptoms include increased thirst, frequent urination at night, slow wound healing, increased hunger, fatigue, and blurred vision. In some cases, there may be weight gain, while in rare cases, weight loss may be observed. The complication of type 2 diabetes also includes nerve problems, kidney problems, damaged retina of the eyes or blindness, loss of limbs, sexual dysfunction, and an increase in the chance of heart attack or stroke.
FAQs
Vildagliptin is used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes, especially in patients whose blood sugar levels are not controlled by diet and exercise alone.
Vildagliptin contains Vildagliptin, an anti-diabetic drug that works by preventing the breakdown of incretin hormones, namely: glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP) that control blood sugar levels. Thereby, it increases the levels of these two hormones. Vildagliptin increases insulin production by the pancreas and decreases glucagon production by the liver. Thus, it helps to control blood sugar levels.
Yes, you may take Vildagliptin with metformin. However, please consult a doctor before using Vildagliptin with other medicines so that the dose may be adjusted appropriately.
Vildagliptin should be used with extreme caution in patients suffering from or who have a history of pancreatitis (swelling of the pancreas) as it may increase the risk of recurrent pancreatitis or worsen the condition. However, if you experience any symptoms such as vomiting, stomach pain or nausea, consult a doctor immediately.
Vildagliptin alone does not cause low blood sugar levels. However, low blood sugar levels may occur if Vildagliptin is taken along with other antidiabetic medicines, alcohol intake, exercise more than usual, delay or miss snacks or meal. However, if you experience any signs of low blood pressure such as dizziness, nausea, light-headedness, dehydration or fainting, please consult a doctor.
No, you are not recommended to stop taking Vildagliptin on your own as discontinuing Vildagliptin suddenly may cause recurring symptoms or worsen the condition. However, if you experience any difficulty while taking Vildagliptin, please consult your doctor so that alternative medicine may be prescribed.
Yes, diabetic skin lesions are common complications of diabetes. However, you are recommended to follow instructions for foot and skincare as advised by your doctor, and if you notice the onset of any new ulcers or blisters while taking Vildagliptin, please consult a doctor.
Maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly. Limit sugar intake and avoid smoking & alcohol consumption. Manage stress by doing meditation or yoga.
Hypoglycaemia is a condition in which the blood sugar/glucose levels are lower than normal.
Symptoms of hypoglycaemia include cold sweat, headache, rapid heartbeat, feeling sick, drowsiness, unusual tiredness, and weakness.
Vildagliptin should be taken as prescribed by the doctor. Talk to the doctor if you have any concerns.
Vildagliptin contains vildagliptin. Though vildagliptin and sitagliptin both belong to the class of anti-diabetic drugs called dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors, vildagliptin is not the same as sitagliptin.
Side effects of Vildagliptin are dizziness, nausea, headache, excessive sweating, low blood sugar levels, and trembling. Most of these side effects may not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
Yes, you can take this medication with or without food. Taking it at the same time each day is the most important factor for consistent blood sugar control. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you experience any stomach discomfort.
No, this medicine is generally considered weight-neutral, meaning it is unlikely to cause weight gain, unlike some other classes of diabetes medications. Talk to your doctor if you experience unexpected weight changes.
Stop taking the medication and seek emergency medical care immediately. Severe, persistent pain in the upper abdomen that radiates to your back can be a sign of acute pancreatitis, which requires urgent medical attention.
No, this medicine does not cure type 2 diabetes. It is a long-term treatment designed to help manage and control your blood sugar levels to prevent serious complications. Do not stop taking it without consulting your doctor.
It is highly recommended to limit or avoid alcohol while taking this medicine. Alcohol can cause unpredictable changes in blood sugar and increase the risk of severe side effects. Talk to your doctor for specific advice.
This medication is generally not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, as other treatments are typically preferred for managing gestational or chronic diabetes in these situations. Talk to your doctor immediately if you plan to become pregnant.
