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Last updated on September 27th, 2022
Belonging to the class of anti-diabetic medications and known as DPP-4 inhibitor, Vildagliptin tablets is advised to be consumed only once a day. It may be consumed with another anti-diabetic drug ‘Metformin’.
When taken this drug in combination with metformin, it shows significant improvements in glycemic control and lowers the risk of hypoglycemia. This drug has been found very potent in helping a type-2 diabetes patient to improve his/her glycemic control.
People who take vildagliptin along with sulfonylurea, or insulin treatment have also shown clinically relevant improvements in glycemic control.
Basically, vildagliptin is an anti-diabetic medicine that functions by raising insulin release from the pancreas and aids in reducing fasting and post-meal sugar levels.
Summary
Vildagliptin is an anti-diabetic medication, usually prescribed in combination with sulfonylurea or insulin, to help the consumer in getting glycemic control.
Uses of Vildagliptin Tablets
Vildagliptin is used for treating diabetes. It is advised to consume with a proper diet and performing exercise is a must if you are on this drug. The drug combined with a healthy diet and adequate physical activity helps in keeping the blood glucose levels in check. Being an anti-diabetic drug, it helps the pancreases to release more insulin. Regular consumption of Vildagliptin helps in reducing fasting and post-meal sugar levels.
The drug has to be taken only after:
- Reading the printed information carefully
- Knowing about the procedure
- Consuming it as directed by your doctor
- Normal dosage for a 50-gram tablet should be taken twice a day but depending on your other medications, your doctor may instruct about your doses
Summary
Vildagliptin 50 MG / 500 MG tablet is a very common medication for type-2 diabetes patients. It should be taken along with healthy eating habits and a sufficient amount of physical activities for optimal results. Taking it without consulting a physician is nor recommended.
Side Effects of Vildagliptin Tablets
Some of the side effects that a person can get after consuming Vildagliptin are:
- Headache
- Constipation
- Hypoglycemia
- Weakness
- Cough
- Heartburn
- Swelling of face, eyelids and lips
- Excessive Sweating
It must be noted that if the patient suffers from common side effects, then he/she should not take it without telling the doctor. The doctor will evaluate your condition and the side effects will disappear within a few days automatically. But if any kind of serious side effects persists in the body, then the patients should consult the doctor immediately.
It is advised to consult the doctor if you have a history of being allergic to any ingredient used in Vildagliptin. If the patient suffers from an allergy, kidney problems, or hepatic impairments, then immediate medical help is required.
Also Read: Can Diabetes be Reversed Permanently?
Summary
The most common side-effects of Vildagliptin are headache, weakness, excessive sweating, hypoglycemia, cough, and heartburn. If the patient experiences any common side-effects, he/she is not advised to stop the medication without telling the doctor, but in case of any serious side-effects, consulting a doctor immediately is highly recommended.
Missed Dose of Vildagliptin Tablets
As soon as you remember, you can take your missed dose. You must skip your missed dose only if it is the time to take your next dose. You are not supposed to take an additional dose to compensate for a missed dose as it may cause complications.
Also Read: Yoga For Diabetes
Overdose of Vildagliptin Tablets
Overdose of Vildagliptin can lead to serious side effects like irregular heartbeat, dizziness, vomiting, and trouble breathing.
Storage
- Do not keep Vildagliptin in direct sunlight, air, or light.
- Make sure the medicine is kept in a safe place and away from children.
- Exposure to the medication can lead to harmful effects.
- Keep Vildagliptin at a room temperature between 20-25 degrees celsius.
Warnings associated with Vildagliptin Medicine
Pregnancy
Women who are pregnant are advised only to consume this drug after consulting with the doctor. Discuss the benefits and complications with your health practitioner before taking this drug. Depending upon your condition, your doctor will suggest you an alternative drug.
Lactating Mothers
Women who are breastfeeding are advised not to take this drug as it may pass into the breastmilk and lead to serious side effects in infants. Taking this drug without consulting with your doctor is strictly prohibited.
Summary
Pregnant women and lactating mothers are not advised to take this medication if their doctor hasn’t recommended them as it may cause harm to the baby.
Interactions
All drugs have a different type of interaction depending upon who is taking it. Consulting a doctor to evaluate the chances of all kinds of possible interactions is mandatory before starting with any drug.
Also Read: How to Reduce Blood Sugar Level Immediately?
Interaction With Alcohol
It is advised to discuss with your health practitioner before consuming alcohol with this medicine as it can increase the risk of other diseases.
Interaction with Medicine
Vildagliptin tab interacts with the below-mentioned medicines:
- Aripiprazole
- Dopamine
- Gatifloxacin
- Acetazolamide
- Clozapine
- Dexamethasone
- Bexarotene
Summary
Patients who are already taking some kind of medication should not take this drug unless it has been prescribed by your doctor. You are also advised to speak with your doctor first before consuming alcohol if you are taking this drug.
Onset of Action
There is not enough clinical research to determine the exact time required for the medicine to show its action.
Duration Of Effect
It is also not proven for how much time the medicine remains effective inside the consumer.
Is it habit forming?
The research has proven that the people who took this drug did not show any tendency of habit-forming
When should you not take it?
Allergy
People who have a history of allergy to vildagliptin or any of its ingredients are advised to avoid taking it.
Type I Diabetes mellitus
People who are suffering from type-1 diabetes mellitus are not advised to take this medicine as it is not found to be effective in its treatment.
Diabetic ketoacidosis
This drug should be avoided if the patient had a history of diabetic ketoacidosis as research has proven that it may lead to complications in such patients.
Hepatic impairment
Patients who have a known history of hepatic impairment should also avoid this medication as it increases the chances of adverse effects of the patient.
Summary
Vildagliptin Tablets should be avoided if you have a known history of allergy to the medicine or any of its ingredients. Moreover, people with type-1 diabetes, diabetes ketoacidosis, and hepatic impairment should also avoid it completely as it may cause adverse effects.
Interaction With Diseases
Pancreatitis
Vildagliptin 50 MG / 500 MG tablet should be taken very cautiously in patients suffering from pancreatitis. In case of abdominal pain, vomiting, or nausea, consult your doctor immediately. Your doctor might also ask you to stop taking therapy with the medication based on the condition of the patient.
Heart Diseases
Patients suffering from cardiac problems are advised to not consume this drug without consulting their doctor as it can worsen the patient’s condition. Your doctor will advise you of some suitable alternatives based on the condition of the patient.
Summary
This drug may cause problems for patients who are suffering from pancreatitis or heart diseases. Hence, it is advisable to talk to your doctor first before taking this medicine if you suffer from any of these diseases.
Below is the table showing the effects of oral Diabetic medicines on HbA1C, weight, and Hypoglycemia:
| MEDICINE | EFFECTS ON HbA1C | EFFECTS ON WEIGHT | RISK OF HYPOGLYCEMIA |
| Metformin | High | Weight Loss | Low |
| Sulphonylureas | High | Weight Gain | High |
| Pioglitazone | High | Weight Gain | Low |
| Vildagliptin | Intermediate | No Change | Low |
Contraindications
Patients in the state of ketoacidosis are advised not to take Vildagliptin. Women who are pregnant or are lactating mothers should not take this drug without a doctor’s prescription as it can cause severe side effects.
Also Read: High blood sugar symptoms
FAQs:
When should I take Vildagliptin?
If you’ve been prescribed vildagliptin, take it first thing in the morning. Take the first dose in the morning and the second dose in the evening if you’ve been advised to take two doses every day. Vildagliptin tablets may be taken before, during, or after meals.
Is vildagliptin better than metformin?
Vildagliptin is a significant and well-tolerated treatment option for older patients with type 2 diabetes, showing comparable glycemic regulation to metformin but with better GI tolerability.
What are the uses of Vildagliptin Tablet?
Vildagliptin is an oral medication used to control type-2 diabetes. It is an anti-hyperglycaemic agent of DDP-4 class of drugs. This medicine is used to control diabetes; it is not a cure. You should consult your doctor before changing the dose.
References:
- https://www.medindia.net/doctors/drug_information/vildagliptin.htm
- https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB04876
- https://www.practo.com/medicine-info/vildagliptin-714-api
Last Updated on by Dr. Damanjit Duggal
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