Gemigliptin
About
Gemigliptin belongs to the class of 'anti-diabetic medicines' primarily used to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (non-insulin-dependent diabetes). Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease that causes high blood sugar levels. It occurs when the insulin (a hormone produced by the beta cells of the pancreas) is resistant in breaking the glucose to produce energy (insulin resistance), or the pancreas (an organ behind the stomach) produces little or no insulin at all.
Gemigliptin contains Gemigliptin that belongs to the class of 'dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors'. Gemigliptin works by increasing incretin hormones that stimulate a decrease in blood glucose levels. It also decreases glucagon secretion, which raises the concentration of glucose levels. Thus, it reduces postprandial hyperglycemia (a rise in blood sugar levels after meals).
Your doctor will decide the dose and duration based on your medical condition. Some common side effects of Gemigliptin include headache, nausea, diarrhoea, stomach discomfort, constipation, and dry mouth. These side effects are not familiar to everyone and vary individually. If you notice any side effects that are not manageable, please consult your doctor.
Before starting Gemigliptin, let your doctor know if you have a history of heart, kidney or liver diseases. Do not take or stop this medicine if the doctor did not advise you. It is advised to limit your alcohol intake while using Gemigliptin to avoid low blood sugar levels further. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult their doctor before starting Gemigliptin. Gemigliptin may cause hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar levels), affecting your driving ability; hence drive or operate machinery only when you feel better. Gemigliptin is not recommended for children and adolescents under 18 years of age.
Uses of Gemigliptin
Medicinal Benefits
Gemigliptin comprises 'Gemigliptin.' It increases incretin hormones that stimulate a decrease in blood glucose levels. It also decreases glucagon secretion, which raises the concentration of glucose levels. Thus, it improves glycemic control in postprandial hyperglycemia.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Gemigliptin
- Headache
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Stomach discomfort
- Constipation
- Dry mouth
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Brief your medical history to the doctor if you have any heart, kidney or liver diseases or type 1 diabetes before starting Gemigliptin. It is advised to limit your alcohol intake while using Gemigliptin to avoid any interactions or worsening of side effects. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult their doctor before starting this medication. Gemigliptin may cause hypoglycaemia; hence drive and operate machinery only when you feel better. This medicine is not recommended for children and adolescents under 18 years of age.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Gemigliptin may interact with antifungal medicines (ketoconazole) and antibacterial drugs (rifampicin).
Drug-Food Interaction: Limit alcohol intake since it affects blood sugar levels. Avoid fatty foods and include healthy carbohydrates in your diet.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Tell your doctor before using Gemigliptin if you have a medical history of allergic reactions to medicines, heart, kidney or liver diseases.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionIt is advised to limit alcohol intake since it may worsen the side effects and increase the risk of developing low blood sugar levels.
Pregnancy
cautionIf you are pregnant, consult your doctor before taking Gemigliptin. Your doctor may prescribe this medicine if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionThere is no sufficient data on how Gemigliptin affects breastfeeding. If you are a nursing mother, please seek medical advice before taking Gemigliptin.
Driving
cautionGemigliptin may cause hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar levels), affecting your driving ability; hence drive or operate machinery only when you feel better.
Liver
cautionInform your doctor if you have liver impairment before taking Gemigliptin. Your doctor may adjust the dose or prescribe a suitable alternative based on your condition.
Kidney
cautionInform your doctor if you have kidney impairment before taking Gemigliptin. Your doctor may adjust the dose or prescribe a suitable alternative based on your condition.
Children
unsafeGemigliptin is not recommended for children and adolescents under 18 years of age.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Maintain a fibre-rich diet and include healthy carbohydrates from fruits, vegetables and whole grains to maintain blood glucose levels.
- Eat at regular intervals.
- Monitor your weight and exercise regularly to keep your heart healthy.
- Your doctor also guides you on noticing and managing the early symptoms of high/low blood sugar levels.
- Gastrointestinal side effects can be managed with simple modifications in your lifestyle. These include cutting down on sugars and fatty foods and avoiding carbonated drinks and foods that cause gas.
Special Advise
It is advised to monitor your blood sugar levels regularly.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Diabetes mellitus, or adult-onset diabetes, is a metabolic disease that causes high blood sugar levels. It is type 2 diabetes and occurs when the insulin (a hormone produced by the beta cells of the pancreas) is resistant in breaking the glucose to produce energy (insulin resistance), or the pancreas (an organ behind the stomach) produces little or no insulin at all. This disease mostly occurs in people above 40 years but can also occur in childhood based on the risk factors. The treatment includes oral glucose-lowering medicines and insulin shots.
FAQs
Gemigliptin contains Gemigliptin, which increases insulin release from the pancreas and decreases the hormone that raises the concentration of glucose levels. Thus, Gemigliptin helps lower the blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Gemigliptin may cause low blood sugar levels (hypoglycaemia), making you hungry, dizzy, irritable, confused, anxious, or shaky. To immediately treat hypoglycaemia, eating or drinking fast-acting sugar sources like fruit juices, hard candy, raisins, or non-diet soda is advised.
Your doctor may advise Gemigliptin with or without other anti-diabetic medications based on your blood sugar levels.
