Vildagliptin
About
Vildagliptin belongs to a class of anti-diabetic drugs called 'dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4)' inhibitors used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes, especially in patients whose blood sugar levels are not controlled by diet and exercise alone. Vildagliptin may be used alone or in combination with other medicines. Type 2 diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) condition that affects the way our body processes glucose. People with type 2 diabetes either do not produce enough insulin or cannot perform its function in the body (insulin resistance). Middle-aged or older individuals are most likely to suffer from type 2 diabetes, which is also known as adult-onset diabetes.
Vildagliptin contains Vildagliptin which works by preventing the breakdown of a chemical messenger called the 'incretin' hormone. This hormone is released after the meal to stimulate the release of insulin from the pancreas. Vildagliptin increases the level of 'incretin' hormone so that sufficient insulin can be produced from the pancreas to lower raised blood sugar levels. Thus, Vildagliptin helps in controlling blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Take Vildagliptin as prescribed. Your doctor will advise you how often you take Vildagliptin based on your medical condition. You may experience dizziness, nausea, headache, excessive sweating, low blood sugar levels, and trembling in some cases. Most of these side effects of Vildagliptin do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
If you are allergic to Vildagliptin or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. Vildagliptin is not recommended for children below 18 years of age. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are on dialysis, please inform your doctor before taking Vildagliptin. Avoid alcohol consumption with Vildagliptin as it may increase or decrease blood sugar levels. Vildagliptin is not recommended for patients with diabetic ketoacidosis and type-1 diabetes. If you have type 1 diabetes, diabetic ketoacidosis (excessive levels of blood acids called ketones), or disease of pancreas, kidney, liver, or heart problems, inform your doctor before taking Vildagliptin.
Uses of Vildagliptin
Medicinal Benefits
Vildagliptin contains Vildagliptin, an anti-diabetic drug used to treat type 2 diabetes, especially in patients whose blood sugar levels are not controlled by diet and exercise alone. Vildagliptin prevents the breakdown of incretin hormones, namely: glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP) that control blood sugar levels. Thereby, increases the levels of these two hormones which are released after a meal. Vildagliptin increases insulin production by the pancreas and decreases glucagon production by the liver. Thus, it helps to control blood sugar levels and prevent further complications due to diabetes. Proper diet and regular exercise along with Vildagliptin, will give better results.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Vildagliptin
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Headache
- Excessive sweating
- Low blood sugar levels
- Trembling
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
If you are allergic to Vildagliptin or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. Vildagliptin is not recommended for children below 18 years of age. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are on dialysis, please inform your doctor before taking Vildagliptin. Avoid alcohol consumption with Vildagliptin as it may increase or decrease blood sugar levels. Vildagliptin is not recommended for patients with diabetic ketoacidosis and type-1 diabetes. Take short, frequent meals and avoid prolonged fasting when taking Vildagliptin. Beware of hypoglycemia symptoms (low blood sugar), including sweating, dizziness, palpitations, shivering, intense thirst, dry mouth, dry skin, frequent urination, etc. Whenever you experience any of these symptoms, immediately consume 5-6 candies or 3 glucose biscuits, or 3 teaspoons of honey/sugar, and consult your doctor. Make sure to carry these with you at all times, especially during long travels. If you have type 1 diabetes, diabetic ketoacidosis (excessive levels of blood acids called ketones), or disease of pancreas, kidney, liver, or heart problems, inform your doctor before taking Vildagliptin.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Vildagliptin may have interaction with antipsychotics (aripiprazole, clozapine), corticosteroids (dexamethasone, prednisolone), medicines used to treat glaucoma (acetazolamide), cardiac stimulant (dopamine), thyroid medicines (levothyroxine), water tablets (bendroflumethiazide).
Drug-Food Interaction: Vildagliptin may interact with alcohol. Therefore, avoid consumption of alcohol with Vildagliptin as it may lead to high or low blood sugar levels.
Drug-Disease Interaction: If you have type 1 diabetes, diabetic ketoacidosis (excessive levels of blood acids called ketones), disease of pancreas, kidney, liver or heart problems, inform your doctor before taking Vildagliptin.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionYou are recommended to avoid alcohol consumption with Vildagliptin as it may cause high or low blood sugar levels.
Pregnancy
cautionVildagliptin 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
cautionThe 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
cautionVildagliptin 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 diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.
Kidney
cautionTake Vildagliptin with caution, especially if you have a history of Kidney diseases/conditions. 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
- Do regular exercise such as cycling, walking, jogging, dancing, or swimming for a minimum of 30 minutes per day. Invest at least 150 minutes of your week in exercise.
- Maintain healthy body weight as obesity is also related to the onset of diabetes.
- Maintain a low fat and a low sugar diet. Replace carbohydrates-containing foods with whole grains, fruits, and vegetables as carbohydrates turn to sugars leading to high blood sugar.
- Avoid consumption of alcohol and quit smoking.
Special Advise
Liver function tests are recommended before starting treatment with Vildagliptin, at 3 months 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 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.
