Vildagliptin: Uses, How It Works, Medicines
Also in: हिन्दी தமிழ் मराठी తెలుగు ಕನ್ನಡ বাংলা ગુજરાતી മലയാളം ਪੰਜਾਬੀ
Vildagliptin is a medicine used to treat type 2 diabetes in adults. It helps the body release more insulin when blood sugar is high, which lowers blood sugar. In India it is a prescription medicine, used together with the diet and activity plan your doctor gives you.
Also known as: Vildagliptin 50 mg, Vildagliptin tablet, Gliptin, Diabetes tablet
Pharmacist review in progress. This page is based on the sources listed below and is being checked by our registered pharmacist.
How does Vildagliptin work?
Vildagliptin blocks an enzyme (DPP-4) that breaks down gut hormones called incretins, so the hormones last longer after meals. The pancreas then releases more insulin when blood sugar is high and the liver releases less sugar.
How to take Vildagliptin
Follow the label or your doctor's advice. Your doctor decides the dose and how many times a day to take vildagliptin. Do not stop it without talking to your doctor, because your blood sugar may rise again.
Side effects of Vildagliptin
Most people take this medicine without serious problems. Some effects are mild, but a few need medical help.
Uncommon or mild
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Tremor
- Low blood sugar if taken with insulin or a sulfonylurea
Rare but serious: get medical help
- Yellow skin or eyes, dark urine or severe tiredness (liver problems). Get medical help
- Severe, lasting stomach pain, sometimes reaching the back (pancreatitis). Get medical help immediately
- Swelling of the face, lips or throat, or a severe rash (allergic reaction)
- Blisters or peeling skin
Who should be careful
Some people need to check with a doctor before taking it, or need extra care while taking it. Tell every doctor, dentist and hospital that you take it.
When the label says not to use it
- Allergy to vildagliptin or any ingredient of the tablet
- Type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis
- Liver disease, unless your doctor decides otherwise
- Liver disease: vildagliptin has been linked with liver problems, and liver blood tests are done before and during treatment
- Kidney disease: the dose may need to change
- Heart failure or past pancreatitis: tell your doctor
- Illness with vomiting, diarrhoea or fever: contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice about your diabetes medicines. Do not stop on your own unless told
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: not recommended
Medicines and things that interact with Vildagliptin
This medicine can change how other medicines work, and some medicines change its effect. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about everything you take, including herbal remedies.
- Insulin and sulfonylurea tablets: low blood sugar becomes more likely, so doses may need to change
- ACE inhibitors: they may raise the chance of swelling of the face or throat
- Steroids, thiazide water tablets and oestrogens: they can raise blood sugar
Effects on lab tests
- Liver function tests: before treatment and from time to time
- Blood sugar and HbA1c tests: used to check how well the diabetes is controlled
If someone takes too much
Taking much more than prescribed is a medical matter. If someone has taken too much, call 112 or go to the nearest hospital and take the medicine pack with you.
Regulatory status in India
Approved for sale in India as a prescription medicine. Single-ingredient vildagliptin is not on the CDSCO list of medicines banned under section 26A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. Combination products also contain other medicines, so check the ingredient list on the pack.
Type of medicine
Vildagliptin belongs to this type of medicine.
Medicines that contain Vildagliptin
These medicines sold in India contain Vildagliptin. They are listed A to Z, not ranked.
- Jalra 50 · 50 mg tablet
What is Vildagliptin used for?
Medicines that contain Vildagliptin are used for these conditions.
Other medicines of the same type
These active ingredients are of the same type as Vildagliptin.
Common questions
Is Vildagliptin a medicine for sugar (diabetes)?
Yes. Vildagliptin is used to lower blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes, alongside diet and activity. It is a prescription medicine, so do not start, stop or change it without your doctor's advice.
Why are liver tests needed with vildagliptin?
Vildagliptin has been linked with liver problems, so doctors check liver function before treatment and from time to time during it. Tell your doctor at once about yellow skin or eyes, dark urine or unusual tiredness.
Sources
- Galvus (vildagliptin): EPAR medicine overview. European Medicines Agency
- Type 2 diabetes: treatment. NHS (UK)
- List of drugs prohibited for manufacture and sale through gazette notifications under section 26A of the Drugs & Cosmetics Act 1940. Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO)
- National Formulary of India. Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission