How Vildagliptin works

Vildagliptin is an anti-diabetic medication. It works by increasing the release of insulin from the pancreas and decreasing the hormones that raise blood sugar levels. This reduces the fasting and postmeal sugar levels.

Side Effects

Headache, Hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar level) in combination with insulin or sulphonylurea, Nasopharyngitis, Upper respiratory tract infection

Usage

Vildagliptin is used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes
It is used in addition to diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is Vildagliptin?

Vildagliptin is an oral antidiabetic drug which belongs to the group of dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) inhibitors. It lowers the blood sugar levels by increasing the release of insulin and decreasing glucagon levels. It has a lesser risk of hypoglycemia compared to other drugs and does not cause weight gain.

Q. Is Vildagliptin safe to use?

Vildagliptin is safe if used at prescribed doses for the prescribed duration as advised by your doctor. However, there are some common side effects that you can experience with the dose advised, like a headache, hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar level) when used with insulin or sulphonylurea, upper respiratory tract infection and nasopharyngitis.

Q. Does Vildagliptin cause weight gain?

No, Vildagliptin is not known to cause either weight gain or weight loss. Weight gain can happen when Vildagliptin is used with other antidiabetic medicines like thiazolidinediones, sulfonylureas or insulin.

Q. Can I take Vildagliptin with insulin?

Yes, you can take Vildagliptin with insulin. Using them together can lower the insulin dose and decrease the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels).

Q. Does Vildagliptin cause hypoglycemia?

Vildagliptin can lower blood sugar level (hypoglycemia). It happens more often if you delay or miss your food, do more than routine exercise, drink alcohol or take other antidiabetic medicine along with. Be cautious of symptoms of hypoglycemia and always keep glucose tablets, honey or fruit juice with you. Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels is important

Q. Can I take Vildagliptin with metformin? What is the benefit out of it?

Yes, Vildagliptin can be taken with metformin. It is a good add-on treatment if the blood sugars are very high even after taking metformin in maximum tolerated dose. However, consult the doctor before taking them together as a dose adjustment may be needed.

Q. Can I take Vildagliptin with teneligliptin?

No, Vildagliptin should not be taken with teneligliptin. As both Vildagliptin and teneligliptin belong to the same class of drugs and a combination of these can cause an increase in the side effects especially pancreatitis.

Q. Can I take Vildagliptin with gliclazide?

Yes, Vildagliptin and gliclazide can be taken together as it can help in better control of blood sugar levels. However, the risk of low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia) can increase. Consult your doctor as a dose adjustment of the two may be needed.

Q. Does Vildagliptin cause cancer?

Vildagliptin belongs to the group of drugs called incretins which have been associated with pancreatic cancer in some clinical studies. However, a definite evidence is missing, so, it is advisable to talk to your doctor regarding the same.

Q. Is this combination of Vildagliptin with voglibose beneficial?

Yes, a combined use of Vildagliptin and voglibose is seen to be more effective than either of the medicine alone. This helps in a better control of blood sugar levels without any increase in the side effects. However, Voglibose can also lower the blood levels of Vildagliptin, so a dose adjustment of the medicines may be needed.

Q. Is it beneficial to use Vildagliptin with liraglutide?

No, it is not advisable to take Vildagliptin with Liraglutide. Both work by increasing the level of incretin hormones and can be expected to have a better efficacy however, there can be an increased risk of side effects like pancreatitis.

Q. Would the results be better if I use Vildagliptin with pioglitazone?

Yes, a combined use of Vildagliptin and pioglitazone is seen to be more effective than either of the medicine alone. This helps in a better control of blood sugar levels without any increase in the side effects.

Q. Can Vildagliptin be taken with digoxin?

Yes, Vildagliptin can be taken with digoxin. No drug-drug interactions or change in side effect profile is seen when they are used together.

Q. How helpful is this combination of Vildagliptin with glimepiride?

Yes, Vildagliptin and glimepiride can be taken together as it can help in better control of blood sugar levels. However, the risk of low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia) can increase. Consult your doctor as a dose adjustment of the two may be needed.