Vildagliptin and Metformin are combined in this medicine.
Vildagliptin + Metformin is used to treat type 2 diabetes (a long-term condition in which the body gradually becomes resistant to the effects of insulin or the pancreas does not produce enough insulin).
This medicine helps treat your diabetes by keeping your blood sugar under control.
Vildagliptin + Metformin is meant to be taken as part of a complete diabetes care programme that should include exercise, a healthy diet and regular monitoring of blood sugar levels.
Take Vildagliptin + Metformin exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Take this medicine together with food or immediately after a meal. Try to take it at the same time each day.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on your condition and response to the medication.
Vildagliptin + Metformin must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- lactic acidosis (a condition when there is too much lactic acid in the blood) or diabetic ketoacidosis (a complication of diabetes characterised by high level of blood acid in your body)
- recent heart attack or have heart failure (weakness and inability of the heart to pump blood)
- breathing difficulties
- serious problems with blood circulation
- dehydration (excessive water loss from the body)
- severe infection
- drinking problem or alcohol addiction
- severe kidney disease
- liver disease
as Vildagliptin + Metformin may not be suitable for you.
If you are going to have a procedure (e.g. x-ray) that involves an injection of contrast medium that contains iodine, alert your doctor that you are taking this medicine.
Do not take this medicine if you are breastfeeding.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- history of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
- stress-related states e.g. fever, trauma
- mild to moderate kidney disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Vildagliptin + Metformin to the elderly. Elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
If you are going to have an operation, inform your doctor that you are taking this medicine.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Routine tests (e.g. liver and kidney function, blood sugar levels) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Regular monitoring of signs and symptoms of pancreatitis and skin reactions (e.g. blisters or ulcers) may also be needed.
To help control your diabetes, it is important to continue following the diet and exercise recommended by your doctor while you are taking Vildagliptin + Metformin.
If you are taking this medicine with other types of anti-diabetic medicines, you may have been warned about hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar).
How do I know if I am experiencing hypoglycaemia?
Hypoglycaemia is the medical term for low blood sugar. Symptoms of hypoglycaemia include dizziness, tremor, shaky hands, feeling hungry, weak or confused, and sweating. These signs are your body's way of warning you that your blood sugar level is low.
It is important to recognise these symptoms and get relief for hypoglycaemia quickly, as the hypoglycaemia may worsen.
What should I do if I am experiencing hypoglycaemia?
Always carry some glucose tablets (also known as dextrose tablets) with you. Take 15 grams of glucose tablet at the first sign of hypoglycaemia, wait for 15 minutes and re-check your blood sugar level. If you are not feeling better or if your blood sugar level is still low (less than 4 mmol/L or 70 mg/dL), take another 15 grams of glucose tablet.
If you don't have glucose tablets, you may take any of the following:
- 1/2 cup (120 mL) of juice or regular soda (not diet)
- 1 tablespoon of sugar, honey, or corn syrup
- hard candies, jellybeans, or gumdrops (not sugar-free)
Get medical help should symptoms not improve after the second serving.
Vildagliptin + Metformin may cause any of the following side effects: headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, tremor, and excessive sweating.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- severe and disabling joint pain
- severe stomach pain, back pain, nausea or vomiting
- yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, dark coloured urine, tiredness, swelling in the legs and ankles
- shortness of breath, severe abdominal pain, muscle cramps, generalised weakness or lack of energy, low body temperature
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- other medicines for diabetes e.g. glipizide, glimepiride
- NSAIDs (medicines for pain and inflammation) e.g. celecoxib, ibuprofen
- certain medicines for high blood pressure e.g. nifedipine, enalapril
- water pills or medicines for water retention e.g. furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide
- cimetidine (medicine that reduces stomach acid production)
- ranolazine (medicine for chest pain)
- phenytoin (medicine for fits or seizures)
- dolutegravir (medicine for HIV infection)
- birth control pills
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Vildagliptin + Metformin.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
It is important for you to maintain a healthy diet and weight in order to help keep your diabetes under control.
It may be helpful to discuss your diet plan with your doctor or dietitian to manage your weight and blood sugar levels.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Protect from moisture.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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