Vildagliptin is used on its own or together with other medicines to treat type 2 diabetes (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 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 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.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Vildagliptin 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.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- heart failure
- liver disease
- moderate to severe kidney disease or undergoing dialysis
- history of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
Vildagliptin is not intended for the treatment of type 1 diabetes (long-term condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin) or diabetic ketoacidosis (complication of diabetes characterised by a high level of blood acid in your body).
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 or kidney function, blood sugar levels) may be done before treatment and 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 heart failure may also be needed.
If you are taking Vildagliptin with other types of oral anti-diabetic medicines, you may have been warned about hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar). This medicine itself does not cause hypoglycaemia, but it may increase the hypoglyceamic effect of other oral anti-diabetic medicines.
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, 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 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 did not improve after second serving.
Vildagliptin may make you dizzy. If affected, do not drive, or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects include: headache, nausea, indigestion, and tiredness.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- severe and persistent abdominal pain that sometimes radiates to the back, with or without nausea and vomiting
- yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, dark coloured urine, tiredness, swelling in the legs and ankles
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:
- medicine for high blood pressure called ACE inhibitors e.g. lisinopril, enalapril
- water pills or medicine for water retention e.g. hydrochlorothiazide
- medicine for thyroid disease
- anti-inflammatory medicine
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Vildagliptin.
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.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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