Vildagliptin

Vildagliptin is a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (dpp-4) inhibitor medicine available in Bangladesh under many brand names. Below are its uses, dosage, side effects and precautions — and all brands with their current prices.

• Treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults as an adjunct to diet and exercise.
• May be used alone when metformin is unsuitable, or in combination with other antidiabetic medicines such as metformin, a sulfonylurea, a thiazolidinedione, or insulin when prescribed.

The dose and schedule of Vildagliptin depend on the patient’s diabetes regimen, kidney function, liver status, and other medicines. It is commonly taken once or twice daily, with or without food. Do not change the dose or stop treatment without consulting the prescribing doctor; regular blood glucose monitoring and follow-up are important.

• Common effects may include headache, dizziness, tremor, nausea, constipation, and symptoms of low blood sugar, especially when used with insulin or a sulfonylurea.
• Peripheral oedema may occur, particularly when combined with a thiazolidinedione.
• Serious but less common effects include pancreatitis, liver enzyme elevation or hepatitis, allergic reactions including angioedema, and blistering skin reactions such as bullous pemphigoid.

Use Vildagliptin carefully in people with kidney impairment, a history of pancreatitis, heart failure, or liver disease. Liver function testing may be needed before and during treatment. It is not a treatment for type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis. Use this medicine under the guidance of a registered doctor or pharmacist.

• Insulin or sulfonylureas may increase the risk of hypoglycaemia; the doctor may adjust doses.
• Medicines that can raise blood glucose, such as corticosteroids, thiazide diuretics, sympathomimetics, and some thyroid medicines, may reduce glucose control.
• ACE inhibitors may increase the risk of angioedema in some patients.
• No major food interaction is known; it may be taken with or without meals, as advised.

• Known hypersensitivity to vildagliptin or any component of the tablet.
• Do not use for type 1 diabetes mellitus or diabetic ketoacidosis.
• Use is generally not appropriate in active liver disease or significant unexplained liver enzyme elevation unless a specialist decides otherwise.

There is limited human safety information for Vildagliptin in pregnancy, so it should be used only if the doctor considers the benefit greater than the risk. For diabetes in pregnancy, other treatments such as insulin are often preferred. It is not known whether vildagliptin passes into human breast milk; breastfeeding patients should consult their doctor before use.

Store tablets at room temperature, protected from moisture, heat, and direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children and do not use after the expiry date printed on the pack.