Vildagliptin and Metformin – Uses, Side Effects, Dosage & Interactions

Last updated on July 20th, 2023

Vildagliptin and Metformin, both medications, are used to treat diabetes. Being an anti-diabetic medication, Metformin helps in reducing the production of glucose inside the liver. At he same time, Vildagliptin is a DPP-4 inhibitor that increases insulin release from the pancreas and decreases the hormones that raise blood sugar levels.

Both medications together help in providing control over blood sugar levels.

Uses of Vildagliptin + Metformin

Vildagliptin helps in combating diabetes. Being an anti-diabetic drug, Vildagliptin helps in reducing post-meal sugar levels and fasting sugar. Your doctor may advise you to consume this drug with a healthy diet.

Regular exercising is very important if you are taking this drug. Vildagliptin in combination with a healthy diet and sufficient physical activity aids in controlling blood sugar levels.

Sugar Tablets also helps in lowering blood sugar levels. Experts recommend consuming this medication in combination with a healthy diet and exercise. When a patient consumes Metformin, it helps in restoring the response to the insulin that is naturally produced in the human body. Being on this drug, as per the doctor’s prescription, also helps in reducing the amount of sugar that the liver makes.

Depending on the patient’s condition, sometimes, the medical practitioner advises consuming Vildagliptin and Metformin in a combination form. In such a situation, you must:

• Abide by the doctor’s advice carefully
• Consume the medications as per the prescribed schedule
• Read the printed information carefully
• Know about the procedure
• These are usually taken twice a day, but if you are on other medications too, your doctor may adjust your dosage

Summary: Vildagliptin and Metformin are two of the best anti-diabetes medications available. These are known to produce great results for diabetics. These, however, have to be taken in combination with a healthy diet and a sufficient amount of exercise.

Also Read: Best Home Remedies For Diabetes

Side Effects of Vildagliptin + Metformin

When a patient consumes both Vildagliptin and Metformin in combination, they might feel some side effects. Sometimes, the side effects could be mild. In case the effects persist too long, you must consult a doctor.

Side Effects Could Be: 

• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Vomiting
• Headache
• Low Blood Sugar Level
• Diarrhea
• Metallic Taste
• Stomach Ache
• Trembling
• Weakness
• Heartburn
• Loss of appetite

Immediately consult your doctor if you suffer from any of the above problems. Your health practitioner will evaluate the condition and will help you get relief from the side effects. Very rarely, a patient could suffer from some complicated side effects, and in such situations, the patient must consult the doctor immediately.

Also, if you have a history of being allergic to any of the ingredients present in Vildagliptin and Metformin, then you must immediately consult the doctor.

If the patient taking these medications is already having any kind of allergy, hepatic impairment or kidney disorder, then seeking immediate medical help is highly recommended.

Summary: These medicines usually do not show any side-effects, but in some patients, these may show mild symptoms like nausea, dizziness, headache, vomiting, stomach ache, etc. If these symptoms persist for a significant amount of time, the patient must consult a doctor.

Missed Dose of Vildagliptin and Metformin

As soon as you remember, you can consume the missed dose. You are allowed to skip a dose of these medications only if the time of your next dose is very near. Attempting to compensate for a missed dose, never take an additional dose, as it may lead to other health issues like nausea, vomiting, heartburn, dizziness, etc.

Also Read: How to Reduce Blood Sugar Level Immediately?

Overdose of Vildagliptin and Metformin

Overdose of these medications can be very problematic for a patient. These can lead to difficulty in breathing, dizziness, irregular heartbeat, and vomiting. Hence, you should never overdose these medications.

Also Read: Side Effects of Metformin

Warnings

Pregnancy

Pregnant women are advised only to consume Vildagliptin and Metformin if advised by the doctor advised. You should never begin with the combination of these drugs on your own, as it may cause serious complications.

Discuss the benefits and complications with your medical advisor before combining Vildagliptin and Metformin action. After analysing your condition, your physician may suggest you a different drug.

Also Read: Can Diabetes be Reversed Permanently?

Lactating Mothers

Breastfeeding mothers should not take the combination of Vildagliptin and Metformin as studies have proven that it may pass into the breastmilk and cause health issues in infants. Self-medication of these drugs is strictly prohibited for lactating mothers.

Summary: The combination of these medications is not recommended for pregnant ladies and lactating mothers, as these may affect the health of the baby. Hence, consulting a doctor is highly recommended in such conditions so that they can prescribe some alternate medications.

How to Take Vildagliptin + Metformin in Combination?

• Must consume this medication after having food. It lowers the chances of stomach-related issues.
• Taking these drugs together lessens the chances of weight gain and helps in lowering the blood sugar levels as compared to other diabetic medicines.
• If the patient has had any surgery in the past, then he/she must inform the doctor.
• If you experience breathlessness, rapid or deep breathing, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, or Lactic Acidosis (a rare condition caused when Vildagliptin and Metformin is consumed in a combination), you must take medical help immediately.
• Before recommending the combination medicine, your doctor might check your kidney and liver function. He might also ask you to perform LFT or KFT if required.
• Discuss with your doctor if you develop symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, loss of appetite, dark-colour urine, fever, etc.

Summary:

These medications should not be consumed on an empty stomach. These medicines also reduce the chances of weight gain, apart from keeping the blood glucose levels under control. Seeking immediate medical help is highly recommended if the patient experiences any serious side-effects like breathlessness, nausea, etc.

Takeaway

Vildagliptin And Metformin are very effective anti-diabetes medications, which are widely used by doctors in combination to help patients in controlling high blood sugar. While being on these medications, the patients are recommended to follow a proper exercise regime and ensure a healthy diet.

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Last Updated on July 20, 2023 by Dr. Damanjit Duggal