Galvus (Vildagliptin)

Galvus (Vildagliptin) is an oral medication used to treat people with Type-2 diabetes. It is used to control blood sugar levels, often in conjunction with other types of blood sugar-lowering medication, such as sulphonylureas and metformin.

Galvus (Vildagliptin) is an oral medication used to treat people with Type-2 diabetes. It is used to control blood sugar levels, often in conjunction with other types of blood sugar-lowering medication, such as sulphonylureas and metformin.

Type-2 diabetes is a condition in which the pancreas does not produce sufficient insulin to control the amount of glucose in the blood or the insulin produced cannot be used effectively. Vildagliptin is the active substance, a dipeptidyl-peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor. This blocks the body's breakdown of ‘incretin’ hormones, which are released after eating and stimulate insulin production in the pancreas. Increasing the number of incretin hormones means that the pancreas is stimulated to make more insulin in response to high blood glucose levels. However, if blood glucose levels are low, vildagliptin will not work. Vildagliptin also helps to reduce glucose produced by the liver. It does this by boosting insulin levels and reducing the amount of glucagon. Both of these processes help to lower blood glucose levels and thus control Type-2 diabetes.

Galvus is a prescription only medication and it is important to follow the instructions provided by your doctor. Swallow the tablets with a glass of water. They can be taken with or without food.

A typical dosage is 50 mg a day. Try and take it at the same time each day. If you have been prescribed 100 mg a day, take one 50 mg tablet in the morning and the other in the evening. If a dosage of Galvus is missed, it should be taken as soon as you remember. Do not double up on a dose.

As is the case with all medications, Galvus is associated with certain side effects.
Common symptoms that may or may not occur after taking Glavus include:

• Headaches;
• Weight gain;
• Dizziness;
• Feeling weak.

Galvus is known to interact with certain medications so it is extremely important to disclose details of all medication you are taking including over-the-counter or herbal remedies.
Galvus is not recommended for patients with Type-2 diabetes who also have liver or kidney problems or heart failure. It is not safe for patients with diabetic ketoacidosis or for patients with Type-1 diabetes. It should also be avoided if you have a known allergy to any of the excipients which are listed on the side of the packet.

Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant whilst taking Galvus as it is not advisable to take during pregnancy. It is not yet known whether Galvus can pass into breastmilk and affect the health of your baby.

Whilst taking Galvus, it is important to closely follow the advice of your dietician, especially regarding alcohol.

It is safe to drive or operate heavy machinery after taking Galvus, although caution is advisable if dizziness is experienced.