Vildomet

Vildomet is a familiar combo tablet in Pakistani pharmacies, often prescribed for folks with type 2 diabetes when metformin alone isn’t enough. It blends vildagliptin and metformin to keep blood sugar steady without the hassle of separate pills. This profile covers the essentials—how it works, its uses, side effects, and doctor insights—based on local standards like those from the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC). It’s straightforward info to understand, not a nudge to start without a doctor’s okay.

Basic Product Details

• Form and Strength: 50 mg vildagliptin + 1000 mg metformin HCl tablets, taken orally.
• Packaging: 1 box = 2 strips (14 tablets total; 1 strip = 7 tablets), sealed for Pakistan’s humid climate.
• Pricing: Around PKR 800-1,200 for a box of 14, depending on the pharmacy or brand.
• Brands in Pakistan: Vildomet from High-Q International, or PMDC-approved generics like Galvus Met.

Ingredients

• Active Ingredients: Vildagliptin (50 mg, a DPP-4 inhibitor) + Metformin HCl (1000 mg, a biguanide).
• Excipients: May include cellulose, magnesium stearate, or povidone (check the label for specifics).

Drug Class

DPP-4 Inhibitor + Biguanide (oral antidiabetic combination).

How It Functions

Vildagliptin blocks the DPP-4 enzyme, boosting incretin hormones like GLP-1 and GIP, which trigger insulin release after meals and reduce liver glucose output. Metformin cuts down liver glucose production, slows gut glucose absorption, and improves insulin sensitivity for better use in tissues. In Pakistan’s diabetes clinics, this combo is valued for consistent control, especially for patients balancing diet and exercise in busy lives.

Common Applications

From local guidelines, Vildomet is associated with:

• Improving blood sugar control in type 2 diabetes (T2DM) alongside diet and exercise.
• Managing cases not controlled by metformin alone.
• Supporting patients already on separate vildagliptin and metformin tablets.

It’s not for type 1 diabetes or insulin-dependent cases.

Dosage Form

Tablet (50/1000 mg), swallowed whole with water.

Potential Side Effects

Most tolerate it well, but watch for:

• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), with symptoms like tremor, headache, dizziness, nausea, sweating, chills, or fatigue.
• Gut issues: Diarrhea, flatulence, gastroesophageal reflux, or asthenia (weakness).
• Other: Excess sweating or low glucose levels.

Rare but serious: Signs of lactic acidosis (from metformin) like deep breathing or severe nausea—seek help fast.

Key Warnings and Precautions

PMDC-aligned advice includes:

• Pancreatitis Risk: From vildagliptin—stop if severe stomach pain occurs and don’t restart if confirmed; extra care with history.
• Skin Changes: Monitor for blisters or ulcers in diabetics.
• Surgery: Stop metformin 48 hours before general anesthesia; resume after.
• Kidney/Liver: Adjust or avoid if impaired; regular checks needed, especially in elderly.
• Pregnancy/Breastfeeding: Limited data—consult a doctor; not routine.
• Driving: Skip if low blood sugar causes dizziness.
• Not a Substitute: Won’t replace insulin in type 1 or severe cases.

Stay hydrated and check blood sugar regularly.

When It’s Not Suitable (Contraindications)

Avoid if you have:

• Allergy to vildagliptin, metformin, or excipients.
• Diabetic ketoacidosis or pre-coma.
• Severe kidney issues (e.g., eGFR <30 mL/min).

Drug Interactions

May interact with:

• Hypoglycemia boosters: Thiazides, corticosteroids, thyroid meds, sympathomimetics.
• Metformin levels: Furosemide, nifedipine, cationic drugs (e.g., digoxin, morphine, ranitidine).
• Blood sugar raisers: Estrogens, oral contraceptives, phenytoin, nicotinic acid, alcohol (increases lactic acidosis risk).

In Case of Overdose

Symptoms like severe hypoglycemia, nausea, or lactic acidosis need immediate ER care—treatment focuses on glucose support, fluids, and monitoring.

Missed Dose

Take as soon as remembered, unless near the next dose. Skip it then, and don’t double up to avoid lows.

Storage and Disposal

Store tablets at room temperature (15-30°C), away from light, heat, and kids. Dispose of expired tablets via pharmacy drop-off, not the drain.

Quick Tips

• Take with meals to reduce gut upset.
• Pair with balanced meals and exercise for best results.
• Keep glucose tabs handy for low sugar moments.
• Track blood sugar for your next doctor visit.

Doctor Review

Diabetologists in Pakistan, from Karachi to Rawalpindi, see Vildomet as a practical step-up for type 2 diabetes when single meds fall short, blending vildagliptin’s hormone tweak with metformin’s liver control for solid HbA1c drops, but they flag pancreatitis watches and kidney tests to sidestep rare hits.

Laboratory Screening

To track effects and risks:

• Blood Tests: HbA1c for control, kidney/liver function (eGFR, ALT/AST), electrolytes.
• Pancreas Checks: Amylase/lipase if gut pain arises.
• Skin Exams: For blisters in long-term users.

Disclaimer: This is product information only, not a prescription or diagnosis. Consult a qualified Pakistani doctor before using Vildomet to ensure it’s safe. Seek immediate care for severe symptoms like stomach pain, breathing issues, or extreme fatigue.