Vildos

Vildagliptin is a common sight in Pakistani pharmacies, from Lahore’s busy markets to Quetta’s clinics, often mentioned when managing type 2 diabetes. It’s a straightforward medication that helps keep blood sugar in check, fitting into daily routines for many. This profile covers its key details—how it works, its uses, side effects, and what doctors say—based on local standards like those from the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC). It’s here to inform, not to suggest using it without a doctor’s input.

Basic Product Details

• Form and Strength: 50 mg tablets, easy to take orally.
• Packaging: Strips of 14 or 28 tablets, sealed for Pakistan’s humid weather.
• Pricing: Roughly PKR 30-50 per tablet; a 14-tablet strip costs about PKR 420-700, varying by pharmacy or brand. Check Dawaai.pk or local chemists.
• Brands in Pakistan: Galvus and PMDC-approved generics from local labs.

Ingredients

• Active Ingredient: Vildagliptin (DPP-4 inhibitor).
• Excipients: Often includes lactose, microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate (check packaging for exact list).

Drug Class

Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 (DPP-4) Inhibitor.

How It Functions

Vildagliptin blocks the DPP-4 enzyme, which breaks down GLP-1, a hormone that triggers insulin release when blood sugar rises. By keeping GLP-1 active longer, it boosts insulin from the pancreas and lowers glucagon, which raises glucose. This helps stabilize blood sugar in type 2 diabetes. In Pakistan’s clinics, it’s valued for steady control alongside diet and exercise, especially for those not on insulin.

Common Applications

Per local practices, vildagliptin is linked to:

• Controlling blood sugar in type 2 diabetes, often with metformin or sulfonylureas.
• Managing gestational diabetes, under strict supervision.
• Supporting glucose control in type 2 diabetes with mild renal impairment, with adjusted doses.
• Helping reduce risks of diabetes-related issues (e.g., kidney or heart problems) as part of a broader plan.

Dosage Form

Tablet (50 mg), taken orally with or without food.

Potential Side Effects

Common issues, based on local reports, include:

• Nausea or vomiting.
• Diarrhea or stomach upset.
• Headaches or joint pain.
• Upper respiratory infections.
• Rare swelling of lips, face, or tongue (seek help immediately).

Key Warnings and Precautions

PMDC-aligned guidelines note:

• Kidney Issues: Adjust doses for mild cases; avoid in moderate to severe renal impairment or dialysis.
• Liver Issues: Not suitable if liver enzymes (ALT/AST) are significantly high.
• Pancreatitis: Avoid with a history of pancreatitis or heavy alcohol use.
• Pregnancy: Limited safety data; generally not used.
• Type 1 Diabetes: Ineffective for type 1 or diabetic ketoacidosis.
• Heart Conditions: Unsuitable for severe heart failure (NYHA class IV).
• Lactose Sensitivity: Contains lactose, which may affect some patients.

Regular tests (blood, kidney, liver, eye, foot) are advised to monitor effects.

When It’s Not Suitable (Contraindications)

Avoid if you have:

• Allergy to vildagliptin or tablet excipients.
• Moderate to severe kidney failure or dialysis.
• Significant liver impairment.
• History of pancreatitis or alcoholism.
• Pregnancy or planning pregnancy.
• Type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis.
• Severe heart failure.

Drug Interactions

May interact with:

• Other diabetes drugs (e.g., metformin, sulfonylureas), risking low blood sugar.
• CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole), raising vildagliptin levels.
• CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampin), lowering effectiveness.
• ACE inhibitors (e.g., lisinopril), with additive glucose effects.

In Case of Overdose

Overdose symptoms include nausea, vomiting, weakness, or rapid breathing. It’s an emergency needing immediate care—steps may include inducing vomiting, using activated charcoal, monitoring glucose and vitals, and supportive treatment. No specific antidote exists.

Missed Dose

Take a missed dose as soon as remembered, unless it’s near the next dose. Skip it then, and never double up to avoid overdose risks.

Storage and Disposal

Store tablets at 20-25°C in a cool, dry place (e.g., a cabinet, not a bathroom) away from heat, moisture, light, children, and pets. Check expiration dates and dispose of expired tablets safely, ideally via pharmacy take-back programs.

Doctor Review

Doctors in Pakistan, from Karachi to Peshawar, see vildagliptin as a helpful add-on for type 2 diabetes when diet and exercise aren’t enough. It’s useful for steady blood sugar control without insulin, but they warn it’s not for everyone—kidney, liver, or pancreatitis issues need careful screening to avoid risks.

Laboratory Screening

Regular tests are key to monitor vildagliptin’s effects and diabetes management:

• Blood Tests: Check glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides.
• Kidney and Liver Tests: Ensure safe use, especially with renal or hepatic concerns.
• Eye and Foot Exams: Detect diabetic retinopathy or neuropathy early.
• Metabolic Panels: Monitor overall chemical and electrolyte balance.

This profile captures vildagliptin’s role in Pakistan’s healthcare—a clear guide for understanding, not a prompt to use without a doctor’s advice.

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