About Galvus 50 Tablet
Galvus 50 Tablet contains Vildagliptin 50 mg. Vildagliptin is a medicine for type 2 diabetes. It helps the body control blood sugar, mainly after meals. It is used with diet and exercise, either alone or with other diabetes medicines such as metformin. On its own it rarely causes low blood sugar.
Uses of Galvus 50 Tablet
- Type 2 diabetes, along with diet and exercise, alone or with other diabetes medicines
Benefits
In type 2 diabetes
It helps the body release insulin when blood sugar rises and lowers the release of a hormone that raises sugar. Good long-term control lowers the risk of complications affecting the eyes, kidneys, nerves and heart.
Side effects
Most side effects are mild. Your doctor will usually check your liver tests before and during treatment.
Common
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Tremor
- Nausea
- Low blood sugar when used with a sulfonylurea or insulin
Get medical help if you notice
- Severe, lasting stomach pain that may spread to the back, with or without vomiting (possible pancreatitis) — stop taking it and seek medical help
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine or unusual tiredness (possible liver problem) — stop taking it and contact your doctor
- Blisters or breakdown of the skin — contact your doctor
- Swelling of the face, lips or throat, or difficulty breathing — seek emergency care
How to use
Take it exactly as your doctor prescribed. Swallow the tablet with water, with or without food.
How it works
It blocks an enzyme called DPP-4. This keeps gut hormones (incretins) active for longer, which helps the pancreas release insulin and reduces glucagon when blood sugar is high.
Safety advice
Alcohol Caution
Alcohol can affect blood sugar control. Limit it and ask your doctor.
Pregnancy Unsafe
Labelling advises it should not be used in pregnancy. Insulin is usually used instead. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy.
Breastfeeding Unsafe
Labelling advises it should not be used while breastfeeding.
Driving Caution
It can cause dizziness. Do not drive if you feel dizzy. Low blood sugar can occur if you also take a sulfonylurea or insulin.
Kidney Caution
Your doctor may lower the dose if you have moderate or severe kidney disease.
Liver Unsafe
It is not recommended for people with liver disease or raised liver enzymes. Your doctor will check your liver tests.
If you miss a dose
If you miss a dose, take it when you remember. If it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Do not take two doses together.
Quick tips
- Keep your appointments for liver blood tests.
- If you also take a sulfonylurea or insulin, carry sugar in case of low blood sugar.
- Stop and seek help if you get severe, lasting stomach pain.
- Keep following your diet and exercise plan.
Substitutes
Same salts in the same strength from other makers. Only switch brands on your doctor's or pharmacist's advice; our pharmacist checks every order against the prescription.
Fact box
- Chemical class
- Cyanopyrrolidine
- Therapeutic class
- Antidiabetic
- Action class
- DPP-4 inhibitor (gliptin)
- Habit forming
- No
- Prescription
- Required
Interactions with other medicines
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin and herbal product you take.
| Medicine | What can happen |
|---|---|
| Sulfonylureas (such as glimepiride) and insulin | Increase the risk of low blood sugar |
| ACE inhibitors such as ramipril | May increase the risk of swelling of the face and throat (angioedema) |
| Steroid medicines, thiazide water tablets and thyroid hormones | May raise blood sugar and reduce its effect |
This page is general information to help you understand your medicine. It is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop or change a medicine on your own.
Written by the Asthra Health Care team from the approved prescribing information (Vildagliptin prescribing information (CDSCO-approved labelling); Vildagliptin Summary of Product Characteristics (EMA)). Pharmacist review pending.