Galvus 50mg Tablets

Vildagliptin is an oral diabetes medicine (a DPP-4 inhibitor, or "gliptin"). It helps the pancreas release more insulin, which lowers blood sugar, and less glucagon, a hormone that makes the liver release sugar.

It is used for adults with type 2 diabetes when diet and exercise alone are not enough. It can be taken on its own or with other diabetes medicines such as metformin, a sulphonylurea, a glitazone or insulin.

Keep following the diet and exercise plan your doctor recommends.

Take vildagliptin exactly as your doctor tells you. The dose depends on the other medicines you take and your kidney function.

• Swallow the tablets whole with some water.
• Take it every day for as long as your doctor advises. It is usually a long-term treatment.
• If you miss a dose, take it when you remember, then carry on as usual. If the next dose is nearly due, skip the missed one. Never take a double dose.
• Do not stop taking it unless your doctor tells you to.

You will have liver blood tests before starting and regularly during treatment.

Common side effects include:

• sore throat, runny nose or fever
• headache, dizziness or trembling
• feeling sick, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, heartburn or stomach pain
• muscle or joint pain, swollen hands, ankles or feet
• itchy rash, sweating, blurred vision

Low blood sugar can happen, especially with a sulphonylurea or insulin.

Stop taking it and see a doctor straight away if you have:

• swelling of the face, tongue or throat, trouble swallowing or breathing, or sudden hives
• yellow skin or eyes, feeling sick, loss of appetite or dark pee (liver problems)
• severe, lasting stomach pain that may spread to your back, with sickness (pancreatitis)

Do not take it if you are allergic to vildagliptin, or if you had to stop it before because of liver problems.

Check with your doctor or pharmacist first if you:

• have type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis
• take a sulphonylurea (your dose may need lowering to avoid low blood sugar)
• have kidney disease or are on dialysis
• have liver disease, heart failure or a past pancreas problem
• take diuretics, steroids, thyroid medicines or some nervous system medicines
• cannot tolerate some sugars (the tablets contain lactose)

Check your skin and feet, and tell your doctor about any new blisters or ulcers. It is not recommended for under-18s.

Store in the original package to protect from moisture, and keep out of the sight and reach of children.

Pregnancy: you should not take vildagliptin during pregnancy.

Breastfeeding: do not take it if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Driving: if you feel dizzy, do not drive or use machines.