Prescription Required.Why?
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in adults, especially when diet and exercise alone are insufficient to control blood sugar levels.
Metformin is a biguanide that lowers blood glucose levels by reducing hepatic glucose production, increasing insulin sensitivity, and decreasing intestinal glucose absorption. Vildagliptin is a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor that enhances incretin hormone activity, leading to increased insulin secretion and decreased glucagon secretion.
Store at room temperature, protected from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Dosage is individualized based on patient response and blood sugar levels.
Typically taken once or twice daily, with meals to minimize gastrointestinal side effects.
The usual starting dose of metformin is 500 mg twice daily or 850 mg once daily.
Vildagliptin is usually dosed at 50 mg once daily.
Less common: skin rash, pruritus, headache, dizziness, joint pain, hypoglycemia (if combined with insulin or other hypoglycemic agents)
Common side effects: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, flatulence, metallic taste, lactic acidosis (rare but serious)
Rare but serious: pancreatitis, hepatotoxicity, StevensJohnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis.
May increase the risk of lactic acidosis, especially in patients with liver or kidney dysfunction.
May cause dizziness or fatigue, use caution while driving or operating machinery.
Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, as metformin may cross the placenta and enter breast milk. Consult your doctor for alternative options.
Not approved for use in children.
Dose adjustments may be necessary in patients with kidney dysfunction.
Metformin is contraindicated in patients with liver disease, as it may increase the risk of lactic acidosis.
Drug information leaflet provided with the medication
Prescribing information on the manufacturer's website
National Institutes of Health (NIH) website
American Diabetes Association (ADA) website
