Vildagliptin - oral

Vildagliptin is used on its own or together with other medicines to treat diabetes by keeping your blood sugar in control.

This medicine is meant to be taken as part of a complete diabetes care programme that should include exercise, a healthy diet and regular monitoring of blood sugar levels.

Take Vildagliptin exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.

You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.

Vildagliptin must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.

DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.

If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.

Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:

- other type of diabetes called “type 1 diabetes” or insulin-dependent diabetes (a condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin)
- liver disease
- kidney disease
- inflammation of the pancreas

Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

For as long as you are taking this medicine, you may need to have liver function tests to check your body's response to the medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.

You may have been warned about hypoglycaemia. Hypoglycaemia is the medical term for low blood sugar. It is important to recognise the symptoms of hypoglycaemia and correct the low blood sugar level. If you don't, you may faint.

How do I know if I am experiencing hypoglycaemia?

Symptoms of hypoglycaemia include dizziness, tremor, shaky hands, feeling hungry, weak or confused, problems speaking – these signs are your body's way of warning you that your blood sugar level is dangerously low.

What should I do if I am experiencing hypoglycaemia?

Always carry some glucose tablets (also known as dextrose tablets) with you. Take a tablet at the first sign of hypoglycaemia. As this medicine prevents the digestion of other kinds of sugar, only glucose (dextrose) tablets should be used to treat hypoglycaemia if you are on this medicine.

Vildagliptin may make you dizzy. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.

This medicine may also cause any of the following side effects: headache, nausea, tremor, tiredness and weight gain.

Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.

Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.

It is important for you to maintain a healthy diet and weight in order to help keep your diabetes under control.

Avoid alcohol.

Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.