Vildagliptin: Uses, Side Effects & Brands in Pakistan
Vildagliptin is a DPP-4 inhibitor for type 2 diabetes. It is a prescription medicine used for type 2 diabetes. In Pakistan it is available as tablets, made by 12 different manufacturers. On this page you can read how it works, its common side effects and precautions, and compare the brands and prices available at Medimart.
How Vildagliptin works
Vildagliptin blocks DPP-4, an enzyme that breaks down incretin hormones released by the gut after meals. Higher incretin levels prompt the pancreas to release more insulin when blood sugar is raised and reduce glucagon, so sugar levels fall without a strong tendency to cause hypos on its own.
What is Vildagliptin used for?
Vildagliptin is used together with a healthy diet and regular exercise to control blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes. It can be taken alone when metformin is unsuitable, but it is more often combined with metformin, a sulfonylurea, a glitazone or insulin. Good blood sugar control helps reduce the long-term risk of damage to the eyes, kidneys, nerves and heart.
Side effects of Vildagliptin
Vildagliptin is generally well tolerated. The side effects people most often report include:
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Tremor
- Nausea
- Swelling of the hands or ankles
Seek urgent help for severe, persistent stomach pain that may spread to the back, as this can be a sign of pancreatitis. Also report yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or blistering of the skin straight away.
Precautions and warnings
- Your doctor will check liver function before starting Vildagliptin and at intervals during treatment.
- If you also take a sulfonylurea or insulin, low blood sugar can occur, so learn the warning signs and keep a sugary snack handy.
- Tell your doctor if you have liver disease, kidney disease, heart failure or have ever had pancreatitis.
- It is not used for type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis.
- It is not recommended in pregnancy or breastfeeding; your doctor may switch you to insulin.
Frequently asked questions about Vildagliptin
What is the price of Vildagliptin in Pakistan?
At Medimart, Vildagliptin products currently in stock range from Rs 248 to Rs 4,055 per pack, depending on the brand, strength and pack size. The lowest-priced option right now is Velon 50mg 10s at Rs 248. Prices are updated regularly, so the product list on this page always shows the latest price.Which brands of Vildagliptin are available in Pakistan?
Vildagliptin is sold in Pakistan under brand names such as Viglip-m (Atco Laboratories Ltd), Vildos (High Q International), Viglip (Atco Laboratories Ltd), Vilget (Getz Pharma Ltd), Liptin (Tabros Pharma), Silo (Macter International Ltd), Galvus (Novartis Pharma (Pakistan)ltd) and Galza (CCL Pharmaceuticals Ltd), along with 6 more brands listed below.Do I need a prescription for Vildagliptin?
Yes. Vildagliptin is a prescription medicine in Pakistan. Use it only when a doctor has prescribed it, at the dose and for the time they advise.
Can Vildagliptin be used during pregnancy?
It is not recommended in pregnancy or breastfeeding; your doctor may switch you to insulin.
Are all Vildagliptin brands the same?
Brands that contain the same amount of Vildagliptin in the same form are expected to work in the same way, although inactive ingredients, pack sizes and prices differ. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before switching from one brand to another.
Vildagliptin brands and prices in Pakistan
Medimart lists 16 products containing Vildagliptin from different manufacturers. Compare strengths, pack sizes and prices below and order online with cash on delivery.
