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Vildagliptin: uses, side effects & brands
Vildagliptin is a DPP-4 inhibitor for type 2 diabetes. It belongs to the Oral diabetes medicine group. These help control blood sugar in type 2 diabetes through different mechanisms.
Drug type — dosing is set by your doctor
| Measure | Range |
|---|---|
| Drug class | Oral diabetes medicine |
| Type | Prescription |
| Dose | Individual — ask your doctor or pharmacist |
What it is used for
- Type 2 diabetes
- Used with diet and exercise
- Often combined with metformin
Common brand names
- India: Galvus, Jalra, Zomelis
- Worldwide: Galvus
Common side effects
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Tremor
- Low sugar mainly when combined with sulfonylureas or insulin
Before taking it — precautions
- Liver function is checked before and during treatment
- Tell your doctor about liver or kidney disease, heart failure or past pancreatitis
- Not for type 1 diabetes
When to see a doctor urgently
- Yellow eyes or skin, dark urine or tiredness (possible liver problem — seek advice)
- Severe, ongoing tummy pain spreading to the back (possible pancreatitis — urgent)
- Large blisters on the skin, or swelling of the face (urgent)
Not a prescription — no dose shown. The right dose of vildagliptin depends on age, weight, kidney/liver function and the condition, so MedDroid does not show a dose here. Always get your dose from a doctor or pharmacist and the leaflet inside the pack. General educational information only.
Frequently asked questions
Why are liver tests needed on vildagliptin?
Rarely, vildagliptin can affect the liver, so liver function is checked before starting and periodically.
Does vildagliptin cause low blood sugar?
On its own it rarely does; the risk rises when combined with a sulfonylurea or insulin.
Is vildagliptin weight-neutral?
Yes, it usually does not cause weight gain.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.