vildagliptin at a glance
Medicine class
DPP-4 inhibitor, also called a gliptin
Main use
Blood glucose control in adults with type 2 diabetes
Food
The tablet may be taken with or without food
Important monitoring
Liver function tests are required before and during treatment
What is vildagliptin used for?
The selected UK product is licensed as an adjunct to diet and exercise for adults with type 2 diabetes.
Used alone when metformin is contraindicated or not tolerated.
Used with other glucose-lowering medicines, including insulin, when existing treatment does not provide adequate control.
It is not licensed for type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis.
How does vildagliptin work?
Vildagliptin blocks the DPP-4 enzyme, increasing the incretin hormones GLP-1 and GIP. When glucose is raised, this supports insulin release, makes glucagon release more appropriate and reduces glucose production by the liver.
vildagliptin preparations and strengths
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 50 mg
How to take vildagliptin
Follow the prescription label. Swallow the tablet whole with water; it may be taken with or without a meal.
Do not change or stop treatment without discussing it with the prescriber.
If dizziness occurs, avoid driving or using machinery until it has passed.
vildagliptin side effects
Common or expected effects
- Cold-like symptoms or upper respiratory infection
- Headache, dizziness or trembling
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, heartburn or abdominal discomfort
- Rash or itching
- Muscle or joint pain
- Sweating
- Swelling of the hands, ankles or feet
- Blurred vision
Get urgent medical advice
- Angioedema: facial, tongue or throat swelling, hives, or difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Pancreatitis: severe persistent abdominal pain, sometimes spreading to the back, with possible nausea or vomiting
- Liver injury: jaundice, dark urine, nausea or loss of appetite
- Severe blistering or peeling skin lesions
- Low blood glucose, particularly when combined with insulin or a sulfonylurea
vildagliptin in pregnancy
Vildagliptin should not be used during pregnancy because human safety information is insufficient. Anyone planning pregnancy or becoming pregnant while taking it should obtain an early diabetes-treatment review; uncontrolled diabetes also carries pregnancy risks, so treatment should not be stopped without clinical advice.
vildagliptin while breastfeeding
Vildagliptin should not be used while breastfeeding. It is unknown whether it enters human milk, although it has been found in animal milk; discuss an alternative with the diabetes team or prescriber.
vildagliptin interactions
Vildagliptin has relatively low potential for CYP-mediated interactions, but clinically relevant combinations still require attention.
ACE inhibitors, such as ramipril
Concurrent use may increase the risk of angioedema.
Sulfonylureas
The combination increases the risk of low blood glucose and may require review of the sulfonylurea prescription.
Insulin
Low blood glucose has been reported during combined treatment, so glucose control should be reviewed appropriately.
Thiazide diuretics, corticosteroids, thyroid hormones and sympathomimetics
Common questions about vildagliptin
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is vildagliptin used for?
It is used to improve blood glucose control in adults with type 2 diabetes, either alone when metformin is unsuitable or with other glucose-lowering treatments.
Is vildagliptin a type of insulin?
No. It is a DPP-4 inhibitor that increases the effects of natural incretin hormones; it does not replace insulin when insulin is required.
Can vildagliptin be taken with food?
Yes. The tablet can be taken with or without food and swallowed whole with water.
Can vildagliptin cause low blood sugar?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.