Description

The Galvus Met 50/1000 tablet is a combination medication containing vildagliptin (50 mg) and metformin hydrochloride (1000 mg). It is used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus when vildagliptin or metformin alone, along with diet and exercise, are ineffective. This medication helps control blood sugar levels by making the pancreas produce insulin and less glucagon (effect of vildagliptin) and by helping the body make better use of the insulin it has (effect of metformin).                                                 

Product Information

• Active Ingredients: Vildagliptin (50 mg) and Metformin Hydrochloride (1000 mg)

Uses

• Indications: Treats type 2 diabetes mellitus when diet, exercise, and vildagliptin or metformin alone are ineffective

Side Effects

• Common Side Effects: Hypoglycemia (low blood glucose levels), taste change, nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain, headache, and upper respiratory symptoms

Precautions

• Contraindications: Not suitable for patients with:
  • Type 1 diabetes
  • Severe kidney or liver disease
  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Usage Instructions: Should be taken with food to avoid an upset stomach and at the same time each day for best results

Interactions

• Potential Interactions: May interact with painkillers, high blood pressure medications, and other antidiabetic medications

Storage

• Storage Conditions: Should be stored in a cool, dry place and away from children

Dosage

• Dosage Instructions: Should be taken as directed by a doctor and not missed or taken in excess

Warnings

• Special Warnings: Should not be used in patients with certain conditions or during specific situations. Consult a healthcare professional for detailed information.

Key Benefits:

• Helps control blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes when diet and exercise alone are not effective
• Works by making the pancreas produce more insulin and less glucagon (effect of vildagliptin) and helping the body better utilize insulin (effect of metformin)
• Prevents serious complications of diabetes like eye damage (retinopathy), kidney damage (nephropathy), nerve damage (neuropathy), foot ulcers and delayed wound healing

Key Ingredients:

• Vildagliptin (50 mg) – a DPP-4 inhibitor that increases insulin and decreases glucagon production
• Metformin Hydrochloride (1000 mg) – a biguanide that helps the body better utilize insulin and decreases glucose production by the liver

Mechanism of Action

Galvus Met 50/1000 tablet contains two active ingredients:

1. Vildagliptin (50 mg):
   • Vildagliptin is a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor.
   • It works by inhibiting the DPP-4 enzyme, which is responsible for the breakdown of incretin hormones like GLP-1 and GIP.
   • By inhibiting DPP-4, vildagliptin increases the levels of these incretin hormones in the body.
   • Increased incretin levels stimulate the pancreas to produce more insulin and less glucagon, thereby lowering blood glucose levels.
2. Metformin Hydrochloride (1000 mg):
   • Metformin is a biguanide class of antidiabetic medication.
   • It works primarily by reducing the amount of glucose produced by the liver and increasing the sensitivity of the body’s tissues to insulin.
   • Metformin decreases hepatic glucose production, decreases intestinal absorption of glucose, and improves insulin sensitivity by increasing peripheral glucose uptake and utilization.

The combination of vildagliptin and metformin in Galvus Met 50/1000 tablet works synergistically to improve glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes:

• Vildagliptin increases insulin secretion and decreases glucagon secretion, leading to reduced blood glucose levels.
• Metformin reduces hepatic glucose production and improves peripheral glucose uptake, further lowering blood glucose levels.

Drug-Drug Interactions

Galvus Met 50/1000 mg tablet may interact with the following medications:

• Painkillers: Aspirin, ibuprofen, celecoxib
• Thyroid hormones: Thyroxine
• Antihypertensive medications: Nifedipine, captopril, enalapril, lisinopril
• Antacids: Cimetidine
• Medications affecting the nervous system

The interactions can affect the way Galvus Met works or reduce the effectiveness of the other medications. It is important to inform the doctor about all the medicines, supplements or herbal products you are taking to avoid potential interactions.

Drug-Food Interactions

Consumption of excessive alcohol can increase the risk of a serious condition called lactic acidosis with Galvus Met 50/1000 mg. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid or limit alcohol intake while taking this medication.

Drug-Disease Interactions

Galvus Met 50/1000 mg should be used with caution or avoided in patients with:

• Cardiovascular problems like congestive heart failure or myocardial infarction
• Vitamin B12 deficiency
• Alcoholism

Patients with these conditions may be at a higher risk of side effects or complications when taking Galvus Met.                                                                                                                                                 

Key Precautions

1. Contraindications:
   • Patients with type 1 diabetes
   • Patients with severe kidney or liver disease
   • Pregnant or breastfeeding women
2. Warnings and Cautions:
   • Increased risk of lactic acidosis, especially in patients with kidney or liver problems
   • Caution in patients with cardiovascular problems like congestive heart failure or myocardial infarction
   • Caution in patients with vitamin B12 deficiency
   • Caution in patients with alcoholism
3. Usage Instructions:
   • Should be taken with food to avoid upset stomach
   • Should be taken at the same time each day for best results
   • Dosage should be as directed by the doctor and not missed or taken in excess
4. Interactions:
   • May interact with painkillers, thyroid medications, antihypertensive drugs, antacids, and medications affecting the nervous system
   • Consumption of excessive alcohol can increase the risk of lactic acidosis
5. Driving and Operating Machinery:
   • May cause drowsiness, so it is not advised to drive or operate heavy machinery after taking this medication
6. Pregnancy and Breastfeeding:
   • Use during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus
   • Not recommended for use in breastfeeding women as it may pass into breast milk

Dietary Restrictions

1. Alcohol Consumption:
   • Consumption of excessive alcohol can increase the risk of a serious condition called lactic acidosis when taking Galvus Met.
   • It is recommended to avoid or limit alcohol intake while taking this medication.
2. Meal Timing:
   • Galvus Met should be taken with food to avoid an upset stomach.
   • It is best to take the medication at the same time each day for optimal results.
3. Dietary Composition:
   • A healthy, balanced diet high in fiber and low in fat, with adequate protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals is recommended.
   • Boiled, steamed, or baked foods are preferred over fried or high-fat options.
   • Moderate use of healthy oils like olive or groundnut oil is advised, with limited use of ghee and butter.
4. Meal Frequency:
   • It is recommended to have 2-3 healthy snacks between meals, such as soups and salads.
   • Maintaining regular meal timings is important.
5. Fluid Intake:
   • Drinking 8-10 glasses of water per day is recommended.
   • Vitamin B12 Interaction:
     • Metformin, one of the active ingredients in Galvus Met, has been associated with a decrease in serum vitamin B12 levels in approximately 7% of patients.
     • This decrease in vitamin B12 levels can lead to anemia, but it appears to be rapidly reversible with discontinuation of metformin or vitamin B12 supplementation.
     • It is recommended to measure hematological parameters, including vitamin B12 levels, on at least an annual basis for patients receiving metformin-containing products like Galvus Met.
     • Certain individuals, such as those with inadequate vitamin B12 or calcium intake, may be predisposed to developing subnormal vitamin B12 levels, and routine vitamin B12 measurements every 2-3 years may be useful in these patients.
   • Other Vitamin/Mineral Interactions:
     • The search results do not mention any other specific interactions between Galvus Met and other vitamins or supplements.
     • However, it is generally recommended to inform the healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and herbal products being taken to avoid potential interactions.

   • Dosage

     • Galvus Met may be initiated at either the 50 mg/500 mg, 50 mg/850 mg or 50 mg/1000 mg tablet strength twice daily, one tablet in the morning and the other in the evening with meals.
     • The dosage should be individualized based on the patient’s current regimen, effectiveness, and tolerability using the common starting dose.
     • For patients inadequately controlled on metformin alone, the recommended starting dose is 50 mg vildagliptin twice daily plus the dose of metformin already being taken.
     • For patients switching from combination therapy of vildagliptin plus metformin as separate tablets, Galvus Met should be initiated at the dose of vildagliptin and metformin already being taken.

     Storage

     • Galvus Met should be stored in a cool, dry place and away from children.

     Reviews

     • Galvus Met 50/1000 mg tablet has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars on the Apollo Pharmacy website based on 2 reviews.
     • One reviewer mentioned that the tablet helped control their blood sugar levels effectively.
     • Another reviewer stated that Galvus Met is a good combination drug for managing diabetes.