Vilmax M 500 Tablet

VILMAX M 500 TABLET

VILMAX M 500 TABLET, manufactured by AKUMENTIS HEALTHCARE LTD, is a combination medication used for the management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. This oral anti-diabetic agent works to control high blood sugar levels in adults whose condition cannot be managed by diet and exercise alone.

Composition

VILMAX M 500 TABLET contains two active ingredients:

• Vildagliptin (50 mg): This component is a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor. It works by increasing the release of insulin from the pancreas and decreasing the production of glucagon, a hormone that raises blood sugar levels, especially after meals.
• Metformin (500 mg): Belonging to the biguanide class, metformin reduces sugar production in the liver, decreases sugar absorption from the gut, and improves the body's sensitivity to insulin, enhancing glucose uptake and utilization by tissues.

Together, these ingredients provide a dual mechanism of action to effectively improve insulin sensitivity, reduce liver-produced glucose, and manage blood sugar levels.

Uses

VILMAX M 500 TABLET is primarily prescribed for:

• Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.
• Controlling high blood sugar levels.
• Improving insulin sensitivity.
• Reducing the risk of long-term diabetes-related complications such as kidney damage, eye damage, nerve problems, and cardiovascular disease.

Dosage and Administration

The dosage of VILMAX M 500 TABLET is determined by a healthcare professional based on individual needs and response to treatment.

• It is typically taken orally, once or twice daily.
• It should be swallowed whole with a glass of water, without splitting, crushing, or chewing.
• Taking the tablet with meals is often recommended to minimize gastrointestinal side effects.
• Consistency is important; take it regularly at the same time each day for optimal benefit. Do not alter the dosage or stop the medication without consulting a doctor.

Side Effects

Common side effects of VILMAX M 500 TABLET may include:

• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain/Stomach upset
• Loss of appetite
• Headache
• Upper respiratory tract infections, including nasopharyngitis (inflammation of the throat or nose due to a common cold).
• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) when used with other anti-diabetic medications or with insufficient calorie intake.

Serious but rare side effects include lactic acidosis, symptoms of which are weakness, muscle pain, trouble breathing, stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, dizziness, and irregular heartbeat. Prompt medical attention is required if such symptoms occur.

Precautions

• Allergies: Do not take if allergic to vildagliptin, metformin, or other ingredients.
• Kidney/Liver Disease: Not recommended for individuals with severe kidney or liver problems. Use with caution in patients with a history of kidney issues.
• Alcohol Consumption: Avoid excessive alcohol consumption as it may increase the risk of lactic acidosis and can lower blood sugar.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Caution is advised during pregnancy, and it is generally not recommended for breastfeeding women as components can pass into breastmilk. Consult a doctor.
• Heart Conditions: Not recommended for patients with heart problems like irregular heartbeat or heart failure.
• Diabetic Ketoacidosis/Type 1 Diabetes: This medication is not suitable for individuals with diabetic ketoacidosis or Type 1 diabetes.
• Surgery: Inform your doctor if you have a planned surgery.
• Children: Not recommended for patients under 18 years of age.
• Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor about all other medications, supplements, or herbal products you are taking to avoid potential interactions, especially with cationic medications (e.g., amiloride, digoxin), iodinated contrast agents, and CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampicin).
• Monitoring: Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels and kidney function is essential during treatment.

Storage

Store VILMAX M 500 TABLET in its original container in a cool, dry place.

• Protect from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture.
• Ensure the medicine is out of reach of children.
• Always check the expiry date before use.
• Store below 30°C.

Here are the most frequently asked questions about VILMAX M 500 TABLET by AKUMENTIS HEALTHCARE LTD, along with concise answers:

What is Vilmax M 500 Tablet used for?

VILMAX M 500 Tablet is a combination medicine primarily used to control high blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is prescribed when diet and exercise alone, or treatment with vildagliptin or metformin alone, are not sufficient to manage blood sugar effectively. This medication helps reduce the risk of serious diabetes-related complications such as kidney damage, nerve problems, vision loss, heart disease, and stroke.

How does Vilmax M 500 Tablet work?

VILMAX M 500 Tablet contains two active ingredients: Vildagliptin (50 mg) and Metformin (500 mg).

• Vildagliptin works by inhibiting an enzyme called dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4). By doing so, it increases and prolongs the activity of natural substances called incretins, which help stimulate the pancreas to produce more insulin when blood glucose levels are high and decrease the production of glucagon, a hormone that raises blood sugar.
• Metformin works by reducing glucose production in the liver, decreasing the absorption of sugar from the intestines, and improving the body's sensitivity to insulin, allowing cells to use glucose more effectively. Together, these components provide a dual mechanism of action to effectively manage blood sugar levels.

What is the usual dosage of Vilmax M 500 Tablet?

The dosage of VILMAX M 500 Tablet is determined by your doctor based on your individual needs, the severity of your condition, and how you respond to treatment. It is typically taken orally, usually with or after meals, once or twice daily, to minimize gastrointestinal side effects. You should swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water and avoid splitting, crushing, or chewing it. It is crucial to follow your doctor's prescribed dosage and not alter it without consultation.

What are the possible side effects of Vilmax M 500 Tablet?

Common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, headache, dizziness, and upper respiratory tract infections (like nasopharyngitis or sore throat). Less common but serious side effects can include:

• Lactic acidosis: A rare but serious condition, mainly associated with metformin, characterized by symptoms such as muscle pain or weakness, dizziness, tiredness, feeling cold in arms and legs, difficulty breathing, persistent nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain. It is more likely in patients with kidney problems, severe infections, dehydration, or excessive alcohol intake.
• Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas, indicated by severe and persistent pain in the abdomen, sometimes with nausea and vomiting.
• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar): While generally less likely when taken alone, it can occur, especially if combined with other antidiabetic medicines (like insulin or sulfonylureas), or if there is insufficient calorie intake, missed meals, or excessive exercise. Symptoms include dizziness, sweating, trembling, headache, hunger, and confusion.

If you experience any severe or persistent side effects, you should consult your doctor immediately.

Is Vilmax M 500 Tablet safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Pregnancy: Caution is advised while taking VILMAX M 500 Tablet if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or think you may be pregnant. There is limited information on its safety during pregnancy, and animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. It should be used during pregnancy only if advised by your doctor, who will weigh the benefits against potential risks.

Breastfeeding: VILMAX M 500 Tablet is generally not recommended for breastfeeding women, as its components are known to pass into breastmilk. Breastfeeding women should consult their doctor to understand the potential risks.

Can it be taken with other medications?

VILMAX M 500 Tablet can interact with other medicines. It is important to inform your doctor about all medicines, supplements, or herbal products you are currently taking or plan to take to avoid possible interactions. Some medications that may interact include:

• Cationic medications: Such as amiloride, digoxin, and trimethoprim, which may increase metformin concentrations in the blood.
• Iodinated contrast agents: Used in certain imaging procedures, as they may increase the risk of acute renal failure and lactic acidosis. Temporary discontinuation of VILMAX M 500 Tablet may be necessary during such procedures.
• CYP3A4 inducers: Medicines like rifampicin can reduce the effectiveness of vildagliptin.
• Other antidiabetic medicines: When taken with insulin or sulfonylureas, the risk of hypoglycemia may increase.
• Alcohol: Avoid excessive alcohol consumption as it can lower blood sugar and increase the risk of lactic acidosis.

What precautions should be taken?

Several precautions should be taken while using VILMAX M 500 Tablet:

• Kidney and Liver Impairment: This medicine is not recommended for individuals with severe kidney or liver problems. Caution is advised for those with a history of kidney disease, and dose adjustments may be needed. Regular monitoring of kidney and liver function is important.
• Heart Conditions: Caution is advised for patients with certain heart conditions like irregular heartbeat or heart failure.
• Diabetic Ketoacidosis and Type 1 Diabetes: VILMAX M 500 Tablet is not suitable for patients with diabetic ketoacidosis or type 1 diabetes.
• Alcohol Consumption: Avoid excessive alcohol consumption as it increases the risk of lactic acidosis and can affect blood sugar levels.
• Surgery/Scans: Inform your doctor if you have a planned surgery or are undergoing a scan involving iodinated contrast agents, as you may need to temporarily stop the medication.
• Dehydration/Infections: Dehydration (due to severe vomiting, diarrhea, fever) or serious infections can increase the risk of lactic acidosis, so communicate these to your doctor.
• Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Long-term use of metformin can sometimes lead to low vitamin B12 levels, so periodic blood tests may be recommended.

What happens if a dose is missed?

If you miss a dose of VILMAX M 500 Tablet, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to compensate for the missed one.

How should it be stored?

VILMAX M 500 Tablet should be stored in a cool, dry place, protected from direct sunlight, moisture, and heat. Ensure the medicine is kept out of reach of children and pets. Always check the expiry date before taking the medicine and properly discard any unused or expired medication. Store below 30°C.