Vildamac M 50/850

VILDAMAC M 50/850 is a prescription medication used for the management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. It combines two active ingredients to help control blood sugar levels effectively.

Name

• Brand Name: VILDAMAC M 50/850
• Common Names: Vildagliptin and Metformin

Composition

Each tablet of VILDAMAC M 50/850 contains:

• Vildagliptin: 50 mg
• Metformin: 850 mg

Uses

VILDAMAC M 50/850 is prescribed for adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus to manage high blood sugar levels. It is typically used when diet and exercise alone, or treatment with either vildagliptin or metformin individually, are not sufficient to achieve adequate blood sugar control. The medication works by increasing the production of insulin, decreasing glucagon, and improving the body's sensitivity to insulin. By controlling blood sugar, it helps reduce the risk of serious diabetes complications such as kidney damage, vision loss (retinopathy), nerve damage (neuropathy), diabetic foot ulcers, and cardiovascular issues like heart attacks and strokes.

Dosage and Administration

VILDAMAC M 50/850 is taken orally, usually once or twice daily, preferably with or just after meals to minimize stomach upset. The tablet should be swallowed whole with a glass of water and not crushed, chewed, or broken. The exact dosage and duration of treatment are determined by a healthcare professional based on the patient's condition, blood sugar levels, and kidney function. Patients should not stop taking the medication abruptly without consulting their doctor, as this can lead to increased blood sugar levels.

Side Effects

Common Side Effects:

• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), characterized by dizziness, sweating, palpitations, hunger pangs, and dry mouth, especially when used with other antidiabetic drugs like insulin or sulfonylureas.
• Gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, loss of appetite, and metallic taste.
• Headache.
• Weakness, tiredness, joint pain.
• Changes in taste.
• Constipation.
• Swollen hands, ankles, or feet (oedema).
• Upper respiratory symptoms.

Serious Side Effects:

• Lactic Acidosis: A rare but severe condition, symptoms include persistent nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, deep or rapid breathing, muscle cramps, general weakness with severe tiredness, or reduced body temperature.
• Inflamed Pancreas (Pancreatitis): Indicated by severe and persistent pain in the abdomen, with or without nausea or vomiting.

Precautions

• Contraindications: VILDAMAC M 50/850 should not be used in patients with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus, severe kidney or liver disease, diabetic ketoacidosis, or congestive heart failure. It is also contraindicated in individuals with known allergies to its components.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Not generally recommended during pregnancy unless considered essential by a doctor. It is not recommended for breastfeeding women as Metformin can pass into breast milk.
• Alcohol Consumption: Avoid alcohol intake while on this medication, as it increases the risk of lactic acidosis and can lower blood glucose.
• Driving and Operating Machinery: Use caution, as dizziness or changes in blood sugar levels can affect the ability to drive or operate machinery.
• Monitoring: Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels, kidney function, and liver function is crucial before and during treatment.
• Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking. Interactions can occur with ACE inhibitors (increased risk of angioedema), iodinated contrast agents (may require temporary discontinuation), and certain antacids (e.g., cimetidine, ranitidine, which can increase metformin levels).
• Vitamin B12: Long-term use of metformin may lead to vitamin B12 deficiency, which can cause anemia, tingling sensations, numbness in hands and feet, and ataxia. Vitamin B12 supplementation might be necessary.
• Pediatric Use: Not recommended for children and adolescents under 18 years of age.
• Elderly Patients: Use with caution in elderly patients (65 years and above).

Storage

Store VILDAMAC M 50/850 in a cool and dry place, protected from direct sunlight, moisture, and heat. The recommended storage temperature is below 30°C (or between 10°C to 25°C). Keep it out of sight and reach of children and pets. Do not use expired medicine.

Here are frequently asked questions about VILDAMAC M 50/850:

What is VILDAMAC M 50/850 used for?

VILDAMAC M 50/850 is used to manage type 2 diabetes mellitus in adult patients. It is prescribed when diet and exercise alone, or other diabetes medications used singly, are not enough to control blood sugar levels. It helps to improve overall blood sugar control, including both fasting and post-meal glucose levels, and reduces the risk of long-term diabetes complications like kidney damage, vision loss, and cardiovascular issues.

How does VILDAMAC M 50/850 work?

VILDAMAC M 50/850 is a combination medication containing Metformin (850 mg) and Vildagliptin (50 mg). Metformin, a biguanide, works by decreasing glucose production in the liver, reducing glucose absorption from the intestines, and making the body more sensitive to insulin. Vildagliptin, a DPP-4 inhibitor, works by increasing the release of insulin from the pancreas and decreasing hormones that raise blood sugar levels. Together, these actions lead to better control of blood sugar.

What is the usual dosage of VILDAMAC M 50/850?

The usual dosage of VILDAMAC M 50/850 is typically one tablet, once or twice daily, preferably taken with meals to reduce stomach upset. The exact dose and duration of treatment will be determined by your doctor based on your individual condition, blood sugar levels, and response to the medication. It is important to swallow the tablet whole without crushing, chewing, or breaking it.

What are the possible side effects of VILDAMAC M 50/850?

Common side effects include diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, metallic taste, headache, and low blood glucose (hypoglycemia), especially when used with other diabetes medications like sulfonylureas or insulin. Other possible side effects include joint pain, tiredness, constipation, and swelling of hands, ankles, or feet (oedema). Rarely, serious conditions like lactic acidosis and pancreatitis can occur.

Is VILDAMAC M 50/850 safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

VILDAMAC M 50/850 is generally not recommended during pregnancy due to limited human data regarding its safety. It should only be used if specifically advised by a doctor after careful consideration of the potential benefits and risks. It is also contraindicated during breastfeeding because its components can pass into breast milk.

Can VILDAMAC M 50/850 be taken with other medications?

VILDAMAC M 50/850 can interact with various medications. It's crucial to inform your doctor about all prescription and over-the-counter medicines, supplements, and herbal products you are currently taking. Some medications that may interact include glucocorticoids, beta-2 agonists, diuretics, NSAIDs, ACE inhibitors (which may increase the risk of swelling), iodinated contrast agents (requiring temporary stoppage of Vildamac M), and certain antacids (which can increase metformin levels).

What precautions should be taken while using VILDAMAC M 50/850?

Several precautions should be observed:

• Alcohol: Avoid alcohol consumption as it can increase the risk of lactic acidosis.
• Kidney/Liver/Heart problems: Use with caution or avoid if you have severe kidney, liver, or heart conditions. Regular monitoring of kidney function is essential.
• Age: It is not recommended for individuals under 18 years of age and should be used with caution in elderly patients (65 years and above).
• Driving/Operating Machinery: This medicine may cause dizziness or low blood sugar, which can impair driving ability. Exercise caution if you experience such symptoms.
• Other conditions: Inform your doctor if you have uncontrolled diabetes, infections, or are undergoing surgery, as these conditions may affect its use.

What happens if a dose of VILDAMAC M 50/850 is missed?

If you miss a dose of VILDAMAC M 50/850, 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 take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

How should VILDAMAC M 50/850 be stored?

Store VILDAMAC M 50/850 in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight, moisture, and heat. Keep it out of sight and reach of children.