Galvus Met (Vildagliptin/Metformin)

Do’s

• Take Galvus Met exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider, usually once or twice daily with meals.
• Swallow the tablets whole with a glass of water.
• Follow your healthcare provider's instructions regarding diet and exercise to manage your diabetes.
• Maintain good hygiene practices like foot care and regular blood sugar monitoring as advised by your healthcare provider.
• Inform your healthcare provider about all medications and supplements you take, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal products, to avoid potential interactions.
• Tell your healthcare provider about any upcoming surgery or procedures that involve contrast dyes.
• Be aware of the signs and symptoms of low blood sugar (dizziness, sweating, shakiness) and have a plan for managing it, as Galvus Met can be used with other medications that lower blood sugar.
• Talk to your healthcare provider about getting regular kidney function tests, especially if you are elderly or have pre-existing kidney problems.

Don'ts

• Don't take more or less medication than prescribed by your healthcare provider.
• Don't crush, chew, or break the tablets. Swallow them whole.
• Don't skip doses or stop taking Galvus Met without consulting your healthcare provider.
• Don't drink alcohol in excess, as it can increase the risk of lactic acidosis.
• Don't become dehydrated, especially during exercise or hot weather. Dehydration can increase the risk of lactic acidosis.
• Don't use Galvus Met if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have uncontrolled heart failure.
• Don't use Galvus Met if you are experiencing diabetic ketoacidosis.

Common side effects:

• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Tremor
• Taste disturbances
• Fatigue
• Joint pain
• Swelling of the hands
• Constipation
• Swelling of the ankles or feet

Rare side effects:

• Runny nose
• Sore throat
• Fever
• Lactic acidosis (symptoms may include dizziness, severe vomiting or nausea, abdominal pain, irregular heartbeat, deep and rapid breathing)
• Itching
• Redness of the skin
• Vitamin B12 deficiency (symptoms may include fatigue, pallor, memory disturbances, confusion)
• Tremors, dizziness, excessive hypoglycemia, weakness, and excessive sweating when used in combination with a sulfonylurea

This is not an exhaustive list, and other side effects may occur. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects while taking Galvus met, contact your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Do not use Galvus Met if you:

• Are allergic to vildagliptin or metformin (the active ingredients in Galvus Met) or any of the other ingredients.
• Have uncontrolled heart failure requiring pharmacological treatment.
• Have acute or chronic metabolic acidosis, including lactic acidosis or diabetic ketoacidosis. (Diabetic ketoacidosis should be treated with insulin.)
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Have severe kidney disease or kidney impairment (check with your healthcare provider for appropriate monitoring).
• Have a history of diabetic ketoacidosis.
• Are undergoing an iodinated contrast imaging procedure (X-ray with contrast dye). Your healthcare provider will advise you on stopping or restarting Galvus Met.

Consult your healthcare provider before using Galvus Met if you have:

• Any liver problems.
• A history of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas).
• A history of alcohol abuse.
• A history of surgery or an upcoming major surgery.
• Conditions that may cause dehydration (such as vomiting, diarrhea, or fever).
• Heart problems.
• Low blood pressure.
• Conditions that may cause lactic acidosis (such as kidney disease, uncontrolled diabetes, infection, dehydration, or use of certain medications).

Galvus Met is not a substitute for insulin. If you require insulin, you should continue to take it as directed by your healthcare provider.

Stop taking Galvus Met and get medical help right away if you experience any of the following symptoms of lactic acidosis. 

• Feeling very tired
• Unusual muscle aches
• Feeling short of breath
• Stomach pain
• Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
• Feeling very cold or hot

Avoid excessive alcohol intake while taking Galvus Met. Alcohol intoxication can increase the risk of lactic acidosis. Be cautious if you experience dizziness while taking Galvus Met.

If you have liver problems, your healthcare provider may not recommend taking Galvus Met.

You may need to stop taking Galvus Met before and after surgery. Talk to your healthcare provider about how to manage your blood sugar during this time.