Galvus (Vildagliptin)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Galvus Used For?
Galvus contains vildagliptin, which belongs to a class of diabetes medications called DPP-4 inhibitors that help lower blood sugar levels when taken by mouth.
Primary Uses
Galvus is used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus in people 18 years of age and above. It helps lower blood sugar levels and can be used alone or in combination with other diabetes medications.
How It Works
Type 2 diabetes develops when the body doesn’t produce enough insulin or doesn’t use insulin effectively. Insulin helps lower blood sugar levels, especially after meals. Galvus works as a DPP-4 inhibitor to help control blood sugar levels.
How to Take Galvus
Take Galvus exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The medication can be taken with or without food.
Dosage Instructions
Take 50 mg or 100 mg of Galvus daily. If your dose is 50 mg, take it once daily (1 tablet) in the morning. If your dose is 100 mg, take it twice daily (50 mg tablet in morning and evening). Swallow the tablet whole with or without a meal. Do not take two tablets together at one time.
What If You Miss a Dose?
Take Galvus regularly at the same time each day. If you miss your dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose when scheduled. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you’re unsure what to do.
Important: Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose you missed
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Swelling of hands, ankles and feet
- Dizziness or light-headedness
- Headache
- Unintentional shaking movements
- Weight gain
- Lack of energy
- Chills
- Excessive sweating of palms, soles or underarms
- Constipation
- Feeling sick
- Diarrhea
- Burning sensation in chest rising to throat
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Swelling on hands, ankles, feet, lips, face
- Pinkish itchy swellings on skin, itchy rash
- Fluid filled boils on skin, blisters
- Yellowing of skin and eyes, dark urine, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, fever (hepatitis)
- Severe upper stomach pain with vomiting and nausea (cholecystitis)
- Stomach pain, indigestion, pain after eating, fast shallow breathing, fever, vomiting (pancreatitis)
- Low blood sugar symptoms: weakness, paleness, tiredness, blurred vision, fast heartbeat
- Joint pain and swelling
Important Warnings
Before taking Galvus, inform your doctor about all your medical conditions and medications to ensure it’s safe for you.
Who Should Not Take Galvus
Do not use Galvus if you are allergic to vildagliptin or any ingredients in the medication, if you have type 1 diabetes, or if you have high levels of ketones in your blood.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have heart problems, pancreas issues, liver and kidney problems, joint pain and discomfort, or any skin issues such as boils, blisters, or redness.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Check with your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Avoid taking Galvus if you are breastfeeding, as it’s unknown if the medication passes into breast milk. Tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while taking Galvus.
Drug Interactions
Some medications may interfere with Galvus and affect how it works. Tell your doctor about all medicines, vitamins, or supplements you’re taking.
Alcohol & Driving
Be cautious with alcohol consumption and driving while taking Galvus, as it may affect your ability to perform these activities safely.
Alcohol
Be careful while drinking alcohol as it increases the risk of lowering your blood sugar levels. Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Galvus may cause dizziness, light-headedness, and tiredness in some people. Be careful before driving or using machines or tools until you know how Galvus affects you.
Storage
Store Galvus below 30°C. Keep tablets in their original pack until it’s time to take them. Store in a cool, dry place away from moisture, heat, or sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car, or on window sills. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose Information
If you think you have taken too much Galvus, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Overdose symptoms may include swelling of hands or feet, muscle pain, numbness in hands or feet, and fever. Contact the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department, even if you feel fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can take Galvus with or without food. Swallow the tablet whole.
Take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Never take a double dose.
Be careful with alcohol as it increases the risk of lowering your blood sugar levels. Discuss alcohol consumption with your doctor.
Do not stop using Galvus suddenly. Always consult your doctor before stopping any diabetes medication.
Yes, Galvus may cause dizziness, light-headedness, and tiredness in some people. Be careful when driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you.
Check your blood glucose levels regularly and keep your doctor informed about the results. Your doctor will advise you on the appropriate monitoring schedule.
Remind any doctor, dentist, or pharmacist you visit that you are taking Galvus, as this information is important for your care.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.