Galvecta 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S

Description

Galvecta 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S belongs to a class of drugs called “hypoglycemics” (anti-diabetics, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor) that are used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes (high blood sugar levels):

• As monotherapy (single drug treatment) or
• In combination with metformin or or pioglitazone (dual therapy) or
• In combination with both metformin and a sulfonylurea (triple therapy) or
• With insulin (with or without metformin)

Type 2 diabetes, also known as non insulin-dependent diabetes, is a condition resulting from a combination of insulin resistance, i.e, body cells failing to respond properly to the insulin produced, inadequate insulin secretion, and excessive production of glucagon. Progression of the disease may lead to insulin deficiency. This causes hyperglycemia. (high blood sugar levels)

This medicine is available in tablet form on prescription. It is prescribed to lower blood sugar levels by increasing insulin production by the pancreas along with decreasing hormones responsible for raising blood sugar levels. As a result, fasting and random blood glucose levels are decreased. 

Dosage of Galvecta 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S depends on age, severity of condition, patient’s response to medicine and their comorbidities.

The most common side effects of Galvecta 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S are headache, common cold, cough, constipation, dizziness, sweating and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar level) in combination with insulin or sulfonylureas.

Indications

Galvecta 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S is prescribed to adults above 18 years of age.

It is used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes (high blood sugar levels) – as an adjunctive therapy to diet and exercise: 

• As monotherapy (single drug treatment) when metformin is not tolerated
• Dual therapy: in combination with either metformin or pioglitazone alone, or with a sulfonylurea when metformin is contraindicated in patients or when sulfonylureas are unable to adequately control blood glucose levels
• Triple therapy: in combination with both metformin and a sulfonylurea or pioglitazone when condition is inadequately controlled by dual therapy 
• With insulin (with or without metformin) when insulin alone fails to control blood sugar levels adequately.

 

How does Galvecta 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S work?

It is an anti-diabetic medication that works by increasing insulin (a natural substance required in breaking down sugar) production by the pancreas and the ability of the body to utilise it effectively. Besides this it also plays a role in decreasing hormones responsible for raising blood sugar levels

 

How to use Galvecta 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S?

Galvecta 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S can be taken with or without meals, any time of the day as long as it’s around the same time everyday. 

Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. 

Dosage 

• Galvecta 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S comes as 50mg tablets.
• Recommended daily dose is 100mg. Administered twice a day, one 50mg tablet in the morning and one in the evening
  • When used as monotherapy 
  • In combination with metformin, 
  • In combination with thiazolidinedione (pioglitazone)
  • In combination with metformin and a sulphonylurea
  • In combination with insulin (with or without metformin)
• Recommended daily dose is 50mg, administered once in the morning as in this patient population, 100mg daily of Galvecta 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S was no more effective than 50mg once daily
  • When used in combination with a sulphonylurea.

 

Pregnancy use and lactation

Use of Galvecta 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S is not recommended in pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Please inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to conceive or breastfeeding so that they can prescribe you a medicine accordingly without causing any complications for you or your baby.

Contraindications

Please inform your doctor if you have a history of any before using Galvecta 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S:

• Type 1 diabetes mellitus (condition in which your body does not produce insulin) 
• Children below 18 years of age.
• Allergic reaction (hypersensitivity) to the product or other medicines in the past
• History of CHF (congestive heart failure)
• Hepatic (liver) impairment (like hepatitis)
• Diabetic ketoacidosis (abnormally fast breakdown of fat into blood acids called ketones)

 

Precautions

Please tell your doctor about any of the following conditions while using Galvecta 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S:

• Elderly 
• Pregnancy
• Skin disorders (ulcers and blisters)
• Risk of developing acute pancreatitis – advice patients of symptoms 
• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
• Renal (kidney) impairment – dosage is reduced to 50mg once daily if eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate) is less than 50mL/min/1.73m2
• Monitor liver function periodically 

Interaction with other medications

Certain medications could interact with Galvecta 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S, hence, in that case your doctor might alter your dosage and make sure to monitor blood sugar levels more closely.

Please inform your doctor about the use of the following before taking Galvecta 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S:

• ACE inhibitors (increased risk of angioedema)
• Galvecta 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S is not likely to interact with active substances that are substrates, inhibitors or inducers of cytochrome P (CYP) 450 enzyme. Hence, it has a low potential for interactions when it is co-administered with medicinal products.

Make sure to inform your doctor that you are taking Galvecta 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S before you start or stop any other medicine.

 

Adverse effects

Like most medicines, Galvecta 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S has some side effects which include:

Common:

• Headaches 
• Common cold and cough
• Nausea   
• Dizziness 
• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar level) in combination with insulin or sulfonylureas.

Serious:

• Bullous and exfoliative skin lesions
• With monotherapy: dizziness. 
• With metformin: tremor, headache, dizziness, nausea, hypoglycaemia. 
• With sulfonylurea: tremor, headache, dizziness, asthaenia, hypoglycaemia.
• With glitazone: weight gain, peripheral oedema. 
• With insulin: headache, hypoglycaemia, chills, GI upset.

 

How to cope with some of the adverse effects

• Headaches – Take a painkiller, rest and keep yourself hydrated at all times. Avoid drinking alcohol

• Nausea (feeling sick) – Take Galvecta 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S with meals and avoid having spicy food

• Dizziness – Try and rest until you feel better and refrain from driving or using any tools or machinery
• Hypoglycemia – Carry fast acting carbohydrates (like sweets and juice) to prevent your body from going into a state of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)

Inform your doctor immediately if you experience any of the serious side effects.

 

Key facts about Galvecta 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S

• Galvecta 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S is used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (condition resulting in elevated levels of sugar in the blood) when diet and exercise are inadequate in controlling blood sugar levels as monotherapy (single drug treatment), in combination with metformin or sulfonylurea, or pioglitazone (dual therapy), in combination with both metformin and a sulfonylurea (triple therapy) and with insulin (with or without metformin)
• It is prescribed to adults above 18 years of age.
• It works by increasing insulin (a natural substance required in breaking down sugar) production by the pancreas and by decreasing hormones responsible for raising blood sugar level
• When using Galvecta 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S with other medicines it can cause hypoglycemia, (low blood sugar) hence, carry something sweet in case that happens.
• Galvecta 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S does not make you gain weight. Moreover, it helps in losing weight as it gives you the feeling of fullness which inturn decreases hunger and consequently restricts you from eating more than required. 
• It is important for your doctor to monitor your blood sugar levels regularly, along with repeated tests to prevent you from any complications

FAQs

1. WHAT EXACTLY DOES Galvecta 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S DO?

It is a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor that works by lowering blood sugar levels by increasing insulin production by the pancreas and decreasing hormones responsible for raising blood sugar levels.

2. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR Galvecta 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S TO START WORKING?

Galvecta 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S starts working in a couple of weeks, however, optimum result is usually achieved in 18-20 weeks. It is essential to take it consistently to stabilise your blood sugar levels

3. HOW LONG WILL I HAVE TO TAKE Galvecta 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S FOR?

Galvecta 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S is usually prescribed for long term use, possibly life long. Your dosage and time period is decided by your doctor after knowing the severity of your condition.

4. CAN I STOP TAKING Galvecta 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S?

This medicine largely controls your blood sugar levels, but does not cure your condition. Hence, do not just stop taking the medicine without consulting your doctor, otherwise your condition could possibly get worse.

5. WHAT IF Galvecta 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S STOPS WORKING?

If it stops working, then your doctor will either give it to you with a combination of other medicines or recommend a different treatment to you by switching it with other anti-diabetics.

6. WILL Galvecta 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S AFFECT MY KIDNEYS?

It does not affect those with normal kidney function and hence, is safe to use for them. However, if you have a history of kidney disease, inform your doctor as you might need to alter your daily dose.

7. DOES Galvecta 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S CAUSE WEIGHT GAIN OR WEIGHT LOSS?

It does not cause weight gain by itself. However, it is essential to maintain a healthy weight in order to manage diabetes effectively.

8. WHAT IF I TAKE TOO MUCH OF Galvecta 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S?

An overdose of Galvecta 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) indicated by feeling hungry, trembling or shaking, sweating, feeling confused and having problems concentrating. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of these signs or experience stomach pain, nausea/vomiting and dizziness.

9. WHAT IF I FORGET TO TAKE Galvecta 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S?

Incase you miss a dose, take your next dose on time and do not try making up for the missed dose by doubling it up. If it helps to remind you, set an alarm so you do not miss any dose.

10. CAN I DRINK ALCOHOL WHILE TAKING Galvecta 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S?

Drinking alcohol in moderation is not harmful. However, alcohol intake increases the risk of hypoglycemia especially when you drink it on an empty stomach.

11. CAN I TAKE Galvecta 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S BEFORE SURGERY ?

Inform your doctor that you are using Galvecta 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S before surgery as he/she might ask you to stop taking the medicine before your operation.

12. CAN I DRIVE OR RIDE A BIKE AFTER TAKING Galvecta 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S?

Galvecta 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S alone might not affect your ability to drive or ride a bike, but when given in combination with other medicines, it could result in low blood sugar levels resulting in loss of concentration vision impairment (your eyesight is affected). To be on the safe side, always carry fast acting carbohydrates (like sweets and juice) to prevent your body from going into a state of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)

13. IS Galvecta 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S DIFFERENT FROM SITAGLIPTIN?

No, they are not the same but they do belong to the same class of drugs. Efficacy of Galvecta 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S when given twice daily, is slightly better than that of sitagliptin that is given once daily.

14. HOW SHOULD Galvecta 50mg Tablet 10 ‘S BE STORED?

Keep this medicine tightly closed in the container or the pack it came in. Store it at room temperature, away from excess heat and moisture. Make sure it is not consumed by pets, children and other people. Dispose of the unused medicine.