Vipdomet

What is Vipdomet?

Vipdomet is an antidiabetic medicine made up of two active ingredients - metformin and alogliptin. Vipdomet comes in tablet form and is used when metformin alone has not successfully controlled blood glucose (sugar) levels in people with Type 2 diabetes.

What is diabetes?

When blood glucose levels become very high for a long period, it can lead to a condition known as diabetes. Research has found that people who are obese, do not regularly exercise, have a family history of diabetes, smoke and drink alcohol excessively, are at risk of developing diabetes.

Our bodies need energy in the form of glucose to work efficiently. The food and drinks we consume are broken down in our bodies to release glucose into the blood. Glucose is taken up into the body’s cells to provide energy with the help of a hormone called insulin, produced by the pancreas. People who do not produce enough insulin or those who produce insulin that does not work effectively, will have high blood glucose levels and develop diabetes.

Treating Diabetes

Eventually, untreated diabetes can lead to other medical complications such as problems with vision (retinopathy), damaged nerves (neuropathy), hearing impairment, kidney damage and heart disease.

Therefore, it is crucial to speak to your doctor about the treatments available to you. Your doctor will be able to make an assessment and issue the most suitable advice.

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How does Vipdomet work?

The two drugs that make up Vipdomet work in different ways to lower blood glucose levels. Metformin works by acting on the liver cells to reduce the amount of glucose produced and released by the liver into the bloodstream.

Alogliptin is a dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) inhibitor, which works by preventing the breakdown of two hormones responsible for the production of insulin in the pancreas. This means more insulin becomes available to help the absorption of glucose into the body’s cells, and lower blood glucose levels.

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How do I take Vipdomet?

One Vipdomet tablet should be swallowed whole with water twice daily, preferably with food to reduce the side effects of stomach upset. It is important to take the exact dose and frequency of Vipdomet as prescribed by your doctor.

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Side effects and cautions

All medications carry the risk of side effects, though not everybody experiences them. It's important to be aware of these side effects, and to notify your doctor should any arise.

Very common side effects of Vipdomet (may affect more than 1 in 10 people):

• Diarrhoea
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Stomach ache
• Vomiting

Common side effects of Vipdomet (may affect up to 1 in 10 people):

• Cold like symptoms
• Diarrhoea
• Headache
• Heartburn
• Indigestion
• Itchy skin with or without hives
• Low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia)
• Metallic taste
• Rash
• Vomiting

This is not a complete list of side effects associated with Vipdomet. For further information regarding the safety of Vipdomet, please consult the patient information leaflet which comes enclosed with your medicine. Alternatively, you can view the patient information leaflet for Vipdomet online.

If you experience any side effects, report them to your doctor.

 

Allergic reaction

Do not take Vipdomet if you are allergic to alogliptin, metformin, or any of the other ingredients of this medicine.

If you experience an allergic reaction to Vipdomet, cease taking the medicine and seek emergency medical attention.

Signs of an allergic reaction include:

• Chest tightening
• Dry, red and cracked skin
• Itchy, red watery eyes
• Raised, itchy, red rash (hives)
• Swelling of the lips, tongue, eyes or face
• Tummy pain, nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea
• Wheezing

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Do not take Vipdomet if you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking Vipdomet, speak to your doctor for further advice.

Do not take Vipdomet while breastfeeding.

Other safety information

Always seek your doctor's advice before you buy Vipdomet online.

Do not take Vipdomet past the expiry date printed on the packaging. The date refers to the last day of that month - for example, "EXP: 03/20" means the 31st of March 2020.

Do not throw unused medicine away via water waste. Take any unwanted or expired medicine to your pharmacy for them to dispose of safely.

Always keep medicine out the sight and reach from children and pets.

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Frequently asked questions

What should I do if I forget to take Vipdomet when I should?

Do not take a double dose of Vipdomet to make up for a forgotten dose. If you forget a dose, you should take it as soon as you remember unless it is closer to the time for the next dose, in which case you should forget the missed dose and carry on taking the usual prescribed medicines.

What should I do if I take too much Vipdomet?

Taking more than your prescribed dose of Vipdomet can cause a medical emergency known as lactic acidosis. The symptoms of lactic acidosis include, stomach ache, vomiting, difficulty breathing, heart palpitations and low body temperature. If you have symptoms of lactic acidosis, you should take your medicines with you and go to the nearest emergency department.

Can I drink alcohol while taking Vipdomet?

If you drink alcohol excessively while on Vipdomet medicines, you may develop a medical emergency known as lactic acidosis.

Will Vipdomet impact my ability to drive or operate machinery?

Taking Vipdomet with other antidiabetic medicines increases your chance of developing very low blood glucose levels (hypoglycaemia). If you experience symptoms of fatigue, blurred vision and difficulty concentrating, you should not operate machinery or drive.

Where can I buy Vipdomet online?

You can buy Vipdomet online from Prescription Doctor's private online prescription service. Our safe and secure site makes it quick and convenient for you to get the treatment you need delivered straight to your door.

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Table of contents

What is Vipdomet?

How does Vipdomet work?

How do I take Vipdomet?

Side effects and cautions

Frequently asked questions