Vipidia

What is Vipidia?

Vipidia is a type of medicine known as the DPP-4 inhibitor, used to treat Type 2 diabetes when other antidiabetics alone are not effectively reducing high blood glucose (sugar) levels. Vipidia comes as tablets and contains the active ingredient alogliptin.

What is diabetes?

Diabetes occurs as a result of high glucose levels in the blood. Obesity, lack of regular exercise and family history are common risk factors for developing diabetes.

The food and drinks we consume are broken down by our bodies and converted to glucose by the liver. Glucose is used as an energy source by our bodies and is absorbed into our body’s cells with the help of a hormone called insulin. When the insulin produced is not enough or is ineffective, glucose will not be taken into the cells and will increase in the blood, causing diabetes.

Treating Diabetes

In the long term, untreated high blood glucose levels can cause problems in the body affecting the eyes (retinopathy), nerves (neuropathy), ears (hearing) and heart (cardiovascular disease).

You should speak to your doctor about the diabetes treatment options available to you. Your doctor will be able to determine the safest course of treatment for you and offer practical advice on managing your condition.

How does Vipidia work?

Vipidia (alogliptin) works by acting as an inhibitor of the DPP-4 (dipeptidyl peptidase 4) enzyme which usually breaks down two hormones (GIP and GLP-1).

The hormones GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide) and GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) are responsible for stimulating the pancreas to produce insulin, which helps the body’s cells absorb glucose from the blood.

Inhibiting the DPP-4 enzyme will therefore stop the breakdown of GIP and GLP-1 hormones, increasing their levels in the body and in turn, their effect on producing more insulin to help control blood glucose levels.

How do I take Vipidia?

Vipidia can be swallowed whole with a glass of water once daily, with or without food. Your doctor may prescribe Vipidia with other antidiabetic medicines, which you should also take as instructed.

Side effects and cautions

All medicines carry the risk of side effects, though not everybody gets them. Before taking Vipidia, it's important to read the patient information leaflet enclosed with your medication, which provides further information regarding the safety of this medicine.

Side effects of Vipidia may include:

• Cold like symptoms
• Diarrhoea
• Headache
• Heartburn
• Indigestion
• Itchy skin
• Low blood sugar
• Rash
• Stomach ache

This is not a complete list of side effects. For more information regarding the safety of this medication, please consult the patient information leaflet enclosed with your treatment.

Alternatively, you can view the patient information leaflet for Vipidia online.

Speak to your doctor before taking Vipidia if you:

• are taking any anti-diabetic medicine known as sulphylurea
• are taking insulin or an anti-diabetic medicine
• have diabetic ketoacidosis
• have kidney disease
• have liver disease
• have or have had pancreatitis or any other disease of the pancreas
• have type 1 diabetes
• suffer from heart failure

Allergic reaction

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

If you experience an allergic reaction to Vipidia, 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

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

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

Do not take Vipidia while breastfeeding.

Other safety information

Do not take Vipidia 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.

Frequently asked questions

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

If you forget to take your daily dose of vipidia, you should still take it if you remember on the same day. If you remember the next day, take the usual once a day dose and forget the missed dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose you missed.

What should I do if I take too much Vipidia?

If you have taken more than your prescribed dose of vipidia, you should go to your nearest emergency hospital immediately and take the medicine with you.

Can I drink alcohol while taking Vipidia?

You should avoid excessive alcohol consumption while taking vipidia or other antidiabetics as alcohol can affect your body’s ability to control blood glucose levels.

Will Vipidia impact my ability to drive or operate machinery?

Vipidia is usually taken with other antidiabetics, which can increase the risk of having very low blood glucose levels. Low glucose levels can cause dizziness, fatigue, vision problems and poor concentration, so you should avoid driving or using machinery if you are experiencing these symptoms.

Can Vipidia cause weight gain?

Vipidia is unlikely to cause weight gain. If you notice any significant or unexplained changes in your weight, speak to your doctor for further advice.

Can I buy Vipidia online?

Online prescribing services - such as Prescription Doctor - make it straightforward to buy Vipidia online. Simple fill in our questionnaire for our online doctors to review.

Table of contents

What is Vipidia?

How does Vipidia work?

How do I take Vipidia?

Side effects and cautions

Frequently asked questions