Type 2 Diabetes Treatment with Galvus

Galvus is an oral anti-diabetic medication that may be prescribed to control your blood glucose levels if you are a type 2 diabetic. Vildagliptin, the active ingredient in Galvus, is a DPP-4 inhibitor (dipeptidyl peptidase-4) and is usually prescribed along with other anti-diabetic meds. A healthy diet and exercise can also go a long way to help stabilize your blood sugar in order to reduce your risk of heart disease, nerve damage and more.

How Galvus Helps to Control Blood Glucose Levels

DPP 4 is an enzyme that breaks down two gut hormones known as incretins. Incretins stimulate insulin secretion after a meal in order to lower blood glucose levels. In those with type 2 diabetes, insulin production is decreased so the DPP 4 enzyme must be blocked in order to stop it from breaking down the gut hormones. This allows the insulin secretion to be prolonged and increases its effect on your blood glucose. Diabetes medications such as Galvus help control the amount of glucose in your bloodstream, but there is no cure for diabetes.

Information About Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes can develop if your body cannot produce enough insulin or your body is not using insulin properly. Your blood sugar levels rise and cause increased appetite, thirst and urination, weight loss, and fatigue. Symptoms can be more severe if your blood sugar levels are consistently high. Some individuals may be able to control this condition if they exercise to lose excess weight, quit smoking, and adopt a healthier diet. Talk to your doctor about Galvus and see if it can help you manage your blood sugar and avoid other health risks that diabetes can cause.

Before You Take Galvus

It’s important to tell your doctor about other medical conditions you have and whether you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breast-feeding as Galvus may not be the right drug for your type 2 diabetes. Inform your doctor of all Rx medications and OTC drugs you are taking, and include any vitamin or herbal supplements so it can be determined if taking is safe to take. You may be required to have frequent blood tests to make sure Galvus is working or whether you might need a dosage adjustment.

Galvus Precautions and Recommendations

You may experience low blood sugar levels when taking Galvus with insulin or other diabetes medications. You should talk to your doctor about this and familiarize yourself with hypoglycemia symptom which include sweating, headache, and hunger. If you are scheduled for any dental or surgical procedures that require you to fast the evening before, ask your doctor or pharmacist if you should take a full dose of Galvus or other diabetic meds on the morning of your surgery.

Galvus is not recommended for children and adolescents under the age of 18 years.

Possible Galvus Side Effects

• Headache
• Chills
• Nausea
• Weight gain
• Dizziness
• Weakness

Top Diabetes Medications Available at NorthWestPharmacy.com

• Januvia
• Invokana
• Invokamet
• Onglyza
• Janumet