Eucreas Tablets

What are Eucreas tablets?

Eucreas is a medication taken by adults with type 2 diabetes. It’s an oral tablet that contains the active ingredients vildagliptin and metformin hydrochloride. As a combination treatment, it helps patients when metformin doesn’t work by itself. The tablet is taken after and between meals to help control blood sugar levels.

It’s helpful if your blood sugar can’t be controlled completely with the maximum dose of metformin, if you’re taking vildagliptin and metformin separately. It’s also taken together with other diabetes medicines, including insulin, if these medicines aren’t controlling blood glucose levels well. You’ll also have to complement taking the medication with a healthy diet and exercise plan.

How do Eucreas tablets work?

Type 2 diabetes occurs when your pancreas isn’t able to create enough insulin to control blood sugar levels, or when insulin isn’t being used effectively by your body.

Eucreas tablets contain two active ingredients that each have different functions to treat this problem. One of these is Vildagliptin, which works by preventing ‘incretin’ hormones from being broken down in the body. These hormones are usually released after you’ve eaten, and ensure that the pancreas produces sufficient insulin. Vildagliptin increases incretin hormones, to help the pancreas produce more insulin when blood sugar levels have risen. However, vildagliptin doesn’t work for low blood sugar levels.

The other ingredient metformin focuses on stopping the production of glucose in the liver and making sure the gut doesn’t absorb as much. Both of these ingredients work together to lower blood sugar and control type 2 diabetes.

What doses of Eucreas tablets are there?

There are two different Eucreas doses that you can take: 50 mg/850mg and 50 mg/1000mg. The one you choose will depend on your diabetes and blood sugar control. So it’s important to consult with a doctor who will advise on the correct dose for your diabetes, and any other health issues you might have or medication you are taking. The dose on the leaflet can vary between different patients.

When you take Eucreas, our doctor will also want to check on your blood sugar level regularly. You’ll also need to stop taking the medication if you’re going to be having an X-Ray or going to go under general anaesthetic.

How to take Eucreas tablets

• The standard dose for Eucreas is one tablet, to be taken twice a day with a meal.
• You can take one dose with your breakfast and the second with your meal in the evening.
• Eucreas can be taken with other diabetes medications if you need to. Our doctor will advise you on this.
• If you have reduced kidney function, then you’ll probably need to take a reduced dose.
• If you take any other diabetes medication, like Sulphonylurea, then a lower dose will also be recommended.
• You’re also recommended to take this medication while maintaining a healthy diet and exercise plan. It’s best to follow this plan strictly to get the best results.
• Eucreas should be taken on a long-term basis so that your symptoms can be controlled. Continue to take the tablets until advised otherwise.

How long does it take for Eucreas tablets to work?

Generally, metformin should take between four and seven days to ‘start working’ but you’ll need to take Eucreas long term to ensure that your blood sugar levels are stable. You’ll get regular reviews and blood sugar monitoring to make sure Eucreas is still working well for you.

What should I do if I make a mistake when taking Eucreas?

If you realise that you’ve forgotten to take a tablet, then you can just take it with your next meal. If your second dose is also due then, then just take one tablet. It’s important that you’re careful not to take two doses at the same time. If you think that you’ve taken more than you should have, then seek medical help immediately.