Eucreas

Eucreas is a twice-a-day oral medicine, used to treat type 2 diabetes (also known as non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus). It contains the two active ingredients; vildagliptin and metformin hydrochloride. Eucreas is taken in the form of a tablet, and is available in a dose of 50mg and 850mg.

Patients whose blood sugar isn't controlled by the maximum tolerated dose of metformin alone, or who are already taking metformin and vildagliptin as separate tablets are recommended to use this particular medication. Eucreas tablets can be taken by both men and women over the age of 18, with type 2 diabetes.

People with diabetes have problems in maintaining sufficient levels of insulin to regulate levels of sugar in the blood. Type 2 diabetes, in particular, is a condition in which the pancreas does not produce a sufficient level of insulin. The pancreas is used to control the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood, using insulin as a means of achieving this. Therefore, an insufficient level of insulin will cause blood sugar levels to rise too high. Eucreas combines two active ingredients (metformin and vildagliptin), which work in different ways to control your blood sugar levels:

• Metformin is recognised as a biguanide medication. These medications reduce the amount of glucose produced by liver cells, as well as increasing the sensitivity of muscle cells to the essential hormone, insulin. It has also been known to delay the absorption of sugar, from the bowels into the blood after meals.
• Vildagliptin belongs to a group of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors, which help to decrease blood glucose levels. They do this by stopping the breakdown of 'incretin' hormones, named GLP-1 and GIP. These important hormones help to produce more insulin when levels of glucose are high in your blood. They also cause a decrease in glucagon, which would normally stimulate the liver to produce more glucose.

A number of benefits can be experienced when taking Eucreas tablets.

• The main benefit of Eucreas is its effectiveness in controlling blood sugar levels. It has been proven by various clinical studies to do this, as well as being tested in combination with other medications such as sulphonylurea.
• Another benefit of Eucreas is that it comes in easy to take tablets, making it a convenient option compared to other medications.
• Clinical studies have proven that Eucreas can reduce blood sugar, which could potentially help prevent complications that arise as a result of diabetes.
• Eucreas is prescribed to individuals who have taken the highest tolerated dose of metformin alone, or have taken vildagliptin and metformin as separate tablets, but haven't experienced adequate results.
• Eucreas can be used safely, in combination with a sulphonylurea (e.g. gliclazide) or with insulin.

The dosage may depend on how well you initially respond to the treatment. In all cases, a doctor will advise you on the most suitable dosage to take. You will usually start on a dosage of 50mg (vildagliptin) and 850mg (metformin) but this dosage may increase. These are currently the only two dosages available on HealthExpress. Eucreas comes in tablet form and should be taken once in the morning and once in the evening, with food.

Never take a double dosage to compensate for a forgotten tablet. If you forget to take a dose of Eucreas, you can take it with your next meal, unless you were due to take a tablet during that time anyway. Never take a double dose as a substitute for a forgotten tablet.

Eucreas can be taken by men and women over the age of 18. It is designed to help treat people with type 2 diabetes whose blood sugar is not sufficiently controlled by Metformin alone. However, it may not be suitable for everyone. Individuals with type 1 diabetes, diabetic ketoacidosis, or decreased liver function should not use it. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should also not take this medication. For more information regarding the precautions for Eucreas, please refer to the precautions for Eucreas section below.

It is likely that you may not experience any side effects at all when using Eucreas, but it is always best to be aware of the potential risks when taking any medication. The more common side effects include:

• Diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and abdominal pain

The more rare side effects include:

• Constipation, swelling of the feet or ankles (peripheral oedema), fatigue and joint pain (arthralgia.)

If you would like more details about possible side effects of Eucreas, you should consult a doctor or read the patient information leaflet that is attached below.

There are a number of precautions that must be considered before taking Eucreas tablets. These are as follows:

• Eucreas is not a substitute for insulin in insulin-requiring patients. Therefore, it shouldn't be used for patients with type 1 diabetes.
• When taking this treatment, you should still continue to stick with an exercise and diet regime, as Eucreas is not a substitute for exercising and eating healthily.
• Alcohol consumption should be avoided when taking Eucreas tablets, as it can increase the risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia), as well as lactic acidosis.
• Elderly individuals are advised by our doctors to use Eucreas with caution.
• Eucreas tablets should not be taken if you have a history of, or are currently dealing with; kidney failure, heart failure, a decreased liver function, heart attacks, severe infections, trauma, alcoholism, or dehydration.
• To ensure your safety, Eucreas shouldn't be taken during pregnancy, or whilst breastfeeding.

Eucreas 50mg / 850mg tablets can be ordered online from HealthExpress to begin your quick and simple online consultation. Your consultation will be reviewed by one of our doctors, who will assess your suitability. When your consultation is approved, you will be able to buy this medication and have it delivered the next day.