Eucreas

• Eucreas is a medication taken to treat diabetes
• It contains the drugs metformin and vildagliptin
• Both medications help to lower blood sugar levels
• Eucreas is prescribed when metformin alone has not had an adequate effect on blood sugar levels
• If a third medication is required, Eucreas can be used as part of triple therapy
• It is important to read the patient leaflet for a full list of side effects and cautions.

Our bodies rely on insulin which is made by the pancreas. Insulin helps to control the amount of glucose (sugar) in the blood. If the body starts to make less insulin, our blood sugar levels are left to rise unchecked. In some people, the body has also stopped responding properly to any insulin that is being produced. The rising blood sugar levels will lead to diabetes.

High levels of glucose in the blood over a prolonged period can cause damage to the blood vessels, nerves, kidneys and eyes. Some patients will eventually require amputation of extremities including the toes or feet. It is therefore very important to keep your blood glucose levels under control, even if you currently feel well.

Eucreas contains both metformin and vildagliptin.

Metformin works in more than one way to control blood glucose levels. Its first mechanism of action is to prevent the liver from releasing too much sugar into the bloodstream. It also prompts the body to respond better to any insulin that is still naturally being produced. These actions combined help to lower blood sugar levels to a healthier range. 

Vildagliptin works by stimulating the pancreas to produce more insulin when blood sugar levels are high. 

After starting Eucreas, it can take several months to see the full effect. It is therefore important to see this as a long term treatment and take your medication regularly.

Eucreas is a tablet that is often taken twice daily. The tablet can be swallowed with some water. It should be taken with or just after eating to reduce the digestive side effects associated with metformin.

There are two strengths of Eucreas available:

• 850mg/50mg tablets contain 850mg of metformin and 50mg of vildagliptin
• 1000mg/50mg tablets contain 1000mg of metformin and 50mg of vildagliptin.

A common starting dose of Eucreas is one 850mg/50mg tablet twice a day. However, your prescriber will select the correct dose based on your blood sugar control and previous doses of any anti-diabetes medications.

Like all medications, Eucreas can have some side effects. The most common side effects include:

• Low blood sugar levels
• Tremor or shaking
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Feeling tired.

If these symptoms persist, you should speak to your doctor for advice.

It is important to recognise the signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia or a ‘hypo’). These include:

• Feeling hungry
• Trembling or shaking
• Struggling to concentrate or feeling confused
• Sweating.

If a hypo occurs, you should eat or drink a fast-acting carbohydrate such as sugary fruit juice, sweets, or a sugar cube. If you still feel unwell, seek immediate medical advice.

Serious allergic reactions happen very rarely. If you have a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) including breathlessness, lip swelling or tongue swelling, call 999 immediately.

Eucreas may not be suitable for everyone. You should tell your prescriber if you:

• Have severe kidney disease
• Have heart failure
• Have lung or respiratory failure
• Have recently had a heart attack (myocardial infarction)
• Have liver disease
• Have alcohol dependence
• Are pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding.

Some medications can interact with Eucreas. You may be advised that Eucreas will not suit you if you already take:

• Medications for high blood pressure
• Cimetidine
• Some anti-inflammatory medications
• Steroids.

If you are due to have a procedure using contrast (such as a CT or MRI scan), you must tell the medical professional that you take Eucreas.

Because Eucreas may not suit everyone, we will complete a Consultation with you including a health questionnaire. This will ensure that the medication will be suitable for you.

A qualified prescriber will review your current medications, including any herbal remedies or supplements, to ensure that Eucreas will not interact with them. 

Once prescribed, Eucreas will be ordered on your behalf via electronic prescription. Eucreas will then be conveniently dispatched from one of our partner pharmacies.