The generic name for the medication marketed as Galvus is vildagliptin.
Galvus is a brand-name prescription medication primarily used in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Its active pharmaceutical ingredient, vildagliptin, is responsible for its therapeutic effects.
Understanding Galvus and Vildagliptin
Galvus serves as the proprietary or brand name under which the drug is sold. In contrast, vildagliptin is the non-proprietary, or generic, name for the chemical compound that makes the medication effective. Knowing the generic name is important for understanding the active ingredient, especially when comparing different medications or considering generic alternatives.
| Category | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Brand Name | Galvus | The commercial name given by the manufacturer. |
| Generic Name | Vildagliptin | The official, non-proprietary name of the drug's active chemical component. |
Key Information about Vildagliptin (Galvus)
Vildagliptin is an oral medication that plays a significant role in improving glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes.
- Approval and Indications: Oral vildagliptin, marketed as Galvus, received approval from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) in 2008. It is indicated for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults.
- Treatment Modalities: It can be prescribed as:
- Monotherapy: When diet and exercise alone do not provide adequate glycemic control.
- Combination Therapy: For patients who have insufficient glycemic control following monotherapy, it can be combined with other antidiabetic agents such as:
- Metformin
- A sulfonylurea
- A thiazolidinedione
- Mechanism of Action: Vildagliptin belongs to a class of drugs called dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors. It works by increasing the levels of incretin hormones, which, in turn, stimulate insulin release and suppress glucagon secretion, leading to better blood sugar control.
For more detailed information on vildagliptin, you can refer to reliable drug databases such as DrugBank.
Why Generic Names Matter
Understanding the generic name of a medication like vildagliptin (Galvus) is crucial for several reasons:
- Active Ingredient Identification: It helps patients and healthcare providers identify the core medicinal component, regardless of the brand it's sold under.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Generic versions of drugs, once available, are typically more affordable than their brand-name counterparts, offering a cost-effective treatment option.
- Consistency: The generic name provides a standardized way to refer to the drug worldwide, ensuring clarity in prescriptions and medical records.
