Icandra

Active Ingredient:: Metformin Hydrochloride, Vildagliptin
Origin:: EU

Icandra (Metformin Hydrochloride, Vildagliptin)

Q: What is Icandra used for?

Icandra is prescribed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. It combines Metformin, which lowers hepatic glucose output, with Vildagliptin, which enhances insulin secretion in response to meals, helping patients achieve better glycaemic control when used with diet and exercise.

Q: How does Metformin Hydrochloride / Vildagliptin work?

Metformin decreases the liver’s production of glucose and improves the body’s response to insulin, while Vildagliptin blocks the DPP‑4 enzyme, raising levels of incretin hormones that stimulate insulin release only when blood glucose is high. Together they provide complementary glucose‑lowering actions.

Q: What is the usual dose of Icandra?

The dose of Icandra is individualized by the prescribing healthcare professional based on the patient’s clinical condition, renal function, and response to therapy. The prescriber determines the appropriate strength and dosing schedule for each patient.

Q: Is Icandra safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Safety of Icandra in pregnancy and lactation has not been established. It should only be used if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus or infant, and the decision must be made by a qualified healthcare provider.

Q: How do I order Icandra from GNH India?

To order Icandra, submit an enquiry on the product page at gnhindia.com specifying the required quantity. GNH India works with hospitals, pharmacies and procurement teams worldwide, verifies trade or institutional credentials, and then provides pricing, availability, shipping details and any necessary import documentation.

Q: How does Icandra compare with other antidiabetic options?

Icandra combines a Biguanide (Metformin) with a DPP‑4 inhibitor (Vildagliptin) in a single tablet, offering the convenience of a fixed‑dose regimen. Compared with Metformin alone, it provides additional post‑prandial glucose control, and compared with separate DPP‑4 inhibitors, it reduces pill burden.

Q: What are the storage requirements for Icandra?

Icandra should be stored at ambient temperature, below 25 °C, in its original container. Keep the tablet away from moisture, heat and direct sunlight to maintain its stability and potency throughout its shelf life.

Q: How is Icandra administered?

Icandra is taken orally, usually with meals to minimise gastrointestinal discomfort. The tablet is swallowed whole with a glass of water; it should not be crushed, chewed or split unless specifically instructed by a healthcare professional.

Q: What are the most serious risks associated with Icandra?

The most serious risks include lactic acidosis, a rare but life‑threatening condition, and severe hypoglycaemia when used with insulin or sulfonylureas. Patients should be aware of symptoms such as unexplained muscle pain, rapid breathing, or confusion, and seek immediate medical attention if they occur.

Q: Who should not use Icandra?

Icandra is contraindicated in patients with severe renal impairment (eGFR < 30 mL/min), known hypersensitivity to Metformin or Vildagliptin, acute or chronic metabolic acidosis, and those who have experienced lactic acidosis while on Metformin therapy.

Metformin Hydrochloride / Vildagliptin, the active ingredient in Icandra, is a Biguanide / DPP‑4 inhibitor presented as an oral tablet for oral use. It treats type 2 diabetes mellitus in adult patients by improving glycaemic control.
GNH India supplies Icandra as a licensed, GDP‑compliant international pharmaceutical supplier serving hospitals, pharmacies and clinics worldwide.

Manufacturer / TM Owner

Novartis Europharm Limited

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Indications & Clinical Uses

Icandra is used to manage hyperglycaemia in the type 2 diabetes pathway.
Type 2 diabetes mellitus: improves blood glucose control when combined with diet and exercise.
Adjunct therapy: used alongside lifestyle modifications to achieve target HbA1c levels.
Glycaemic control: helps lower fasting and post‑prandial glucose concentrations.

How It Works

Metformin reduces hepatic glucose production and enhances peripheral insulin sensitivity, while Vildagliptin inhibits the enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase‑4 (DPP‑4), leading to increased incretin levels and glucose‑dependent insulin secretion, together providing complementary glucose‑lowering effects.

Side Effects

Common Side Effects

Gastrointestinal upset: nausea, abdominal discomfort, or diarrhoea.
Headache: mild to moderate intensity.
Metallic taste: transient alteration in taste perception.
Upper respiratory tract symptoms: mild cough or sore throat.
Skin rash: mild erythema or pruritus.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

Lactic acidosis: rare but potentially fatal metabolic complication.
Severe hypoglycaemia: especially when combined with insulin or sulfonylureas.
Pancreatitis: acute inflammation of the pancreas.
Hepatic dysfunction: elevated liver enzymes or hepatitis.
Severe skin reactions: Stevens‑Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis.
Renal impairment: worsening kidney function leading to drug accumulation.

Precautions & Warnings

Before initiating Icandra, consider the following precautions.
Renal function monitoring: assess eGFR and adjust dose in renal impairment.
Hepatic status: evaluate liver function tests prior to use.
Lactic acidosis risk: avoid in patients with conditions predisposing to hypoxia.
Pregnancy and lactation: safety not established; use only if benefits outweigh risks.
Elderly patients: start at lower dose and monitor for adverse effects.
Store at ambient temperature: keep in original packaging, protect from moisture and direct sunlight.

Avoid Interactions

Icandra may interact with several medicines; monitoring is advised.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

Renal failure (eGFR <30 mL/min): contraindicated due to risk of accumulation.
Iodinated contrast agents: may precipitate lactic acidosis; discontinue before imaging.
Concurrent insulin or sulfonylureas: increased risk of severe hypoglycaemia.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

Cimetidine: can raise Vildagliptin plasma levels.
Beta‑blockers: may mask hypoglycaemia symptoms.
Diuretics: may affect renal clearance of Metformin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Icandra is prescribed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. It combines Metformin, which lowers hepatic glucose output, with Vildagliptin, which enhances insulin secretion in response to meals, helping patients achieve better glycaemic control when used with diet and exercise.

Metformin decreases the liver’s production of glucose and improves the body’s response to insulin, while Vildagliptin blocks the DPP‑4 enzyme, raising levels of incretin hormones that stimulate insulin release only when blood glucose is high. Together they provide complementary glucose‑lowering actions.

The dose of Icandra is individualized by the prescribing healthcare professional based on the patient’s clinical condition, renal function, and response to therapy. The prescriber determines the appropriate strength and dosing schedule for each patient.

Safety of Icandra in pregnancy and lactation has not been established. It should only be used if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus or infant, and the decision must be made by a qualified healthcare provider.

To order Icandra, submit an enquiry on the product page at gnhindia.com specifying the required quantity. GNH India works with hospitals, pharmacies and procurement teams worldwide, verifies trade or institutional credentials, and then provides pricing, availability, shipping details and any necessary import documentation.

Icandra combines a Biguanide (Metformin) with a DPP‑4 inhibitor (Vildagliptin) in a single tablet, offering the convenience of a fixed‑dose regimen. Compared with Metformin alone, it provides additional post‑prandial glucose control, and compared with separate DPP‑4 inhibitors, it reduces pill burden.

Icandra should be stored at ambient temperature, below 25 °C, in its original container. Keep the tablet away from moisture, heat and direct sunlight to maintain its stability and potency throughout its shelf life.

Icandra is taken orally, usually with meals to minimise gastrointestinal discomfort. The tablet is swallowed whole with a glass of water; it should not be crushed, chewed or split unless specifically instructed by a healthcare professional.

The most serious risks include lactic acidosis, a rare but life‑threatening condition, and severe hypoglycaemia when used with insulin or sulfonylureas. Patients should be aware of symptoms such as unexplained muscle pain, rapid breathing, or confusion, and seek immediate medical attention if they occur.

Icandra is contraindicated in patients with severe renal impairment (eGFR < 30 mL/min), known hypersensitivity to Metformin or Vildagliptin, acute or chronic metabolic acidosis, and those who have experienced lactic acidosis while on Metformin therapy.

Published by

GNH India Pharmaceuticals Limited

Licensed pharmaceutical supplier

Last updated: 05 Aug 2026

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