Product image of Icandra (Metformin Hydrochloride, Vildagliptin) supplied by GNH India

Icandra

Active Ingredient:
Metformin Hydrochloride, Vildagliptin
Origin:
EU

Icandra (Metformin Hydrochloride, Vildagliptin)

Metformin Hydrochloride and Vildagliptin, the active ingredients in Icandra, are oral antidiabetic agents presented as a fixed‑dose combination tablet for oral use. They are employed to improve blood glucose control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The combination leverages complementary mechanisms to reduce hepatic glucose production and enhance insulin secretion, providing a convenient option for patients who need dual therapy.

GNH India supplies Icandra as a licensed, GDP‑compliant international pharmaceutical supplier serving hospitals, pharmacies and clinics worldwide, ensuring quality and regulatory conformity.

Manufacturer / TM Owner

Novartis Europharm Limited

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Indications & Clinical Uses

Icandra is indicated for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus, targeting hyperglycemia through combined oral therapy.

  • Type 2 diabetes mellitus: improves overall glycemic control when added to diet and exercise.
  • Inadequate response to metformin alone: provides additional glucose‑lowering effect.
  • Combination therapy: reduces the need for multiple separate tablets, simplifying regimen.

How It Works

  • Metformin Hydrochloride decreases hepatic gluconeogenesis and enhances peripheral insulin sensitivity, thereby lowering fasting glucose. Vildagliptin inhibits the enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase‑4 (DPP‑4), which prolongs the activity of endogenous incretin hormones (GLP‑1 and GIP). The increased incretin effect promotes glucose‑dependent insulin secretion and suppresses glucagon release, complementing metformin’s actions to achieve better overall glycemic control. Together, the dual action addresses both fasting and post‑prandial glucose excursions.

Side Effects

The combination of metformin and vildagliptin may be associated with several adverse reactions, ranging from mild to serious.

Common Side Effects

  • Gastrointestinal upset: nausea, abdominal discomfort, or diarrhea.
  • Headache: mild to moderate intensity.
  • Dizziness: transient episodes, especially on initiation.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

  • Lactic acidosis: rare but potentially fatal metabolic complication.
  • Severe hypoglycemia: especially when combined with other glucose‑lowering agents.
  • Pancreatitis: acute inflammation of the pancreas presenting with abdominal pain.
  • Hepatic dysfunction: elevated liver enzymes or hepatitis.
  • Allergic reactions: rash, pruritus, or angioedema.

Precautions & Warnings

Before prescribing Icandra, clinicians should evaluate patient-specific factors and monitor for potential risks.

  • Renal function: assess creatinine clearance and avoid use in severe renal impairment.
  • Hepatic function: monitor liver enzymes, contraindicated in significant hepatic disease.
  • Lactic acidosis risk: discontinue if signs of metabolic acidosis appear.
  • Pregnancy and lactation: safety not established; use only if benefits outweigh risks.
  • Drug interactions: review concomitant medications that may affect glucose or renal status.
  • Store at room temperature: keep in original container, protect from moisture and heat.

Avoid Interactions

Icandra can interact with other medicines, altering its efficacy or safety profile.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

  • Contrast media: may precipitate renal dysfunction and increase lactic acidosis risk.
  • Alcohol abuse: enhances risk of lactic acidosis when combined with metformin.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

  • Sulfonylureas or insulin: may increase hypoglycemia; dose adjustment may be required.
  • Diuretics: can reduce renal clearance of metformin, necessitating monitoring.
  • NSAIDs: may impair renal function, affecting metformin elimination.

Frequently Asked Questions

Icandra is a prescription oral medication indicated for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults. It helps lower elevated blood glucose levels by combining two agents that act on different pathways, providing improved glycaemic control when diet, exercise, and monotherapy are insufficient.

Metformin Hydrochloride reduces the amount of glucose produced by the liver and increases the sensitivity of muscle cells to insulin, thereby lowering fasting glucose. Vildagliptin blocks the enzyme DPP‑4, which prolongs the activity of natural incretin hormones, leading to increased insulin release after meals and reduced glucagon secretion. The two mechanisms complement each other to control both fasting and post‑prandial glucose.

The dosage 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 frequency, and patients should follow the written prescription without making any changes on their own.

Safety of Icandra in pregnancy and lactation has not been established. It should be used only if the potential benefit to the mother outweighs any possible risk to the fetus or infant. Women who are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding should discuss alternative treatment options with their healthcare provider.

To request 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, and will ask for trade or institutional credentials. After verification, the sales team provides pricing, availability, shipping details (including any cold‑chain requirements), and assists with the necessary import documentation.

Icandra combines metformin, a well‑established biguanide, with vildagliptin, a DPP‑4 inhibitor. Compared with metformin alone, the addition of vildagliptin offers greater post‑prandial glucose reduction and may reduce the need for extra agents. Relative to other DPP‑4 inhibitor combos, Icandra provides the metabolic benefits of metformin while maintaining a similar safety profile, making it a convenient dual‑therapy option.

Icandra tablets should be stored at room temperature, below 25 °C, in the original blister pack or container. Keep the product away from moisture, direct sunlight, and heat sources. Do not store in the bathroom or near a kitchen sink. Ensure the packaging remains sealed until use to maintain product stability.

Icandra is taken orally, usually with a glass of water. It can be taken with or without food, but patients should follow the prescriber’s instructions regarding timing relative to meals. The tablets should be swallowed whole; they must not be crushed, chewed, or split unless specifically advised by a healthcare professional.

The most serious adverse events to monitor are lactic acidosis, which is a rare but life‑threatening metabolic condition, and severe hypoglycemia, especially when Icandra is used with other glucose‑lowering drugs. Acute pancreatitis and significant hepatic dysfunction have also been reported. Patients should seek immediate medical attention if they experience unexplained abdominal pain, rapid breathing, or signs of metabolic acidosis.

Icandra is contraindicated in patients with severe renal impairment (eGFR < 30 mL/min/1.73 m²), significant hepatic disease, a history of lactic acidosis, or known hypersensitivity to metformin, vildagliptin, or any excipients. It should also be avoided in individuals with chronic alcohol abuse or those undergoing radiographic contrast studies unless renal function is closely monitored.

Published by

GNH India Pharmaceuticals Limited

Licensed pharmaceutical supplier

Last updated:

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