What is Linagliptin
Linagliptin is a prescription medication which contains two drugs: Linagliptin and metformin. It’s very important to know about the drug in the combination as each drug can affect you in a different way. Linagliptin comes as a tablet and an extended-release tablet. The medication is used for treating type 2 diabetes. Linagliptin helps in increasing the amount of insulin that the body forms. Insulin is the hormone which helps in controlling the sugar level in the blood.
Linagliptin Uses
Linagliptin tablets can be used with diet and other medications to lower the blood sugar levels in patients with Type 2 diabetes. This belongs to the class of medication called dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors. This works by increasing the amount of certain natural substances which lower the blood sugar when it is high. Linagliptin is also used with the combination of insulin for treating diabetes.
Linagliptin Side Effects
Some common side effects of Linagliptin are:
Some of the serious side effects of Linagliptin are:
Lactic acidosis. It includes symptoms like:
- Weakness
- Muscle pain
- Breathlessness
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhea
- Irregular heartbeat
Low blood sugar. It includes symptoms like:
- Sweating
- Fast heart rate
- Dizziness
Allergic reactions. It includes symptoms like:
- Swelling of face
- Trouble in swallowing
- Skin rash
If you have any of these serious symptoms immediately contact your doctor for further assistance. In any case, due to Linagliptin if you get any kind of reactions in your body try avoiding it.
A doctor advised you to take the medicines by seeing your problems and the benefits of this medicine are greater than the side effects. Majority of the people who use this medicine don’t show any side effects. Get medical help immediately if you get any serious Linagliptin side effects.
Precautions
Before taking Linagliptin talk with your doctor if you are allergic to it or any other medications related to it. The product may contain some inactive ingredients that can cause some serious allergic reactions or other problems.
Before using the medication talk to your doctor if you are having any medical history such as:
- Disease of pancreas
- Stones in the gallbladder
- Heart failure
How to take Linagliptin?
Linagliptin comes in the form of a tablet. Linagliptin tablets are taken once a day with or without food. Take Linagliptin medication at around the same time every day. Follow all the direction mention on the prescription label and ask the doctor for explaining to you about the dosage briefly.
Linagliptin tablets help in controlling high blood sugar but this does not cure diabetes.
Dosage
Brand
Jentadueto (Immediate-release oral tablet)
Strengths
- linagliptin 2.5 mg/metformin 500 mg
- linagliptin 2.5 mg/metformin 850 mg
- linagliptin 2.5 mg/metformin 1,000 mg
Form
extended-release oral tablet
Strengths
- linagliptin 2.5 mg/metformin 1,000 mg
- linagliptin 5 mg/metformin 1,000 mg
Dosage for Type 2 diabetes
Adult dosage
- 2.5 mg of linagliptin and 500 mg of metformin
- Maximum dosage 5 mg of linagliptin and 2000 mg of metformin per day.
Missed Dose
Missing one or two-dose of Linagliptin won’t show any effect on your body. The skipped dose causes no problem. But with some medication, it won’t work if you don’t take the dosage on time. If you miss a dose some sudden chemical change may affect your body. In some cases, your doctor would advise you to take the prescribed medicine as soon as possible if you have missed the dose.
Overdose
Overdose of a drug can be accidental. If you have taken more than the prescribed Linagliptin tablets there is a chance of getting a harmful effect on your body’s functions. Overdose of a medicine can lead to some medical emergency.
Allergy Warnings
- Swelling of lips, throat and face
- Trouble in breathing and swallowing
- Hives
- Skin problems
Warning for some serious health conditions
For people with kidney disease
Linagliptin is one of the drugs in this combination product. This is because Linagliptin levels can build up in your blood if your kidneys are not working well. This can lead to dangerous side effects. People with severe kidney disease are at the highest risk of lactic acidosis from the use of metformin, so do not take this medicine if you have severe kidney disease. Kidney disease also increases the risk of heart failure from this drug.
For people with liver problems
Linagliptin is one of the drugs in this combination drug. Your doctor will check your liver function before and during your treatment with this medicine
For people with low levels of vitamin B12
Linagliptin is one of the drugs in this combination drug. The use of Linagliptin can reduce the levels of vitamin B12 in the blood. If you already have low levels of vitamin B12 or anaemia (low levels of red blood cells), these conditions can get worse.
For people with pancreatitis
Linagliptin is one of the drugs in this combination drug. Using linagliptin can cause pancreatitis (inflammation of your pancreas). It can also make this condition worse if you already have it.
Storage
Direct contact with heat, air and light may damage your medicines. The exposure of medicine may cause some harmful effects. The medicine must be kept in a safe place and out of children’s reach.
Mainly the drug should be kept at room temperature between 68ºF and 77ºF (20ºC and 25ºC).
Before taking Linagliptin consult your Doctor. In case if you face any problems or get any side effects after taking Linagliptin rush immediately to your nearby hospital or consult your doctor for better treatment. Carry your medications always in your bag while travelling to avoid any immediate emergencies. Follow your prescription and follow your Doctor advice whenever you take Linagliptin.
Linagliptin vs Sitagliptin
Linagliptin |
Sitagliptin |
|---|---|
| Linagliptin is a prescription medication which contains two drugs: Linagliptin and metformin. It’s very important to know about the drug in the combination as each drug can affect you in a different way. | Sitagliptin comes in the form of an oral tablet. This is available in the brand name drug called Januvia. |
| Linagliptin tablets can be used with diet and other medications to lower the blood sugar levels in patients with Type 2 diabetes. This belongs to the class of medication called dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors. | The medication is used for treating high blood sugar levels which are caused by type 2 diabetes. |
Some common side effects of Linagliptin are:
|
Some of the common side effects of Sitagliptin are:
|
