linagliptin

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Pronunciation: LIN a GLIP tin

Brand: Tradjenta

What is the most important information I should know about linagliptin?

You should not use this medicine if you have diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment).

What is linagliptin?

Linagliptin is an oral diabetes medicine that helps control blood sugar levels. It works by regulating the levels of insulin your body produces after eating.

Linagliptin is used together with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. This medicine is not for treating type 1 diabetes.

Linagliptin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking linagliptin?

You should not use linagliptin if:

  • you have ever had a severe allergic reaction to linagliptin (breathing problems, swelling, severe skin rash); or
  • you have diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment).

To make sure linagliptin is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

  • pancreatitis;
  • high triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood);
  • gallstones;
  • a history of alcoholism; or
  • if you are using insulin, or taking other oral diabetes medication.

Follow your doctor's instructions about using this medicine if you are pregnant or breast-feeding a baby. Blood sugar control is very important during pregnancy, and your dose needs may be different during each trimester of pregnancy. Your dose needs may also be different while you are breast-feeding.

It is not known whether linagliptin passes into breast milk or if it could affect the nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding.

This medicine is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

How should I take linagliptin?

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

You may take this medicine with or without food. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can happen to everyone who has diabetes. Symptoms include headache, hunger, sweating, irritability, dizziness, nausea, fast heart rate, and feeling anxious or shaky. To quickly treat low blood sugar, always keep a fast-acting source of sugar with you such as fruit juice, hard candy, crackers, raisins, or non-diet soda.

Your doctor can prescribe a glucagon emergency injection kit to use in case you have severe hypoglycemia and cannot eat or drink. Be sure your family and close friends know how to give you this injection in an emergency.

Blood sugar levels can be affected by stress, illness, surgery, exercise, alcohol use, or skipping meals. Ask your doctor before changing your dose or medication schedule.

Linagliptin is only part of a treatment program that may also include diet, exercise, weight control, blood sugar testing, and special medical care. Follow your doctor's instructions very closely.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking linagliptin?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

What are the possible side effects of linagliptin?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop taking linagliptin and call your doctor right away if you have symptoms of pancreatitis: severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, or fast heartbeats.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

  • a severe autoimmune reaction --itching, blisters, breakdown of the outer layer of skin;
  • severe or ongoing pain in your joints; or
  • severe skin reaction --fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.

Common side effects may include:

  • runny or stuffy nose, sore throat;
  • cough; or
  • diarrhea.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect linagliptin?

Other drugs may increase or decrease the effects of linagliptin on lowering your blood sugar. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially:

  • rifampin (to treat tuberculosis); or
  • insulin or other oral diabetes medications.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with linagliptin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about linagliptin.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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